Robert Thorpe (Lord Chancellor) facts for kids

Sir Robert Thorpe was an important British judge and government official who lived a long time ago. He was known for his work in the legal system and served in several high-ranking positions. He passed away on June 29, 1372.

Early Life and Legal Career

Sir Robert Thorpe was the son of another man also named Robert Thorpe. Sometimes, people get him mixed up with a different Robert Thorpe who was a leader at Pembroke College, Cambridge. The Thorpe family was well-known for having many lawyers. One famous lawyer, William de Thorpe, who was a top judge, might have helped guide Robert into a career in law.

In 1339, Robert became a Serjeant-at-law. This was a special type of lawyer who could argue cases in the highest courts. From 1345 to 1356, he worked as a King's Serjeant, meaning he represented the King in legal matters.

Serving as a Justice

Sir Robert Thorpe worked as a Justice of the Peace in many different areas. These included Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. A Justice of the Peace helped keep order and dealt with smaller legal issues in their local area.

He was also involved in other important legal duties. These included Assize courts, which handled serious crimes, and Gaol delivery, which meant making sure prisoners were brought to trial. He also worked on something called Oyer and terminer, which gave him the power to hear and decide cases.

Becoming a Chief Justice

On June 27, 1356, Sir Robert Thorpe was given a very important job. He was made the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. This meant he was the main judge in a court that handled regular legal disputes between people. On the same day, he was also made a Knight Bachelor, which is a special honor given by the King.

To help him in his new role, he received a grant of £40 on October 1. This was a lot of money back then!

Working with Important Leaders

Sir Robert Thorpe was a trusted advisor to some very powerful people. He was part of the councils for both Edward, the Black Prince, who was the King's son, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, another important royal figure.

From 1362 to 1371, he was chosen as a "Trier of Petitions" at every Parliament. This meant he helped review and decide on requests or complaints made to the government.

Role as Lord Chancellor

In 1368, Sir Robert Thorpe helped with the trial of Sir John de la Lee, who was a high-ranking official in the King's household. In 1371, he was part of a group investigating Sir William Latimer about money issues.

Around 1371, there was a big change in the government. The King had to replace some of his top officials, including the Lord Chancellor, with people who were not church leaders. As a result, Sir Robert Thorpe was chosen to become the new Lord Chancellor on April 14, 1371. He took over from William of Wykeham.

Sir Robert Thorpe held this very important position for about a year until he passed away on June 29, 1372.