OriginalAncestry Profiles

OriginalAncestry Profiles

Sir William Bovill
by Laura Foor

 

Sir William Bovill was born in the year 1814. A well-known politician, lawyer, and judge, he also served as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, until his death in 1873 at the age of 59.

Born in All Hallows, Barking, a residential town located in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, England, William Bovill was a popular man who went on to have quite an interesting career. Instead of attending university once he graduated from school, he went on to attend Middle Temple, where he practiced as a special pleader for a short period of time due to his interest in law.

In 1841, Bovill was called to the bar. He trained, specializing in engineering, which would eventually lead to a widespread commercial-focused patent practice.

In 1844, Bovill married Maria Bolton, a resident of Lee Park, Blackheath. Once married, they made their home in Worplesdon, specifically the Worplesdon Lodge, aka Worplesdon Place.

In 1855, Bovill was appointed as Queen’s Counsel.

In 1857, Bovill was chosen as Member of Parliament for Guildford.

In 1865, Bovill helped pass the Partnership Law Amendment Act, which is also known as Bovill’s Act. Because he had a passion for legal reforms, his name is also attached to the Petitions of Right Act.

In 1866, Bovill became Solicitor General. His duties included providing law-based information to both the Crown and the Cabinet.

In 1870, Bovill was given an honorary Doctor of Law, Oxford.

In 1873, he become a member of the judicature commission.

William Bovill was best known to the general public for his role in the Tichborne trial. When the trial was over, Bovill demanded the plaintiff be charged with perjury, which was the talk of the town.

Honors Bovill held include Knight Bachelor, and being chosen to join the Fellow of the Royal Society, a prestigious society that focuses on people who have made substantial contributions to improving the following categories – math, medical and engineering sciences, and natural knowledge.

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