Richard Lyster facts for kids

Sir Richard Lyster was an important English judge who lived from about 1480 to 1554. He became the Chief Justice of the King's Bench, which was a very high legal position in England.

Early Life and Training

Richard Lyster's family came from Wakefield in Yorkshire. His grandfather, Thomas, and his father, John, were both from there. His mother was from the Beaumont family, who lived in Whitley.

Richard Lyster studied law at the Middle Temple, one of the famous law schools in London. He became a "reader" there in 1516, which meant he was a senior lawyer who taught others. He became a "double-reader" in 1522 and was in charge of the society's money as treasurer in 1523.

Rising in the Legal World

Even though we don't know much about his very first jobs, Richard Lyster quickly became a respected lawyer. On July 8, 1521, he was made Solicitor-General. This role meant he was a top legal advisor to the King.

He was later likely promoted to Attorney-General, another very important legal job. This role meant he was the chief legal officer for the Crown.

In 1529, Richard Lyster became the Chief Baron of the Exchequer. This was a senior judge position in a court that dealt with the King's money and taxes. When he got this job, he was also made a knight, so he became "Sir" Richard Lyster.

He was asked to be a commissioner in the trials of Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More. However, he didn't play a major role in these famous trials.

Chief Justice of the King's Bench

Sir Richard Lyster worked as the Chief Baron of the Exchequer for more than 16 years. Then, on November 9, 1545, he was promoted again. He became the Chief Justice of the King's Bench. This was one of the most powerful judicial positions in England.

In this role, he witnessed an important document signed by Thomas Duke of Norfolk in 1547, just before King Henry VIII died.

When Edward VI became king, Sir Richard Lyster was reappointed to his position. One of his first duties was to give a speech to new "serjeants-at-law." These were very senior lawyers. He gave a long speech about their duties and how they should do their jobs well.

Sir Richard Lyster retired on March 21, 1552. He was replaced by Sir Roger Cholmeley.

Later Life and Family

After retiring, Sir Richard Lyster spent the rest of his life at his home in Southampton. His house was described as "very fair," meaning it was quite grand. He passed away on March 14, 1554, and was buried in St. Michael's Church in Southampton.

After his death, it was found that he owned many properties. These included 11 large estates in Hampshire and Surrey, along with other lands.

His monument in St. Michael's Church shows him wearing his judge's robes. His widow, Elizabeth, had the monument built. She was his third wife. Sir Richard Lyster had children, including a daughter named Elizabeth and a son named Michael. Michael also became a knight but passed away before his father.