Robert Catlyn facts for kids

Sir Robert Catlyn was an important English judge who lived a long time ago. He became the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench, which was a very high position in the legal system during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was known for being wise and fair in his judgments.

Early Life and Legal Training

Robert Catlyn was born in Thrapston, a town in Northamptonshire, England. His family had lived in the area for many years. He studied law at a famous place called the Middle Temple in London. This was one of the main schools for lawyers in England.

In 1547, he was chosen as a "reader" at the Middle Temple. This meant he taught law to other students. Later, in 1555, he became a "serjeant-at-law." This was a special rank for top lawyers, allowing them to argue cases in the highest courts. The next year, King Philip and Queen Mary appointed him as one of their Queen's Serjeants, a royal lawyer.

Becoming a Judge

In October 1558, Robert Catlyn became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. This court handled disagreements between ordinary people. Just a few weeks later, Queen Mary died, and Queen Elizabeth I became queen. Like all other judges, Catlyn received a new appointment from Queen Elizabeth.

Soon after, in January 1559, he was promoted to lead the Court of King's Bench. This was an even more important court, dealing with major cases and crimes. He was also made a knight, becoming "Sir Robert Catlyn." He served as the Chief Justice for 16 years. People thought he was very wise and serious in his work. He was also brave and independent. Once, he told Lord Burleigh, a powerful advisor to the Queen, that he "dared not alter the ancient forms of court." This showed he wouldn't change legal rules just because someone powerful wanted him to.

Important Trials

During Sir Robert Catlyn's time as Chief Justice, there weren't many big trials involving the Crown (the Queen). One of the most important trials he oversaw was that of the Duke of Norfolk in 1571. All the top judges, including Catlyn, were present.

The Duke was tried by his peers, meaning other noblemen. The judges, including Chief Justice Catlyn, made sure the trial followed the law fairly. When one of the Duke's servants, Robert Hickford, admitted he was guilty, Chief Justice Catlyn gave a long speech. He spoke about how serious the crime of treason was. He even quoted the famous writer Geoffrey Chaucer, saying that people who betray their leaders would have their bad deeds remembered forever.

His Reputation

Even though Sir Robert Catlyn was a highly respected judge, not everyone agreed with his decisions. In 1566, a man named Thomas Welsh complained that he couldn't get justice because Chief Justice Catlyn was against him. Welsh was fined for saying this.

The historian William Camden shared a story about Catlyn. Once, the Chief Justice said that "no honest man had a double name." Someone then cleverly asked him what he thought about Jesus Christ, "alias" (also known as) Jesus of Nazareth. This showed that even a serious judge could be challenged with a clever remark.

Sir Robert Catlyn died at his home in Bedfordshire in late 1574. He was succeeded by Sir Christopher Wray as Chief Justice.

Family and Descendants

Sir Robert Catlyn married Ann Boles. They had one daughter named Mary. Mary Catlin married twice. Her first husband was Sir John Spencer. Their son, Robert Spencer, later became the first Baron Spencer of Wormleighton in 1603. From this family line came the famous Earls of Sunderland and the Dukes of Marlborough, including the famous military leader John Churchill.