Nicholas Hyde facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Hyde, a very important judge in England.

The family crest of the Hyde family.

Sir Nicholas Hyde (born around 1572 – died August 25, 1631) was a powerful judge in England. He held the important position of Lord Chief Justice, which meant he was the head judge of the highest court in England during his time.

Who Was Sir Nicholas Hyde?

Nicholas Hyde was born in a place called Wardour in Wiltshire, England. His father was Lawrence Hyde, who was a Member of Parliament. Nicholas had two older brothers who were also very successful. His brother Henry Hyde was also a Member of Parliament. Another brother, Lawrence Hyde, became a top lawyer for Anne of Denmark, who was the wife of King James I. This shows that Nicholas came from a family that was involved in law and government.

His Early Life and Education

Nicholas Hyde started studying at Exeter College, Oxford in May 1590. Following his brothers' paths, he then joined a famous law school called the Middle Temple in July 1591. He worked hard and became a lawyer in 1598. This meant he could now argue cases in court.

Becoming a Lawyer and Judge

Sir Nicholas Hyde became a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, in 1597. He represented different towns over the years, including Old Sarum, Andover, Christchurch, Bath, and Bristol. At first, he was known for disagreeing with the King's court.

However, he later changed his views. In 1626, he was asked to defend a powerful man named George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. This duke was facing serious accusations from the House of Commons.

The next year, Nicholas Hyde was made a Serjeant-at-law, which was a very senior lawyer. Soon after, he became the Chief Justice of the King's Bench. This was a huge promotion, making him one of the most important judges in the country. He was also knighted that same year, in 1627.

Important Court Cases

As Chief Justice, Sir Nicholas Hyde had to make big decisions. One famous case involved Sir Thomas Darnell and others. These men had been put in prison by the King's advisors, but the reasons for their arrest were not clearly stated. The lawyers for the King argued that the King had a special power to do this.

Judge Hyde and three other judges decided in favor of the King. However, they did not say that the King could keep people in prison forever without explaining why.

In 1629, Sir Nicholas Hyde was involved in another important case. He was one of the judges who decided against three Members of Parliament: John Eliot, Denzil Holles, and Benjamin Valentine. These men had been accused of working together in Parliament to go against the King's orders. The Members of Parliament argued that they should not have to answer for things they said or did inside Parliament. But the judges, including Hyde, did not agree with their argument.

His Family and Later Life

Sir Nicholas Hyde married a woman named Mary Swayne. They had one daughter and three sons who lived to adulthood. One of their sons, also named Lawrence Hyde, later became a Member of Parliament for Winchester.

Death

Sir Nicholas Hyde passed away on August 25, 1631. He died from a sickness called gaol fever at his home. He was buried with his wife in a tomb inside All Saints Church in Catherington, Hampshire.

Images for kids

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  Tomb of Sir Nicholas Hyde and his wife

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  A closer look at the tomb