Saint Thomas Becket was an English cleric and statesman who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He is best known for his conflict with King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church. This struggle led to Becket's exile and eventual return to England, where he continued to oppose the king's influence over ecclesiastical matters. In 1170, Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of Henry II, which caused a public outcry. His death led to his canonization by the Catholic Church in 1173, and he became a symbol of the struggle for church independence from royal authority.