Admitted 4 November, 1841.
Eldest son of Thomas Solly of Blackheath, Kent. He was educated at Tunbridge School and Cambridge. Being a Unitarian, he left the University without graduating. He was admitted from Lincoln's Inn, and called to the Bar 19 Nov. 1841. In 1843 he was appointed Lecturer on English at the University of Berlin, and there he lived till his death 8 June, 1875.
He was the author of a Syllabus of Logic (1839), and the Will Divine and Human (1856). He also compiled for German readers, a treatise on the English Law of Real Property (Grundbesitz) (1853).,
Admitted 24 May, 1669.
Son and heir of John Somers of St. Michael's parish, Bedwardine, CO. Worcester. He was born at Whiteladies, Clanies, near Worcester, on 4 March, 1650-1. Before entering at the Middle Temple, he was a student at Trinity College, Oxford. He was called to the Bar 5 May, 1676, and early distinguished himself both as a writer and pleader. In 1683 he was counsel in the case of Pilkington and Shute, and in 1688 defended the Seven Bishops. On 10 May, 1689, he was elected a Bencher, appointed a Reader the same year, and Treasurer the year following. In 1689 he entered Parliament for Worcester, when he was at once made Solicitor-General and knighted. Three years later he became Attorney-General and Keeper of the Great Seal. In the latter capacity he delivered judgment in the Case of the Bankers in the Court of Exchequer, 1696. In 1697 he was raised to the Peerage, and made Lord Chancellor, but in 1700 was removed from his high situation on charges of which he was acquitted. After this, though he occasionally spoke in the House of Lords, and in 1708 acted as President of the Council, his life was spent chiefly in retirement. He died 26 April, 1716. The great part he played in advising on Constitutional questions and drafting the Bill of Rights, are matters of public history.
Lord Somers was the author of several tracts or treatises bearing the following titles: The Security of Englishmen's Lives … or the Duties of Grand Juries explained (1681); Argument in the Banker's Case (1733); Judgment … concerning the Rights … of Kings … and of the People … [published anonymously, and by some attributed to De Foe] (1710). Lord Somers left behind him the celebrated collection of tracts bearing his name, which were edited by Sir Walter Scott 1809—15.
SOMERSET, DUKE OF. See SEYMOUR CHARLES.
Admitted 1 March, 1598-9.
Second son of Edward, fourth Earl of Worcester. He was summoned to Parliament as Baron Herbert of Chepstow on 19 March, 1603-4, succeeded his father as fifth Earl on 3 March, 1627-8, his elder brother having pre-deceased him, and was advanced to the dignity of Marquess of Worcester
