Discover how the heroic witness of this sixteenth-century lawyer made him an internationally recognised example of moral courage and our patron.
Born in London in 1478, St Thomas began his career as a successful practitioner at Lincoln's Inn. He served as an active Member of Parliament and diplomat for King Henry VIII.
St Thomas rose to prominence, becoming Speaker of the House of Commons and later Lord Chancellor of England, the highest legal office in the land. His legal career was marked by his life-long reputation for integrity, fairness and dedication to justice.
St Thomas was deeply devoted to his family. Despite the demands of his responsibilities in the service of the Crown, he maintained a close-knit household, raising his children in a culture of faith and education. He insisted on his three daughters being educated to the same level as his son, an unusual decision at the time.
St Thomas was a devout Catholic and his commitment to his faith and principles became evident during the turbulent times of the English Reformation.
St Thomas served as a trusted counsellor to King Henry VIII and held various positions in his government. However, St Thomas faced a moral dilemma when King Henry VIII sought an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn for a male heir. The Pope refused to annul the marriage and Henry took matters into his own hands.
Discontent with the lack of papal approval for his divorce, Henry initiated the English Reformation and in 1534, the Act of Supremacy declared Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, effectively separating the English Church from the authority of the Pope. This set the stage for the conflict that would ultimately cost St Thomas his life.
St Thomas firmly believed in the indissolubility of marriage and the authority of the Pope as the head of the Catholic Church. Unable to accept the King’s actions, he resigned as Lord Chancellor. He steadfastly refused to support the King’s annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon or the supremacy and refused to swear the 1534 Oath of Succession.
St Thomas was imprisoned in the Tower of London for approximately 15 months. During his time in the Tower, he was subjected to interrogations, and efforts were made to persuade him to recognise the king's supremacy and break with the Catholic Church. More, however, remained steadfast in his refusal and, despite the challenging conditions of imprisonment, he continued to write and correspond with supporters, including his family.
On July 6, 1535, he was executed by beheading. His final words, as recounted by witnesses of his execution, have since become well known:
St Thomas was famously called a ‘man for all seasons’ by his contemporary, Robert Whittington, because of his integrity, intellect and moral character.
His legacy endures as one of England's greatest thinkers, scholars and Renaissance humanists, remembered for his steadfastness in the face of political upheaval. It is no wonder that today innumerable schools, churches and societies bear his name.
Revered as a model for all, but particularly lawyers and statesmen, he exemplifies the importance of upholding moral and ethical standards in the practice of law and all areas of life. His example and legacy continue to inspire those in the legal profession to prioritise justice, integrity and the pursuit of truth.
The Thomas More Society is a space of connection, fellowship and prayer for Catholics in legal professions. We exist to unite and support Catholics working in law.