Sir Thomas More and Martyrdom

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[ruthcollins]

I love More's quote just before he is beheaded " I die the King's good servant, but God's first".

[renshiwu]

Buckingham faced the axe, Wolsey faced the axe, Fisher faced the axe, More faced the axe, Cromwell faced the axe, Norfolk and son faced the axe - his son, Surrey, died; he, Norfolk, lived because Henry VIII predeceased him. Wolsey and Cromwell never ceased to be the King's creatures. Buckingham, Norfolk and son were self-interested noblemen who conceivably threatened the King's position. If you must die at the hands of the King, better to die for a higher purpose, like Fisher, More, and also Becket. Your life can be taken from you, your morality never can be but of you own choosing.

[supercrusader]

As a lawyer and a Catholic, I've always found More fascinating.
Inspiring history presented in Dr Starkey's compelling style. Always a pleasure.

[davidprobert]

Listening to David starkey helps me lots with my biopilar disorder keeps me carm and seem to be able to connect with events David teaches us in. I thank you very much new member to your club 🇬🇧💙

[marinaknife]

Such a luxury & a rarity - in these present days - to listen to the informed perspectives of Dr Starkey - beautifully orated - accessible intelligent historic accounts about the heritage & history of our country - wonderful. Clearly a case where "wokery" worked in the public's favour. Love that latter irony!

[ruthcollins]

I still enjoy watching A Man for All Seasons, with Paul Scofield as More and Robert Shaw as Henry.

[suzannetevlin]

Brilliant! I've always liked More because he educated his daughters, and female wards, to the same level as his sons. I like that in a man. Thanks, Dr. Starkey.

[zoobee]

I can think of no greater pleasure than seeing a new David Starkey video to enjoy on a Friday night after a tiring week at work. I shall have a glass of wine or two and enjoy. Thank you David xXX

[stellakowalski]

I’ve always loved this from A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS:

“When a man takes an oath, Meg, he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water (he cups his hands) and if he opens his fingers then, he needn't hope to find himself again. Some men aren't capable of this, but I'd be loathe to think your father one of them.”

Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons

[richardsmith]

Dr Starkey reveals More's tragic dilemmas with knowledge and sympathy. 40 worthwhile minutes on the net is rare.

[gnupf]

When I was a boy here in Germany, like many other youths, I was a member of the KJG ( Catholic youth). It wasn't very religious though but Thomas Moore (Thomas Morus for us) was it's patron saint. We were never told anything about the man. Now I know. Thank you.

[eddiecorrigan]

Saint Thomas More. Thank you for sharing.

[adrianlawrence]

I think if David had been a historical consultant on A Man For All Seasons he would have made it an even greater film.🎥🎬😂

[Redrosewitch]

I didn't realise Henry had known More since childhood. Well that certainly explains why he relied on his advice so much. Until More started to not do what Henry wanted. No wonder he was so inspired by Beckett.

[jumaris]

Sir Thomas More will always have my respect . A man with absolutely integrity Principles and Honor. I’m sure you are in a place where you are respect value & love . Thanks for you videos they are very much appreciate . Greetings from California. 💕

[renshiwu]

When Michelangelo was crafting a statue of Pope Julius II, Julius offered this suggestion: "Put a sword there [in my statue's hands, rather than a scroll], for I know nothing of letters."

[AntPDC]

The Lord Chief Justice says: "if it's an Act of Parliament, it's good enough". Then Dr Starkey says: "a classic position of English Common Law". I hope David will forgive me, but an Act of Parliament is *Statute Law* - a very different animal from English Common Law, which derives from centuries of judicial precedent and basic humanist principles of natural justice - one could even call it "common sense". Indeed, Sir Thomas More could not have been condemned under English Common Law (which was eventually adopted by the United States and countless other jurisdictions around the World). It was *Statute Law* which sent him to his death. Aside from this, yet again a wonderfully insightful account. Many thanks.

[Redrosewitch]

Thanks Dr Starkey. You always bring a new perspective to these famous figures whose stories we've heard so often, ones that make them feel fresh again. And get us thinking.
I'd certainly hate to be in the positions of either Thomas Beckett, John Fisher or Thomas More. Because what dilemmas they faced.

Didn't Henry II make Beckett Archbishop of Canterbury, because he was so sure that his old friend would always side with him? But then, of course, Archbishop Beckett realises that he might be the king's friend, but his Master is actually God. And he can't serve two Masters.

And then looking at the history between Henry VIII and Thomas More. It's not to be wondered at that such as especially egotistical and selfish monarch would assume that More would never say 'no' to him.
But Henry find that there's a rival that he can't win against, and that's God. Thomas More believes that his king wants him to agree to something that goes against God's Will. And he can't do it.

But imagine the fear of knowing that you stand to lose something, whichever way you turn. Say 'no' to the king and you're a traitor which means death. Say 'no' to God and you're a heretic, which means Hell and Damnation.

[alancumming]

Thank you Dr Starkey. You not only make me think - but make me rethink.

[ScruffyTubbles]

Dr Starkey's delivery is brilliant. This is like having your own personal seminar tutor at Cambridge.

Best Wishes DS.