Biography
Of Norman ancestry. Educated at Merton Priory, the University of Paris, in Bologna, Italy, and in Auxerre, France. Civil and canon lawyer. Soldier and officer. Archdeacon of Canterbury, England, ordained in 1154. Friend of King Henry II. Chancellor of England. Ordained on 2 June 1162 and appointed archbishop of Canterbury on 3 June 1162. Opposed the Kingâs interference in ecclesiastical matters which led to his being exiled several times and eventually murdered by supporters of the king. Martyr. Born: 21 December 1118 at London, England Died: • murdered on 29 December 1170 in the Cathedral at Canterbury, England • some relics enshrined at the Ladyewell Shrine in Lancaster, England