William Basset (13th-century judge) facts for kids

William Basset was an important English judge who lived a long time ago, in the 1200s. He helped make sure laws were fair and that justice was served in England. He died around the year 1249.

William Basset's Life and Work

Early Life and Challenges

We don't know a lot about William Basset's family, but he might have been the son of Simon Basset from a place called Sapcote.

During a big fight in England called the First Barons' War, William Basset was on the side against the king in 1216. Because of this, he lost some of his rights or property. But in 1217, he changed his mind and decided to support the king again. This meant he got his rights back.

Becoming a Judge

William Basset became a very busy and important person in the legal system. In 1225, he worked as a justiciar. This means he was like a senior judge or royal officer. He helped decide how much tax people in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire should pay.

Then, on May 27, 1226, he was chosen to be a justice itinerant for those same counties. A justice itinerant was a judge who traveled around the country to hear court cases. It was a bit like a traveling court. He continued this important work, traveling as a judge in 1227 and again in 1232.

William Basset continued his work as a judge until he passed away in July 1249. After his death, his son, Robert, took over his family's responsibilities.