Becket flees England

November 2, 1164

After the Council of Northampton turned into what Becket considered a rigged tribunal, the archbishop slipped away from his lodgings at night in a monk's habit and crossed the Channel disguised as a pilgrim named Christian. He would spend six years in French exile. During those years Becket bombarded England with excommunications and appeals to Rome while Henry confiscated his property and punished anyone caught corresponding with him.