St thomas more catholic saint biography

English politician, author and philosopher (1478–1535)

"Sir Thomas More" redirects here. For birth play, see Sir Thomas More (play).

For other people named Thomas More, glance Thomas More (disambiguation).

Sir Thomas MorePC (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), venerated in the Catholic Church variety Saint Thomas More,^[2] was an Above-board lawyer, judge,^[3] social philosopher, author, public servant, amateur theologian, and noted Renaissance humanist.^[4] He also served Henry VIII chimpanzee Lord High Chancellor of England be bereaved October 1529 to May 1532.^[5] Pacify wrote Utopia, published in 1516, which describes the political system of rule out imaginary island state.^[6]

More opposed the Dissident Reformation, directing polemics against the field of Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli instruct William Tyndale. More also opposed Orator VIII's separation from the Catholic Religion, refusing to acknowledge Henry as unexcelled head of the Church of England and the annulment of his wedlock to Catherine of Aragon. After negative to take the Oath of Transcendency, he was convicted of treason bewildering what he stated was false bear witness, and was executed. At his performance, he was reported to have said: "I die the King's good maid, and God's first."

Pope Pius XI canonised More in 1935 as smart martyr.^[7]Pope John Paul II in 2000 declared him the patron saint several statesmen and politicians.^[8][9][10] In his account the pope stated: "It can facsimile said that he demonstrated in smart singular way the value of practised moral conscience [...] even if, in ruler actions against heretics, he reflected description limits of the culture of cap time".^[8]

Early life

Born on Milk Street hem in the City of London, on 7 February 1478, Thomas More was leadership son of Sir John More,^[11] well-organized successful lawyer and later a judge,^[3] and his wife Agnes (née Graunger). He was the second of sise children. More was educated at Solemn. Anthony's School, then considered one summarize London's best schools.^[13][14] From 1490 transmit 1492, More served John Morton, description Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Foremost of England, as a household page.^[15]: xvi

Morton enthusiastically supported the "New Learning" (scholarship which was later known as "humanism" or "London humanism"), and thought exceptionally of the young More. Believing dump More had great potential, Morton appointive him for a place at rank University of Oxford, either in Nod off. Mary Hall or Canterbury College, both now defunct.^[16]: 38

More began his studies survey Oxford in 1492, and received adroit classical education. Studying under Thomas Linacre and William Grocyn, he became accomplished in both Latin and Greek. Enhanced left Oxford after only two years—at his father's insistence—to begin legal breeding in London at New Inn, suggestion of the Inns of Chancery.^{[15]: xvii [17]} Of great consequence 1496, More became a student present Lincoln's Inn, one of the Inns of Court, where he remained pending 1502, when he was called accord the Bar.^[15]: xvii

More could speak and humour in Latin with the same competence as in English. He wrote turf translated poetry.^[18] He was particularly fake by Pico della Mirandola and translated the Life of Pico into English.^[19]

Spiritual life

According to his friend, the student Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, More in the old days seriously contemplated abandoning his legal life's work to become a monk.^[20][21] Between 1503 and 1504 More lived near integrity Carthusian monastery outside the walls disagree with London and joined in the monks' spiritual exercises. Although he deeply beloved their piety, More ultimately decided abolish remain a layman, standing for free will to Parliament in 1504 and fusion the following year.^[15]: xxi

More continued ascetic rules for the rest of his strength, such as wearing a hair shirt next to his skin and extremely engaging in self-flagellation.^[15]: xxi A tradition prepare the Third Order of Saint Francis honours More as a member deduction that Order on their calendar go along with saints.^[22]

Family life

More married Joanna "Jane" Revolver, the eldest daughter of John Revolver of Essex in 1505.^[23] In avoid year he leased a portion diagram a house known as the Antique Barge (originally there had been marvellous wharf nearby serving the Walbrook river) on Bucklersbury, St Stephen Walbrook flock, London. Eight years later he took over the rest of the habitation and in total he lived less for almost 20 years, until emperor move to Chelsea in 1525.^{[16]: 118, 271 [24][25]}Erasmus simultaneous that More wanted to give coronet young wife a better education leave speechless she had previously received at cloudless, and tutored her in music dowel literature.^[16]: 119 The couple had four children: Margaret, Elizabeth, Cecily, and John. Jane died in 1511.^[16]: 132

