What public role did Thomas More hold in London from 1510 to 1518?

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Portrait of Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger, showing More in dark robes and a black hat, wearing a gold chain of office, seated against a green and yellow draped background. — Thomas More *Sir Thomas More*, oil on panel by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1527; in the Frick Collection, New York City.

From September 1510 to July 1518, Thomas More served as one of the two undersheriffs of London.1

Often described as the "pack-horses of the City government," the undersheriffs played a vital role in local administration. During his tenure, More earned the affection and respect of the Londoners, who viewed him as an impartial judge, a disinterested consultant, and a general patron of the poor. He eventually resigned from this City office in 1518 to enter the full-time service of the king.12