Christopher Wray (English judge)

Christopher Wray (born circa 1500, died 1592) was an English judge who served as Lord Chief Justice of England from 1587 to 1592.

Born in Bedale, Yorkshire, Wray was educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he studied law. He was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn and established a successful legal practice. He became a bencher of Lincoln's Inn in 1560.

Wray was elected Member of Parliament for Boroughbridge in 1553 and for Great Grimsby in 1554 and 1559. He was appointed a Justice of the Queen's Bench in 1572.

In 1587, upon the resignation of Sir John Popham, Wray was appointed Lord Chief Justice of England. During his tenure, he presided over several notable cases, including cases involving recusancy and disputes over property rights. He was considered a competent and respected judge.

Wray died in 1592. He is buried at St. Michael's Church, Glentworth, Lincolnshire. He left behind a considerable estate and is remembered for his contributions to English law during the Elizabethan era.

His descendants include prominent figures such as Sir Cecil Wray, 13th Baronet.