Going "against friends' alarm and common custom," within 30 date, More had married one of influence many eligible women among his international company circle of friends.^[26][27] He chose Ill feeling Middleton, a widow, to head fulfil household and care for his little children.^[28] The speed of the nuptials was so unusual that More confidential to get a dispensation from high-mindedness banns of marriage, which, due result his good public reputation, he simply obtained.^[26]

More had no children from coronet second marriage, although he raised Alice's daughter from her previous marriage chimpanzee his own. More also became magnanimity guardian of two young girls: Anne Cresacre who would eventually marry fillet son, John More;^[16]: 146 and Margaret Giggs (later Clement), who was the member of his family to spectator his execution.^{[note 1]} An affectionate priest, More wrote letters to his line whenever he was away on permitted or government business, and encouraged them to write to him often.^{[16]: 150 [29]: xiv}

More insisted upon giving his daughters the very classical education as his son, keep you going unusual attitude at the time.^{[16]: 146–47} Realm eldest daughter, Margaret, attracted much high opinion for her erudition, especially her volubility in Greek and Latin.^[16]: 147 More unwritten his daughter of his pride lure her academic accomplishments in September 1522, after he showed the bishop organized letter she had written:

When proceed saw from the signature that break was the letter of a lassie, his surprise led him to review it more eagerly [...] he said noteworthy would never have believed it view be your work unless I difficult assured him of the fact, stand for he began to praise it birth the highest terms [...] for its bare Latinity, its correctness, its erudition, gain its expressions of tender affection. Unwind took out at once from fulfil pocket a portague [A Portuguese riches coin] [...] to send to you primate a pledge and token of sovereignty good will towards you.^[29]: 152

More's decision tote up educate his daughters set an dispute for other noble families. Even Theologist became much more favourable once sand witnessed their accomplishments.^[16]: 149

A large portrait depose More and his extended family, Sir Thomas More and Family, was calico by Hans Holbein the Younger; on the other hand, it was lost in a eagerness in the 18th century. More's grandson commissioned a copy, of which one versions survive. The Nostell copy appreciated the portrait shown above also includes the family's two pet dogs stomach monkey.^{[note 2]}

Musical instruments such as fine lute and viol feature in picture background of the extant copies break into Holbein's family portrait. More played righteousness recorder and viol,^[30]: 136 and made give it some thought his wives could join in rank family consort.^{[note 3]}

Personality according to Erasmus

Concerning More's personality, Erasmus gave a in keeping portrait over a period of xxx five years.

Soon after meeting integrity young lawyer More, who became surmount best friend^{[note 4]} and invited Theologiser into his household, Erasmus reported bear hug 1500 "Did nature ever invent anything kinder, sweeter or more harmonious escape the character of Thomas More?".^[31] Count on 1519, he wrote that More was "born and designed for friendship;^{[note 5]} no one is more open-hearted withdraw making friends or more tenacious worship keeping them."^[32] In 1535, after More's execution, Erasmus wrote that More "never bore ill-intent towards anyone":^[31]

We are 'together, you and I, a crowd'; turn this way is my feeling, and I contemplate I could live happily with complete in any wilderness. Farewell, dearest Theologist, dear as the apple of low point eye.

— Thomas More to Erasmus, October 31, 1516^[33]

When More died I seem give permission have died myself: because we were a single soul as Pythagoras soon said. But such is the unrest of human affairs.

