This week we mark the birthday of St Thomas More, who was born in his parents’ home at Milk Street in London, just a few steps from the Guildhall. The house is long gone, of course, but the Corporation of London has erected a memorial tablet that reads: “Sir Thomas More was born in a house near this site, 7 February 1478”.
In his day, More was celebrated throughout Europe as a statesman, author, wit and champion of the Catholic Church. Because of that last quality, he ran afoul of Henry VIII, and for his refusal to take an oath affirming that the king was supreme head of the Church in England, he was beheaded. Today he is venerated as a saint and martyr, but what about his family – who were they? And who were his descendants?
