Permission Sought to Exhume Thomas More’s Head 500 Years After it was Put on Display
The year was 1535. The political turmoil in England was at its peak, and Sir Thomas More, one of the most prominent statesmen of the time, was caught in the middle. Known for his unwavering principles and staunch Catholic beliefs, More refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England. This act of defiance ultimately cost him his life as he was executed for treason. But that was not the end of his story. In a final act of humiliation, More’s head was put on a pike on London Bridge for all to see.
Fast forward 500 years, and the story of Thomas More’s head has resurfaced once again. A group of academics, historians, and descendants of More have come forward seeking permission to exhume his head from a vault in Kent. This bold move has sparked controversy and debate, with opinions divided on whether it should be allowed or not. But one thing is for sure, it has reignited interest in the life and legacy of this remarkable man.
The request for exhumation has been made to St. Dunstan’s Church in Canterbury, where More was buried after his execution. It is said that More’s family retrieved his body and buried it at the church, while his head remained on London Bridge as a warning to others who dared to go against King Henry VIII’s wishes. It was eventually removed and has since been passed down through the family line.
The group behind the request includes More’s great-granddaughter, The Hon. John More, and a team of experts from the University of Leicester, who have been given the task of identifying and studying the remains. Their aim is to honor More’s legacy by giving him a proper burial, befitting of a man who was once one of the most respected statesmen in England. But for this to happen, they need the Church’s permission to exhume the remains.
Some may question the need for such an undertaking after all these years. But we must remember that Sir Thomas More was not an ordinary man. He was a man of great intellect, integrity, and courage who stood up for his beliefs until the very end. This act of defiance against a powerful king was seen as a threat to the Tudor regime, and his execution was meant to serve as a warning to others. However, his legacy has lived on, and his ideas and values are still relevant in today’s world.
Exhuming More’s head would also give us the opportunity to learn more about his final moments and the circumstances surrounding his death. It could provide valuable insights into the political climate of the time and the events leading up to his execution. Moreover, it would allow us to honor his memory and give him the respect he deserves, even after 500 years.
But the decision to exhume his remains is not without its opponents. Some argue that disturbing the remains of a historical figure could be seen as disrespectful and unnecessary. However, it is essential to remember that the request has been made with the utmost respect and reverence for More’s legacy. The intention is not to defile his remains but to give him a proper burial in accordance with his Catholic faith and to shed light on his remarkable story.
In the end, the decision lies with the Church. But regardless of the outcome, the request to exhume Thomas More’s head has already sparked a conversation about his life and legacy. It has reignited interest in a man who has long been a symbol of courage and integrity, and it has brought attention to an important period in English history. For that, we should be grateful and supportive of this endeavor.
As we wait for the Church’s decision, we cannot help but feel a sense of anticipation and admiration for Sir Thomas More. His unwavering principles, his devotion to his faith, and his courage in the face of adversity are qualities that we can all aspire to. Let us honor his memory by giving him the proper burial he deserves, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
