Thomas Becket was born in London in 1118. When he was eighteen years of age, Thomas’ father sent him to Paris to continue his studies. Returning to England he lived in the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1154 Henry Plantagenet, Duke of Normandy, became king of England. The new king made Thomas Lord Chancellor of England. Seven years later Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury died and on May 23, 1161 Thomas was elected to the episcopal see of Canterbury. Very quickly the friendship Thomas enjoyed with the king ended, due to the conflict between Thomas’ authority as Archbishop and the power of the king. Realising that his life was in danger Thomas fled into exile. He returned to Canterbury six years later in 1170. Shortly afterwards on December 28 four knights entered Canterbury cathedral during evening prayer and murdered Thomas. Three years later Thomas was declared a saint.