The murder that shocked medieval England

James Cary  |  Features
Date posted:  14 Nov 2025
Share Add       
The murder that shocked medieval England

Thomas Becket. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

If the past is another country where they do things differently, as LP Hartley wrote, 12th century England is a foreign place indeed.

From diet to customs, and from clothing to life expectancy, the times in which Thomas Becket lived and, crucially, died, seem so alien we might be tempted to think that few lessons can be learned from these people who were part of a church that was doctrinally losing its way.

Thomas Becket

Becket was no theologian. In fact, he had not even been formally made a priest when he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry II.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Church of England  /  history
Read more articles by James Cary >>
Features
John 1: 'A rich and beautiful tapestry of the Triune God'

John 1: 'A rich and beautiful tapestry of the Triune God'

I’m a professional writer (believe it or not) but was one of the few in my school year who did …

Features
Forget Guy Fawkes - remember Latimer & Ridley

Forget Guy Fawkes - remember Latimer & Ridley

We are entering a season when we set fire to things: sparklers, fireworks, bonfires, and guys named Guy Fawkes. This …

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more