James Wigram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Wigram
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| Vice-Chancellor of England | |
| In office 1841–1850 |
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| Personal details | |
| Nationality | British |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Sir Robert Fitzwygram, 2nd Baronet Joseph Wigram Octavius Wigram Loftus Wigram George Wigram (all brothers) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Judge |
| Profession | Barrister |
Sir James Wigram (1793–1866) was an important English lawyer, politician, and judge. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Wigram was born on November 5, 1793, in Walthamstow, Essex. He was the third son of Eleanor Wigram and Sir Robert Wigram, 1st Baronet. He had several brothers, including Sir Robert Fitzwygram, 2nd Baronet and Joseph Cotton Wigram.
James was educated at home before attending Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1815 and a master's degree in 1818.
Becoming a Lawyer and Judge
In 1819, James Wigram became a lawyer, also known as a barrister. He worked in the Court of Chancery, a special court that dealt with fairness and justice. He became very successful in his legal career.
In 1834, he was made a King's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers. The next year, he became a leader at Lincoln's Inn, one of the main places where lawyers are trained. Also in 1835, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group that promotes scientific excellence.
Political Career
In 1837, Wigram tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leominster. He ran as a Tory, which was a political party at the time. He did not win that election.
However, in the next election on June 28, 1841, he was elected as an MP for Leominster without anyone running against him.
Life as a Judge
On October 28, 1841, James Wigram was appointed as a judge. He became a Vice-Chancellor of England, a high-ranking judge in the Court of Chancery. Soon after, he was made a knight, earning the title "Sir." He also joined the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which is a top court for certain legal cases.
Sadly, Sir James Wigram had to retire from his job in 1850 because of poor health. He lost his eyesight completely. He was given a pension and passed away on July 29, 1866.
Important Legal Cases
Sir James Wigram made some very important decisions during his time as a judge. Two of his most famous cases were:
- Foss v Harbottle (1843)
- Henderson v Henderson (1843)
These cases helped shape how certain laws are understood and used even today.
His Writings
Sir James Wigram also wrote two important books about law. One was about how to understand wills, called Examination of the Rules of Law respecting the Admission of Extrinsic Evidence in aid of the Interpretation of Wills (1831). The other was about legal discovery, titled Points in the Law of Discovery (1836).
Family Life
On October 28, 1818, James Wigram married Anne Arkwright. Her grandfather was Sir Richard Arkwright, a famous inventor. Anne's family owned land near Leominster. James and Anne had four sons and five daughters.
