Sir Matthew Hale

Sir Matthew Hale (1609-1676) was Lord Chief-Justice of England, born at Alderley, Gloucestershire. In 1629 he entered Lincoln's Inn after some years of roving and dissipation, and eight years later was called to the bar. As he held aloof from the strife between king and commons, his service as advocate were in requisition by both parties, and in 1653 he was raised to the bench by Cromwell. On the death of the Protector he declined to receive his commission anew from Richard Cromwell, and favoured the return of Charles. After the Restoration he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer and knighted. In 1671 he was created Lord Chief-Justice. Charges of "trimming" have been made against him, but his integrity as a lawyer has never been impugned.

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