Letter from Thomas More to King Henry VIII, written at his home in Chelcith (Chelsea),...

Thomas More (1478-1535) Lord Chancellor (1529-32), author, philosopher, humanist and Reformation martyr; letter asks the king to remember the promise of his favour made when he resigned the chancellorship and stating that he had written the truth to Thomas Cromwell regarding Elizabeth Barton whom More describes as a 'wykked woman'; Elizabeth Barton (c.1506-34) the 'Holy Maid of Kent', executed 20 April, 1534, for making prophecies regarding King Henry's divorce and remarriage plans; letter had no effect and 5 weeks later, More was imprisoned in the Tower of London; Thomas Cromwell (1485-1540) Henry VIII's chief minister (1532-40); facsimile from 'Facsimiles of Royal, Historical & Literary Autographs in the Department of Manuscripts', British Museum, 4th series, printed for the Trustees, 1898; Cotton MS.Cleopatra E.vi.,f.176.;