WORLD OF ENGLISH

Thomas More was born on 7 February 1478 in London, the son of a successful lawyer. He later studied at Oxford, and qualified as a lawyer, although he did contemplate becoming a monk. Being a strong believer in the Roman catholic faith, More had no high thoughts of the British King Henry as the latter wanted to end his marriage. Henry's wife had only been able to carry and give birth to baby girls, who in time would be unable to take over the throne of England. But as the church of England was catholic, and knowing that divorce is not an option according to catholic faith, Henry saw no other option than to break ties with Rome and instead join with the rising Lutherian church.

More opposed the King's plans and began to write critical pieces against Henry's plans to divorce. More was arrested tried for treason at Westminster and on 6 July 1535 was executed on Tower Hill.

 

One of his famous pieces can be read

 

Level of difficulty: HIGH