Giffin Wilson facts for kids

Sir Giffin Wilson (born 1766 – died 4 August 1848) was an important English lawyer, judge, and politician. He played a role in the legal system and government during his time.

Early Life and Education

Giffin Wilson was the oldest son of Edward Wilson. His father was a church leader in a place called Binfield, in Berkshire, England. Edward Wilson was also a teacher to a very famous person, William Pitt the Younger, who later became a Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Giffin Wilson followed in his father's footsteps by getting a good education. In 1782, he joined Lincoln's Inn. This was a special place in London where people studied to become lawyers. After years of study, he officially became a lawyer in 1789. This is called being "called to the bar."

Legal Career and Achievements

After becoming a lawyer, Giffin Wilson started working in the legal field. In 1793, he became a commissioner dealing with bankruptcies. This meant he helped manage cases where people or businesses couldn't pay their debts.

His hard work and knowledge were recognized. In 1801, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group that honors top scientists and thinkers. It was a big achievement for him.

Later in his career, Giffin Wilson continued to rise in the legal world. He became a Master in Chancery. This was a senior legal position in the English court system. Because of his important contributions, he was knighted in 1823. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

Political Journey

Besides his legal work, Giffin Wilson also entered politics. In 1808, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Great Yarmouth. An MP is a person elected to represent their area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament. He supported the government at the time.

However, his political career at Great Yarmouth did not last long. In 1812, he lost the election and was not re-elected as an MP. This happened after his supporter, Harbord Harbord, 1st Baron Suffield, passed away. A "patron" was someone who supported a politician, often financially or with influence.

Even after leaving Parliament, Sir Giffin Wilson continued to serve in important roles. He became a vice-chancellor for the County Palatine of Lancaster and later for Chester. These were judicial positions, meaning he continued to work as a judge in these areas.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sir Giffin Wilson passed away on 4 August 1848, at the age of 82. He had been married twice during his life. His first wife was Ann, who was the daughter of Peter Crachet Jouvençal. Later, he married Harriet, the daughter of General George Hotham. Sir Giffin Wilson had a daughter with Harriet, but sadly, his daughter died before him.