James Marriott facts for kids

Sir James Marriott (born October 29, 1730 – died March 21, 1803) was an important British judge, politician, and scholar. He was known for his work in one of Britain's highest courts. He handled many legal cases about ships and the British Navy. He also wrote a helpful book about American law for lawyers.

Sir James Marriott's Life

Early Life and Education

James Marriott was born on October 29, 1730. When he was 15, in June 1746, he went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, a famous university. He finished his studies there in 1751. At first, he wanted to work in the church. However, in 1755, he decided to study law instead. This might have been because his stepfather, who was a very good lawyer, encouraged him.

Starting a Career in Law

James Marriott spent three years working as a librarian. He worked for the Duke of Newcastle. After this, he joined the College of Advocates. This was a group of expert lawyers. He then started his legal career. During this time, he wrote two books about law.

While working for the Duke of Newcastle, James Marriott became good at talking to important people. This helped him get a job collecting land taxes in Suffolk. But he didn't do much more until King George III became king in 1760. Marriott then left the Duke to work for the new king.

Becoming a King's Advocate

In 1767, James Marriott became the king's advocate. This meant he represented the king in legal matters. He got this job partly because there weren't many other people available. In the same year, he also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. He held this important position for about a year.

For the next ten years, Marriott kept trying to get an even better job. This sometimes made powerful people, like Lord Grafton, quite annoyed.

Judge of the High Court of Admiralty

In 1778, James Marriott was made a Knight Bachelor, which meant he was called "Sir James." He also got a very important job: Judge of the High Court of Admiralty. This court handled all legal cases involving ships and the Navy. His work as the king's advocate before this job wasn't always great. He sometimes made poor choices and acted badly in court. He also gave strong speeches against his own co-workers.

In 1781, he was elected to Parliament for Sudbury. This meant he helped make laws for the country. Marriott worked with Lord Shelburne, who was against war.

Later Years and Legacy

When the French Revolutionary Wars began in 1793, the Navy was used much more. This meant Sir James Marriott had to judge many more cases than usual. Even with the extra work, he made some important decisions. He was also re-elected to Parliament in 1796. He had first supported someone else, but then decided to run for election himself. Marriott stayed in Parliament until 1802, which was shortly before he died.

Sir James Marriott retired from his job as a judge in 1798. He went back to Twinstead Hall, his home, and stayed there until he died on March 21, 1803. He had even helped rebuild the local church. The year before he passed away, he wrote his most important book, Formulare instrumentarum. This book was about his work with Naval law. It was so important that it helped change Naval law in the United States. He also wrote many poems and other legal books, but they were not as famous.

Sir James Marriott never married. He tried once in 1760, but the girl and her father said no. Instead, he took care of his mother until she died.

• Polden, Patrick. "Marriott, Sir James". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, (subscription or UK public library membership required). http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/18091. Retrieved 4 January 2009.