American Toby Jug Museum 

Sir Thomas More character jug modeled by Stanley J. Taylor and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, between 1988-1991. English lawyer, scholar and martyr, Sir Thomas More is best remembered for his classic work, "Utopia", where he presents the concept of the ideal society. Written in 1516, the social and political reforms he introduces in this utopian state are highly satirical, attacking the system which existed at that time. Having joined Henry VIII's Privy Council in 1518, he reluctantly succeeded Thomas Wolsey as Lord Chancellor of the council in 1529. His fervent opposition to Henry's plans to break from Rome and disapproval of his divorce from Catherine of Aragon led him to resign his position in 1532. Two years later, when Henry assumed the head of the English church, More was imprisoned for refusing to recognize any other head than the Pope. In 1535 this scholarly, just man was brought to trial for treason. Despite a brilliant self-defense, Thomas More was convicted on false evidence and beheaded. A window arch and Bible form the handle of the jug. A colorway with a red hat and robe is known to exist.