William Sutton (lawyer)

William Sutton (c.1410 – 1480) was an Irish judge of the fifteenth century, who served briefly as Attorney General for Ireland and then for many years as a Baron of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland). He was the father of Nicholas Sutton, who followed the same career path, but died young before his father.[1]

Background and career

William was the son of Roger Sutton of Dublin, who lived at Werburgh Street, Dublin.[2] William was appointed Attorney General about 1444 and a Baron of the Exchequer in 1445. Despite his complaint that he was about to be superseded in 1462, which was coupled with a plea to Parliament to pay his arrears of salary, he was still on the Bench in 1477. He was an associate of Richard of York during York's tenure as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.[3]

Family and last years

William married Alison Darby. He died in 1480. His son, Nicholas, had predeceased him and his widowed daughter-in-law, Anne Cusacke, had remarried.[4] This may explain his decision to leave all his lands and a large bequest to Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin;[5] despite his pleas for payment of his overdue salary in the 1460s, he seems to have amassed considerable wealth in later years.

His son's will, which no longer exists, has been described as containing some "curious details", including a legacy to his father in return for his blessing.[6]

References
  1. Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221-1921 John Murray London 1926 Vol.1 p.179
  2. Ball p.179
  3. Ball p.179
  4. Ball p.183
  5. Ball p.179
  6. Ball p.103
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