Home1797 Edition

FITZHERBERT

Volume 7 · 210 words · 1797 Edition

(Sir Anthony), a very learned lawyer in the reign of king Henry VIII. was descended from an ancient family, and born at Norbury in Derbyshire. He was made one of the judges of the court of common-pleas in 1523; and distinguished himself by many valuable works, as well as by such an honourable discharge of the duties of his office, as made him esteemed an oracle of the law. His writings are, The Grand Abridgment; The Office and Authority of Justices of Peace; the Office of Sheriffs, Bailiffs of Liberties, Escheators, Constables, Coroners, &c.; Of the Diversity of Mm Courts; Fitz-Stephen (William), a learned monk of Canterbury, of Norman extraction, but born of respectable parents in the city of London. He lived in the 12th century; and being attached to the service of archbishop Becket, was present at the time of his murder. In the year 1174, he wrote in Latin, *The Life of St Thomas, archbishop and martyr*; in which, as Becket was a native of the metropolis, he introduces a description of the city of London, with a miscellaneous detail of the manners and usages of the citizens: this is deservedly considered as a great curiosity, being the earliest professed account of London extant. Fitz-Stephen died in 1191.