Archbishop of Canterbury, assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral, England, by knights allied with King Henry II.
Formerly a very close political ally of Henry II, Becket, upon becoming Archbishop in 1162 CE, asserts his independence and rectitude, shifts gears, and moves to dramatically advance Church rights and independence.
Canonized by Pope Alexander in 1173, four years after his assassination.
One year later, at the “guidance” of the pope, Henry II effects his famous “barefoot in the snow” penance at Becket’s tomb in Canterbury. Shakespeare will later deal with this Canterbury.