Thomas Abney (judge) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Abney (born around 1690 or 1691, died 1750) was an important English lawyer and later a judge. He was born in Willesley, a place now in Leicestershire, England. His family was well-known, and his uncle, also named Thomas Abney, was a famous Lord Mayor of London.

Sir Thomas Abney: A Life in Law

Early Years and School

Thomas Abney was baptized on April 30, 1691. His father was Sir Edward Abney. When he was 16 years old, in 1707, he began studying at Wadham College, Oxford University. This was an important step for his future career.

A Career in Law

After his education, Thomas Abney became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court. He quickly rose through the ranks in the legal world.

• In 1733, he became a King's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers who advise the King or Queen.
• Also in 1733, he was named Attorney-General for the Duchy of Lancaster. This meant he was the chief legal advisor for a special area of land owned by the British Crown.
• In 1735, he became a Judge of the Marshalsea Court, a court that handled certain types of legal cases. At this time, he was also knighted, which means he received the title "Sir."
• By 1736, he was a Steward and one of the main Judges of the Marshalsea Court.
• His career continued to advance. In November 1740, he became a Baron of the Exchequer, a judge in a court that dealt with financial matters.
• Finally, in February 1743, he was appointed a Justice of the Common Pleas. This was a very high position, as this court handled many important civil cases.

A Tragic End

In May 1750, Sir Thomas Abney was working at the Old Bailey court in London. During what was known as the 'Black Sessions,' a serious sickness spread quickly. This illness, often called "gaol distemper" or "jail fever," was common in crowded places like prisons and courts at the time.

Many people at the court became ill, including judges, lawyers, and jury members. Sadly, Sir Thomas Abney caught the sickness and passed away on May 19, 1750. Other important legal figures, like Baron Clarke and the Lord Mayor Sir Samuel Pennant, also died from the same illness during this time. Sir Thomas Abney was buried in Derbyshire, the same area where his family had lived for generations.