George Smith (died 1658) facts for kids
George Smith or Smyth was an English lawyer who lived in the 1600s. He played a role in the government during a time of big changes in England and Scotland.
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Who Was George Smith?
George Smith was born in Kirdford, a village in Sussex, England. His father was named John Smith. We know that George was born around 1603, because he was 16 years old when he started college.
Early Life and Studies
In 1619, George began studying at Trinity College, Oxford, which is a famous university. After his college studies, he went on to become a lawyer. By 1633, he was a barrister-at-law at Gray's Inn. A barrister is a special type of lawyer who can argue cases in higher courts. Gray's Inn is one of the four professional associations for barristers in London.
Working for the Government
George Smith became an important person in the government. In 1652, he was chosen to be a commissioner for justice in Scotland. This meant he helped make sure that laws were fair and properly followed in civil matters across Scotland.
His Time in Parliament
George Smith also served in the Protectorate Parliament. This was the main law-making body in England during a period when the country was not ruled by a king. He represented different areas in Scotland.
- From 1654 to 1655, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Midlothian.
- Then, from 1656 until he passed away, he represented the area of Dumfries.
This shows he was involved in important decisions for both England and Scotland.
A Life of Service
George Smith died on September 26, 1658. He passed away in Inverness, Scotland, while he was traveling for his work as a commissioner. He dedicated his life to law and public service during a very interesting time in British history.
