Thomas Becket, born in London in 1117, studied at the University of Paris, was ordained and quickly became a leading figure among the English clergy. On being made Archbishop of Canterbury he was called on to defend the freedom of the Church against the encroachments of Henry II whom he had served for eight years as a loyal chancellor. This resistance cost him his life. He was murdered in his cathedral, by the king’s followers, on December 29, 1170.