Blue Plaque - St Thomas a Becket

St Thomas a Becket Blue Plaque

The blue plaque at 87 Cheapside commemorates the birthplace of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury and a revered martyr. Born around December 1120 to Gilbert and Matilda Becket, Thomas was the youngest of at least three siblings. His father, Gilbert, was a French mercer—a merchant dealing in fine cloth—and served as a sheriff in the City of London. The family was well-off, owning a substantial residence in Cheapside, a bustling commercial hub in medieval London. (en.wikipedia.org)

Cheapside, during Thomas's time, was a vibrant marketplace and a central artery of the city's commerce. The area was also home to the church of St Mary Colechurch, where Thomas was baptized shortly after his birth. This church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was a significant religious site in the city. (exploring-london.com)

In the 1220s, following Thomas's canonization in 1173, the citizens of London sought to honor his memory by establishing a hospital on the site of his birthplace. This institution, known as the Hospital of St Thomas of Acre, was founded under the care of the religious order of St Thomas of Acre. It provided shelter and medical care to the poor and sick, becoming a focal point for devotions and ceremonies in the city. Before the Black Death, it was the only large hospital within London's city walls. (thebecketstory.org.uk)

The hospital's significance grew over the centuries, and in 1512, the Worshipful Company of Mercers acquired the site to build their hall. By 1514, they had formally become the order's patron. However, during the Protestant Reformation in 1538, the order was dissolved, and its properties were forfeited to the crown. Subsequently, the Mercers reacquired the site through various payments and undertakings. (en.wikipedia.org)

Today, the blue plaque at 87 Cheapside serves as a testament to Thomas Becket's enduring legacy. It stands as a reminder of his contributions to the Church and his unwavering commitment to his principles, which ultimately led to his martyrdom. The plaque not only honors his birthplace but also acknowledges the rich history of the area and its transformation over the centuries.