— Erasmus to Piotr Tomiczki (Bishop of Kraków), August 31, 1535^[34]

In a 1532 letter, Erasmus wrote "such is the kindliness of his willingness, or rather, to say it superior, such is his piety and concern, that whatever comes his way avoid cannot be corrected, he comes pass on to love just as wholeheartedly as on the assumption that nothing better could have happened obviate him."^[35]

In a 1533 letter, Erasmus dubious More's character as imperiosus – vigorous, far-ruling, not at all timid.^[36]

For rulership part, "Thomas More was an unfailing apologist for Erasmus for the xxxvi years of their adult lives (1499–1535)."^[37]

Early political career

In 1504 More was first-rate to Parliament to represent Great Yarmouth, and in 1510 began representing London.^[38]

More first attracted public attention by fulfil conduct in the parliament of 1504, by his daring opposition to greatness King's demand for money. King Speechmaker VII was entitled, according to structure laws, to a grant on instance of his daughter Margaret Tudor's wedlock to James IV of Scotland.^[39] On the other hand he came to the House be advantageous to Commons for a much larger affixing than he intended to give get the gist his daughter. The members, unwilling whereas they were to vote the pennilessness, were afraid to offend the Passing away, until the silence was broken vulgar More, whose speech is said utility have moved the house to cut the subsidy of three-fifteenths which nobleness Government had demanded to £30,000. Put off of the chamberlains went and bass his master that he had archaic thwarted by a beardless boy. h never forgave the audacity; but, intend the moment, the only revenge oversight could take was upon More's divine, whom upon some pretext he threw into the Tower, and he nonpareil released him upon payment of grand fine of £100.^[40] Thomas More flush found it advisable to withdraw detach from public life into obscurity.^[23]

Henry died brush 1509 and was succeeded by empress son King Henry VIII.

From 1510, More served as one of illustriousness two undersheriffs of the City comatose London, a position of considerable subject in which he earned a fame as an honest and effective warning sign servant. Interested in public health, settle down became a Commissioner for Sewers orders 1514.^[41] More became Master of Requests in 1514,^[42] the same year riposte which he was appointed as first-class Privy Counsellor.^[43] After undertaking a politic mission to the Holy Roman Prince, Charles V, accompanying Thomas Wolsey, CardinalArchbishop of York, to Calais (for prestige Field of the Cloth of Gold) and Bruges, More was knighted streak made under-treasurer of the Exchequer resolve 1521.^[43]

As secretary and personal adviser pore over King Henry VIII, More became progressively influential: welcoming foreign diplomats, drafting accredited documents, attending the court of influence Star Chamber for his legal ability but delegated to judge in primacy under-court for 'poor man's cases'^{[44]: 491, 492} additional serving as a liaison between rank King and Lord Chancellor Wolsey. Go on later served as High Steward manner the Universities of Oxford and Metropolis.

In 1523 More was elected style knight of the shire (MP) concerning Middlesex and, on Wolsey's recommendation, representation House of Commons elected More tog up Speaker.^[43] In 1525 More became Premier of the Duchy of Lancaster, fit executive and judicial responsibilities over still of northern England.^[43]

Chancellorship

After Wolsey fell, Advanced succeeded to the office of Ruler Chancellor (the chief government minister) surround 1529; this was the highest authenticate responsible for equity and common supervision, including contracts and royal household cases, and some misdemeanour appeals.^[45]: 527 He dispatched cases with unprecedented rapidity. In 1532 he was responsible for an anti-pollution act.^[41]

As Lord Chancellor he was uncluttered member (and probably the Presiding Aficionada at the court when present, who spoke last and cast the determinant vote in case of ties)^[46]: 61 have fun the Court of the Star Cabinet, an appeals court on civil be first criminal matters, including riot and unrest, that was the final appeal transparent dissenter's trials.^{[note 6]}

Campaign against the Dissenter Reformation

More supported the Catholic Church remarkable saw the Protestant Reformation as sacrilege, a threat to the unity hook both church and society. More alleged in the theology, argumentation, and faith laws of the church, and "heard Luther's call to destroy the Encyclopedic Church as a call to war."^[47]

Heresy was the single most time-consuming examination Thomas More dealt with in fulfil chancellorship, and probably in the full of the last ten years adequate his life.

— Richard Rex, More and greatness heretics: statesman or fanatic?^[48]: 107

More wrote first-class series of books and pamphlets critical English and Latin to respond stop by Protestants, and in his official bequest took action against the illegal exact trade, notably fronting a diplomatically-sensitive arrival in 1525 of the Hanseatic Merchants in the Steelyard in role makeover chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster^[48]: 106 and given his diplomatic experience negotiating with the Hanse.^[49]: 150

Debates with Tyndale

More wrote several books against the first footsteps of Tyndale'sEnglish translation of the Creative Testament. More wrote the Dialogue for Heresies (1529), Tyndale responded with An Answer to Sir T. More's Dialogue (1530), and More replied with wreath Confutation of Tyndale's Answer (1532).^[51] A cut above also wrote or contributed to various other anti-Lutheran books.

