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the death of Becket Medieval Realms
 
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detailSource 2: Henry and Becket argue
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illuminated detail
 
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Henry II and Becket arguing Henry II and Becket arguing
Henry II and Becket arguing Henry II and Becket arguing
Henry II and Becket arguing
Henry II and Becket arguing Henry II and Becket arguing

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illuminated detail
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Source details
This illustration comes from a manuscript called "Chronicle of England" by Peter of Langtoft. This manuscript was probably written and illuminated (illustrated) during the reign of Edward II (1307-1327).
Context
The manuscript in which this picture appeared was produced many years after the death of Becket (and Henry II). We do know that Becket and Henry did argue about many issues, although we do not know whether this scene represents a particular dispute they had.
Puzzled?
This is probably not an actual event which took place, but it does show that the story of Becket was being written about in the early 1300s. As an historian you have to ask yourself what use this source is. Does it fit with other sources or information you have? Does it make Becket or Henry look good or bad? Do they both appear reasonable?

 

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