Thomas Beckett

Thomas Becket was a 12th-century English archbishop of Canterbury who became a central religious and political figure. Originally a close friend and advisor to King Henry II, he was appointed archbishop to strengthen the Church's influence. However, he later clashed with the king over the church's rights and privileges, advocating for its independence. This conflict led to his martyrdom in 1170 when he was murdered by knights in Canterbury Cathedral. Becket is venerated as a saint, symbolizing the struggle for church authority and moral integrity during medieval Europe.