The BRUTAL Execution Of Thomas More

One of the most prominent Tudor figures during the reign of King Henry VIII was Thomas More. He was an scholar, writer and renaissance man, and his works Utopia and The History of Richard III were celebrated works. During the reign of King Henry, he was very close to the King becoming the Lord Chancellor. He was a man who was very true to his own religion and beliefs though, which contributed greatly to his downfall.

During Thomas More's tenure of Chancellor, he was a prominent politician but also accusations of torture and ill-treatment were levelled at him. He was accused of using violence against suspected heretics and using the Rack inside the Tower of London to interrogate suspects. He did order a number of burnings of Protestants. When the King claimed supremacy over the Church, More had an issue though as he did not support Henry in this. He maintained that the Pope was in control of the church. He also refused to support Anne Boleyn's Queenship, and refused to attend her coronation.

The reason he did this was because himself he was a strong Catholic, and he refused to support the King in these two key policies. The fact he didn't attend Anne's coronation was a slap in the face to the King, and for this he was imprisoned. Whilst inside the Tower of London, he was approached to recant and support the King but refused. Because of this, he was sentenced to death and was beheaded on Tower Hill in front of a huge crowd. He was one of the most influential members of Henry's court, however met his end at the sharp blade of the axe.

So join us today as we look at the 'Brutal Execution of Thomas More.'

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Music: 'I am a man who will fight for your honour. by Chris Zabriskie'

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[Irisheddy]

"The smartest man in the kingdom is Thomas More, and he's against me" ~ Henry VIII

[PInkW]

“I die the Kings good servant, but Gods first.”
St Thomas More

[PInkW]

“Fill your mind with good thoughts
or the devil will fill it with bad.”
St Thomas More

[jnnyism]

“I do ask for the kings mercy for I am not a brave man” you were braver than you ever knew.

[Ratatoskr_]

I'm a descendant of St. Sir Thomas. He was true to his king, but he was also faithful to his beliefs.

[michaelnewton]

“Be not afraid of your office. You send me to God.”

[michaelpaparelli]

Is it me or do the period of the Tudors make Game of thrones look like an episode of sesame street? Lol!

[uptonsavoie]

Now a retired lawyer, when in practice I kept a picture of St. Thomas More on the wall of my law office. My first son was baptized Thomas More.

[fabianwylie]

A man of a true standing and back bone, wouldn’t see this in a currant government or even the royal family

[shoutinghorse]

Little did Anne Boleyn know that she only had a year left to live herself.

[JB-cgjr]

Wow! I did ancestry DNA, made a tree, and this man is my 11th great grandfather! Couldn't believe it after doing all the research. Thanks for making this video!

[rnklv]

Depending on the actions/mood of King Henry VIII, being at "court" could be dangerous, even a friend, trusted, advisor and "Man for all Seasons" was not safe.

[donallally]

Absolutely so indeed, those times were brutal and awful and very corrupt, and those who were involved in the death of St Thomas More, all were executed accordingly, God bless his Holy Soul

[Ian]

Thomas Moore was canonised in 1935 by the Roman Catholic Church, and apparently nemed patron saint of statesmen in 2000. Why is that not mentioned?

[jinzo]

"Thomas More? More like Thomas No-More." - Henry VIII (probably).

[chrisbrown]

One account describes the executioner as being close to tears and begging
forgiveness....More placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said
"Thou canst do me no greater benefit in this world, pluck up thy spirit
man and be not afraid to perform thine office...."

[PInkW]

There was about 20 Catholic bishops at the time of Henry taking over the church in England.
Only one stood up to him
St John Fisher • pray for us

[dawni]

As much as I think I would have loved court life I think I'd opt out and stay in the country

[raulcarmello]

Beheaded with just one blow, Thomas was a lucky man, the number of blows depended on the executioner's mood towards the victim, it was a show off, to kill with just one blow was the equivalent of Mike Tyson ending the fight in the first round, no fun for the crowd.

[kr]

This kind of brutality was common everywhere around the world at the time not just England.