John Ernley facts for kids
Sir John Ernley (1464 – 22 April 1520) was an important judge in England. He lived during the time of two famous kings, Henry VII and Henry VIII. Sir John Ernley held several powerful legal jobs, including the top position of Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.
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Early Life and Education
John Ernley was born in 1464. To become a lawyer, he first studied at a place called an "Inn of Chancery" from 1478 to 1480. These were like special schools for law students. After that, he joined Gray's Inn, which was one of the main places where lawyers trained in London.
Starting His Legal Career
By 1490, Ernley was a well-known lawyer in the county of Sussex. He was part of a group of important people connected to Edmund Dudley, who was a powerful advisor to King Henry VII.
In Sussex, Sir John Ernley had a busy legal practice. He worked as a:
- Feoffee: Someone who held land for others.
- Arbitrator: A person who helped settle disagreements.
- Justice: A judge.
- Commissioner: Someone appointed to carry out special tasks.
He also joined the local court circuits in 1496 and 1497. By 1498, he was serving as a judge on the county bench.
Becoming Attorney General
In the 1500s, Sir John Ernley continued to work closely with Edmund Dudley. Because of Dudley's influence, King Henry VII appointed Ernley as the Attorney General for England and Wales on 12 July 1507.
The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the government. They represent the Crown (the King or Queen) in legal matters. When Henry VIII became king, he kept Sir John Ernley in this important role. Ernley became a key figure in the new king's court.
Lord Chief Justice
In 1519, the previous Lord Chief Justice, Sir Robert Rede, passed away. Sir John Ernley was chosen to take his place. He was appointed as the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas on 27 January 1519.
The Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas was the head judge of one of England's most important courts. This court dealt with legal cases between ordinary people. Sir John Ernley served in this high position for just over a year.
Death and Family
Sir John Ernley died on 22 April 1520. He was buried in Sidlesham, a village near Chichester in Sussex.
He had a son named William Erneley. William followed in his father's footsteps and also became a Member of Parliament. William married Bridget Spring, whose parents, Thomas and Alice Spring, were wealthy cloth makers.
