Historical Background - Murder in the Cathedral - The Conflict between the Church & the State - Life and Death of Tomas Becket

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

Historical Background outlines T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral as a poetic drama rooted in the real life and death of Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury (1162–1170), set against the rule of King Henry II. The material traces Becket’s birth, education, rise under Archbishop Theobald, chancellorship, internal conflict, appointment as archbishop, and escalating disputes with both the king and Pope Alexander III, concluding with exile, reconciliation, and the murder in Canterbury.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Historical Events

Birth-1117 or 1119

Education-1130 to 1140

As the Agent of Theobald-1148 to 1150

As Archdeacon of Canterbury-1154 onwards

Becket as the Chancellor-1155 onwards

The Period of his Chancellorship-1155 to 1160

Death of Theobald-1160

Becket's inner conflict

Becket as the Archbishop of Canterbury-1162

Becket complained the Pope-1162 onwards

Hot Arguments against the King-1163

Becket fled to France-1163 onwards

The suspension of the Bishops of York - End of 1169

Becket came back to England-2nd December-1117

The rage and fury of King Henry II-1117 onwards

Murder in the Cathedral

Canonization of Thomas Becket

2 p. Auroma Institute-Amreli # Historical Background-Murder in the CathedralThe Conflict between the Church &the State Life and Death of Tomas Becket(1117 to 1170) ## Introduction: T.S.Eliot is the most remarkable English poet in the modern age.Murderin the Cathedral is considered to be the master piece of T.S.Eliot.It is apoetic drama based on the life and death of Thomas Becket,thearchbishop of Canterbury during 1162 to 1170.At that time King Henry IIruled over England.A very short span of Becket’s life is depicted in the play.However,there are references of Becket as a chancellor and his conflictswith King Henry II.Almost all the characters and incidents are derivedfrom the actual historical facts.They have been borrowed from the historyrecords of that time.Let's go through major historical events: ## Historical Events: ### 1.Birth-1117 or 1119: Thomas Becket was born in 1117.The exact date is unknown.He was theson of a merchant of London.Nothing more is known about his familybackground. ### 2.Education-1130 to 1140: Being an intelligent student,he received his higher education in thechurch.He studied in London,Oxford,and Paris.Thomas Becketbecame the assistant of Theo bald -The former arch bishop ofCanterbury ### 3.As the Agent of Theobald-1148 to 1150: During this time he was sent to the family of Theobald,the archbishop ofCanterbury.He became the agent of Theo bald in the Council of Rheims.By the orders of Pope,he prevented the coronation of Eustace -the Sonof King Stephen because of this action and wisdom of Becket,his respectand honour increased not onlyin the eyes of archbishop but also in theeyes of King Henry II. ### 4.As Archdeacon of Canterbury-1154 onwards: Henry I became the King of England.The same year Becket wasappointed the arch deacon of Canterbury by Theo bald ### 5.Becket as the Chancellor-1155 onwards: King Henry appointed him as the Chancellor and the Instructor of hisyoung son-Prince Henry.Gradually he became a close and trustworthyfriend of King Henry II. ### 6.The Period of his Chancellorship-1155 to 1160: Thomas Becket enjoyed high profile life and popularity as a courtier,politician and the chief companion of the King.During hischancellorship Becket had successfully convinced the great Barons ofEngland.He stated that Prince Henry was the right successor of thethrone.King appreciated this.By that time Becket was very close to KingHenry. ### 7.Death of Theobald-1160: Theobald-The Arch Bishop of Canterbury passed away.King Henrythought that Thomas Becket can be the strongest link between theChurch and the State.The king wanted to appoint him the archbishop ofCanterbury so that they might establish good relationship between theChurch and the State.The king wished that the Church should pay taxesto the State.He was sure that Becket would support his political ideasany way. ### 8.Becket's inner conflict: Becket was not ready to become the archbishop because he had led thelusty and active life as a courtier and a soldier.So within his soul he feltvery bad.He found himself unworthy of this honour.He found himselfunfit for the position.But the king insisted.So,Becket accepted hisappointment. ### 9.Becket as the Archbishop of Canterbury-1162: Thomas Becket was appointed The Arch Bishop of Canterbury.Herenounced the Life of Luxuries and led pure and simple life.King HenryII wanted to improve the relation between the State and the Church.According to the King,Church must pay the Taxes to The State. ### 10.Becket complained the Pope-1162 onwards: Becket had more powers as the Arch Bishop of Canterbury.The conflictstarted.He complained to Pope Alexander III against Henry II and hisinterference to the Church. ### 11.Hot Arguments against the King-1163: Thomas Becket made hot arguments against the King in the CouncilMeeting.He refused to sign the document presented by the King.Heargued that it was the violation of the Church Law.He tried to leaveEngland twice but King He

FAQs

What is Murder in the Cathedral presented as in this historical background?

It is presented as a poetic drama based on the life and death of Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury, during 1162 to 1170.

Which key figures drive the conflict described in the events?

The conflict centers on Thomas Becket, King Henry II of England, and Pope Alexander III, along with Becket’s earlier connection to Archbishop Theobald.

How does the document describe the lead-up to Becket’s murder?

After escalating disputes, the king orders his men to persuade Becket in Canterbury, promising murder if Becket refuses to comply, which leads to his killing in the cathedral.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Riley