Gifts of Thomas Becket’s Clothing Made by the Monks of Canterbury Cathedral

A stained glass panel in Canterbury Cathedral likely depicts the monks' distribution of Thomas Becket’s clothing to the poor immediately after his martyrdom, marking a pivotal moment in the early development of his cult. While entire garments were rarely given away later, small fragments—such as pieces of his hairshirt—were distributed to influential figures and became associated with miracles and pilgrimages, spreading veneration across Europe. The study analyzes these relics through historical records and textual evidence, revealing their enduring significance in medieval religious practice.

Koopmans, R. (2020). Gifts of Thomas Becket’s Clothing Made by the Monks of Canterbury Cathedral. Journal of the British Archaeological Association, 173(1), 39–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/00681288.2020.1784551