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More (SIR THOMAS an English)

SIR THOMAS, an English statesman; born in London, England, John More, a judge of the Court of King's Bench. A portion of his youth Feb. 7, 1478. He was the only son of Sir was spent in the family of Cardinal Morchancellor; and he was then sent to Oxton, Archbishop of Ca Canterbury, ton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and ford, and afterward entered at Lincoln's Inn. He had already formed an intimate About 1502 he became a member of Parand lasting friendship with Erasmus and lasting friendship with Erasmus.

House of Commons to treat all questions liament, upholding the privileges of the of supply as their own exclusive business. On the accession of Henry VIII. he was made under-sheriff of London. In 1514 he was envoy to the Low Countries, soon after a privy-councillor, and in 1521 was knighted. In 1523 he became speaker of the House of Commons, and in 1529 succeeded Wolsey in the chancellorship. When Henry began his attacks on the papal supremacy More supported the old system. Henry marked his matrimonial views. He was requested him out for vengeance as an opponent of to take the oath to maintain the lawful- His refusal led to his committal to the ness of the marriage with Anne Boleyn.

Tower and execution, July 6, 1535. His chief work is the "Utopia" (in Latin), a philosophical romance describing an ideal commonwealth.