On December 29, 1170, Becket was captured and killed by a group of men led by Reginal Fitzurse, a move that was approved by the king.
29 December  murder of Thomas Becket by four of Henry II's knights Reginald Fitzurse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton inside Canterbury Cathedral. 1170 FitzUrse and the other three knights, Hugh de Moreville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton or Brito, crossed the Channel separately and met up in Saltwood Castle, Kent, to plan their attack. On 29 December 1170 they burst into the cathedral choir at Canterbury clad in armour and carrying swords determined to capture or kill Becket. FitzUrse appeared to be their ringleader and delivered the first but non-fatal blow to Becket's head and the other knights followed suit until Becket lay dead. Just when the dispute seemed resolved, Becket excommunicated another three supporters of Henry, who was furious and infamously announced "What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and promoted in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born clerk!" In response, four knights made their way secretly to Canterbury, apparently with the intent of confronting and if necessary arresting Becket for breaking his agreement with Henry. 
