St Thomas More and English Reformation

The Birth of Thomas More

Feb 7, 1478

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm He was born in London on the 7th of February, 1478. He was the son of a successful English lawyer and Jusge, John More, and a woman named Agnes More. Thomas More was the only surving son of Justice John More.

The life of Thomas More

Period: Feb 7, 1478 to Feb 7, 1935

Thomas More attends Oxford University

Jan 1, 1492

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm Thomas More studied Greek and Latin Literature at the Oxford University. During the period of time in which he studied at Oxford, Thomas More began to attract more attention to him self especially attention from the Archbishiop due to his intellect.

Acceptance into Law

Jan 1, 1494

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=324 After He finished his course at Oxford University, Thomas More left Oxford and returned to London where he was accepted to study Law at Lincoln's Inn.

Graduation

Jan 1, 1501

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=324 Thomas More Graduated from Lincolns Inn in 1501 and became a Barrestor. The fact that Thomas More became a Lawyer really contributed to the English Reformation and the Reformation of the Catholic church as he was really involved in religious and political matters.

Marriage to Jane Colt

Jan 1, 1505

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm In 1505, Thomas More married his beloved. They had four children together. Jane Colt passed away during child birth.

Second Marriage to Alice Middleton

Jan 1, 1506

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm
Very soon after his late wife, More remarried a woman named Alice Middleton. She was a devoted housewife that took care of his younger children

Thomas More Becomes an Undersherif of London,

Jan 1, 1510

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/thomas_more.htm In 1510 Thomas More became one of the two undersherifs of London. Being an Undersherif allowed Thomas More to develop a reputation in both law and politics.

The developing Relationship of More and King Henry

Jan 1, 1516

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/thomas_more.htm In 1516 Thomas More published "Utopia". This peice of writing definatly strengenthened the relationship of Thomas More and King Henry. After two years, in 1518, King Henry initiated Thomas More as a member into the Kings Council.

More Challenges Luther on behalf of King Henry

Jan 1, 1521

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm
In 1521, Thomas More was Knighted by King Henry. King Henry also asked More to reply to the "99 Theses" by Martin Luther. Firstly, This stirred up alot of controversy, as More, being a man of solid religious background, agreed that there were some parts of the Catholic church which should be modernised, However, he believed that it was up to the Church to make those decisions.

Elected Speaker of the House of Commons

Jan 1, 1523

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm
After the publication of Utopia, King Henry grew fond of Thomas More. This then greatly influenced the election of the Speaker of the House of Commons in the Kings Council.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Jan 1, 1529

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/thomas_more.htm
Thomas More reached the height of his carrer as he was apointed as Lord Chancellor. As Chancellor it was his role against heretics. He wrote many pamphlets against heresy and banned unorthadox books.

Resignation from High Post

May 1, 1532

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/thomas_more.htm
In May 1532 Thomas More resigned from his post as Lord Chancellor. There have been many rumors on why he had resigned from such a high post. Thomas More claimed resignation due to "illness". However others believed that More disaproved King Henry's stance towards the church.

More refuses to swear on the Act of Supremecy

May 1, 1534

http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/supremacy.htm
In 1534, King Henry decided to pass a bill around to allow him to hold the title as the "supreme head of church." Thomas More was most definatly against this, as he believed that the head of the church is Rome.

The Execution of Thomas More

Jul 6, 1535

http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/morebio.htm
On this date, Thomas More was trialed and found guilty for high treason. He was sentanced to be be-headed on the tower of London along his college Bishop Fisher. The last words of the amazing Thomas More were as follows "The King's good servant, but God's First."

Beatification

Jan 1, 1866

http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/morebio.htm
He was Beatified in 1866

Canonization

May 19, 1935

http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/morebio.htm
Saint Thomas More was canonized 400 years after his death by Pope Pius XI.