The biography of Sir Thomas More (d. 1535); written by his son-in-law; William Roper (d. 1578); during the reign of Queen Mary (r. 1553-58); is reputedly the earliest personal biography in the English language. This page describes More's trial in 1535 for opposing the religious reforms of Henry VIII.According to Roper; More invoked the first clause of Magna Carta; regarding the freedom of the English Church; in his defence. Quoting the relevant clause; More informed the court that Henry's reforms were 鈥榗ontrary both to the ancient Lawes; & Statutes of our owne Realme; not then repealed; as they might well see in Magna Carta'. Although composed by Roper in the 1550s; this politically sensitive biography was not published until 1626 by the English Jesuits at Saint-Omer; with the deliberately misleadingimprint 鈥楶aris'.Paris; 1626.From: The Mirrour of Vertue in Worldly Greatnes; or; the life of Sir Thomas More; etc. [Edited by T. P.].G. 1580; page 154London; British Library.