Thomas Becket was an English archbishop and martyr who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He was a close friend of King Henry II of England, but their relationship deteriorated over the issue of the church's independence from royal control. Becket's refusal to compromise on this matter led to a conflict with the king, ultimately resulting in his assassination by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral. Becket's death elevated him to the status of a saint and martyr in the Catholic Church, and he became a symbol of resistance to secular interference in religious affairs.