Thomas More

Sir Thomas More, also known as Saint Thomas More in the Catholic Church, was a well-known Renaissance humanist from England who also served as a judge, author, statesman, and social philosopher. From October 1529 until May 1532, he also assisted Henry VIII as Lord High Chancellor of England. In his 1516 book Utopia, he outlines the governmental structure of a fictional island state. More voiced opposition to the Protestant Reformation by launching attacks on the theologies of William Tyndale, Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin. Additionally, others opposed Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church by refusing to recognize him as the head of the Church of England and calling for the dissolution of his union with Catherine of Aragon.

He was found guilty of treason and put to death because he refused to swear the Oath of Supremacy. He reportedly exclaimed, "I die the King's excellent servant, and God's first," as he was being put to death. More was declared a martyr by Pope Pius XI in 1935. He was named the patron saint of businessmen and politicians by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Sir Thomas was one of the most admired individuals in England and Wales at the time. He was undoubtedly the most admired lawyer at the time and may have even been the most admired lawyer ever.