Thomas Walmsley (judge) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Walmsley (also spelled Walmesley or Walmisley) (1537–1612) was an important English judge and politician. He was known for being very independent in his legal decisions.

Life of Sir Thomas Walmsley

Thomas Walmsley was born in Lancashire, England, in 1537. He was the oldest son of Thomas Walmsley.

Early Legal Career

He began studying law at Lincoln's Inn in 1559. This was a famous place where lawyers trained. He became a lawyer on 15 June 1567. He held several important positions there, like being elected a "bencher" in 1574. This meant he was a senior member of the Inn. Even though some people thought he might be Catholic, he became a senior judge around 1580.

In 1583, Walmsley worked on a case in the Court of Common Pleas. He tried to support some old church rules from the time of Queen Mary I.

Political and Judicial Roles

Walmsley represented Lancashire in Parliament from 1588 to 1589. He worked on several important committees. On 10 May 1589, he was made a justice of the common pleas, which is a high-ranking judge.

He quickly showed he was independent. He allowed someone accused of murder to be released on bail. This went against the Queen's wishes, and he received a warning. In 1595, the city of Southampton honored him. He also helped the House of Lords in 1597 and joined a special church commission in 1598.

Walmsley was part of the special court that tried Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex in 1600. He also helped during Essex's main trial in 1601.

Later Years and Important Cases

When King James I became king, Walmsley continued as a judge. He was knighted on 23 July 1603. He was also part of the court that tried the people involved in the Bye Plot in 1603. This was a plan against the new king.

Walmsley showed his independence again in a famous case called Calvin's case in 1607. This case was about whether people born in Scotland after James I became king of England could be considered English citizens. Most judges agreed they could, but Walmsley was the only one who disagreed. He stuck to his opinion, even when the case was discussed again later.

During his time as a judge, Walmsley traveled all over England for court cases. He became very wealthy and bought a lot of land in his home county. His main home was at Dunkenhalgh, near Blackburn. He retired there around 1611 and passed away on 26 November 1612.

Legacy and Monuments

Sir Thomas Walmsley was buried in the church in Blackburn. His original monument was destroyed during the First English Civil War. A new monument was built for him in 1862. A painting of him and his wife was kept at Dunkenhalgh House.

Family Life

Sir Thomas Walmsley married Anne Shuttleworth. Through her, he gained more land and wealth. They had one son, Thomas, who inherited everything. Their son was raised Catholic. He also became a knight in 1617.

The family line continued for some time. However, the male line ended in 1711. The family's legacy then passed through the female line.