John Somers, 1st Baron Somers, English jurist and politician, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain (b. 1651)

John Somers, 1st Baron Somers, a towering figure in late 17th and early 18th-century English politics, was born on 4 March 1651 and passed away on 26 April 1716. Renowned as an English Whig jurist and statesman, his career was marked by profound contributions to the constitutional framework of Great Britain, shaping its future through critical legal and political reforms.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Somers's journey to national recognition began spectacularly during the celebrated Trial of the Seven Bishops in 1688. As a skilled member of the defence counsel, he successfully argued against King James II's attempt to impose religious toleration through royal prerogative, a move widely seen as an assault on the Anglican Church and parliamentary authority. This landmark acquittal not only cemented Somers's reputation as an astute legal mind but also ignited public resistance that directly contributed to the Glorious Revolution later that year. Beyond the courtroom, Somers was a prolific writer, publishing influential tracts on pressing political issues, most notably concerning the succession to the Crown. In these writings, he articulated and championed his Whig principles, advocating strongly for the Exclusionists—those who sought to prevent a Catholic monarch from ascending the English throne. His intellectual contributions provided crucial ideological backing for the constitutional changes that were to follow.

Architect of Constitutional Change

Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Somers played an indispensable role in meticulously crafting the Revolution Settlement. This transformative period saw the establishment of a new constitutional monarchy, significantly curtailing royal power and strengthening parliamentary sovereignty. His legal and political expertise was instrumental in navigating the complex negotiations that redefined the relationship between the Crown and its subjects. His exceptional abilities were recognized with his appointment as Lord High Chancellor of England under King William III, a position he held with immense influence, overseeing the judiciary and serving as a key advisor to the monarch.

Legacy of Union and Succession

Perhaps two of Somers's most enduring legacies are his profound involvement in the Union between England and Scotland in 1707 and the establishment of the Protestant Succession in 1714. As a chief architect of the Acts of Union, he helped forge a new political entity, Great Britain, laying the groundwork for centuries of shared history. His vision for a unified nation demonstrated a remarkable foresight into the benefits of political and economic integration. Furthermore, his efforts were central to securing the Protestant succession, which ultimately brought the House of Hanover to the British throne, thus safeguarding the constitutional principles established during the Revolution and preventing a return to absolute monarchy or Catholic rule.

The Whig Junto and Political Influence

For a quarter-century after 1688, John Somers stood as a pre-eminent figure within the Whig party. He was a central member, and indeed a co-founder, of the powerful political alliance known as the Whig Junto. Comprising himself and four other influential colleagues, this group effectively dominated English politics during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The Whig Junto was instrumental in shaping government policy, managing Parliament, and ensuring the stability of the new Whig-led constitutional order. Somers's leadership within this formidable faction solidified his reputation as one of the most significant statesmen of his era.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the significance of the Trial of the Seven Bishops?
The Trial of the Seven Bishops in 1688 was a pivotal moment where seven Anglican bishops were prosecuted for seditious libel by King James II. Their acquittal, largely due to the efforts of defence counsel like John Somers, was a significant blow to the King's authority and a catalyst for the Glorious Revolution, demonstrating widespread opposition to his arbitrary rule and pro-Catholic policies.
What was the Whig Junto?
The Whig Junto was a powerful and influential political group within the Whig party in England, particularly active from the 1690s to the early 1700s. It consisted of John Somers and four other key leaders: Thomas Wharton, Edward Russell, Charles Montagu, and Robert Spencer. This 'junto' (a Spanish term for a council or committee) effectively managed government affairs, parliamentary strategy, and party discipline, playing a crucial role in maintaining Whig dominance and securing the principles of the Revolution Settlement.
How did John Somers contribute to the Union of England and Scotland?
John Somers was a chief architect of the Acts of Union 1707, which formally joined the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into a single sovereign state, the Kingdom of Great Britain. His legal acumen and political influence were essential in negotiating and drafting the complex legislation, ensuring its passage through both parliaments, and overcoming significant opposition to create a unified nation.
What was the "Revolution Settlement"?
The Revolution Settlement refers to the series of legislative and constitutional changes that followed the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It fundamentally altered the balance of power in England, establishing a constitutional monarchy where Parliament's authority was significantly enhanced, and the monarch's powers were curtailed. Key components included the Bill of Rights (1689), which guaranteed certain rights and limited royal prerogative, and the Act of Settlement (1701), which secured the Protestant succession to the throne. John Somers played a leading role in shaping these foundational documents.
Why was the Protestant Succession so important?
The Protestant Succession was critical to England's political stability and constitutional order. After King James II's Catholicism led to his deposition, there was a strong desire to prevent any future Catholic monarch, as it was feared this could lead to absolutism and a return to religious conflict. The Act of Settlement 1701, championed by figures like Somers, ensured that only Protestant heirs could inherit the throne, thereby safeguarding parliamentary sovereignty and the Church of England's position, ultimately leading to the Hanoverian succession in 1714.
What was John Somers's role as Lord High Chancellor of England?
As Lord High Chancellor of England under King William III, John Somers held one of the highest offices in the kingdom. In this capacity, he was the head of the judiciary, the speaker of the House of Lords, and a principal advisor to the monarch. His role involved overseeing the legal system, presiding over important trials, and playing a crucial part in the executive government, making him immensely influential in both legal and political spheres.