Sir John Silvester, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Silvester, 1st Baronet (born September 7, 1745 – died March 30, 1822) was an important English lawyer and judge. He served as the Common Serjeant of London from 1790 to 1803. After that, he became the Recorder of London in 1803, a role he held until he passed away in 1822. These were both very senior legal positions in the City of London.
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Early Life and Family
John Silvester was born in a place called Yardley House in Chingford, England. His father was Sir John Baptist Silvester, a doctor who was also a Fellow of the Royal Society. His family had roots in the Netherlands. John's father worked as a doctor for the army during a war.
His Education
John Silvester started attending Merchant Taylors' School in 1753 when he was eight years old. He enjoyed the school's plays and even became the Head Monitor in 1761.
After school, he went to St John's College, Oxford, starting in 1764. He studied law there and earned his law degree in 1771. Once he finished his studies, he became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court. He worked at the Old Bailey, a famous court in London.
A Career in Law
John Silvester began his legal career as a lawyer for the City of London. In 1790, the City of London Corporation chose him to be the Common Serjeant of London. This role meant he was a judge who helped manage legal cases in the city.
Later, in 1803, when the previous judge passed away, John Silvester was appointed as the Recorder of London. This was the most senior judge position at the Old Bailey, a very important criminal court.
Achievements and Honors
John Silvester was recognized for his knowledge and contributions. In 1780, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group that promotes science. In 1804, he also became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, which focuses on history and old objects.
He was also made a baronet on December 27, 1814. This is a special honor given by the King or Queen. In 1818, he received another special degree, a DCL, from the University of Oxford.
Later Life and Legacy
John Silvester was married twice, but he did not have any children. When he died in 1822, his special title of baronet passed to his nephew, Philip Carteret Silvester, who was a captain in the Royal Navy.
John Silvester was buried with his family at All Saints Church in Chingford. A sculpture of his head was made by Robert William Sievier. This sculpture was first displayed in the Old Bailey court and later moved to the Mansion House, which is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. After his death, Newman Knowlys took over his role as Recorder of London.
