Edward Bolton

Who was Edward Bolton?

Sir Edward Bolton was an English-born judge who served for many years as Solicitor General for Ireland before succeeding his father Sir Richard Bolton as Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

He was the only surviving son of Richard Bolton and his first wife Frances Walter; he was born in England, probably at the family home at Fenton, Staffordshire, but his father moved to Ireland when Edward was twelve. He graduated from the University of Dublin, then attended Clement's Inn and Lincoln's Inn and was called to the Bar in 1616. When still only thirty he was made Solicitor General for Ireland and held office for seventeen years. He was knighted in 1636. When his father became Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1639, Edward was appointed Chief Baron in his place, and frequently went as a judge on the North-western Circuit. The troubles of the English Civil War led to his father's impeachment and his own removal from office; he spent the years 1642-44 in England. Later however he made his peace with Oliver Cromwell and acted as judge of the High Court of Justice 1652-3. He died in 1659 and was buried in St. Brides's Church, Dublin.

In 1637 he was granted the estate of Lissenhall near Dublin; he also acquired the manor of Bective, County Meath. His principal residence was Brazeel, near Swords, County Dublin.