James Reynolds (judge) facts for kids
Sir James Reynolds (1684–1747) was an important English judge. He had a successful career working as a judge in both Ireland and England. He held important jobs like the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas and later a Baron of the Exchequer in England. It's easy to confuse him with his relative, also named Sir James Reynolds, junior, who was a very senior judge (the Chief Baron of the Exchequer) from 1730 to 1738.
Early Life and Education
James Reynolds was born in 1684 in a place called Helions Bumpstead in Essex, England. His parents were Robert Reynolds and Kezia Tyrrell.
He went to school at Eton College, which is a famous school. After that, he studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge, a college at the University of Cambridge, starting in 1703. He began his legal training at Lincoln's Inn in 1705. This is one of the places where lawyers are trained in London. He officially became a lawyer, or was "called to the Bar", in 1712.
A Judge in Ireland
After working as a lawyer for 14 years, James Reynolds was chosen for a senior judge position in Ireland. In 1727, he became the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Ireland. This was a very important job.
People generally thought he did a good job. For example, in 1731, he was highly praised for how he handled a very public court case. It involved a student from Trinity College Dublin. The judge gave a clear and fair summary of the case. The student was found not guilty, and the public was happy with the decision.
In 1739, he hoped to become the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, which is the most senior judge in the country. However, another judge, Robert Jocelyn, 1st Viscount Jocelyn, got the job instead.
Return to England
Even though he didn't get the top job in Ireland, James Reynolds was happy to move back to England. In 1740, he became a Baron of the Exchequer in the English court system. This was the same court where his relative, Sir James Reynolds, junior, had recently been the Chief Baron.
When he returned to England, he was given the title of "Sir," meaning he was knighted. He also became a "Bencher" at Lincoln's Inn, which is an honor for senior lawyers and judges.
Later Life and Family
Sir James Reynolds passed away in 1747 at Castle Camps in Cambridge. He never got married. For many years, he shared a home with his unmarried sister, Judith. After he died, Judith had a special memorial built to remember him.
People have sometimes found it a bit confusing to figure out the exact family link between Sir James Reynolds and the Chief Baron Reynolds. It is believed that the Chief Baron, even though he was a little younger, was actually Sir James Reynolds's uncle. This means he was the much younger half-brother of Sir James's father, Robert Reynolds.
