About this episode

This episode explores the complex legacy of Thomas More in relation to his defiance of Henry VIII.

Thomas More lived by the mantra, 'I am the King's good servant, but God's first'. He would also die by it. His defiance at Henry VIII's break with Rome would be his salvation, and his destruction. In this episode of our series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman is joined by historian Dr Joanne Paul to examine the truth behind Thomas More's legacy. Was he a saintly man of conscience in a court filled with grasping politicians, or a self-righteous heretic hunter? And what does his story tell us about Henry VIII? Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tracy and Joanne in the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace. Read more about Sir Thomas More's life and legacy .

People in this episode

Host: Tracy Borman

Guest: Dr Joanne Paul

Topics covered

• Thomas More
• Henry VIII
• historical legacy
• defiance
• politics
• religion

Keywords

• Thomas More
• Henry VIII
• defiance
• historian
• legacy
• court politics
• religion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Historic Royal Palaces

Places: Hampton Court Palace

More episodes of Historic Royal Palaces Podcast

• What Happened to Anne Boleyn's Family After Her Fall? · June 10, 2026 · 53 min
• Growing Up in the House of Boleyn · June 3, 2026 · 52 min
• Thomas Cromwell - Architect of the Reformation? · May 20, 2026 · 1h 4m

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