John Archer

Who was John Archer?

John Archer was an English judge.

Archer was the son of Henry Archer, Esq., of Coopersale, Theydon Garnon, Essex, by Anne, daughter of Simon Crouch, of London, alderman. He was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1619, and M.A. in 1622. Having entered Gray's Inn as a student in 1617, he was called to the bar in 1620. He appears to have risen very slowly in his profession, as his name is not mentioned by any of the reporters of the time of Charles I. Edward Foss states that 'in 1647 he was selected as counsel for the corporation of Grantham,' but cites no authority; and the corporation of Grantham does not appear as a party to any case reported in that year. In 1651 he was assigned by the court as one of the counsel for Christopher Love on his trial for high treason in plotting with the Scots to bring about the restoration of the monarchy; but exception was taken to Archer on the ground that he had not subscribed the engagement to be true to the commonwealth, as required by a resolution of the House of Commons passed on 11 October 1649, to be subscribed by public functionaries 'and by' all sergeants at law, counsellors, officers, ministers, and clerks, and all attorneys and solicitors.'