FORTESCUE

fortescue, sir john (c. 1394-c. 1476), english lawyer, the second son of sir john fortescue, of an ancient family in devonshire, was born at norris, near south brent, in somersetshire. he was educated at exeter college, oxford. during the reign of henry vi. he was three times appointed one of the governors of lincoln's inn. in 1441 he was made a king's sergeant at law, and in the following year chief justice of the king's bench. as a judge fortescue is highly recommended for his wisdom, gravity and uprightness; and he seems to have enjoyed great favour with the king, who is said to have given him some substantial proofs of esteem and regard. he held his office during the remainder of the reign of henry vi., to whom he steadily adhered; and having faithfully served that unfortunate monarch in all his troubles, he was attainted of treason in the first parliament of edward iv. when henry subsequently fled into scotland, he is supposed to have appointed fortescue, who appears to have accompanied him in his flight, chancellor of england. in 1463 fortescue accompanied queen margaret and her court in their exile on the continent, and returned with them afterwards to england. during their wanderings abroad the chancellor wrote for the instruction of the young prince edward his celebrated work _de laudibus legum angliae_. on the defeat of the lancastrian party he made his submission to edward