James Knight-Bruce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Knight-Bruce
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| Lord Justice of Appeal in Chancery | |
| In office 8 October 1851 – 7 November 1866 |
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| Appointed by | Lord John Russell |
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| Born | 15 February 1791 Barnstaple |
| Died | 7 November 1866 (aged 75) Roehampton Priory, Surrey |
| Resting place | Cheriton, Kent |
Sir James Lewis Knight-Bruce (born James Lewis Knight; 15 February 1791 – 7 November 1866) was an important English lawyer, judge, and politician. He was known for his work in the legal system, especially in courts dealing with fairness and property.
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Sir James Knight-Bruce's Early Life
James Lewis Knight was born in Barnstaple, England, on 15 February 1791. He was the youngest son of John Knight and Margaret Bruce. He went to school at King Edward's grammar school in Bath and Sherborne School. After leaving school in 1805, he spent two years studying math. Then, he started training to become a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer, in London.
In 1812, he joined Lincoln's Inn, one of the places where lawyers are trained.
Becoming a Lawyer and Judge
On 21 November 1817, James Knight became a barrister, a lawyer who argues cases in court. He first worked on cases in Wales. Soon, he started focusing on cases in the Court of Chancery. This court dealt with fairness and property disputes, which were often very complex.
In 1829, he became a King's Counsel, a special title for experienced barristers. This meant he was a top lawyer. He often argued against another famous lawyer, Sir Edward Sugden, until Sugden became a very important judge in Ireland.
Knight-Bruce in Politics
James Knight was also interested in politics. He was a member of the Tory party. In 1831, he was elected to Parliament for a small area called Bishop's Castle. However, his time in Parliament was short because that area lost its right to have a Member of Parliament due to the Great Reform Bill. This bill changed how people voted in England.
In 1834, he received an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. He also spoke in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament, about important laws like the Municipal Reform Bill.
In 1837, James Knight added "Bruce" to his last name, becoming Knight-Bruce. This was to honor his mother's family.
His Judicial Career
Sir Robert Peel appointed Knight-Bruce as one of two new Vice-Chancellors in 1841. This meant he became a judge in the Court of Chancery. He was also knighted, which gave him the title "Sir." In 1842, he became a member of the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the King.
He took on more duties, becoming the chief judge for bankruptcy cases. He also helped manage Lincoln's Inn, where he had studied law. In 1843, he helped lay the foundation stone for a new hall and library there.
In 1851, a new court was created called the Court of Appeal in Chancery. Lord John Russell chose Knight-Bruce and Lord Cranworth to be the first Lords Justices in this court. Sir James Knight-Bruce served in this important role for almost 16 years.
He was also a member of important groups like the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Royal Society. These groups recognize people who are experts in history and science.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir James Knight-Bruce died suddenly on 7 November 1866, at Roehampton Priory in Surrey. He was buried in Cheriton, Kent churchyard. His wife had passed away just seven months before him.
He was known for trying to make legal processes faster and simpler. He wanted to avoid long discussions about small technical details. Some of his ideas for reform were later adopted, even if they were not accepted at first. He also served on the judicial committee of the Privy Council, which is a high court that hears appeals from different parts of the British Empire.
Sir James Knight-Bruce's Family
On 20 August 1812, James Knight married Eliza Mountford Newte. They had several children together.
