Thomas Becket was an English cleric 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 widespread outrage. His death made him a martyr and a saint in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, and he was canonized in 1173. Becket's conflict with the monarchy highlighted the struggle between church and state during the medieval period.