Churches in town will commemorate the 850th anniversary of the trial of Thomas Becket at Northampton Castle in 1164 with a series of events and services.

Thomas Becket (1118-1170) was made Lord Chancellor and then Archbishop of Canterbury by Henry II. The king’s patronage turned sour when Becket proved too determined in resisting the king’s control over the church.

In October 1164 the king and his cohorts attended a Great Council at Northampton Castle, at which the king threw charge after charge at his former friend and counsellor.

Finally the charge of treason was made, but before sentence could be pronounced Becket fled and made his escape to France where he remained for seven years. His return in 1170 led to his murder and subsequent recognition as a venerated saint and martyr.

The first service in honour of Becket will be a civic Evensong at All Saints Church on Sunday, October 5 at 6pm.

A display about Becket including his relic – the top of his head – will be showing at the Cathedral of our Lady Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury from 5 to 12 October.

On Tuesday, October 7 at 6pm there will be Ecumenical Vespers at St Peters Church Marefair with the Bishop of Northampton presiding. Also at 7pm at the Cathedral of our Lady Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury there will be a lecture on the life and death of Becket by Professor Anne Duggan.

From October 8 to 11 Masque theatre presents the play ‘Becket’ each evening at the Guildhall. Tickets available from the theatre company direct www.masquetheatre.co.uk.

On Friday, October 10 at 7.30pm there will be a Celebration of Mass by the Bishop of Northampton at the Cathedral of our Lady Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury.

On Sunday, October 12 at 11am at the Church of Holy Sepulchre there will be Eucharist followed by a procession and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at North Gate.

Finally on Sunday, October 12 at 2.30pm at the Church of Holy Sepulchre there will be a lecture on Becket, Henry II and Northampton by Professor Nicholas Vincent.

Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “It is important to recognise key events in our town’s history. Thomas Becket is a figure of great importance to English history who has a direct connection with Northampton. These events and services offer us the opportunity to honour him.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the events and services listed.