This is our beautifully crafted Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury Plaque. St. Thomas Beckett (1118-1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his martyrdom in 1170. He engaged in conflict with Henry II of England over the privileges and rights of the Church and was murdered by some of the king’s knights in Canterbury Cathedral. This is an ideal gift for a birthday, baptism, first communion, confirmation, Christmas, and for the feast day of St. Thomas Beckett on December 29th.
A Solid Bronze Round Wall Plaque
This round bronze plaque measures 2.8 inches in diameter. The notch on the back allows this plaque to be hung with easy on the wall in study, home, or office. Conceived and cast in Germany by an internationally-renowned bronzesmith, this plaque will be the perfect gift for that special “Thomas Beckett” in your life!
Saint Thomas Becket – Martyr for the Separation of Church and State
When tensions between Saint Thomas King Henry II reached their breaking point, Henry is reputed to have uttered words that were interpreted by his knights as his wish that Becket be killed. His actual words are disputed. Traditionally, he said “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” But more likely he said, “What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?” Whatever he said, four of his knights interpreted it as a royal command and set out to find and deal with the Archbishop of Canterbury. (For an account of the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, go the History/Story tab.)