Grief and Outrage:
1. Immediate Reaction: Immediately following the assassination of Becket, people were shocked and saddened by his death. Many clergy, including bishops and monks, openly mourned his loss. Even some of his political opponents were appalled by the violence of his murder.
2. Popular Veneration: In the days and weeks following his death, Becket's reputation as a martyr and saint spread rapidly throughout England and beyond. People flocked to Canterbury to visit his tomb, where miracles were reported to have occurred. His cult quickly gained popularity, and he was revered as a symbol of resistance against unjust authority.
Celebration and Indifference:
1. Political Relief: King Henry II, who had clashed with Becket over issues of church autonomy, was relieved to hear of the archbishop's death. While he may not have explicitly ordered the assassination, he had expressed frustration with Becket's defiance. The death of his opponent likely brought a sense of relief to the king and his supporters.
2. Division among the Clergy: Some members of the higher clergy, particularly the king's supporters, were less sympathetic to Becket's death. They viewed him as a troublemaker who had challenged the authority of the king and the established order. His death, in their eyes, was a necessary end to the ongoing conflict.
3. Public Perception: The general public's reaction to Becket's death varied. While many people were moved by his martyrdom, others were less interested or even indifferent to the events unfolding in Canterbury. Some may have seen him as a martyr, while others may have been preoccupied with their daily lives or lacked the information necessary to fully understand the significance of his death.
Overall, the death of Thomas Becket elicited strong emotions, both positive and negative. His martyrdom made him a revered figure in the eyes of many, but there were also those who celebrated or remained indifferent to his passing. The range of reactions reflects the complexity of the historical context and the diverse perspectives of those involved.