The assassination of Thomas Becket, in Canterbury Cathedral, on 29 December 1170 changed the course of history.
Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute that culminated in Becket's shocking murder by knights with close ties to the king.
Marking the 850th anniversary of this dramatic crime, this major exhibition will present Becket's tumultuous journey from a London merchant's son to Archbishop, and from a revered saint in death to a 'traitor' in the eyes of Henry VIII, over 350 years later.
Get up close to the man, the murder and the legend through an incredible array of objects associated with Becket, including medieval stained glass, manuscripts, jewellery and sacred reliquaries. It will feature artefacts from the Museum's collection as well as important loans from other major collections from the UK and around the world.
Thomas Becket
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London

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When
Thursday 15th of October 2020 to Sunday 14th of February 2021
Event TimesDaily: 10:00 – 17:30;
Fridays: 10:00 – 20:30
See official website
Venue Information
The British Museum
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
Tottenham Court Road 0.25 miles
Website
Please note: as you will no doubt be aware COVID-19 is leading to many events being cancelled or postponed. Please check with the organisers of any event listed here to confirm it is going ahead as planned.
Exhibition
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