Francis Hargrave

Francis Hargrave (c.1741–1821) was an English lawyer and antiquary. He was the most prominent of the five advocates who appeared on behalf of James Somersett in the case which determined, in 1772, the legal status of slaves in England. Although the case was Hargrave's first, his efforts on the occasion secured his reputation.

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Life

Hargrave was born in London, the son of Christopher Hargrave of Chancery Lane.[1] He entered as a student at Lincoln's Inn in 1760.

He came to prominence because of his performance in 1772, in Somersett's case, and shortly afterwards was made King's Counsel. Thereafter, he specialised in legal history and commentary and did not take further part in the abolitionist campaign. In 1797 he was made recorder of Liverpool, and for many years was treasurer of Lincoln's Inn and a leading parliamentary lawyer.[1]

He fell ill, probably with Alzheimer's Disease, in 1813, and his legal collection was purchased by the government for £8,000 and deposited in the British Museum. He died in 1821 and was buried in the chapel of Lincoln's Inn.

Works

He published many works of legal history and amassed a substantial collection of legal books and manuscripts. His works were:

A catalogue of his manuscripts was compiled by Sir Henry Ellis, and published in 1818.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Dictionary of National Biography, Hargrave, Francis (1741?–1821), legal antiquary, by C. W. Sutton. Published 1890.
  2. ^  "Hudson, William (d.1635)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900. 

External links

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainDictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.