John Trevor (speaker)
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Sir John Trevor (1637—20 May 1717) was Speaker of the English House of Commons from 1685 to 1687 and from 1689 to 1695.
The exact date of Sir John Trevor's birth is unrecorded. He was a grandson of Sir Edward Trevor. A native of Denbighshire and educated at Ruthin School, he was a partisan of James II and was deprived of his office on the accession of William III. In 1690, however, he once again returned to parliament as Speaker. From 1693, he also held the high judicial office of Master of the Rolls.
As Speaker he was memorable for being severely cross-eyed—the affliction was so confusing to members of the House that they were frequently uncertain as to which of them had "caught the Speaker's eye", and would try to speak out of turn.
In 1695, he was found guilty of accepting a bribe and was expelled from the House of Commons, a move which he initially resisted on the ground of ill-health. He retained his judicial position, however, until his death at the age of 69 or 70.
Through his daughter Anne, Sir John was the ancestor of the Hills, marquesses of Downshire, and of the family of Hill-Trevor, Viscounts Dungannon.
[edit] Reference
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir William Williams |
Speaker of the House of Commons 1685–1687 |
Succeeded by Henry Powle |
| Preceded by Sir John Churchill |
Master of the Rolls 1685–1689 |
Succeeded by Henry Powle |
| Preceded by Henry Powle |
Speaker of the House of Commons 1689–1695 |
Succeeded by Paul Foley |
| Preceded by Sir Henry Powle |
Master of the Rolls 1693–1717 |
Succeeded by Sir Joseph Jekyll |
| Honorary Titles | ||
| Preceded by Thomas Whitley |
Custos Rotulorum of Flintshire 1691–1714 |
Succeeded by Sir Roger Mostyn, 3rd Baronet |
