Lawrence Hyde, English lawyer (b. 1562)

Sir Lawrence Hyde II (1562 – 26 January 1641) was a distinguished English lawyer and politician whose career spanned the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras. A prominent figure within a notable legal dynasty, he is particularly remembered for his significant service as Attorney-General to Anne of Denmark, the influential consort of King James I, and for his extensive tenure as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.

Sir Lawrence Hyde II: A Distinguished Legal Career

As an English lawyer, Sir Lawrence Hyde II was a barrister by profession, having been admitted to the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, in 1579 and called to the bar in 1586. His legal acumen led him to a prestigious appointment within the royal household.

Attorney-General to Anne of Denmark

From around 1603-1604, Sir Lawrence Hyde II served as the Attorney-General to Anne of Denmark, the Queen Consort of King James I. This pivotal role involved providing legal counsel to the Queen, managing her extensive personal estates, overseeing her financial interests, and handling various legal matters pertinent to the royal household. Queen Anne, daughter of King Frederick II of Denmark, was a significant political and cultural patron during her time as Queen of Scotland (from 1589) and then of England and Ireland (from 1603 until her death in 1619). Hyde's position would have placed him at the heart of her court's legal administration, advising on everything from property disputes to ceremonial legalities.

Parliamentary Service and Political Influence

Beyond his royal legal duties, Sir Lawrence Hyde II was an active participant in English parliamentary life for nearly three decades. He represented various constituencies in the House of Commons, demonstrating a consistent commitment to public service during a period of evolving constitutional power dynamics between the Crown and Parliament.

Terms in the House of Commons

Sir Lawrence Hyde II's parliamentary career was marked by his representation of several different boroughs across England. He sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1584 and 1611, navigating the political landscapes of Queen Elizabeth I's final years and King James I's early reign. His constituencies included:

• Heytesbury (1584)
• Shaftesbury (1586, 1589)
• Poole (1593)
• Dorchester (1597)
• Marlborough (1601, and again from 1604 to 1611)

His repeated elections highlight his established reputation and influence within the political system of the time. During his tenure, Parliament debated crucial issues such as royal finance, religious policy, and the growing tensions that would later escalate into the English Civil War.

A Legacy of Law and Public Service: The Hyde Family Connection

Sir Lawrence Hyde II was part of a remarkably influential legal and political family, contributing to a lineage that played a significant role in English history. He was the son of Lawrence Hyde I of West Hatch, Wiltshire. His brothers also achieved high judicial office:

• Sir Nicholas Hyde (c. 1572–1631), who rose to become Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1627 to 1631.
• Sir Robert Hyde (1590–1665), who served as Chief Justice of the Common Pleas from 1660.

Perhaps most famously, Sir Lawrence Hyde II was the uncle of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674), a towering figure in 17th-century English politics. Edward Hyde served as Lord Chancellor to King Charles II, was a key advisor during the Restoration, and authored the seminal historical work "The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England." This familial network underscores the deep roots and enduring influence of the Hyde family in the legal, political, and historical fabric of England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Lawrence Hyde II

Who was Sir Lawrence Hyde II?

Sir Lawrence Hyde II (1562 – 26 January 1641) was a prominent English lawyer and politician who served as Attorney-General to Queen Anne of Denmark and as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons for many years.

What was Sir Lawrence Hyde II's primary legal role?

He held the distinguished position of Attorney-General to Anne of Denmark, the consort of King James I, where he advised the Queen on her legal affairs, estates, and personal finances.

When did Sir Lawrence Hyde II serve in the House of Commons?

He sat in the House of Commons at various times over a significant period, specifically between the years 1584 and 1611.

Which constituencies did Sir Lawrence Hyde II represent in Parliament?

He represented several constituencies during his parliamentary career, including Heytesbury, Shaftesbury, Poole, Dorchester, and Marlborough.

What was the significance of Sir Lawrence Hyde II's family?

He belonged to a highly influential legal and political family. His brothers, Sir Nicholas Hyde and Sir Robert Hyde, both became Chief Justices, and his nephew, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, was a celebrated Lord Chancellor and historian.