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William Murray (1705–1793), Earl of Mansfield

Image credit: Royal College of Physicians, London

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William Murray (1705–1793), 1st Earl of Mansfield, was Lord Chief Justice from 1756–1788. Known for his eloquence, he was the architect of modern commercial law and marine insurance and ordered the Royal College of Physicians to widen its admissions policy.

In a pioneering judgement in 1772, Murray held that English Law did not recognise the state of slavery. He freed West Indian slave James Somersett on the grounds that slavery was 'so odious that nothing could be suffered to support it’.

Royal College of Physicians, London

London

Title

William Murray (1705–1793), Earl of Mansfield

Date

c.1738

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 115.6 x W 91.4 cm

Accession number

X162

Acquisition method

purchased from Thomas Turton, 1864

Work type

Painting

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Royal College of Physicians, London

11 St Andrew's Place, Regent's Park, London, Greater London NW1 4LE England

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