Richard Zouch facts for kids

Richard Zouch (born around 1590, died March 1, 1661) was an important English judge and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1621 to 1624. He was elected to represent the town of Hythe in 1621. Later, he became the head of St. Alban Hall, Oxford, which was part of Oxford University.

During the English Civil War, Zouch supported the King (he was a Royalist). Even so, Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader of the other side, appointed him to a special legal group. Zouch wrote many important books about law. He was one of the first people to write clearly about international law, which are rules for how countries should act towards each other.

Early Life and Education

Richard Zouch was born in Ansty, Wiltshire, England. He was the third son of Francis Zouche and Philippa Ludlow. He went to Winchester College, a famous school, and then to New College, Oxford at Oxford University. He was a very good student, becoming a scholar in 1607 and a Fellow (a kind of teacher or researcher) in 1609.

He earned his law degrees, a Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) in 1614 and a Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) in 1619. In 1620, he became the Regius Professor of Civil Law at Oxford. This was a very important teaching position. Besides his university work, he also had a busy legal practice in London.

Around 1622, Richard Zouch married Sarah Harte. After getting married, he left his fellowship at New College and joined Wadham College as a fellow commoner, which meant he could study there without being a full-time student.

Richard Zouch's Career

Thanks to his cousin, Edward la Zouche, 11th Baron Zouche, Richard Zouch was elected as a Member of Parliament for Hythe in both 1621 and 1624. In 1625, he became the head of St Alban Hall, Oxford, a college at Oxford University.

He played a big part in organizing and writing down the rules for Oxford University between 1629 and 1633. For many years, he also worked as an advisor for the university's court. In 1632, he became the chancellor (a senior legal officer) for the diocese of Oxford. In 1641, he was made a Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, which meant he handled legal cases related to ships and the sea.

Zouch During the Civil War

During the English Civil War, Zouch supported the King, but he was not an extreme supporter. When the King's side lost and the Commonwealth government took over, Zouch was allowed to keep his jobs at the university.

Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the Commonwealth, even appointed Zouch to a special legal group. This group was formed to try Don Pantaleone Sa, the brother of the Portuguese ambassador, for a murder. However, Zouch was not allowed to keep his job as a judge of the admiralty court. This job was given to John Exton in 1649. Because he worked for both sides, some people from both groups were a bit suspicious of him.

After the Restoration

After the King was restored to power in England (this event is called the English Restoration), Zouch was part of a group that helped professors and Fellows get their jobs back at Oxford. These people had lost their jobs when Cromwell was in charge. On February 4, 1661, Zouch got his judgeship back. However, he died soon after, on March 1, 1661, in London.