Matthew Hale is an important figure in both the political and literary world of 17th century England. Hale is mainly known for his accomplishments in law, including work as both a barrister and a judge. Hale’s literary works encompass several fields, including law and science. The importance of Hale to the political arena of 17th century England comes from his close association to both the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. Hale set several precedents with his works, including being cited in court cases up until the late 20th century.
Hale was born in Alderley, Gloucestershire in the year 1609. He was born into a predominately wealthy family, with his father working as an influential barrister. Hale experienced difficult times early in his life, “Hale’s parents were both dead within five years of his birth, and Hale was educated by one Antony Kingscot, of Kingscot, Gloucestershire, a puritan kinsman on his father’s side, in spite of some objections raised by his maternal uncle” (DNB). Being raised by a Puritan seemed to have some effect on Hale’s religious beliefs. In 1626, Hale began attending Oxford, where he first studied to become a priest, but later decided to become a barrister.
The work Hale did in the field of law, included a career as both a barrister and a judge. Hale excelled quite impressively in both of these endeavors. When Hale fist began practicing as a barrister, he defended several Royalists, but never seemed to fully express his own views. This tactic seemed to have a positive effect for Hale, “Although Hale’s private papers show that his understanding of the constitution was broadly royalist, he stayed in London in the civil wars and seems to have been respected by all parties” (DNB). It seems quite impressive that Hale was able to stay neutral through all these troubling times. It seems even more impressive that he was able to be respected by all these different parties, which seems to speak to his character. Hale was able to use this neutrality to gain respect from Oliver Cromwell, who gave him positions of power and influence.
Matthew Hale later became a judge and experienced a great amount of success in this endeavor. “Hale was a dominant figure on the bench for almost twenty years” (DNB). This seems to be quite a long career for this era, considering the political climate. Some of the legal precedent set by Hale was used in court cases up until the late 20th century. Hale served several different positions as a judge and oversaw several commissions. Some of Hale’s most important work as a judge came after the Great Fire of London, when he helped construction move along quicker and began restoration. Hale was also known for his judging over witchcraft trials. These trials prove to be some of the most interesting because Hale’s rulings do not always seem to completely line up with his personal views. Along with Hale’s work as a judge and barrister, he also wrote quite extensively on the subject of law. His most famous legal writing was likely History and Analysis of the Common Laws of England. Though this work was not published until after his death, it proved to be essential for setting precedent for several later cases.
Aside from writings on law, Hale was also known for his works on both religion and science. Religion was certainly one of the most important political subjects of Hale’s era, so it seems likely he would have written extensively on the subject. “Hale’s writings about Christianity suggest a not unusual drift towards a broadly ethical religion” (DNB). This drift toward ethical religion seems to reflect Hale’s upbringing as a Puritan. One of Hale’s most widely known works on the topic of religion is Contemplations Moral and Divine. These were devotional essays that were published anonymously when first released. Hale also produced several works related to the scientific field. One of his best known works in this field seems to be Primitive Origination. This work dealt with scientific origins, but also had elements of religion, which seems unavoidable with Hale. The fact that Hale was able to have success in writing in such a vast array of fields is quite impressive. Though his work in law is likely the most documented, the works in religion also seem quite important, considering how Hale was able to stay neutral in the political turmoil in England during this era.
Besides all of Hale’s accomplishments in writing and law, he also seemed to be an incredibly interesting person overall. Hale was often described as having Puritan mannerisms, while also being quite rational in his views. “He favoured cheap, drab clothing, adopted a deliberate manner of speech, and lived with ostentatious modesty at Acton, Middlesex. Unlike his mentor, the gregarious Selden, Hale had no interest at all in sociable eating and drinking” (OED). This seem to be interesting qualities about Hale, despite his accomplishments he still seemed to prefer an inconspicuous Puritan lifestyle. These accomplishments compared to his accomplishments seem to show the many different sides there were to Hale. Considering these Puritan ideals, it might be difficult to believe Hale was married twice. Hale had ten children with his first wife. Hale was often considered to be quite charming, which may show why he married twice. It would seem unlikely for someone with such an impressive professional career to not have an interesting personal life. Matthew Hale seemed to be fond of Christmas during his life, which is appropriate because he died on December 25, 1676.
Sir Matthew Hale was accomplished in a number of different fields, including law and writing. The fact that Hale was able to stay neutral through the English Civil War, seems to show the level of versatility he possessed in his professional life. His work in law set legal precedent that would continue for centuries after. His work as a writer is quite impressive, considering all the different subjects he was able to write on. Matthew Hale seemed to be accomplished in several different fields in a time of political turmoil in England.
Works Cited
Cromartie, Alan. “Mathew Hale.” Mathew Hale. Accessed November 19, 2015.
http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/11905.
Yale, David Eryl Corbet. “Sir Matthew Hale | English Legal Scholar.” Encyclopedia
Britannica Online. Accessed November 19, 2015.
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Matthew-Hale.