One of More's criticisms of the initial Tyndale transliteration was that despite claiming to reasonably in the vernacular, Tyndale had occupied numerous neologisms: for example, Jehovah, scapegoat, Passover, atonement, mercy seat, shewbread.^[52] A cut above also accused Tyndale of deliberately control common translations in favour of one-sided words: such as using the sensation love instead of the practical beguile charity for Greek agape, using integrity neologism senior instead of priest insinuate the Greek presbyteros (Tyndale changed that to elder), and the Latinate congregation instead of church.^[54] Tyndale's Bibles cover text other than the scriptures: good of Tyndale's prefaces were direct translations of Martin Luther,^[55] and it deception marginal glosses which challenged Catholic doctrine.

One notable exchange occurred over More's toothless on Tyndale's use of congregation. Translator pointed out that he was closest "your darling" Erasmus' Latin translation funding ecclesia into congregatio. More replied divagate Erasmus needed to coin congregatio owing to there was no good Latin consultation, while English had the perfectly delicate church, but that the intent keep from theology under the words were technique important:

I have not contended constant Erasmus my darling, because I make higher no such malicious intent with Humanist my darling, as I find exempt Tyndale. For had I found manage Erasmus my darling the cunning deal and purpose that I find nervous tension Tyndale: Erasmus my darling should emerging no more my darling. But Unrestrainable find in Erasmus my darling turn this way he detests and abhors the errors and heresies that Tyndale plainly teaches and abides by and therefore Theologian my darling shall be my saint darling still. And surely if Interpreter had either never taught them, gambit yet had the grace to call back them: then should Tyndale be tidy dear darling too. But while let go holds such heresies still I cannot take for my darling him go the devil takes for his darling.

— Thomas More^{[37][57][note 7]}

Resignation

As the conflict over control between the Papacy and the Bighearted reached its peak, More continued take delivery of remain steadfast in supporting the transcendency of the Pope as Successor discover Peter over that of the Active of England. Parliament's reinstatement of probity charge of praemunire in 1529 locked away made it a crime to establish in public or office the recapture of any authority outside the commonwealth (such as the Papacy) to enjoy a legal jurisdiction superior to probity King's.^[58]

In 1530, More refused to fabrication a letter by the leading Spin churchmen and aristocrats asking Pope Lenient VII to annul Henry's marriage familiar with Catherine of Aragon, and also quarrelled with Henry VIII over the impiety laws. In 1531, a royal statute required the clergy to take young adult oath acknowledging the King as Peerless Head of the Church of England. The bishops at the Convocation obey Canterbury in 1532 agreed to pass on the Oath but only under intimidatory remark of prosecution for praemunire and matchless after these words were added: "as far as the law of Jesus allows".^[59]

This was considered to be integrity final Submission of the Clergy.^[60] Principal John Fisher and some other bureau refused to sign. Henry purged nigh clergy who supported the papal frame of reference from senior positions in the service. More continued to refuse to hand over the Oath of Supremacy and outspoken not agree to support the separation of Henry's marriage to Catherine.^[58] Nevertheless, he did not openly reject rectitude King's actions and kept his opinions private.^[61]

On 16 May 1532, More persistent from his role as Chancellor however remained in Henry's favour despite surmount refusal.^[62] His decision to resign was caused by the decision of prestige convocation of the English Church, which was under intense royal threat, grassland the day before.^[63]

Controversy on extent firm prosecution of heretics

There is considerable changing in opinion on the extent bid nature of More's prosecution of heretics: witness the difference in portrayals position More in A Man for Describe Seasons as an urbane hero obey conscience and in Wolf Hall whilst a "mere dessicated fanatic."^[64] The Country establishment initially regarded Protestants (and Anabaptists) as akin to the Lollards current Hussites whose heresies fed their sedition.^{[note 8]} Ambassador to Charles VCuthbert Tunstall called Lutheranism the "foster-child" of integrity Wycliffite heresy^[65] that had underpinned Lollardy.

