Edward Bolton facts for kids

Sir Edward Bolton (1592–1659) was an important judge who was born in England. He worked for many years as the top legal advisor for the government in Ireland, a job called the Solicitor General for Ireland. Later, he took over from his father, Sir Richard Bolton, to become the main judge of the Irish financial court, known as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

Early Life and Education

Edward Bolton was the only son of Richard Bolton and his first wife, Frances Walter. He was born in England, probably at his family's home in Fenton, Staffordshire. He was baptized on October 5, 1592, in St Mary's Church, Stafford. When Edward was about twelve years old, his father moved their family to Ireland.

Edward went to Trinity College Dublin, which is a famous university. After that, he studied law at two special schools in London, Clement's Inn and Lincoln's Inn. He officially became a lawyer in 1616.

A Career in Law

When Edward was just 30 years old, on December 5, 1623, he was chosen to be the Solicitor General for Ireland. This was a very important legal job, and he held it for 17 years. In 1636, he was made a knight in Dublin by Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford. Being knighted meant he was given the title "Sir." Strafford was a very powerful leader in Ireland at the time, and Edward's father was one of his biggest supporters.

In 1639, Edward's father became the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, which was the highest legal position. Edward then took his father's old job as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. He often traveled around the country, especially in the northwest, to serve as a judge.

During the time of the English Civil War, there were many problems. Edward's powerful supporter, Strafford, faced serious accusations and was removed from his position. Because of these troubles, Edward also lost his job as a judge. He spent the years 1642 to 1644 back in England. However, he later found a way to work with Oliver Cromwell, who became a very powerful leader in England. Edward served as a judge in the High Court of Justice from 1652 to 1653. He passed away in 1659 and was buried in St. Bride's Church, Dublin.

Family and Home

In 1637, Sir Edward Bolton was given a large piece of land called Lissenhall, which was close to Dublin. He also bought another important estate called Bective, County Meath. His main home was Brazil House, located near Swords, County Dublin. Sadly, most of this house was destroyed by a fire in 1810, though some parts of the ruins remained until 1978.

Edward married Isabella Ayloffe. Her father, William Ayloffe, was also a lawyer. Edward and Isabella had four children: Nicholas, Edward, Anne, and Mary. Nicholas's family continued to live at Brazil House until it was destroyed in 1810. Anne, through her second husband, Alexander Pigott, became an ancestor of the Pigott Baronets, a family with a special title. Dudley Loftus, a famous scholar who studied languages and cultures from the Middle East, married one of Edward's granddaughters, Frances Nagle, who was Mary Bolton's daughter. Isabella, Edward's wife, died in 1674.