Document A By John of Salisbury John of Salisbury wrote about Becket’s life and also wrote a number of letters to Thomas whilst he was Archbishop of Canterbury. This extract is taken from a letter written in early 1171 to John of Canterbury by the Bishop of Poitiers telling of the news of the archbishop’s death. The letter was then sent on to other friends. a.The martyr stood in the cathedral, before Christ’s altar..ready to suffer, the hour of slaughter was at hand. When he heard that he was sought-heard the knights who had come for him shouting… b.”Where is the archbishop?” c.He turned to meet them on the steps, which he had almost climbed, and said with steady countenance: d.“Here I am? What do you want?”

John of Salisbury contd. e.One of the knight assassins flung at him in fury: f.“That you die now! That you should live longer is impossible.” g.No martyr seems to have been more steadfast in his agony than he…he replied: h.“And I am prepared to die for my God, to preserve justice and my church’s liberty. If you seek my head, I forbid you on behalf of God almighty..to do any hurt to any other man, monk, clerk or layman, of high or low degree. Do not involve them ion the punishment, for they have not been involved in the cause; on my head not on theirs be it that if any of them have supported the church in its troubles. I embrace death readily, so long as peace and liberty for the Church follow from the shedding of my blood.”

John of Salisbury contd. i.Has any been seen stronger in charity than he, whose only care was for those near him should suffer no harm, while he offered himself up to those who assailed him, for God’s law? …He spoke and saw that the assassins had drawn their swords; and bowed his head like one in prayer. His last words were: j.“To God and St. Mary and the saints who protects and defend this church…I commend myself and the church’s cause.” k.No one could dwell on what followed without deep sorrow and choking tears. The assassins sliced off the crown of his head,…then they used their evil swords, when he was dead, to spill the brain and cruelly scattered it, mixed with blood and bones, over the pavement….Through all the agony the martyr’s spirit was unconquered, his steadfastness marvellous to observe, he spoke not a word, uttered no cry, let slip no groan, raised no arm nor garment to protect himself from an assailant, but bent his head, which he had laid bare to their swords with wonderful courage, till all might be fulfilled. Motionless he held it, and, when at last he fell his body straight; he moved neither hand nor foot.”