Thomas Clarke (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Thomas Clarke
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Master of the Rolls | |
| In office 25 May 1754 – 13 November 1764 |
|
| Preceded by | Sir John Strange |
| Succeeded by | Sir Thomas Sewell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1703 |
| Died | 13 November 1764 (aged 60–61) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Profession | Barrister, judge |
Sir Thomas Clarke (1703 – 13 November 1764) was an important British judge. He held the high position of Master of the Rolls. This job meant he was a senior judge in England. He helped make many important legal decisions during his time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir Thomas Clarke came from a humble background. His father was a carpenter and his mother was a pawnbroker. They lived in an area of London called St Giles in the Fields.
Thanks to help from Zachary Pearce, Thomas got a good education. He attended Westminster School from 1715 to 1721. After that, he went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1721. He earned his first degree, a BA, in 1724. In 1727, he became a fellow at Trinity College. This meant he was a senior member of the college.
Starting a Legal Career
In the same year, 1727, Thomas Clarke joined Gray's Inn. This was one of the special places where lawyers trained. He was very knowledgeable about Roman law, which was a big deal back then.
By 1740, he became a King's Counsel (KC). This is a title given to experienced lawyers. It meant he was a top lawyer who advised the King. In 1742, he moved to another important legal society, Lincoln's Inn. He became a senior member there in 1754.
A Career in Politics
Sir Thomas Clarke also had a career in politics. In 1747, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of St Michael's. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
In 1754, he was elected again, this time for Lostwithiel. His political career was growing alongside his legal work.
Becoming Master of the Rolls
The position of Master of the Rolls became open when Sir John Strange passed away. This was a very important job in the legal system. It was first offered to William Murray, who later became Lord Mansfield. However, Murray turned it down.
Because Murray said no, the job was then offered to Thomas Clarke. He was officially appointed on May 25, 1754. At the same time, he was given the title of "Sir," meaning he was knighted. In June 1754, he also became a Privy Councillor (PC). This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King.
Clarke performed his duties as Master of the Rolls very well for ten years. He was highly respected for his work.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Thomas Clarke served as Master of the Rolls until his death. He passed away while still in office on November 13, 1764. He was buried in the Rolls Chapel. This chapel is now part of King's College London's main library.
Clarke was good friends with the second Earl of Macclesfield. Some people even rumored that Clarke might have been Macclesfield's son. Sir Thomas Clarke earned a lot of money from his legal work. He left most of his wealth to the third Earl of Macclesfield, who was his friend's grandson. He also left his home, Branch Hill Lodge, to Macclesfield. This house was designed by a famous architect named Henry Flitcroft.
Outside of his legal and political life, Sir Thomas Clarke was also interested in science and ideas. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This means he was part of a group of important scientists and thinkers. He enjoyed "philosophical pursuits," which means he liked to think deeply about life and knowledge.
