Historically Thinking Londoner, Lawyer, Humanist, Husband, Statesman, Saint: The Life of Thomas More, with Joanne Paul
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Jul 2, 2025 
Joanne Paul, an Associate Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Sussex, shares insights on the enigmatic Thomas More. She explores More's complex identity as a lawyer, humanist, and saint, revealing how each era interprets his legacy differently. The conversation covers his early life in turbulent London, the rise of humanism, and his profound commitment to civic responsibility. Paul's analysis of 'Utopia' contrasts More's idealism with 16th-century realities, spotlighting his moral stand against tyranny during his tumultuous relationship with Henry VIII.
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More's Humble London Origins
- Thomas More was born in a less fashionable, working-class area outside London Wall, not in the wealthy center as often thought.
- His childhood during the Wars of the Roses shaped his fear of civil strife and love for civic stability.
Death Shapes More's Mindset
- The omnipresence of death shaped More's worldview, teaching lessons of equality beyond wealth or status.
- He saw closeness to death as a positive, contrasting modern disassociation with mortality.
Father's Role in More's Education
- More's father used legal and administrative connections to secure More's education from grammar school to Oxford.
- This sponsorship was essential in launching More's career and exposure to Renaissance humanism.
