Thomas Parker (English judge)

Thomas Parker (1666 – 1732), 1st Earl of Macclesfield, was an English Whig politician and judge. He served as Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from 1710 to 1718 and as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain from 1718 to 1725.

Parker was born in Leek, Staffordshire, and educated at Newport Grammar School and Exeter College, Oxford. He was called to the bar in 1691 and quickly established a successful legal practice. He entered Parliament in 1705, representing Derby.

His career ascended rapidly. He was appointed Queen's Serjeant in 1707 and knighted shortly thereafter. In 1710, he became Lord Chief Justice, a position he held for eight years. During his tenure as Lord Chief Justice, he presided over several notable trials, including that of Henry Sacheverell.

In 1718, Parker was appointed Lord Chancellor and elevated to the peerage as Baron Parker of Macclesfield. He was later created Earl of Macclesfield in 1721. As Lord Chancellor, he played a significant role in shaping legal policy.

However, his career ended in disgrace. In 1725, he was impeached by the House of Commons on charges of corruption relating to the sale of masterships in Chancery. He was found guilty and fined £30,000, effectively ending his political career. He retired to his country estate and died in 1732. Despite the scandal, Parker's legal ability and influence on the development of English law are undeniable.