April 27 - The death of David Lewis of Abergavenny

David Lewis: Tudor Scholar and Legal Luminary 📜 Join me as I explore the life and legacy of David Lewis, a notable civil lawyer and judge from Tudor England. Born around 1520 in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, David Lewis hailed from a scholarly background. His education took him to All Souls College, Oxford, where he excelled, earning a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1540 and later becoming a Fellow of the college in 1541. Lewis's legal career was distinguished, marked by appointments as a Master in Chancery, Master of Requests, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, joint commissioner of the admiralty, and treasurer of Doctors' Commons. He served in Parliament for Steyning in 1553 and later represented Monmouthshire. During Elizabeth I's reign, Lewis was instrumental in maritime law, investigating piracy and examining notable figures like Martin Frobisher and Sir John Hawkins. His legal acumen extended to international affairs, where he signed documents implicating Mary, Queen of Scots' ambassador in plots against Elizabeth I. Beyond his legal prowess, Lewis held academic positions, serving as head of New Inn Hall, Oxford, and as the inaugural principal of Jesus College, Oxford. Despite his multifaceted career, Lewis remained unmarried, leaving his estate to family and friends upon his passing in 1584. David Lewis's contributions to Tudor law and scholarship endure, commemorated by his tomb in St Mary's Church, Abergavenny, a testament to his enduring impact on legal and academic circles of his time. #TudorHistory #DavidLewis #LegalScholar #MaritimeLaw #CivilLaw 📜 You can get the book here: http://getbook.at/onthisday