Romilly

Romilly, Sir Samuel (1757-1818), practised at the bar when quite young, and in 1790 issued a pamphlet on the French revolution. In 1806 he was made solicitor-general and knighted. He then devoted his attention to the amendment of the criminal law, and opposed vigorously slavery, the spy system, and the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act. He committed suicide in 1818.

John, Lord Romilly, (1802-73), his son, was born in London. He graduated at Cambridge and was called to the bar in 1827. Entering Parliament as member for Bridport in 1832, he became Solicitor-General and was knighted in 1848, and two years laterwasmade Attorney-General. His appointment as Master of the Rolls was undoubtedly well deserved, and his services were rewarded by a peerage in 1866. He retired in 1873. He superintended the publication of the calendars of State papers.