This conference aims at discussing the relations between the English humanist, lawyer and politician Thomas More (1478-1535) and the Universal monarchy of the first Spanish Habsburgs along the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries. We believe that, within the frame of Anglo-Spanish relations during the period, Thomas More played a role that came to be decisive in the cultural and geo-political evolution of both communities.

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We welcome proposals (250-300 words) in English or Spanish for 20 minutes papers on the following areas of research:

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1. Thomas More’s reception of the Spanish Empire/Spaniards. It is through More’s writings and his personal relations with Catherine of Aragon, Charles V or Juan Luis Vives that we may trace his attitude towards Hispanitas. On the one hand, he admires Spanish culture, its supremacy and its staunch defense of Catholicism, but as an Englishman he also sees Spaniards as the Other, both ethnically and culturally.

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2. When Thomas More was elected chancellor of England (1529), the Imperial diplomacy of Charles V saw him as a supporter of Queen Catherine (the Emperors’ aunt) against Henry VIII. More’s thought, his life and death had a strong impact in Spain, particularly after his execution in 1535. The humanist’s reputation as author and scholar spread in different circles (literary authors, Erasmian thinkers, translators,…). Furthermore, he was often presented as an icon of religious and political resistance to Protestant England.

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3. Thomas More’s idealization did not take place only in England or in Peninsular Spain, but particularly in the Netherlands, a territory which belonged to the Crown of Spain until the Peace of Westphalia (1648). It was there that the English Catholics (many of which were Mores relatives and friends) took shelter during the 1540s and 1560s. Also there two official biographies of More were composed by authors intimately associated to these circles. Around his figure (and under the support of the crown and the papacy), a Catholic identity (in the exile and against the Tudors) was formed. On the other hand, many of these exiles joined the Society of Jesus and returned secretly to England (some of them after being trained in Spain) in order to restore Catholicism.

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Any other topics for proposals might be considered if they are of interest to the scientific committee.

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Proposals must be sent to thome_20@ujaen.es and should also include a biographical note (100-150 words), as well as institutional affiliation, postal address, and e-mail address.

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Furthermore, we are proud to announce that a relic of St. Thomas More is preserved at the Parroquia del Salvador de Baeza, in the custody of the Real Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Columna y María Santísima de la Salud, Amargura y Esperanza, “Nuestra Señora de las Lágrimas” de Baeza.

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Looking forward to meeting you all, we wish you the best.

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The Organizing Committee

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Download the full Call for Papers  by clicling the image