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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sir John Williams QC (10 February 1777 – 15 September 1846) was an English Whig politician, lawyer and judge,[1] known for overseeing the 1830s trials of the Tolpuddle Martyrs (R v Lovelass and Others), and the Flash Female Button Makers Union.[2]
Sir John Williams | |
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![]() Williams in 1820 | |
Born | 10 February 1777 |
Died | 15 September 1846 69) | (aged
Nationality | English |
Occupation | Judge |
Known for |
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John Williams was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge.[3] He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lincoln at a by-election in March 1822,[4][5] and held the seat until the 1826 general election, when he was returned on 9 June for Ilchester.[6] However, that result was overturned on 22 February 1827 after an election petition,[7] and Williams did not return to the House of Commons until February 1830, when he was returned for Winchelsea at a by-election.[8] He held that seat until the borough was disenfranchised at the 1832 general election.[9]
He was made a King's Counsel in Easter Term 1827.[10] On 28 February 1834 he was made a serjeant-at-law[11] and raised to the bench as one of the puisne barons of the Court of Exchequer, succeeding Sir John Bayley; he was knighted on 16 April 1834.[12] On 29 April 1834 he transferred to the Court of King's Bench as puisne justice, exchanging places with Sir James Parke.[1] He died on 14 September 1846 and was succeeded by Sir William Erle.[13]