The Aftermath of Sir Thomas More's Martyrdom: A Family's Struggle and Resilience

After Sir Thomas More's martyrdom in 1535, his family faced a series of challenges that tested their commitment to their values and faith. This article explores the tribulations and resilience of the More family in the tumultuous aftermath of Sir Thomas's execution.

Social and Financial Consequences

Following Sir Thomas's conviction and execution, his properties and wealth were confiscated by King Henry VIII. This led to a significant financial strain on the family, as they struggled to maintain their status and support themselves after losing their father's income and estate. Despite these hardships, the family demonstrated remarkable perseverance.

The Role of Margaret More

Margaret More, Sir Thomas's daughter, was deeply affected by her father's death. She had a close relationship with Sir Thomas and felt immense grief. Margaret married William Roper, a devout Catholic, who helped her preserve her father's legacy and the family's Catholic faith. Together, they worked to maintain their family's religious beliefs, even in the face of persecution.

Religious Persecution

The family faced increased scrutiny and potential persecution due to their Catholic beliefs. This became even more pronounced during the reign of King Henry VIII, who was consolidating power and suppressing dissent against the Church of England. Nevertheless, Margaret More Roper and William Roper continued to uphold their faith, navigating the complex and often harsh political and religious landscape of the time.

Despite the socio-political challenges, the More family managed to keep Sir Thomas's memory alive. His writings and the stories of his life have been preserved for posterity, ensuring that his legacy endures.

Legacy and Influence

While the immediate aftermath of Sir Thomas More's martyrdom was difficult, his family remained committed to his values and faith. They continued to support one another and maintain their Catholic beliefs, even when faced with potential persecution.

Financial and Property Issues

The family's financial stability was further complicated by changes in property ownership. Sir Thomas's properties were seized and sold, but his children had married well and maintained their social standing. Sir Thomas had intended for his children and their spouses and children to live together, but they spread out and each married into wealthy families. This included John More, who married Anne Cresacre, Margaret More, who married William Roper, and Elizabeth who married William Dauncey. All three men were lawyers, and their fathers held positions in Henry VIII's legal staff.

Despite the family's adherence to Catholicism, none of them suffered major consequences for their father-in-law's arrest and execution. However, John More was arrested a few years later, possibly due to his connections to the northern uprising. William Roper was also uted, and Margaret More Roper died nine years after her father's execution. Her severed skull was placed in a cage over her coffin in the Roper family vault in St. Dunstan's Church.

A dispute arose between the Ropers and Alice More, Sir Thomas's widow, regarding her claim to dower property at Chelsea. Contemporaneous accounts suggest that Henry VIII was merciful and allowed Alice to either claim the property as dower or for the Ropers to purchase a third part of the Chelsea estate.

Exile and Return

Margaret Giggs, Sir Thomas's sister, and her husband, Doctor John Clement, were among those who faced religious persecution. They had the More family's former London house in the Bucklersbury district. However, they chose to leave London and go into exile at the English Catholic College/Seminary in Louvain. This move appears to have been prompted by the interrogations and trials of John and Margaret More. The Clements, along with Margaret's son-in-law Sir Thomas More's nephew William Rastell, eventually moved to Mechlin/Malines when the seminary relocated.

Margaret Clement died in 1570, and John Clement in 1572, marking the end of their long journey in exile.

In conclusion, the More family's resilience and adherence to their faith during a time of profound religious and political upheaval reflect the enduring strength and legacy of Sir Thomas More.