This day in history - December 29

[seamusTX]

1170 - Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket was assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral.

Becket had been a close friend of King Henry II of England until becoming Archbishop. The two then began years of conflict over complicated issues of church-state powers and privileges.

Legend has it that Henry said something like, "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?"

Four of his knights went to Canterbury and tried to force Becket to come to London. When Becket refused, they outright murdered him inside the cathedral.

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1845 - Texas joined the United States for the first time.

1940 - German planes began fire-bombing the City of London, causing extensive damage to historic sites and death of civilians.

The bombing was intended to be an act of terrorism, but it only strengthened the resolve of the British people to pursue the war to Hitler's doorstep.

1975 - A bomb with the equivalent force of 25 sticks of dynamite exploded in the main terminal of LaGaurdia Airport in New York City, killing 11 and injuring 75. The perpetrators were never identified.

- Jim