William de Thorpe

Sir William de Thorpe (died 27 May 1361) was an English lawyer, and Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 26 November 1346 to 26 October 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.

Sir William de Thorpe
29th Lord Chief Justice of England
In office
26 November 1346  26 October 1350
MonarchEdward III
Prime MinisterHenry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
(as Lord High Steward)
ChancellorJohn de Ufford (1346-1349)
John of Thoresby (1349-1350)
Preceded byWilliam Scott
Succeeded byWilliam de Shareshull
Personal details
Died(1361-05-27)May 27, 1361
NationalityEnglish

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.

Sources

  • Richard W. Kaeuper, 'Thorp, Sir William (d. 1361)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 9 Aug 2006
Legal offices
Preceded by
William Scott
Lord Chief Justice
1346–1350
Succeeded by
William de Shareshull


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