Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Thomas Becket become archdeacon of Canterbury?

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St. Thomas Becket Murder of St. Thomas Becket, illustration from an English psalter, c. 1200; in the British Library.

In 1154, Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury, appointed Thomas Becket as archdeacon of Canterbury. This appointment was made as a reward for Becket's services. The position was considered an important and lucrative post, and less than three months after receiving it, Becket was recommended by Theobald to King Henry II to serve as chancellor.1