Roger Cholmeley facts for kids

Sir Roger Cholmeley (born around 1485 – died 21 June 1565) was a very important lawyer and judge in England. He served as the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench from 1552 to 1553. Before that, from 1535 to 1545, he was the Recorder of London, which meant he was a chief legal officer for the city. He also served as a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons. Sir Roger Cholmeley is probably best remembered for starting a free grammar school in London, which is now known as Highgate School.

Early Life and Education

Sir Roger Cholmeley's family name can be spelled in different ways, like "Cholmley" or "Cholmondeley." They are all pronounced "CHUM-lee." Roger was the son of Sir Richard Cholmondeley from Yorkshire. His father was in charge of the Tower of London for several years.

Roger Cholmeley studied law at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1506. Even though he was asked to leave the Inn three times, he still managed to become a successful lawyer.

His Career as a Lawyer and Judge

Most of Roger Cholmeley's work as a lawyer was in the City of London. However, he lived in Highgate, which was then in Middlesex. In 1520, he became a senior member of Lincoln's Inn, called a bencher. By 1531, he was a serjeant-at-law, a very high rank for a lawyer. He was made a knight in November 1534.

From 1535 to 1545, he worked as the Recorder of London. During this time, he was also a Member of Parliament for London in four different Parliaments.

In November 1545, Cholmeley became the Chief Baron of the Exchequer. This was another important legal role, overseeing the country's finances. In May 1552, he was made Chief Justice of the King's Bench. He held this top judge position for about a year.

After Queen Mary I came to power, she did not keep him as Lord Chief Justice. He was also held for a month because he had signed a document supporting Lady Jane Grey as Queen. After this, he went back to working as a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Middlesex from 1554 to 1559.

Interestingly, Elizabeth I, who later became Queen, stayed at the Cholmeleys' home in Highgate on February 15, 1555.

Highgate School

Sir Roger Cholmeley is most famous for founding Highgate School. He started this school with a special permission from the King or Queen, called a royal charter, in 1565. Students who used to go to the school are called Old Cholmeleians in his honor.

Highgate School has grown to become a very well-known independent school. Many famous people have studied there, including:

• John Venn, who created Venn diagrams
• Poets Gerard Manley Hopkins and John Betjeman
• Musicians John Tavener and John Rutter

Death and Family

Sir Roger Cholmeley passed away in London on June 21, 1565. He was buried at a church called St Martin, Ludgate.

He was married to Christine Hurst, who died in 1558. They had two daughters:

• Elizabeth, who married Sir Leonard Beckwith and later Christopher Kern.
• Frances, who married Sir Thomas Russell.