Cyril Asquith, Baron Asquith of Bishopstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Asquith of Bishopstone
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| Lord of Appeal in Ordinary | |
| In office 23 April 1951 – 24 August 1954 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord MacDermott |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Somervell of Harrow |
| Lord Justice of Appeal | |
| In office 13 February 1946 – 23 April 1951 |
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| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Morris |
| Justice of the High Court | |
| In office 28 March 1938 – 13 February 1946 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Samuel Porter |
| Succeeded by | Sir Frederic Sellers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 February 1890 London, England |
| Died | 24 August 1954 (aged 64) London, England |
| Spouse |
Anne Stephanie Pollock
(m. 1918) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
Cyril Asquith, Baron Asquith of Bishopstone (1890–1954) was an important English judge. He was also a Privy Councillor, which means he was a trusted advisor to the King or Queen.
Cyril Asquith became a top judge called a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. He held this position from 1951 until he passed away three years later. He was the youngest child of H. H. Asquith, who was once the Prime Minister of Britain.
Cyril Asquith studied at Balliol College, Oxford, just like his father. He then served in the British Army during the First World War. After the war, he became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer.
Later, he became a judge in the High Court in 1938. He was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 1946. In 1951, he joined the House of Lords as a senior judge. That same year, Winston Churchill offered him the job of Lord Chancellor, but he decided not to take it.
Many people thought Cyril Asquith was one of the smartest judges. Even though his early career as a lawyer wasn't super famous, he quickly became a very respected judge.
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Cyril Asquith's Early Life and Education
Cyril Asquith was born in Hampstead, London, on February 5, 1890. He was the fourth son and youngest child of H. H. Asquith. His father later became Prime Minister.
Cyril's mother, Helen Kelsall Melland, sadly passed away in 1891. This was just a year after he was born.
Friends called him "Cys." He went to Summer Fields School and then Winchester College. He was a very good student and won scholarships.
He then studied at Balliol College, Oxford. He earned top grades in his studies, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Raymond.
While at Oxford, he won several important scholarships. In 1913, he was chosen as a fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford. This is a special honor for a student.
Cyril was a quiet person. He didn't join the Oxford Union like his brothers. The Oxford Union is a famous debating society.
Military Service and Legal Beginnings
When the First World War started in 1914, Cyril Asquith joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the London Regiment. He eventually reached the rank of captain.
From 1916 to 1918, he worked for the Ministry of Munitions. He was not sent to fight abroad because of his health. For a time, he worked with the British War Mission in the United States.
After the war, in 1920, Cyril Asquith became a barrister. This means he could argue cases in court. He trained in the offices of William Jowitt.
William Jowitt later became Lord Chancellor. He was the one who suggested Cyril Asquith for promotions to higher courts. Cyril's law practice was not huge, but he worked hard.
From 1925 to 1938, he also taught law. In 1936, he became a Queen's Counsel, which is a senior lawyer. He was also elected to the Liberal Party Council in 1936.
Cyril Asquith's Judicial Career
Cyril Asquith became a judge in the High Court on March 28, 1938. He was assigned to the King's Bench Division. He also received a knighthood, so he was known as Sir Cyril.
His appointment surprised some people because his career as a lawyer wasn't super famous. The chief judge, Lord Hewart, gave him some big criminal trials. He wanted to see how Asquith would do.
Cyril Asquith was very good at explaining the law to juries. This made him successful in criminal cases. However, some people thought he was sometimes too easy with his sentences.
During the Second World War, Asquith gave advice to King George VI. He also led several important groups. For example, he chaired a committee about higher education in colonies. He also led a Royal Commission on equal pay.
After the war, in 1946, he was promoted again. He became a Lord Justice of Appeal. He also joined the Privy Council.
On April 23, 1951, he became a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. This is one of the highest judicial positions. He was also given the title Baron Asquith of Bishopstone. This made him a life peer, meaning he could sit in the House of Lords.
In October 1951, Winston Churchill offered him the job of Lord Chancellor. This was a big surprise to Cyril Asquith. He didn't have much political experience and wasn't in good health.
Even though his family wanted him to accept, he said no. He felt he wasn't strong enough for such a demanding role. He passed away suddenly at his home in London on August 24, 1954.
Cyril Asquith's Legacy
Cyril Asquith was known for his brilliant mind. Many people, including Lord Chancellor Simon, thought he was one of the smartest judges.
One judge, Lord Jowitt, said that Asquith had the "best brain" among the judges. He believed Asquith would do even better in a team setting.
Asquith was a careful judge. In one famous case, Candler v. Crane, Christmas & Co. (1951), he stuck to traditional legal rules. He was not afraid to be called "timorous" (meaning cautious) for his approach.
His judgments were known for being clear and well-written. They showed his deep knowledge of the law and his love for literature.
Cyril Asquith also wrote several books. He wrote about trade union law. He also co-wrote a biography of his father, H. H. Asquith. He also translated poems into Latin.
Family Life
Cyril Asquith married Anne Stephanie Pollock in 1918. Her father was Sir Adrian Donald Wilde Pollock. Anne was also the great-granddaughter of a famous judge, Sir Frederick Pollock, 1st Baronet.
Cyril and Anne had four children: two sons and two daughters. Their younger daughter, Rose Asquith, married John Stephenson in 1951. He also became a very respected judge.
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of Cyril Asquith, Baron Asquith of Bishopstone. The motto "Sine Macula Macla" means "Spotless."