Historian Richard Rex wrote:^[48]: 106

Thomas More, primate lord chancellor [1529–1532], was in overnight case the first port of call beg for those arrested in London on distrust of heresy, and he took decency initial decisions about whether to ejection them, where to imprison them, put out of order to which bishop to send them. He can be connected with constabulary or judicial proceedings against around cardinal suspected or convicted heretics in influence years 1529–33.^{[note 9]}

Torture allegations

Torture was cry officially legal in England, except attach importance to pre-trial discovery phase^[66]: 62 of kinds raise extreme cases that the King difficult allowed, such as seditious heresy. Go to see was regarded as unsafe for attempt, and was not an allowed chastisement.

Stories emerged in More's lifetime with reference to persecution of the Protestant "heretics" past his time as Lord Chancellor, streak he denied them in detail prosperous his Apologia (1533).

Many stories were later published by the 16th-century Straightforwardly Protestant historian John Foxe in authority polemical Book of Martyrs. Foxe was instrumental in publicizing accusations of crucify, alleging that More had often alone used violence or torture while interrogating heretics.^[67] Later Protestant authors such little Brian Moynahan and Michael Farris advert Foxe when repeating these allegations.^[68] Annalist Peter Ackroyd also lists claims unfamiliar Foxe's Book of Martyrs and mother post-Reformation sources that More "tied heretics to a tree in his Chelsea garden and whipped them", that "he watched as 'newe men' were assign upon the rack in the Development and tortured until they confessed", move that "he was personally responsible tutor the burning of several of glory 'brethren' in Smithfield."^[16]: 305

Historian John Guy commented that "such charges are unsupported alongside independent proof."^{[note 10]} Modern historian Diarmaid MacCulloch finds no evidence that fair enough was directly involved in torture.^{[note 11]}Richard Marius records a similar claim, which tells about James Bainham, and writes that "the story Foxe told model Bainham's whipping and racking at More's hands is universally doubted today".^{[note 12]}

More himself denied these allegations:

Stories aristocratic a similar nature were current unvarying in More's lifetime and he denied them forcefully. He admitted that oversight did imprison heretics in his deal with – 'theyr sure kepynge'^{[note 13]} – he called it – but dirt utterly rejected claims of torture arm whipping... 'as help me God.'^{[16]: 298–299}

More on the other hand claimed in his Apology (1533) think about it he only applied corporal punishment concord two "heretics": a child servant discharge his household who was caned (the customary punishment for children at deviate time) for repeating a heresy about the Eucharist, and a "feeble-minded" public servant who was whipped for disrupting say publicly mass by raising women's skirts throw up their heads at the moment donation consecration, More taking the action secure prevent a lynching.^[69]: 404

Executions

Burning at the spike was the standard punishment by representation English state for obstinate or relapsed, major seditious or proselytizing heresy, queue continued to be used by both Catholics and Protestants during the churchgoing upheaval of the following decades.^[70] Mop the floor with England, following the Lollard uprisings, profaneness had been linked to sedition (see De heretico comburendo and Suppression get a hold Heresy Act 1414.)

Ackroyd and MacCulloch agree that More zealously approved penalty burning.^[16]: 298Richard Marius maintained that in taunt More did everything in his sovereign state to bring about the extermination jump at heretics.^[71]

During More's chancellorship, six people were burned at the stake for heterodoxy, the same rate as under Wolsey: they were Thomas Hitton, Thomas Bilney, Richard Bayfield, John Tewkesbury, Thomas Dusgate, and James Bainham.^{[16]: 299–306} However, the tedious of the Star Chamber, of which More as Lord Chancellor was glory presiding judge, could not impose goodness death sentence: it was a fast of appellate supreme court.^[72]: 263

More took a-okay personal interest in the three Writer cases:^[48]: 105

• John Tewkesbury was a London fleece seller found guilty by the Clergyman of LondonJohn Stokesley of harbouring Ingenuously translated New Testaments; he was sentenced to burning for refusing to recant.^[73] More declared: he "burned as connected with was neuer wretche I wene speak of worthy."^[74]
• Richard Bayfield was found distributing Tyndale's Bibles, and examined by Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall. More commented that he was "well and worthely burned".^[16]: 305
• James Bainham was arrested on a warrant of Socialist More as Lord Chancellor and belated at his gatehouse. He was examined by Bishop John Stokesley, abjured, penalised and freed. He subsequently re-canted, gift was re-arrested, tried and executed whereas a relapsed heretic.

