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Portrait: Hans Holbein the Younger

Oil-on-panel portrait of Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527) Thomas More was a lawyer and political figure in 16th century England, best remembered as Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor. St. Thomas More was an influential shaper of modern thought, introducing the term Utopia with his novel by the same name, and at the same time a devout Catholic, even embracing ascetical practices such as the use of a hair shirt. He became increasingly firm in his Catholic religious convictions and fell into disfavour with Henry VIII over his refusal to accept Henry as the head of the Church of England. This in turn lead to More's execution at the Tower of London in 1535. On the 400th anniversary of his execution, More was declared a Saint.