Becket's Well

Went into Northampton today and walked along a road that I have only ever driven along before. For this reason I have never seen (or at least paid any attention to) this: Becket's Well.

Here is some information

"Born in London around 1118, he was soon to become Deacon in 1154. When young Henry || came to the throne, Thomas was chosen for his his Chancellor. At the age of 36 he was the most powerful of the kings subjects. In 1162 he was ordained as Archbishop and contrary to the kings wishes, resigned his chancellorship.

Thomas threw himself into serving the Church and on many occasions aquired the kings displeasure by opposing reforms to the church. The king showed his anger by demanding that certain castles and titles that were bestowed on Thomas be surrendered back to the crown. After resisting signing the Constitutions of Clarendon he found himself in contempt of court and Henry wanted to pass sentence on him as a perjured traitor.

During the confusion of the angry discussion that ensued, Thomas made his escape and walked out of Northampton castle and fled secretly to Sandwich under the assumed name of Dereman. On his escape from the castle, Thomas stopped at a spring on the outskirts of the towns Derngate to refresh himself for the journey ahead. This well was later to be known as Beckets Well and was recognised as such in 1843 when the local council built the present stone structure to mark its place."

http://paintedpixels.co.uk/northampton/northampton/beckets.html

Unfortunately the road was busy and so I wasn't able to stand back and get a photo of the whole thing (the pavement is very narrow) so I just went for the plaque.

(also back blipped from the Olympics yesterday as I was too tired when we got home)