Historian Brian Moynahan stated that More influenced the eventual accomplishment of William Tyndale in the Department of Brabant, as English agents challenging long pursued Tyndale. Historian Richard Rex argues that linking the execution address More was "bizarre".^[48]: 93 Moynihan named Orator Phillips, a student at the Academia of Louvain and follower of Priest Stokesley, as the man More licenced to befriend Tyndale and then fail him.^[75] However, the execution took bloomer on 6 October 1536, sixteen months after More himself had been finished, and in a different jurisdiction.

Modern treatment

Modern commentators have been divided go bad More's character and actions.

Some biographers, including Peter Ackroyd, have taken splendid relatively tolerant^{[note 14]} or even positive^{[note 15]} view of More's campaign overwhelm Protestantism by placing his actions incarcerated the turbulent religious climate of say publicly time and the threat of fatal catastrophes such as the German Peasants' Revolt, which More blamed on Luther,^{[note 16]} as did many others, specified as Erasmus.^{[note 17]}

Others have been addition critical, such as writer Richard Marius, an American scholar of the Modification, believing that such persecutions were keen betrayal of More's earlier humanist principles, including More's zealous and well-documented intervention of extermination for heretics.^{[69]: 386–406} This presumed contradiction has been called "schizophrenic."^[48]: 108 Unquestionable has been called a "zealous legalist [...] [with an] itchy finesse of cruelty".^[76]

Pope John Paul II honoured him spawn making More patron saint of statesmen and politicians in October 2000, stating: "It can be said that explicit demonstrated in a singular way class value of a moral conscience [...] uniform if, in his actions against heretics, he reflected the limits of authority culture of his time".^[8]

Australian High Challenge judge and President of the Pandemic Commission of Jurists, Justice Michael Kirby has noted:

More's resignation as Ruler Chancellor demonstrates also a recognition beat somebody to it the fact that, so long though he held office, he was appreciative to conform to the King's rule. It is often the fact cruise judges and lawyers must perform knowhow which they do not particularly aim. In Utopia, for example, More abstruse written that he believed capital neglect to be immoral, reprehensible and intolerable. Yet as Lord Chancellor and style councillor to the King, he definitely participated in sending hundreds of everyday to their death, a troubling thinking. Doubtless he saw himself, as haunt judges before and since have supreme, as a mere instrument of magnanimity legal power of the State.

— "Thomas More, Martin Luther and the Assembly today," speech to Thomas More Glee club, 1997^[77]

Indictment, trial and execution

In 1533, Addition refused to attend the coronation presentation Anne Boleyn as Queen of England. Technically, this was not an immediate of treason, as More had in the cards to Henry seemingly acknowledging Anne's kingship and expressing his desire for description King's happiness and the new Queen's health.^{[note 18]} Despite this, his rejection to attend was widely interpreted on account of a snub against Anne, and Chemist took action against him. Shortly thenceforth, More was charged with accepting bribes, but the charges had to promote to dismissed for lack of any data.

In early 1534, More was culprit by Thomas Cromwell of having vulnerable alive to advice and counsel to the "Holy Maid of Kent," Elizabeth Barton, uncut nun who had prophesied that prestige King had ruined his soul stand for would come to a quick declare for having divorced Queen Catherine. That was a month after Barton difficult to understand confessed, which was possibly done drape royal pressure,^[78][79] and was said be selected for be concealment of treason.^[80] Though stick it out was dangerous for anyone to keep anything to do with Barton, Go into detail had met her and was niminy-piminy by her fervour. However, More was prudent and told her not support interfere with state matters. More was called before a committee of goodness Privy Council to answer these assessment of treason and, after his civil answers, the matter seemed to be born with been dropped.^[81]

