George Snigge facts for kids
Sir George Snigge (born 1544 or 1545 – died 11 November 1617) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, at different times between 1589 and 1605.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Snigge was the son of another George Snigge, who was the Mayor of Bristol in 1575. A mayor is the head of a city's government.
Young George started studying at Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, in 1564. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1566.
After Oxford, he went to Middle Temple in 1567. This was one of the special schools where people learned to become lawyers. He officially became a lawyer, or was "called to the bar," in 1575.
A Career in Law and Politics
Sir George Snigge had a long and successful career. In 1568, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Cricklade. A Member of Parliament (MP) is someone elected to represent people in the country's government.
He became the Recorder of Bristol in 1593. A Recorder was a judge who advised the city on legal matters.
In 1597, he was elected as an MP again, this time for Bristol. He was re-elected for Bristol in 1601 and again in 1604.
In 1604, he was made a Serjeant-at-law, which was a very senior type of lawyer. Around this time, he was also knighted, meaning he received the title "Sir."
Serving as a Judge
In 1605, Sir George Snigge became a Baron of the Court of Exchequer. This meant he was a judge in a special court that dealt with money matters for the government. He held this important job until he passed away.
In 1608, he took on another big role. He became the Chief Justice of the Great Sessions for three areas: Breconshire, Glamorgan, and Radnorshire. This was another high-ranking judge position, which he held until 1617.
Later Life and Family
Sir George Snigge died in London when he was 72 years old. His body was laid in state for six weeks, which means it was displayed for people to pay their respects.
He was buried on 23 December 1617, in St Stephen's Church, Bristol.
Sir George Snigge was married to Alice Young. She was the daughter of William Young from a place called Ogbourne in Wiltshire.
