St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More was born in London in 1478. He was grounded in religion and the classics before studying at Oxford to become a lawyer, and later entering Parliament. He married Jane Colt and they had four children before she died. He then married Alice Middleton. Thomas More is famous for authoring the book “Utopia”. He was a reformer who wrote extensively in defence of the Church. In church art or stained glass, St. Thomas More is usually dressed in the robes of a chancellor, and is sometimes shown with an axe. His refusal to render allegiance to the King (Henry VIII) as the Head of the Church of England resulted in his imprisonment in the Tower of London. Fifteen months later, in 1535, at the age of 57, he was beheaded. The courage and steadfastness with which St. Thomas More maintained his religious convictions throughout his imprisonment, trial and execution, have contributed greatly to his reputation, and there are numerous institutions of learning and schools named after him. His feast day is June 22nd and he is the patron saint of lawyers, politicians, civil servants and adopted children. If you would like a stained glass window of St. Thomas More in your school hallway, or church library, or in your study at home, we will be happy to assist you in choosing a suitable design. Please contact us for more details.