Sidney Smythe facts for kids

Sir Sidney Stafford Smythe was an important English judge and politician. He lived from 1705 to 1778. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

Sir Sidney Smythe's Early Life

Sir Sidney Smythe was born in London in 1705. His father, Henry Smythe, passed away when Sidney was very young, in 1706. His mother, Elizabeth, later married William Hunt.

Education and Early Career

Sidney Smythe went to St John's College, Cambridge, starting in 1721 and graduating in 1724. After college, he studied law at the Inner Temple, which is like a law school. He became a lawyer in 1728.

He worked as a lawyer and in 1740, he became the steward of the king's court in Westminster. In 1747, he was made a King's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers. He also became a member of the Royal Society in 1742, a famous group for scientists.

Entering Politics

In 1747, Smythe was elected to the House of Commons for East Grinstead. This meant he became a Member of Parliament. He served for three sessions, but there are no records of him giving any speeches.

Becoming a Judge

In 1750, Sir Sidney Smythe was appointed as a baron of the exchequer. This was a type of judge in a special court that handled government money and other legal cases. He officially became a judge on June 23, 1750, and was knighted on November 7.

Important Cases and Roles

As a judge, Smythe handled many cases. For example, in 1752, he was one of the judges in a well-known trial at the Oxford assizes.

He was also chosen twice to be a commissioner of the Great Seal. This is a very important role, as the Great Seal is used to make official government documents valid. The first time was from 1756 to 1757. The second time, from 1770 to 1771, he was the chief commissioner.

In 1772, Smythe became the lord chief baron, which was the head judge of the Court of Exchequer. However, he often faced health issues that kept him from attending court.

Later Life and Passing

Due to his poor health, Sir Sidney Smythe had to step down from his judge role in November 1777. He was given a pension, which is like a retirement payment, of £2,400. On December 3, he became a member of the Privy Council.

Sir Sidney Smythe passed away on November 2, 1778, at his home in Bidborough, Kent. He was buried in Sutton-at-Hone, Kent.

Sir Sidney Smythe's Reputation

Sir Sidney Smythe was known for his strong character. It is said that he once turned down the very important job of Lord Chancellor.

He faced some criticism for how he handled a trial in 1770. This trial involved a sergeant from the Scots guards. Despite the jury's decision, Smythe asked for a special review of the verdict. His actions were later supported by other legal experts and judges.

Family Life

In 1733, Sir Sidney Smythe married Sarah Farnaby. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Farnaby. They did not have any children. Both Sir Sidney and his wife were interested in the evangelical movement, a religious movement of that time. Sarah passed away in 1790.