Set in England during the twelfth century, the play tells the story of the relationship between Thomas à Becket and Henry Plantagenet, known to history as King Henry II of England. As a young man, Thomas à Becket was anything but a saint and, as King Henry II’s closest friend, enjoyed the lifestyle only royalty could afford. The two men spent their time drinking and making merry until an act of friendship tore them apart. Henry made Becket Archbishop of Canterbury and finally, with a purpose to his life, Becket followed his new vocation with such zeal that their two worlds collide. In the end, Becket is murdered by Henry’s henchmen at the Cathedral of Canterbury.