Murder In The Cathedral

Murder In The Cathedral by TS Eliot, BBC World Service, 1981
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Special thanks to friend of the blogcast "PR" we have some background to the story.  (I could not find a thing)

Comment:

This drama concerns a historical account that centers on the assassination of Archbishop Thomas in Canterbury Cathedral, England, 1170. 

As the story goes, King Henry II, was overheard to say words to the affect that he wanted to be rid of Archbishop Becket. This is peculiar because both men were great drinking buddies in their younger years, and Henry thought that by putting his friend in this high church position, he’d have no trouble out of the church when he bent the rules to have his way on the throne. Of course, he never considered that Becket might actually ‘get religion’ and take his post seriously. 

Four knights were thought to have overheard the comment uttered by Henry and took it upon themselves to carry out the King’s wishes. 

We know about this crime because there was an eyewitness (Edward Grim), who stayed with the archbishop and tried to prevent one of the sword blows from striking Becket. He suffered gravely for it. Grim’s account is given online and easy to locate although not pleasant to read. 

Those of you who had to read THE CANTERBURY TALES in high school and college will remember that the pilgrims were on their way to Canterbury to the tomb of St. Thomas Becket to ask for healing.

After Becket’s death there were said to have been many miracles performed at his burial site.

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Michael Williams
Margaret Robinson
Jenny Lee
Catherine Parr
Gladys Spenser
Edward Seckerson
Michael Harbour
Dennis Graham
David Horowitz
John Forbes-Robinson
Christopher Benjamin
Neville Jason
David Bradshaw

Organ music composed and played by Mike Steer

Recorded on location in St Giles Church Cripplegate

Produced by Dickon Reed
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Next Sundays Play will be:
John Ford  -  'Tis a Pity She's a Whore
2 hours 18 minutes

Played: 434 | Download | Duration: 01:27:05

 
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Comments

  • 2/7/2010 10:49 AM pr wrote:
    This drama concerns a historical account that centers on the assassination of Archbishop Thomas in Canterbury Cathedral, England, 1170.

    As the story goes, King Henry II, was overheard to say words to the affect that he wanted to be rid of Archbishop Becket. This is peculiar because both men were great drinking buddies in their younger years, and Henry thought that by putting his friend in this high church position, he’d have no trouble out of the church when he bent the rules to have his way on the throne. Of course, he never considered that Becket might actually ‘get religion’ and take his post seriously.

    Four knights were thought to have overheard the comment uttered by Henry and took it upon themselves to carry out the King’s wishes.

    We know about this crime because there was an eyewitness (Edward Grim), who stayed with the archbishop and tried to prevent one of the sword blows from striking Becket. He suffered gravely for it. Grim’s account is given online and easy to locate although not pleasant to read.

    Those of you who had to read THE CANTERBURY TALES in high school and college will remember that the pilgrims were on their way to Canterbury to the tomb of St. Thomas Becket to ask for healing.

    After Becket’s death there were said to have been many miracles performed at his burial site.
    Reply to this
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