Murder of Thomas Becket

In the 12th century, the King of England was vexed by Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.  In the presence of English Barons, Henry II cried out:  "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?"

Believing the King meant for Becket to be murdered, four knights rode to Canterbury Cathedral and killed Becket on December 29, 1170.  That scene is recreated in this film clip, starring Richard Burton (as Becket) and Peter O'Toole (as Henry II).

The British Library tells us what happened thereafter:

The whole of Europe was shocked by the murder. Henry walked barefoot from London to Canterbury to show he was sorry . . .

After his death, Becket was made a saint, and Canterbury Cathedral became a shrine for pilgrims to visit.

The fact that so many people thought Becket was a saint affected the way they wrote about him after his death. Historians have found it hard to find accounts of the events of 1170 which are not in favour of Becket.

Referred to as a saint, for nearly 900 years, Becket is still honored.  He is also the subject of  thirteenth-century stained-glass windows and modern film. 

Credits

Clip from "Becket" (1964) - online, courtesy YouTube.

Directed by
Peter Glenville

Produced by
Hal B. Wallis

Written by
Edward Anhalt (screenplay)
Jean Anouilh (play)

Starring
Richard Burton
Peter O'Toole
John Gielgud
Donald Wolfit
Martita Hunt
Pamela Brown
Siân Phillips
Paolo Stoppa

Music by
Laurence Rosenthal

Cinematography
Geoffrey Unsworth

Editing by
Anne V. Coates

Distributed by Paramount Pictures

Release date - United States March 11, 1964

Running Time - 148 minutes