Thomas More

?1477-1535: Intellectual, Historian, Politician, Catholic Martyr and Saint (also known as Thomas Morus): wrote a history of Richard III and the supposed travel report Utopia (1516). Became Privy Councellor and later Chancellor for Henry VIII. Remained loyal to the Pope's authority during the split from Rome, committed to the Tower, indicted of high treason, found guilty and beheaded in 1535. Became a Catholic saint in 1935.

The Beginning

London

Thomas More was born in the morning of February 7, 1478 in the City of London, where he spent his life. More was to spend the first forty-five years of his life near the centre of London. He loved the City. He was always a Londoner and a typical city man. Later Thomas More depicted in his Utopia an ideal commonwealth where cities were extended families.

Family History

His grandfather was likely a baker named William More. He came into contact with John Joye, a brewer, and married his daughter Johanna. John More, Thomas’ father, was the eldest child of William and Johanna. William died in 1467 when John was only sixteen. [sources needed] After some time, John More went to study law. He grew up during the last years of Henry VI. He won the favour of Edward IV and with it a coat of arms giving him official status as a gentleman.

John More married Agnes Graunger, the daughter of Sir Thomas Graunger, in 1474. John immediately began to produce a family. The first child was Johanna, born in March 1475. Next was Thomas, born in 1478. Thomas was assumedly named for Thomas Graunger and Thomas Becket. Thomas’ younger brother John was born in June 1480. In September 1481, a brother Edward was born and probably died soon after. A sister Elizabeth was the last child in the family, born in 1482. Her son William Rastell, always a loyal Catholic, wrote a biography of Thomas More and performed the monumental service of printing the great 1557 folio edition of More’s English works. John More became a judge on the King’s Bench about 1518 (Ives).

John More had enjoyed stunning success, and he expected his son to succeed him. From age 7 till age 12 Thomas More attended St Anthony’s School in London (c. 1484-1489). From c. 1491 till 1493 he was a student at Oxford, till he turned sixteen. He studied Latin and Greek. Then Thomas More was a Pre-law student in London till 1495. From 1496 onwards Thomas More became a law student at Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the bar. He became a successful lawyer.

Early Career

At the age of 22 he met Erasmus for the first time (1499). From c. 1501 till 1504 he wanted to be a monk and lived in the Charterhouse (Carthusians) till he turned 27. During that time he gave lectures on St Augustine’s City of God in 1501 from the standpoint of history and philosophy. The time between c. 1503 and 1506 Thomas More was a reader at Furnivall’s Inn. At the age of 27 he became a Member of Parliament (1504). One year later he married Jane Colt. His first daughter was born in the same year. Two years later their second and third daughters were born: Elizabeth and Cecily. 1507 Thomas More became the financial secretary of Lincoln’s Inn. When Henry VIII was crowned in 1509, Thomas’ first son was born. His name was John, like Thomas’ father. After Jane’s death he married Alice Middleton in 1511.

Writings and Further Career

In the year 1516 More wrote Utopia. He continued his studies of history and political philosophy. One year later he was in the embassy to Calais and counsel to the Pope’s ambassador in England. At the age of 41 he joined King Henry’s service. In 1523 he was the speaker of the House of Commons. Three years later More was appointed to royal council’s subcommittee of four and urged Erasmus to complete writings against Martin Luther. 1530 More was almost dismissed for his opposition to Henry.

Trial and Execution

When Thomas More turned 57, Henry asked for his indictment (February 21 1535), but the House of Lords refused three times. Then More was questioned by royal commission in March, he was interrogated at Lambeth Palace April 13, and finally imprisoned for refusal to take Thomas Cromwell’s oath regarding the Act of Succession April 17. Four months later Chancellor Audley sent a warning to More. More was interrogated May 7, June 3 and June 14, his trial was July 1 and his execution July 6.

Bibliography

• "Chronology of Thomas More’s Life." The Center for Thomas More Studies at The University of Dallas, https://thomasmorestudies.org/chronology/ (accessed 30 May 2022).
• Ives, E. W. "More, Sir John." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/19183/.
• Marius, Richard. Thomas More. London: Phoenix Giant, 1999.