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Thomas More was born in London 1478, studied and practiced law, and entered parliament 1504. In 1515 More took on various advisaory and diplomatic tasks for Henry VIII and in 1518 helped write against the heretical teachings of Martin Luther, appointed to the Privy Council and knighted. Later he became the Speaker of the House of Commons and Lord Chancellor in 1529. Three years later, things changed when he tangled with Henry over divorce and he resigned his post, citing ill-health. By refusing to attend the coronation of Anne Boleyn and refused to swear to the Act of Succession and the Oath of Supremecy he sealed his fate and was beheaded in July 1533.