The blame for Thomas Becket’s death is often attributed to a combination of King Henry II of England and the political climate of the time. In 1170, Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, found himself in a fierce conflict with the king over the rights and privileges of the Church.
During a heated dispute, Henry famously expressed his frustration, leading to the infamous remark that he wished there were someone to rid him of this turbulent priest. Four knights, interpreting this as a royal command, traveled to Canterbury and murdered Becket in his cathedral.
While Henry II did not directly order the assassination, many believe his words incited the action. Thus, the responsibility for Becket’s death is a shared burden—partly resting on Henry’s shoulders and the knights who committed the act. The incident ultimately led to significant backlash against Henry, including public outrage and Becket’s canonization as a martyr.