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King Henry II doing penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket, Canterbury Cathedral
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King Henry II doing penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket, Canterbury Cathedral
King Henry II (1133-1189) doing penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket. Henry ruled as King of England from 1154 to 1189. He was the first Plantagenet (or Angevin) King. St Thomas Becket (c1118-1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church. He engaged in a conflict with King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church and was assassinated by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral. He is also commonly known as Thomas a Becket, although this form may not have been contemporary. From Cassells Illustrated History of England
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Media ID 14928956
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Altar Arm Raised Arms Crossed Becket Canterbury Cathedral Fitzempress Henry Ii Henry Ii Curtmantle King Henry Ii King Of England Mausoleum Penance Saint Thomas St Thomas St Thomas Becket Thomas A Becket Thomas Becket Hand Gesture
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, we witness a profound moment of penance and remorse. King Henry II, the first Plantagenet King of England, is depicted kneeling before the tomb of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. The yearning for redemption is palpable as his arms are crossed and his head bowed in solemn prayer. Thomas a Becket, revered as a saint and martyr by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church, was Archbishop of Canterbury during Henry's reign. Their tumultuous conflict over church privileges ultimately led to Becket's tragic assassination within these very cathedral walls. The engraving beautifully captures the essence of this historical event that unfolded in the 12th century. It portrays not only religious devotion but also highlights the power dynamics between monarchs and spiritual leaders during that era. As we gaze upon this image, we can almost feel the weight of guilt on Henry's shoulders as he seeks forgiveness for his role in Becket's untimely death. The somber atmosphere within Canterbury Cathedral serves as a poignant reminder of human fallibility and our constant pursuit of absolution. This remarkable piece from Cassells Illustrated History of England transports us back to an era where religion intertwined with politics, shaping nations' destinies. It invites us to reflect on themes such as power struggles, faithfulness to principles, and personal transformation through acts of contrition.
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