St. Thomas a Becket, also known as Thomas Becket, was an English archbishop and saint who was martyred in 1170. There are several synonyms or alternative names for St. Thomas a Becket that are commonly used in historical texts and literature. These include Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, Thomas à Becket, and Saint Thomas Becket. Each of these names references his role as a martyr and his position as the Archbishop of Canterbury. St. Thomas a Becket is known for his devotion to the church and his willingness to stand up to the king when it came to protecting the Church's rights and authority.