Thomas Becket Arch Bishop of Canterbury in 1162

What happened in Canterbury?

The importance of noting the history of Canterbury is that it helps explain why the manuscript was written. Whatever happened in Canterbury must have been a major effect on culture and religion. Chaucer wanted Canterbury to be the place of destination for the pilgrims. In taking a look at the history of the Canterbury religion we can understand the significance of the Ellesmere Chaucer manuscript. Why were Chaucer's pilgrims infatuated by Canterbury? Why did Chaucer choose Canterbury as the place of destination for the pilgrims?

During Chaucer's time in the Middle Ages - Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He was idolized as a saint and Christian martyr in the Catholic Church and the Angelican Communion. Becket wanted to maintain the independence of the church in England, without any royal control. However, Henry II of England wanted full control over the church. Becket and Henry II continued to argue over the rights of the Church. With orders from King Henry II, four knights assassinated Becket inside the Canterbury Cathedral. Therefore, Becket is remembered by all Christians and Catholics for trying to the Catholic church free from royal dominion. The picture, to the left, depicts Thomas in a stained glass window located inside the Canterbury Cathedral. The fact that the knights brutally assassinated Becket inside a holy place, angered the public: "The people were angered by the murder, and Thomas's tomb at Canterbury quickly became a place of pilgrimage. Pope Alexander III declared Thomas a saint in 1173" (Becket, p. 196).  This event--the murder of Becket-- is historical to Chaucer's time, because it happened 200 years earlier, so why does Chaucer write about Canterbury during the Middle Ages?

After Becket's murder, the Canterbury Cathedral was identified as a holy shrine. Being named a saint, during the middle ages, then parts of Becket, including his clothes, were sold as relics. Relics are associated with saints, meaning "remains" as defined in the following passage:

"A relic could be a bone from the saint or it could be a piece of clothing the saint wore. A container

used to hold a relic is called a reliquary. Some people keep relics as a reminder of a saint. Others believe they have miraculous powers, however the Church does not teach that relics hold any special powers." (Jakoblich).

Therefore, Chaucer's use of Canterbury signifies some spiritual revelation or cleansing for the pilgrims. Canterbury is the holiest site in England.