Was Henry II’s “. . . turbulent priest. . . ” quote accurate?

Is the movie Becket historically accurate?

The film takes some liberties with history. Thomas Becket was in reality a Norman, but the film makes him a Saxon in order to generate cultural and ethnic tension with Henry, the Norman monarch.

Who said will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?

Henry II of England

“Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” (also expressed as “troublesome priest” or “meddlesome priest”) is a quote attributed to Henry II of England preceding the death of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170.

Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest meaning?

The quote is also expressed as “turbulent priest” or “meddlesome priest“. The king’s words were misinterpreted as an order, prompting four knights from Normandy to travel to Canterbury and murder Becket. The phrase implies that a leader’s desire may be taken as an order by his or her officials.

Who will rid me of this troublesome priest quote?

Henry II is often quoted as saying, “Will no one rid of me of this turbulent priest?” His men interpreted this as the king wanting Becket dead. Soon after, Becket was assassinated. Becket was later venerated as a saint.

Was Henry II in love with Becket?

The closeness between King Henry II and Thomas Becket was depicted as being a purely platonic one. Homosexuality was still illegal in the U.K. when this movie was made in 1963, and any suggestion of that would have fallen afoul of the censor.

What did Henry II actually say about Becket?

Henry was furious at Becket’s actions, and was said to have shouted “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” There is some doubt as to whether these were Henry’s actual words, but regardless, the consequences were terrible. Four knights heard Henry’s outburst and rode to Canterbury.

Why is Thomas Becket called Thomas a Becket?

[3] His father, Gilbert the Brewer and Malt Merchant of London, appears to have had the nickname becket because of his nose and Thomas appears as a’ Becket, son of Becket, in references after his death, presumably to distinguish him from other saints of the name.

What happened to Thomas Becket?

Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute that culminated in Becket’s shocking murder by knights with close ties to the king.



Was Thomas Becket real?

Thomas Becket (/ˈbɛkɪt/), also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London and later Thomas à Becket (21 December 1119 or 1120 – 29 December 1170), was an English nobleman who served as Lord Chancellor from 1155 to 1162, and then notably as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170.

Why did Thomas Becket get assassinated?

Becket engaged in conflict with Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the Church and was assassinated by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral.

What did Thomas Becket and Henry II disagree on?

Henry and Becket argued over tax policy and control of church land but the biggest conflict was over legal rights of the clergy. Becket claimed that if a church official was accused of a crime, only the church itself had the ability to put the person on trial.

Similar Posts: