As this refusal to accept Henry's wishes was the final straw for the king and his friendship with More, things went downhill fast. On this day in 1534, the 17th of April, Thomas More was escorted to the Tower of London and imprisoned there. Can you imagine how this must have felt? For a man who had been the closest friend of the king, one of his most trusted companions... to suddenly fall so far! Records indicate that Thomas More was fully aware of what might happen to him. His letters to his family showed his confidence in his decision to reject the Act of Succession, and his determination to stick to his convictions. Being locked in a jail cell in the Tower of London was certainly not a good way to pass the time, but it was better for Thomas than pretending he agreed with something he didn't. Surely, he knew the consequences could be grave for him and his family, but he faced the future with bravery and resignation. During his imprisonment, he wrote devotions and read scripture - at least until it was ordered that his books and papers be taken away from him. Thomas Cromwell also made several visits to More's cell, beseeching him to take the oath and succumb to His Majesty's will. Still, Thomas More refused.
He would remain a prisoner in the Tower of London, suffering conditions that would grow steadily worse, until his execution the following year in July 1535.