The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, East Clandon, Surrey

Imagine the year is 1170 and the knights despatched by Henry II have murdered Thomas à Becket - the 'turbulent priest' of Canterbury. In East Clandon, the monks at the village church are deeply concerned. They are Benedictines from Chertsey Abbey and their order quickly becomes a central force behind the cult that develops around this early martyr. So, in 1220, they change the designation of the church and rededicate it to the new saint - St Thomas of Canterbury. The monks and the church are an important part of village life. The monks manage and work on the village farm in close relationship with the villagers as well as taking part in study and prayer (seven times a day).

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