The Holy Guardian and His Royal Ward: Thomas Becket and Henry the Young King

"In December 1170, Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury sent a gift to Henry the Young King, the regent during Henry II’s absence from England, ‘three valuable destriers, of remarkable speed, elegant stature and beautiful appearance, which walked tall, lifting supple legs, flickering their ears and quivering their limbs, standing restlessly, clothed in flowered and multicoloured trappers…’ They were to soften the young man’s heart and assure his good will. Thomas precarious position and his uncompromising stance made him vulnerable to his enemies. He desperately needed to mend fances with his former royal ward..."

Did he menage to do it? Did the two meet before Thomas' death? Could the murder in the cathedral have been avoided? You will find the answers in my latest article for Medievalists.net. 

The Holy Guardian and His Ward

   Martyrdom of Thomas Becket, reliquary casket, late 12th century, Limoges, France. Photo courtesy of Ashmolean Museum, Oxford