John Spelman (judge) facts for kids
Sir John Spelman was an important English judge who lived a long time ago, in the 1500s. He came from a place called Norfolk, in England. He is mostly remembered for writing down detailed notes about legal cases, which are called "law reports." These reports help us understand how laws worked back then.
Early Life and Family Roots
John Spelman was born around 1480. He was the youngest of four sons. His father, Henry Spelman, was also a lawyer and a judge. He worked as a "Reader" at Gray's Inn, which was a place where lawyers trained. His father was also the "Recorder" of Norwich, meaning he was a chief judge in that city. John's mother was Ela.
The Spelman family originally came from Hampshire. But by the late 1300s, they had moved to Norfolk. They owned land there and later bought a large estate called Bekerton.
Becoming a Judge
Around the year 1500, John Spelman followed in his father's footsteps. He began studying law at Gray's Inn. He became a "Reader" there three times, teaching other law students.
In 1521, he became a "serjeant-at-law." This was a very important and respected type of lawyer. The next year, he took over his father's old job as the Recorder of Norwich.
By 1526, he was promoted to "King's Serjeant." This meant he worked directly for the King. In 1531, he became a "Justice of the King's Bench." This was a high position as a judge. He was sworn into this role by Sir Thomas More, who was the Lord Chancellor at the time.
John Spelman was knighted in 1532, becoming "Sir John Spelman." He traveled around England as a judge, hearing cases in different areas. He first worked on the Northern Circuit and then the Home Circuit. After 1540, he stopped traveling and worked only at Westminster Hall in London.
He also bought more land in Norfolk. He built his family home, Narborough Hall, where his family lived for many years. In 1528, he put up a stone tablet there with his family's coat of arms. He also gained more land from a nearby monastery in 1537.
Sir John Spelman died while still working as a judge on January 26, 1546. He was buried in Narborough. You can still see his memorial brass in the church there.
What Are Law Reports?
Sir John Spelman is famous for his "law reports." These were detailed notes he wrote about legal cases. He started by recording lectures and seminars at Gray's Inn.
From 1521, he mainly wrote about cases from the Court of Common Pleas. After 1531, he focused on cases from the King's Bench. He also wrote down discussions among lawyers and meetings between judges.
He recorded many important legal cases of his time. These included major trials involving powerful figures like Thomas Wolsey, Bishop John Fisher, and Sir Thomas More. He also recorded the trial of Queen Anne Boleyn. These reports give us a special look into the legal system of 16th-century England.
His Family
Sir John Spelman married Elizabeth Frowick. Her father, Sir Henry Frowick, was also an important person. Elizabeth's uncle, Sir Thomas Frowyk, was a Chief Justice.
Sir John and Elizabeth had a very large family. They had thirteen sons and seven daughters! One of their sons was named Henry Spelman. This Henry Spelman had a son who became a famous historian and antiquary, also named Sir Henry Spelman. Another of his sons, Erasmus Spelman, had a son who traveled to Virginia in America.
After Sir John Spelman died, his wife Elizabeth married two more times. She passed away in 1556.
