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.