3-047-026 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lord Selborne, the new Lord Chancellor, 1872. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Elliott and Fry. 'This esteemed and accomplished lawyer, scholar, and gentleman...was created a Queen's Counsel in April, 1849...[and] was first returned to Parliament, as member for Plymouth, at the general election of July, 1847...He is described...as a "Liberal Conservative, favourable to the extension of free trade...[but] opposed to the endowment of the Roman Catholic clergy."...In July 1861, though he had not a seat in Parliament at the time, he was appointed Solicitor-General in Lord Palmerston's Administration...Sir Roundell then received the honour of knighthood, and was soon after elected M.P. for Richmond...In October 1863, on the death of Sir William Atherton, he became Attorney-General...He concurred with the Government in recommending the disestablishment of the Irish Church, but differed from them on the question of disendowment. He...consented to represent her Majesty's Government as counsel before the Arbitration Court at Geneva. It is said that he refused to accept the retainer of £30,000 offered him by Government for his services at Geneva. Sir Roundell Palmer edited "The Book of Praise, from the best English Hymn-Writers," published 1862'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.