The Life and Service of Thomas More

Thomas More was born in London on February 7, 1478.  His father was a leading barrister and Judge. A promising child, he was sent to St. Anthony's School and, at the age of 13, was made a member of the household of Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop sent him to Oxford University where he remained for only two years. His father then decided that he should be trained in the law. He was called to the bar in 1501 and entered Parliament.

He married Jane Cole in 1504 and had four children. His second wife was Alice Middleton with whom he had a daughter.  The descendants of Thomas More continue to be prominent in Catholic Church life and secular affairs.

Thomas More was the companion and was considered the scholarly equal of the leading humanists of his day.  His friends included Erasmus, John Colet and (Saint) Richard Reynolds.

Utopia, More's widely read book, continues to provide matter for lively discussions of social issues.  Some of his other writings deal with issues being raised by the Reformation of the sixteenth century.  In these, More takes a firm but not uncritical Catholic position.

More's political rise was dramatic.  In 1521, he was Knighted and become Treasurer of England.  He traveled to the Continent in the diplomatic service of England.  When Cardinal Wolsey was deposed, More became the Chancellor of England. In this position, More had to deal with the contentious issue of Henry VIII. Seeking freedom from Rome, especially as he wanted to divorce his wife, Henry had himself named as the head of the Church of England. More tried to avoid taking a public position on this question and resigned his position as Chancellor.  Eventually he was sent to the Tower of London for his refusal to side with the King and was executed on July 6, 1535. He said that he died for the Catholic Church and that he was "the King's good servant, but God's first."

With the other English Martyrs, More was beatified in 1886 and Canonized in 1935.  His Feast Day is June 22.