Alexander Denton (judge) facts for kids
Alexander Denton (born August 14, 1679 – died March 22, 1740) was an important British lawyer and politician. He served in the British House of Commons, which is like a main part of the UK's Parliament, between 1708 and 1722. He also served in the Irish House of Commons from 1709 to 1715.
Early Life and Family
Alexander Denton was the second son of a man also named Alexander Denton. His mother was Hester Herman. His father was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Buckingham from 1690 to 1698. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in Parliament.
Young Alexander went to school in Buckingham in 1694. Later, he studied at St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 1697. He then joined Middle Temple in 1698 to study law. He officially became a lawyer in 1704. He was the younger brother of Sir Edmund Denton.
A Career in Law and Politics
Alexander Denton became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Buckingham in 1708. This was after a general election where people voted for their representatives. He also served as an MP in the Irish House of Commons for Carrickfergus from 1709 to 1713.
He was elected as an MP for Buckingham again in 1715. In 1720, he became a "Bencher" at Middle Temple, which is a senior position for lawyers there. In 1722, he was elected as an MP once more. However, he soon left Parliament to become a Justice of the Common Pleas. This meant he became a judge in one of the highest courts in England. He served as a judge until he passed away.
Family and Final Years
In 1716, Alexander Denton married Catherine Bond. She came from Sundridge, Kent. This marriage was helpful for him financially. Catherine passed away in 1733. Alexander Denton himself died on March 22, 1740.
He did not have any children. His brother also did not have children. Because of this, Alexander's property and belongings went to his nephew, George Chamberlayne. Alexander Denton and his wife are buried together in Hillesden Church. There is a large monument there, created by the artist Henry Cheere, which was ordered after his wife's death.
