The Martyrdom

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At dusk on 29th December 1170 King Henry the Second's knights burst through the cloister door into this area. They murdered Thomas Becket. In the fierce attack, one of their swords broke, and this is remembered in the modern 'Altar of the Sword's Point'.

Later, pilgrims would pause here before climbing the ancient steps to St. Thomas' Shrine, on their knees.