Edward Atkyns (politician) facts for kids

Sir Edward Atkyns (born around 1630, died October 1698) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the English Parliament in 1660. Later, he became a very important judge, serving as the Chief Baron of the Exchequer from 1686 to 1689.

Life of Sir Edward Atkyns

Early Life and Education

Edward Atkyns was the younger son of Sir Edward Atkyns. His family lived in Hensington and Albury Hall in Hertfordshire. He studied at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge in October 1646. He then joined Lincoln's Inn, a famous place for studying law, in 1647. He became a lawyer in 1653.

Early Career in Law and Politics

In 1656, Atkyns became a J.P. for Woodstock and Hertfordshire. A J.P. is like a local judge who helps keep the peace.

In 1660, Atkyns was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Woodstock. This was during a special Parliament called the Convention Parliament. He also worked as a commissioner for legal cases in London and other areas. From 1660 to 1661, he helped with taxes in Oxfordshire.

In November 1660, he was given a special right to be the only one who could publish law books for 40 years. This is called a monopoly. He continued to help with taxes in Hertfordshire until 1680. From 1661 to 1662, he was the recorder (a type of judge) for Woodstock. In 1669, he inherited the Albury estate after his father passed away.

Becoming a Judge

In 1675, Atkyns became a special lecturer at his law school. In 1679, he was made a serjeant-at-law, which was a high rank for a lawyer. Because he was known for being a good lawyer and for being welcoming, he was made a judge. On June 22, 1679, he became one of the Barons of the Exchequer. He was then knighted on June 26, 1679, which means he was given the title "Sir."

Important Trials and His Role

As a judge, Sir Edward Atkyns was involved in some important trials. In 1680, he heard the case of Thomas Thwing and Mary Pressicks. They were accused of plotting against King Charles II and trying to change the country's main religion. In his summary to the jury, Atkyns was fair and balanced. Mary Pressicks was found not guilty. Thomas Thwing was found guilty.

Later that year, he was one of the judges for the trial of William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford and other Roman Catholic noblemen. They were accused of very serious crimes against the country. In this trial, he agreed with his fellow judges that sometimes the law, which usually needed two witnesses for a crime like treason, could be bent a little.

Chief Baron and Resignation

On April 21, 1686, the Chief Baron, William Montagu, was removed from his job. This happened because he would not agree that King James II had the power to ignore certain laws. Sir Edward Atkyns was then promoted to Chief Baron of the Exchequer.

After the change in power in 1688, when William III became king, Sir Edward Atkyns refused to take new oaths of loyalty to the new king. Because of this, he had to resign from his important job. His older brother, Sir Robert Atkyns, was then appointed in his place.

Later Life

After leaving public life, Sir Edward Atkyns moved to his home in South Pickenham, Norfolk. Even though he still supported the previous king, James II, he was kind to everyone. He helped settle arguments between his neighbours and was well-liked by everyone.

Sir Edward Atkyns passed away in London around the age of 68. He died because of a kidney stone.

Family Life

Sir Edward Atkyns married Elizabeth Lucy on December 9, 1656. She was the daughter of Francis Lucy. They had two sons and seven daughters together.