St. Thomas Becket was an English cleric and statesman who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He was born around 1119 and initially served as a chancellor under King Henry II. Becket's rise to power was marked by his close relationship with the king, but their friendship soured over issues of church authority and royal power. In 1170, Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of Henry II, leading to his martyrdom. His death sparked outrage and led to his canonization by the Catholic Church in 1173. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of the struggle between church and state.