The quest for Becket's bones
Subtitle: the mystery of the relics of St Thomas Becket of Canterbury
By: John Butler.
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: New Haven
Language: eng
Number of pages: 180
Subjects: Thomas, à Becket, Saint, 1118?-1170 -- Tomb; Canterbury Cathedral -- History; Christian saints -- England -- Canterbury; Relics -- England -- Canterbury -- History; Canterbury (England) -- Church history
Description: In January 1888, workmen excavating the eastern crypt of Canterbury Cathedral uncovered the ancient bones of a tall, middle-aged man whose skull had seemingly been cleft by a sword. Could these be the remains of St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in the Cathedral in December 1170 by knights of King Henry II?

This fascinating book recounts the story of the quest for St Thomas Becket's bones over eight centuries, and includes startling new evidence that has only recently come to light. An intriguing story of politics, science, religion, conjecture and romanticism, it explores the mystery of the survival of Catholic England's most precious relics, and presents a telling hypothesis as to their fate.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 170-175) and index.