Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury

'Thomas Becket Arbishop of Canterbury' is a comprehensive biographical study of one of the most influential and controversial figures in English history. Written by the esteemed ecclesiastical historian William Holden Hutton, this work delves into the life, ministry, and tragic martyrdom of the man who stood at the center of the 12th-century struggle between the English Crown and the Catholic Church.The narrative meticulously traces Becket’s rise from a merchant’s son to the Chancellor of England and his eventual appointment as Archbishop. Hutton explores the profound transformation of Becket’s character and the deteriorating relationship with King Henry II, which led to the famous Constitutions of Clarendon and Becket’s subsequent exile. The work provides a detailed examination of the legal and religious disputes that defined the era, culminating in the dramatic assassination of the Archbishop within Canterbury Cathedral.By situating Becket within the broader context of medieval European politics and the Gregorian Reform movement, this book offers readers a deep understanding of the principles for which Becket lived and died. It remains an essential resource for those interested in medieval biography, the history of the British Isles, and the enduring tension between secular and spiritual authority.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.