Henry II, grown worried at thirty-six about…
December 1170 CE
Henry II, grown worried at thirty-six about who will succeed him, arranges for his eldest son Henry to be crowned in 1170 by the archbishop of York while Thomas Becket is still in exile in France.
This is a clear violation of the rights of Canterbury to preside over the coronation.
Eventually Henry is compelled to yield, and a reconciliation with Becket is arranged.
Back in England, Becket begins to press charges against those who had violated his rights, incurring the jealousy of some of the bishops and the wrath of Henry, who, while in France in November (or December) had allegedly asked, in the company of four knights, “Who will rid me of this man?”
The impetuous knights decide to kill Becket under the mistaken supposition that this is Henry’s desire.
The murder of Becket, who is slain in his own cathedral on December 29, 1170, shocks all Europe, creating a furor.