Why did he marry Anne More: Unraveling the Story of Sir Thomas More and His Two Marriages

Why did he marry Anne More: Unraveling the Story of Sir Thomas More and His Two Marriages

The question "Why did he marry Anne More?" often arises when discussing the life of Sir Thomas More, the renowned English lawyer, statesman, and author of "Utopia." However, the phrasing itself can be a bit misleading. Sir Thomas More was married twice, and his second wife was not named Anne More, but rather **Alice Alington**, or more commonly known as **Lady Alice More**. It's possible there's a common confusion or a specific historical detail that leads to the name "Anne More." Let's delve into the circumstances surrounding both of Sir Thomas More's marriages to understand his marital choices.

Sir Thomas More's First Marriage: Jane Colt

Sir Thomas More's first wife was **Jane Colt**. They married in 1505, and she was significantly younger than him, reportedly around 17 years old at the time of their union. The reasons for this marriage, as with many historical unions, were likely a combination of personal affection, family considerations, and societal expectations of the era.

• Affection and Companionship: While historical records don't provide intimate details of their courtship, it's reasonable to assume there was a degree of affection and a desire for companionship. More was known for his intellectual prowess and deep moral convictions, and finding a suitable partner would have been important for his life and career.
• Family and Social Standing: Jane Colt came from a respectable family. Marrying her would have been a socially appropriate choice for a rising lawyer like More. Such unions often helped solidify familial alliances and social networks.
• Desire for a Family: More desired to have children. Jane Colt bore him four children: Margaret, Elizabeth, Cecily, and John. This desire for a family was a significant factor in many marriages of that period.

Sadly, Jane Colt died relatively young, in 1511, likely due to complications following childbirth. This left Sir Thomas More a widower with four young children.

Sir Thomas More's Second Marriage: Alice Alington (Lady Alice More)

Following the death of Jane Colt, More remarried in 1511, this time to **Alice Alington**. This is where the name "Anne More" might cause confusion, as it is not directly associated with his wives. Alice Alington was a wealthy widow, and her social standing and financial resources likely played a role in More's decision to marry her.

• Practical Considerations and Widowhood: After Jane's death, More was left to raise his children alone. Marrying Alice Alington provided a mother figure for his children and also brought stability and resources to his household. She was older than More and had been previously married and widowed.
• Companionship and Support: While their relationship is often described as somewhat intellectual and even sparring in nature, there is evidence of genuine affection and mutual respect. Alice Alington was known for her practicality and strong personality, qualities that would have been valuable in managing a busy household and supporting More's demanding career.
• "Utopia" and His Philosophy: In his famous work, "Utopia," More explores ideal societies. While not a direct reflection of his personal life, his writings often reveal his thoughts on marriage, family, and the ideal roles within a household. His second marriage to Alice Alington, a more mature and experienced woman, might have offered a different perspective on partnership than his first, younger wife.
• Caring for His Children: Alice Alington took on the responsibility of caring for More's children, ensuring they received a good upbringing and education, which was a priority for More.

It's important to note that More's decision to marry Alice Alington was a practical one, typical of the times for a widower with a young family. While perhaps not a passionate romantic union in the modern sense, it appears to have been a successful and supportive partnership for both individuals.

Why the confusion with "Anne More"?

The confusion surrounding the name "Anne More" might stem from several sources:

• Mistaken Identity: It's possible that in some historical accounts or retellings, a name has been misremembered or conflated.
• Inclusion of Other Family Members: The More family was extensive, and it's conceivable that an "Anne" might have been a relative or associate whose name became linked through some tangential connection.
• Fictional Portrayals: In modern dramatizations or fictional accounts of Sir Thomas More's life, creative liberties might be taken, leading to variations in names.

However, based on established historical records, Sir Thomas More's wives were Jane Colt and Alice Alington. The "why" behind his marriages is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of societal norms, personal desires, family responsibilities, and practical considerations common to his era.

Sir Thomas More's life was characterized by profound intellectualism and unwavering moral conviction. His choices in marriage, like his other decisions, were likely guided by a blend of pragmatism, duty, and a desire for a stable life that would allow him to pursue his scholarly and public service endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sir Thomas More marry twice?

Sir Thomas More married twice primarily due to the death of his first wife, Jane Colt, in 1511. After being widowed with four young children, he remarried within months to Alice Alington, a wealthy widow. This second marriage provided him with a mother figure for his children and stability for his household.

Who was Sir Thomas More's first wife and why did he marry her?

Sir Thomas More's first wife was Jane Colt. They married in 1505. The reasons for their marriage likely included affection, societal expectations, and the desire to start a family. Jane Colt bore him four children before her untimely death.

Who was Sir Thomas More's second wife and why did he marry her?

Sir Thomas More's second wife was Alice Alington, also known as Lady Alice More. He married her in 1511, shortly after the death of his first wife. This marriage was likely driven by practical considerations, such as needing a mother for his children and the financial and social stability she offered as a wealthy widow.

What was the nature of Sir Thomas More's relationship with his second wife, Alice?

While not always depicted as a passionate romance, Sir Thomas More's relationship with Alice Alington appears to have been one of mutual respect and companionship. Historical accounts suggest a practical and supportive partnership, with Alice being a strong and capable manager of their household.