Edward Somerton

Edward Somerton, or Somertoune (died 1461) was an Irish barrister and judge who held the offices of Serjeant-at-law (Ireland) and judge of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) and the Court of Common Pleas (Ireland). He was born in Ireland, possibly in Waterford, although he lived much of his life in Dublin. By 1426 he was a clerk in the Court of Chancery (Ireland), and was paid 26 shillings for his labours in preparing writs and enrolment of indentures, (indentures were agreements between the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and former Irish enemies of the Crown).[1] In 1427 he is recorded in London studying law at Lincoln's Inn. He returned to Ireland and was again in the Crown service by 1435, when he was ordered to convey lands at Beaulieu, County Louth to Robert Chambre, one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland).[2] He was appointed King's Serjeant for life in 1437; he also acted as counsel for the city of Waterford,[3] a position subsequently held by another future judge, John Gough.[4]

  1. ^ Close Roll 5 Henry VI
  2. ^ Patent Roll 13 Henry VI
  3. ^ Hart p.21
  4. ^ Ball p.179