III.

Chancellor

Thomas's life changed again in 1154 when the new king, Henry II, appointed him his chancellor. Theobald and other bishops had recommended him, hoping that the Church would find in him a protector and defender at the king's right hand. The eight years he spent as the king's principal minister were a time of unstinting service. In return, Thomas was rewarded with great wealth, which he displayed in unprecedented magnificence of ceremony. Churchmen grumbled that the Chancellor gave little heed to the interests of the Church. Yet his biographers say that he preserved his chastity amid the promiscuous court; that he was personally sparing of food and drink despite the plenitude of his official hospitality; that he prayed often at night and attended masses at dawn; and that he employed clerks to scourge him as penance for his sins.