The Resume

(1118-December 29, 1170)
Chancellor and later Archbishop of Canterbury under King Henry II

Why he might be annoying:

He was just a priest when Henry made him Archbishop of Canterbury.
He was promoted from priest to bishop to archbishop very quickly.
He clashed with Henry II when his loyalty to the church conflicted with his duty to the king.
He opposed Henry's efforts to extend English law to handle cases involving clergy (previously, the Church took care of all such cases).
He went into exile in France and, while he was there, excommunicated two bishops who had supported King Henry.

Why he might not be annoying:

He was popular with the English people.
When he returned from exile in 1170, he was greeted by cheering crowds.
His return prompted Henry to ask 'Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?'
He was murdered by four knights who had overheard Henry's outburst and hoped to gain favor with the king.
His death shocked the public.
Several miracles were reported at his tomb.
He was canonized just three years after he died.

Credit: The Truffle

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• God Spoke to Me
• I was Murdered
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• Medieval Times
• People with Tom, Dick or Harry in their Names
• Profiles 10251-10500 (Ranked: 10396)
• Saints
• The Truffle's Profiles [Series 1]
• Worst Britons [BBC History Magazine - 2005]

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 135 Votes: 48.15% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 10 Votes: 10.0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 28 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 93 Votes: 52.69% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 78 Votes: 48.72% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 20 Votes: 45.00% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 18 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 77 Votes: 44.16% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 145 Votes: 44.83% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 50 Votes: 36.00% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 53 Votes: 33.96% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 90 Votes: 47.78% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 133 Votes: 51.88% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 880 Votes: 42.73% Annoying
In 2004, Out of 573 Votes: 41.19% Annoying