dec 29, 1170 - Thomas Becket's murder

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King Henry II had appointed Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury because he thought Becket would support him. However, Becket became devoutly religious and defended the Church courts (which undermined the King's law along with sanctuary and benefit of the clergy) publicly.

Henry's cry of "who will rid me of this turbulent priest" was overheard by three soldiers, who went on to murder Becket in the Cathedral. The Cathedral became a place of pilgrimage and Henry could no loner touch the Church after this catastrophe. He paid painful, public penance.