Alice More facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice, Lady More
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Portrait of Alice More by Hans Holbein
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| Born | 1474 |
| Died | 1546 or 1551 |
| Spouse(s) | John Middleton Thomas More |
| Children | 3; only 1 survived infancy (Alice) |
Alice, Lady More (born Harpur; 1474–1546 or 1551), also known as Dame Alice Moore, was an important woman in Tudor England. She was the second wife of Sir Thomas More, who served as Lord Chancellor of England. This was a very high position, like being the King's chief advisor and judge.
Her Early Life and First Marriage
Alice Harpur was born in 1474. Her parents were Sir Richard Harpur and Elizabeth. She first married a merchant named John Middleton. They had three children together. Sadly, only one daughter, also named Alice (born 1501), lived past infancy. John Middleton died in 1509, which made Alice a young widow.
Life with Sir Thomas More
Alice married Sir Thomas More in 1511. He had recently lost his first wife, Jane. Thomas More had four children, and he wanted a step-mother for them. Alice's daughter, Alice, was raised by Thomas More as his own. Alice and Thomas More did not have any children together.
Historians believe that Thomas More knew Alice and her family well before they married. This is why they married quickly after his first wife's death. Alice was also considered wealthy because her first husband left her all his property. Her family also owned land.
The More family lived in London. Later, they moved to a large home built in Chelsea. Alice was known for loving animals. She especially liked her dogs and had a pet monkey.
Later Years and Challenges
Alice was married to Sir Thomas More from 1511 until 1535. In 1535, Sir Thomas was executed. He was found guilty of treason because he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy. This oath would have meant he agreed that King Henry VIII of England was the head of the Church, not the Pope. Thomas More disagreed with this.
While Sir Thomas was held in the Tower of London, Alice was in charge of managing his affairs. After his execution, the family's property was taken away. This made the last years of Alice's life very difficult and poor. The King allowed her a small payment of £20 each year starting in 1537.
Alice's death date is often said to be April 1551, but some records say 1546. Her daughter Alice had many children, so Alice, Lady More, has many descendants today.
Her husband, Sir Thomas More, was later recognized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1935. He was seen as a martyr for his beliefs during the time when the Church of England separated from Rome.
