SAINTS ALIVE St Thomas a Becket: Places associated with the saint for his feast day (December 28)

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Name of Thomas a Becket in a Llimerick manuscript
  • Canterbury Cathedral, England: This is the place where Becket was famously murdered in 1170 by knights loyal to King Henry II. The cathedral houses a shrine dedicated to him.
  • Thomas Street, Dublin: The street is named for a demolished Victorine abbey, founded by the shadowy William fitz Audelin in 1177 at the behest of Henry II as penance for the murder of St Thomas. Wiliam Fitz might have need a prayer himself, his first job as in charge of the prostitutes at the royal court. The abbey grew to control most of west Dublin, north Kildare and east Meath. Archaeologists found cloister walls and floor tiles in Meath St in 1997.
  • St. Dunstan’s Church, Canterbury, England: This is the church where Becket’s parents were parishioners and it is believed that Becket was baptised here.
  • Southwark Cathedral, London, England: Becket is believed to have worshipped here while he was still a student. The cathedral houses a statue of him in the churchyard.
  • Palais de Justice, Paris, France: Becket studied here during his time in Paris in his youth. It was where he received his eventually influential education in canon law and civil law.
  • Pontigny Abbey, France: This Cistercian abbey offered refuge to Becket during his self-imposed exile from England for fear of King Henry II’s wrath.
  • Sens Cathedral, France: Becket lived in exile here for several years and you can see his chasuble and alb on display today.
  • Lambeth Palace, London, England: This is the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Although Becket never lived here, it is associated with his role.
  • The Tower of London, England: This place of history and folklore is associated with Becket as he was appointed Provost of the Tower in 1155.
  • Cheapside, London, England: Becket was born to Gilbert and Matilda Beket in Cheapside. However, no specific building marks the exact place of his birth.
  • Knaresborough Castle, England: Mystery surrounds the castle as a “Becket’s Well” exists here; it has a local legend saying that the well sprung up overnight at a place where Becket had rested while fleeing from his enemies.
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