William de Thorpe

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Sir William de Thorpe (d. May 27, 1361) was an English lawyer, and Chief Justice of the King's Bench from November 26, 1346 to October 26, 1350. As a clerk of this court he was assaulted on one occasion in 1318, when his enemies allegedly even urinated on him. He was knighted in 1345, at the same time as he was made justice of the King's Bench.

Thorpe accumulated great estates, particularly in Lincolnshire, and his wealth must have derived primarily from bribes and maintenance. In 1350 he was imprisoned and condemned to hanging and confiscation of all property. By 1351, however, he had been pardoned and had his property restored. The next year he was made baron of the exchequer, and also held various other commissions. In 1357 he was excommunicated for non-appearance at the trial of Thomas de Lisle, bishop of Ely, in Avignon.

He appears to have had a son by the same name.

[edit] Source

  • Richard W. Kaeuper, 'Thorp, Sir William (d. 1361)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/27386, accessed 9 Aug 2006]
Legal Offices
Preceded by:
William Scott (justice)		 Lord Chief Justice
1346–1350		 Succeeded by:
William de Shareshull
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