Henry de Hambury facts for kids

Henry de Hambury was an important English judge who lived a long time ago, around the 1300s. He held high positions in the legal system in both England and Ireland. For a short time, he was even the top judge in Ireland, called the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland.

Early Life and Beginnings

Henry de Hambury was the son of Geoffrey de Hambury. His family came from a place called Hambury, which is now known as Hanbury, Worcestershire, in England.

When he was younger, Henry was a supporter of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Thomas was a very powerful noble at the time. Because of his connection to Thomas, Henry received a special forgiveness from the King. This was called a royal pardon. It happened in 1318, with the approval of the English Parliament meeting in York.

His Career as a Judge

Henry de Hambury began his official career as a judge in Ireland. In 1324, he was appointed as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas (Ireland). This court dealt with legal disagreements between ordinary people.

Just one year later, in 1325, Henry was promoted. He became a judge in the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). This court handled more serious cases and those involving the King's interests. Soon after, he was made the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. This was the highest judicial position in Ireland.

However, his time as Chief Justice was brief. In 1326, another judge named Richard de Willoughby took over the role. Henry then returned to his previous position in the Court of Common Pleas.

Moving to England

In 1327, Henry de Hambury was the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Soon after, he moved back to England. In 1328, he became a judge in the English Court of King's Bench. This was a very important court in England.

He also had other duties. He was put in charge of hearing cases about forests in several English counties. These included Gloucestershire, Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, Wiltshire, and South Hampshire.

Later Life and Legacy

Henry de Hambury likely retired from his judging duties before 1338. However, he was still alive many years later, in 1352. Records from that time mention him in connection with Worcestershire. He had gained ownership of the abbey of Bordesley in that county back in 1324.

In 1346, Henry also founded a special chapel, called a chantry, in Hambury. This was a place where prayers could be said regularly.