4th+Period+-+Thomas+More

=4th Period - Thomas More=

By: Jamison D.

Date of birth: February 7,1478

Location of birth: London, England

Parents’ names: John More and Agnes Granger

Family background: Thomas More' s father was a successful judge. Thomas More was also the eldest of his brothers. In 1505 he married Jane Colt who gave him three daughters and a son. The names of these children were Margaret, Elizabeth, Cicely, and John. Thomas More tutored Jane because she barely got a good education. Jane Colt died in 1511. Some say she died of childbirth although the theory was never proved. Thomas More then married a rich widow named Alice Middleton who had a daughter from her previous marriage.

Date of death: July 6,1535

Location of death/grave: Chapel of Saint Peter-ad-Vincula Tower of London, Greater London, England

Education: Thomas More studied language at Oxford University but then came back to London and studied law. After studying law he became a successful lawyer. Thomas More was a lawyer when he was thinking about becoming a monk and entering a religious life. After four years of studying a group of Carthusian monks, he returned to being a lawyer. Thomas More joined parliament in 1504.

Career: Thomas More was not only a lawyer but a religious statesman and English scholar. In 1518 Thomas More earned a position as royal counselor for King Henry VIII. He also was knighted in 1521 and Thomas More eventually was made a lord chancellor and was known as the highest legal adviser.

Legacy: Thomas More was known for is Latin and English writings. His most known book was "Utopia" written in Latin and was about freedom in new land. Thomas More' s longest book was " The Confutation of Tyndale's Answer" and was a religious book about church. In 1533 he was no longer allowed to publish books because he had gone against the king. Thomas More was declared a saint by the Pope on May 19, 1935 in London. Additional/Interesting information: In 1524 Thomas More built the Great House in Chelsea. It held a chapel, library, and a gallery. Thomas More was a christian humanist. King Henry VIII wanted a divorce against Catherine of Aragon and wanted power over the Pope and the church. Thomas was against the idea and was imprisoned. He was beheaded for treason on July 6, 1535. In 1935 the Pope declared that Sir Thomas More was a saint for his accomplishments. It is said that he was brave for dying for the Christian faith.

Sources Cited (Thomas More – 4th Period)

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