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Stratford sub Castle
Salisbury, Wiltshire
 

Thomas a'Beckett stays at Old Sarum


It is believed that during the Council of Clarendon in January 1164 Thomas Beckett stayed at Old Sarum. King Henry II called the Council to resolve the dispute with Beckett about the authority for trying and punishing clerics accused of civil crimes. Becket eventually conceded this authority, to the dismay of his clergy, but at Woodstock in August that year he refused to give an oath to the King confirming the King's authority. He then fled Woodstock and sought sanctuary with King Louisof France. Four years later in December 1170 he returned to England, believing he had safe conduct from the King. As soon as he reached Canterbury however he was set upon and murdured by four Knights - Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, Reginald Fitz Urse and Richard le Bret.


Useful links to this event

Year 7 History page

Beckett, the Church and Henry II (BBC)

Beckett's entry in "The Lives of Saints"

 

 

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