John Chevir facts for kids
John Chevir (born around 1410, died 1474) was an important Irish judge and politician in the 1400s. He held powerful jobs like Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and Master of the Rolls in Ireland. He was also one of the first known Speakers of the Irish House of Commons.
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Early Life and Family
John Chevir was born in Kilkenny, a city in Ireland. He was a younger son of John Chevir senior, who was a justice of the peace for County Kilkenny. A justice of the peace was like a local judge who helped keep order.
His family came from Sir William Chevre. Sir William settled in County Wexford after the Norman Conquest of Ireland. This was a big event when Normans came to Ireland in the 1100s. Sir William even saw the start of Tintern Abbey in County Wexford.
John had an older brother named William Chevir (who died in 1446). William also had a successful career in law and politics. He worked as a judge for the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). He was also a deputy for the Treasurer of Ireland and the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
John Chevir started studying law in London at Lincoln's Inn in 1442. A few years later, he was giving legal advice to a powerful person named James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormonde.
John returned to Ireland before 1450. Both John and his brother William strongly supported the Earl of Ormonde's political group. This group was one of the two main political teams in Ireland during the 1430s and 1440s.
What Was the Master of the Rolls?
In 1450, John Chevir was given the job of Master of the Rolls. At that time, this job was more about managing papers and records than judging cases. It was a part-time role.
Speaking Up in Parliament
Because it was a part-time job, John could also be a member of the Irish House of Commons. He was one of the first known Speakers of this Parliament. The Speaker leads the meetings and helps keep order.
In 1453-1454, the Parliament asked John to bring certain records to them. They believed these important documents were in his care as Master of the Rolls.
John Chevir married Anne Bermingham, who lived longer than him. It is thought that they were the parents of John Chevir, a merchant from Dublin. In 1479, this younger John was allowed by King Edward IV to build a special chapel at the Church of St. Nicholas Without, Dublin.
