The Untold Love Story: Delving into Thomas More's Dearest Meg

In the pages of history, many tales of love have been etched forever. But amidst the chaos and grandeur of those stories, some might have faded away into obscurity. One such touching tale is that of the renowned English statesman, philosopher, and author, Sir Thomas More, and his dearest daughter, Margaret More Roper, fondly called Meg. Their bond went beyond the ordinary, fueled by admiration, intellect, and the indomitable spirit of love.

The Remarkable Thomas More

Sir Thomas More, a man of great principle and conviction, was born in London on February 7, 1478. He grew up to become a lawyer, judge, and eventually Lord Chancellor of England, serving under King Henry VIII. More was not only known for his legal prowess but also for his remarkable intellect and love for intellectual pursuits.

During his career, More penned numerous influential works, such as "Utopia," which served as a blueprint for an ideal society based on communistic principles. He was a devout Catholic and staunchly adhered to his religious beliefs, even when they clashed with the controversial acts of Henry VIII. Later in his life, More's refusal to acknowledge the King's separation from the Catholic Church led to his tragic downfall.

A Daughter's Love: Thomas More & His Dearest Meg

by John Guy (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3855 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Meg - The Light of More's Life

Among the many treasures in Thomas More's life, none shone as brightly as his beloved daughter, Meg. Born on August 6, 1505, to Thomas More and his wife, Jane Colt, Meg grew up in a household teeming with intellectual curiosity and unwavering devotion to family. She showed exceptional intelligence from a young age, much like her father, and became a profound scholar in her own right.

Meg received an extensive education, unusual for women of her time. Under her father's guidance, she accumulated knowledge in literature, languages, theology, and philosophy. Her remarkable grasp of Latin impressed many scholars and poets of the era. Ambitious and driven, Meg's thirst for knowledge knew no bounds, and her father was her greatest mentor and cheerleader.

A Cherished Father-Daughter Bond

The relationship between Thomas More and Meg was far from ordinary. They shared a unique intellectual connection that transcended the boundaries of traditional familial devotion. More, recognizing his daughter's intellect, nurtured and encouraged her pursuits at every step, treating her as an intellectual equal.

Their discussions often delved deep into the realms of theology, philosophy, and literature. Meg's sharp wit and wisdom mirrored her father's, making it clear that the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. In an era where women's opinions were often disregarded, More championed his daughter's intellectual contributions, raising eyebrows and earning respect within their scholarly circles.

But it wasn't just their shared intellectual pursuits that fortified their bond. Their mutual love and admiration enabled them to navigate the challenges of life with unwavering support. In times of tumult, Meg was a pillar of strength for her father, her love providing a respite from the weight of political strife.

The Tragic Downfall and Inspiring Legacy

As fate would have it, More's refusal to acknowledge Henry VIII's authority over the Church of England led to his imprisonment and subsequent execution on July 6, 1535. Humbled but unbowed, he faced his end with the same unwavering faith and conviction he had lived by.

Meg, devastated by the loss of her father and mentor, fought relentlessly to preserve his legacy. She was a devoted keeper of his manuscripts and works, ensuring their survival for future generations. Her love for her father and his ideas fueled her mission, solidifying her role as his most ardent supporter even after his death.

Throughout her life, Meg married twice, bore children, and faced her own share of hardships. Despite the challenging circumstances, her love for her father remained unwavering. She continued to honor his memory, further cementing their unique bond.

The Enduring Love Story

The story of Thomas More and his dearest Meg is a testament to the power of love, intellect, and intertwined destinies. Their relationship, built on mutual respect, admiration, and shared intellectual pursuits, transcended societal norms and continues to inspire the world today.

Thomas More's contributions to literature, philosophy, and political theory make him immortal in the annals of history. However, it is his deep and abiding love for his daughter, Meg, that adds a uniquely human dimension to his legacy. Their love story, often overshadowed by the more dramatic events of More's life, is a reminder that amidst the grandeur of history, emotions and family are what truly endure.

As we explore the pages of history, let us not forget the profound love of Thomas More and his dearest Meg, a love that shines through the annals of time, reminding us of the indomitable power of the human heart.

A Daughter's Love: Thomas More & His Dearest Meg

by John Guy (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3855 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Whitbread Award–winning author of Queen of Scots presents a “brilliantly observed” dual biography of Sir Thomas More and his daughter (The New York Times).

Sir Thomas More’s life is well known: his opposition to Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, his arrest for treason, his execution and martyrdom. Yet a major figure in his life—his beloved daughter Margaret—has been largely airbrushed out of the story. Margaret was her father’s closest confidant and played a critical role in safeguarding his intellectual legacy. In A Daughter’s Love, John Guy restores her to her rightful place in Tudor history.

Always her father’s favorite child, Margaret was such an accomplished scholar by age eighteen that her work earned praise from Erasmus of Rotterdam. She remained devoted to her father after her marriage—and paid the price in estrangement from her husband. When More was thrown into the Tower of London, Margaret collaborated with him on his most famous letters from prison, smuggled them out at great personal risk, and even rescued his head after his execution.

Drawing on original sources that have been ignored by generations of historians, Guy creates a dramatic new portrait of both Thomas More and the daughter whose devotion secured his place in history.