Thomas Denison facts for kids
Sir Thomas Denison (born in 1699, died on September 8, 1765) was an important British judge. He was known for his long career in law and his service on one of England's highest courts.
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Who Was Sir Thomas Denison?
Sir Thomas Denison was a respected judge from England. He lived in the 1700s and played a key role in the British legal system. He was known for being fair and wise during his time on the bench.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Denison was born in Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, England. His father, William, was a successful businessman who worked with cloth. Thomas was the younger of two sons.
He went to Leeds Grammar School to get his early education. In 1718, he started his legal training at a famous place called the Inner Temple. This was where many future lawyers learned their trade. After his studies, he officially became a lawyer.
A Career in Law
Denison quickly became a very good lawyer. His skills were noticed, and in December 1741, he was chosen for a big job. He was appointed to the Court of King's Bench. This was one of the most important courts in England at the time. He officially started his new role on February 16, 1742.
Serving as a Judge
Sir Thomas Denison served as a judge for more than 23 years. He worked under several important chief judges, including Sir William Lee and Lord Mansfield. He was a dedicated judge for a long time.
In February 1765, he decided to retire. He was not feeling well and his eyesight was getting worse. He stepped down from his position on February 14, 1765.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Thomas Denison passed away in September 1765, just a few months after retiring. He was buried in Harewood in Yorkshire. He had asked to be buried next to another judge he admired, Chief Justice William Gascoigne.
A memorial was put up in his honor. His close friend, Lord Mansfield, wrote the words for the memorial. Sir Thomas Denison did not have any children of his own. His wife, Anne, passed away 20 years after him. His family's legacy continued through his wife's grand-niece. Later, his grand-nephew, John Evelyn Denison, became a very important politician. He served as the Speaker of the House of Commons in the 1800s.