In 1535, More was imprisoned in the Tower of London for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as Supreme Head of the Church of England. He remained silent on the matter, hoping that silence would not constitute treason. In the end, Rich provided the key testimony against More, claiming that he had heard More deny the King’s supremacy in a private conversation.
More denied this accusation outright and even commented, chillingly: "In faith, Mr. Rich, I am more sorry for your perjury than for my own peril." It is this moment that has immortalized Rich as a betrayer.
Historians have debated the veracity of Rich’s testimony. Some argue that it was likely perjury—a deliberate lie to ensure More’s execution. Others note that Rich had little to gain personally from lying, suggesting that perhaps he misremembered or exaggerated the exchange. Regardless, the damage was done. More was executed, and Rich’s name became synonymous with opportunistic treachery.
The Bishop Fisher and Cromwell’s Fall
Rich’s testimony also helped seal the fate of Bishop John Fisher, another opponent of Henry’s religious reforms. Like More, Fisher refused to accept the royal supremacy and was executed in 1535. Once again, Rich’s name was associated with betrayal.
Ironically, Rich’s mentor, Thomas Cromwell, would later meet a similar fate. Rich, ever the survivor, played a role in Cromwell’s downfall as well, helping distance himself from the discredited minister when Henry’s favor turned. This pattern—of aiding the destruction of others to secure his own position—became a defining aspect of Rich’s reputation. shutdown123