Fortescue

Fortescue, Sir John (14th century), an English lawyer, was born in Somerset, and educated at Exeter College, Oxford. After going to the bar, he became a governor of Lincoln's Inn, was created Sergeant in 1441, and Lord Chief Justice in 1442, a post which he retained for Henry VI.'s life. He was loyal to the House of Lancaster, and in 1463 he shared the exile of Margaret and Edward, writing his Be Laudibus Legum Anglicc for the Prince's benefit. In 1471 he received a general pardon from Edward IV. Other works of his are extant.