Source A: The Death of Thomas Becket

"On December 29, 1170, four knights of King Henry II entered Canterbury Cathedral and murdered Thomas Becket, the Archbishop. The knights believed they were carrying out the king’s wishes, as Henry had reportedly said, 'Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?' Becket's death shocked England and was seen as a martyrdom. The Pope declared Becket a saint, and his shrine became a major pilgrimage site. The king was deeply affected and later sought to reconcile with the Church, recognizing Becket's importance as a defender of ecclesiastical authority. This event highlighted the ongoing power struggle between the monarchy and the Church, with Becket standing as a symbol of religious independence and resistance to royal interference."* Provenance: Chronicler William of Canterbury, 1174, historical report