William Bird (lawyer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Bird
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| Born | 1560 or 1561 Saffron Walden, Essex, England
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| Died | 1624 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
Sir William Bird was an important English lawyer and politician. He was born around 1560 or 1561 and passed away in 1624. He served as a Member of Parliament for Oxford University. He also held a high position as the Dean of the Court of Arches, which was a major court at the time.
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Early Life and Education
William Bird was born in a town called Saffron Walden in Essex, England. When he was about 17 or 18 years old, he started studying at All Souls College, Oxford. He became a Fellow there in 1578, which meant he was a senior member of the college.
He focused on studying civil law. This type of law deals with private rights and disputes between people. He earned his first law degree in 1583 and a higher law degree in 1588.
Career in Law and Politics
After finishing his studies, William Bird became a lawyer in 1589. He worked for the Court of Arches, which was a very important church court in England. In 1590, he joined a group of top lawyers called Doctors' Commons.
He also held important roles at Oxford University. In 1591, he was the acting Vice-Chancellor. This meant he helped manage the university. In 1593, he became the dean of All Souls College.
As he became busier with his legal work, he left his fellowship at the college in 1604.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1608, William Bird was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Oxford University. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament.
Judge and Dean of Arches
In 1611, he became a judge in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. This court handled important legal matters like wills and inheritances. He became the only judge there in 1622 after the other judge, John Bennet, was removed from his position due to serious issues.
William Bird was knighted in 1617, which means he was given the title "Sir." In 1618, he became the Dean of the Court of Arches. This was a very high and respected position in the legal system.
He passed away in 1624 and was buried in London. He was married but did not have any children.
