Becket, St Thomas à

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Becket, St Thomas à (c.1118–70), English prelate and statesman, Archbishop of Canterbury 1162–70. Initially a friend and supporter of Henry II, as archbishop he came into open opposition with the king, whose reported words ‘Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?’ are said to have sent four knights to assassinate Becket in his cathedral. Henry was obliged to do public penance at Becket's tomb, which became a major centre of pilgrimage until its destruction under Henry VIII (1538). His feast day is 29 December.

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