Thomas á Wall doing Thomas á Becket

Thomas Becket is the reason behind the Canterbury Tales.  He was the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, but 8 years later, in 1170, was murdered.  He had become the Archbishop after have becoming close to Theobold, and after Theobold died, Becket took over the reigns.  There was a rivalry between the Archbishop and King Henry at this point because Becket had consolidated the landed revenues of Canterbury under his control.  The two argued over the legalities and jurisdictions much until Henry threatened Becket with severe repercussions.  Becket eventually excommunicated Henry and many other bishops until, finally, the King sent four knights to Canterbury.  When Becket refused to come back to court with them, the four murdered him.  To this day, the Catholic Church reveres Thomas Becket as a saint and a martyr and keeps a shrine dedicated to him in Canterbury.  This is the reasoning for the Tales of Canterbury; the pilgrims are marching to the holy shrine.