Saint Thomas More was an English lawyer, philosopher, and statesman who lived during the 16th century. He is best known for his book, Utopia, which describes an ideal society based on reason and justice. More served as Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII but later opposed the king's separation from the Catholic Church, leading to his imprisonment. More was executed in 1535 for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1935 and is celebrated as a martyr for his faith and principles.