Judge Gallery

Lord Howard de Walden in libel suit

Lord Howard de Walden (Thomas Evelyn Scott-Ellis, 8th Baron Howard de Walden, 4th Baron Seaford, 1880-1946) in the witness box, giving evidence in the Lord Chief Justice's Court regarding his libel suit against Mr John Lewis of Oxford Street. De Walden was the ground landlord of the John Lewis store, and the dispute was over his refusal to grant a lease to extend the store, as a result of which Lewis put up some mildly defamatory posters. De Walden was eventually granted a farthing in damages

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Notebook and wig of Justice Hawkins

A notebook and wig once belonging to the English Judge, Justice Hawkins (Henry Hawkins, 1st Baron Brampton), given to Horatio William Bottomley, Liberal MP, following an unsuccessful prosecution for fraud. According to Bottomley, Justice Hawkins shook his hand, said he was the ablest advocate he had ever listened to, and handed him the notebook and wig. The entry in the notebook is dated 1893, and contains the names of Horatio Bottomley, Sir Henry Isaacs, Joseph Isaacs and Charles Dollman -- all directors of a company called the Hansard Publishing Union, which failed, owing money to its shareholders and investors. Bottomley made several court appearances as a defendant in libel and fraud cases, and frequently acted for himself. He was also a financier, swindler, journalist and newspaper proprietor. He founded the Financial Times and the magazine John Bull. In 1912 he was forced into bankruptcy, which meant that he had to leave parliament

© Mary Evans Picture Library

The Fairys Dilemma by W. S. Gilbert

The Fairys Dilemma by W. S. Gilbert. First produced at the Garrick Theatre, on 3rd May 1904. The main characters are shown as themselves and as transformed by the Fairy Rosebud into characters of the Harlequinade. Col. Sir Trevor Mauleverer Bart. into a Clown. Lady Angela Wealdstone, posing as Nurse Collins, into Columbine. The Rev. Aloysius Parfitt into Harlequin, and Mr Justice Whortle into Pantaloon. Touring to the Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, on 19th December 1904. Presented by Mr Arthur Boucrchier's Company. Date: 1904

© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library