Thomas was born in London, England in 1117 or 1118. The details of his parentage are uncertain. One tradition tells that his father, Gilbert, was sheriff of London, and his mother's name was either Matilda or Rohesia. His parents while not wealthy were moderately well off and lived off of their income. Thomas was educated at Merton Priory in Surrey and at Paris.

Thomas, a merchant's clerk in London, lost both parents as a young man. He obtained a position with Theobald, archbishop of Canterbury and was made archdeacon of Canterbury. In 1154 King Henry II, a good friend, appointed him Chancellor. Thomas showed his flair for administration and efficiency. His discernment and understanding helped him to bring wise and simple solutions to difficult and taxing situations. Thomas had encouraged Henry to make several prudent reforms. His energy, charm and initiative earned him wealth and honor. He led a generous but lavish social life which had been cause for rebuke by the prior of Leicester and others, yet he remained devout and chaste.

Archbishop Theobald died in 1161 and King Henry wanted a more submissive Church. He thought he could control Thomas so he appointed him archbishop of Canterbury. When Thomas learned of Henry's plans, he warned the king that things would change and Henry might find himself hating Thomas because he would have to refuse some of the king's demands. The king ignored him and went ahead with his plans. Thomas held out until he was overruled by Cardinal Henry of Pisa who was the legate of Rome. Thomas was ordained to the priesthood and consecrated bishop by Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester.

There was soon a noticeable change in his behavior. He continued a generous, energetic and commanding personality, but his ordinary dress was a simple black cassock. He set a more monastic regularity in his own household. In the early morning he read scripture, then attended Mass or celebrated Mass himself. He doubled the alms of his predecessor to the poor and needy of his diocese. He became much more moderate in his social activities and while he set a good table he, was himself more austere in his diet.

Against the kings wishes, Thomas resigned as Chancellor. Initially there was little change in their relationship, but when the King began to make demands which would give him complete control of the governance of the Church, Thomas refused and the king demanded condemnation of Thomas for insubordination even threatening imprisonment and possible death. Thomas was forced to flee to France.

Finally in 1170 a reconciliation took place and Thomas returned to England. However those clerics whom Thomas had excommunicated because of their acceptance of the Kings control of the Church, succeeded in arousing Henry's ire. The king demanded that Thomas remove the suspension and excommunication of these bishops. When Thomas refused, these bishops brought their grievance again to the king who in a spirit of frustration expressed a desire to be rid of this pest, referring to Thomas. Some took Henry's words as a rebuke and went to Canterbury to demand Thomas' acquiescence to the King and when he refused, murdered him in the Cathedral on December 29, 1170.

The death of Thomas caused a great deal of shock, and indignation throughout Europe. Miracles were soon reported due to Thomas' intercession. While he was a strong personality and could be stubborn and at times irascible, he took his call seriously. He gave up his frivolous way of life and put all his efforts into living the Gospel values more honestly and exhorted his clerics to these same observances which were not looked kindly upon by some of them. He refused to give up the rights of the Church, nor let it be governed by the whims of royalty. He could have given in or compromised, but Thomas was not a man of compromise. When faced with death or compromise he chose fealty to God and his call.

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