St
Thomas Becket
Born in London around 1118, he was soon
to become Deacon in 1154. When young Henry || came to the
throne, Thomas was chosen for his his Chancellor. At the
age of 36 he was the most powerful of the kings subjects.
In 1162 he was ordained as Archbishop and contrary to the
kings wishes, resigned his chancellorship.
Thomas threw himself into serving the Church and on many
occasions aquired the kings displeasure by opposing
reforms to the church. The king showed his anger by
demanding that certain castles and titles that were
bestowed on Thomas be surrendered back to the crown.
After resisting signing the Constitutions of Clarendon he
found himself in contempt of court and Henry wanted to
pass sentence on him.
During the confusion of the angry discussion that ensued,
Thomas made his escape and walked out of Northampton
castle and fled secretly to Sandwich. On his escape from
the castle, Thomas stopped at a spring on the outskirts
of the towns Derngate to refresh himself for the journey
ahead. This well was later to be known as Beckets Well
and was recognised as such in 1843 when the local council
built the present stone structure to mark its place.
Beckets well is situated on Bedford road opposite Beckets
park
Thomas returned to England in
1170 and was soon assassinated at Canterbury by four
knights of the king. The outrage that followed his death
ensured his martyrdom throughout Europe and he was
canonised in 1173 by Alexander.