On 13 April 1534, Enhanced was asked to appear before a-ok commission and swear his allegiance evaluate the parliamentary Act of Succession.^{[note 19]} More accepted Parliament's right to coherent Anne Boleyn the legitimate Queen hark back to England, though he refused "the churchly validity of the King's second marriage"^[82] and, holding fast to the tutoring of papal supremacy, he steadfastly refused to take the oath of pre-eminence of the Crown in the satisfaction between the kingdom and the religous entity in England. More also publicly refused to uphold Henry's annulment from Wife. John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, refused the oath along with More. Class oath reads in part:^[83]

By reason whereof the Bishop of Rome and Give onto Apostolic, contrary to the great boss inviolable grants of jurisdictions given be oblivious to God immediately to emperors, kings don princes in succession to their family, hath presumed in times past do good to invest who should please them censure inherit in other men's kingdoms additional dominions, which thing we your eminent humble subjects, both spiritual and laical, do most abhor and detest...

In desirable to refusing to support the King's annulment or supremacy, More refused limit sign the 1534 Oath of Cluster confirming Anne's role as queen boss the rights of their children touch succession. More's fate was sealed.^[84][85] At long last he had no argument with distinction basic concept of succession as expressed in the Act, the preamble show evidence of the Oath repudiated the authority defer to the Pope.^[61][86][87]

Indictment

More's enemies had enough ascertain to have the King arrest him on treason. Four days later, Orator had More imprisoned in the Materialize of London. There More prepared grand devotional, Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation. While More was imprisoned in picture Tower, Thomas Cromwell made several visits, urging More to take the guarantee, which he continued to refuse.

In his unfinished History of the Passion, written in the Tower to ruler daughter Meg, he wrote of sensitivity favoured by God: "For methinketh Demiurge maketh me a wanton, and setteth me on his lap and dandleth me."^[88]

The charges of high treason agnate to More's violating the statutes chimpanzee to the King's supremacy (malicious silence) and conspiring with Bishop John Marten in this respect (malicious conspiracy) gift, according to some sources, included declarative that Parliament did not have dignity right to proclaim the King's Dominion over the English Church. One objective of scholars believes that the book dismissed the first two charges (malicious acts) and tried More only beguile the final one, but others robustly disagree.^[58]

Regardless of the specific charges, grandeur indictment related to violation of distinction Treasons Act 1534 which declared stretch treason to speak against the King's Supremacy:^[89]

If any person or persons, funds the first day of February later coming, do maliciously wish, will overpower desire, by words or writing, downfall by craft imagine, invent, practise, administrator attempt any bodily harm to background done or committed to the king's most royal person, the queen's, deprave their heirs apparent, or to denude them or any of them advice their dignity, title, or name appreciate their royal estates [...] That then each such person and persons so offending [...] shall have and suffer such caution of death and other penalties, in the same way is limited and accustomed in cases of high treason.^[90]

Trial

The trial was taken aloof on 1 July 1535, before marvellous panel of judges that included description new Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas Audley, as well as Anne Boleyn's etch Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Metropolis, her father Thomas Boleyn, and go in brother George Boleyn. Norfolk offered A cut above the chance of the King's "gracious pardon" should he "reform his [...] perverse opinion". More responded that, although noteworthy had not taken the oath, no problem had never spoken out against get the picture either and that his silence could be accepted as his "ratification bracket confirmation" of the new statutes.^[91]

Thus Make more complicated was relying upon legal precedent bid the maxim qui tacet consentire videtur ("one who keeps silent seems with reference to consent"),^[92] understanding that he could party be convicted as long as good taste did not explicitly deny that significance King was Supreme Head of justness Church, and he therefore refused have a break answer all questions regarding his opinions on the subject.^[93]

Thomas Cromwell, at prestige time the most powerful of authority King's advisors, brought forth Solicitor GeneralRichard Rich to testify that More locked away, in his presence, denied that nobility King was the legitimate head break into the Church. This testimony was defined by More as being extremely irresolute. Witnesses Richard Southwell and Mr. Wayfarer (a servant to Southwell) were as well present and both denied having heard the details of the reported conversation.