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Thomas Becket was born in 1118. He was the son of a rich man who lived in London. He went to school in England, France and Italy. Then he started to work for the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Becket Becomes Chancellor

In 1154, Henry II became king of England. Henry asked Becket to be the Chancellor of England. The chancellor was one of the most important jobs in England. Henry and Becket became good friends. Becket became very rich. He liked expensive food, wine and clothes.

Becket Becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

In 1162, the Archbishop of Canterbury died. Henry asked Becket to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury. People in the church did not like this idea. They said Becket was not a religious man. They also said he was too friendly with Henry. But after he became Archbishop, Becket changed. He wore a shirt made of hair and he slept on the floor. Every day, he washed the feet of poor people. He gave away his money. Henry wanted to control the Church. He thought Becket would help him. But Becket did not help Henry. Henry was very angry with Becket. In 1164, Henry tried to take away Becket's property. Then he tried to put Becket in prison. So Becket ran away to France. In 1170, Henry tried to be friends with Becket again. Becket returned to England. But he excommunicated (removed from the Church) the Archbishop of York. The Archbishop of York had helped Henry.

The Death of Becket

Henry was in France. When he heard about the excommunication, Henry was very angry. He shouted "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?" Four knights heard Henry. Their names were Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, Reginald Fitz Urse, and Richard Ie Bret. They decided to travel to England and kill Becket. The knights arrived in Canterbury on 29th December 1170. They found Becket in Canterbury Cathedral and they killed him. Henry was sorry for Becket's death. He said he did not want Becket to die. To show he was sorry, Henry was whipped by eighty monks in Canterbury. He also had to stop trying to control the church.

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