Question

How is Canterbury cathedral related to the story of Thomas a Becket ?

Answer 1

The Canterbury Cathedral is related to Thomas a Becket because Becket was murdered there. Henry II made Becket his chancellor and the two became close friends. When the position of Archbishop became vacant, Henry II made Thomas a Becket the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Henry II wanted to reduce the power of the Church and established the Constitutions of Clarendon which allowed the King to punish a cleric found guilty by the Church. Becket refused to sign the Constitutions of Clarendon and was found guilty of treason. He fled to France and was only allowed to return when the Pope threatened to excommunicate Henry II. Upon his return, Becket excommunicated three bishops who supported Henry. This enraged Henry and he ordered his knights to kill Becket. 

On December 29, 1170, Becket was murdered at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II.