E. Poor Priests' Hospital.
F. St. Margarets Street.
G. Green Court.
H. Archbishops' Palace.
J. Norman Staircase.
K. St. George's Church.
L. Site Of Roman Gate.
M. Greyfriars.
N. Christ Church Gate.
O. St. Alphege's Church.
P. St. Mary Bredin Church]




CHAPTER I

THE PILGRIM'S APPROACH TO THE CITY


It was on April 24, 1538, that a writ of summons was sent forth in the
name of Henry VIII., "To thee, Thomas Becket, some time Archbishop of
Canterbury"--who had then been dead for 368 years--"to appear within
thirty days to answer to a charge of treason, contumacy, and rebellion
against his sovereign lord, King Henry II." But the days passed, and no
spirit having stirred the venerated bones of the wonder-working saint,
on June 10 judgment was given in favour of Henry, and it was decreed
that the Archbishop's bones were to be burnt, and his world-famous
shrine overlaid with gold and sparkling with jewels was to be
forfeited to the Crown. Further than this went the sentence, for