'Sorry, m'lud, will do better'

From the Abingdon Herald, first published Thursday 9th Nov 2006.

AFTER showing his ignorance about one of Wallingford's most famous sons, Judge William Blackstone, deputy mayor Marcus Harris is to set the record straight.

He plans a partly humorous presentation at the Christmas town council meeting to make sure nobody makes a similar gaffe in future.

At a recent council meeting, when members were discussing a memorial to Judge Blackstone, Mr Harris asked: "Who is this Judge Blackstone anyway, and what did he do?"

His question was greeted with hoots of laughter and fellow council member Alec Hayton suggested Mr Harris should be placed in the stocks.

Judge Blackstone (1723-80) is, in fact, better known in the United States than in England. He was educated at Pembroke College, Oxford, and became a Fellow of All Souls. In his 30s, he started a series of lectures on English law which became the famous Commentaries on the Laws of England - and the basis of the American Constitution.

He built and lived at Castle Priory, Wallingford, and a plaque to his memory is in St Peter's churchyard, where he is buried.

When Americans visit Wallingford, they often ask about Judge Blackstone and want to see where he lived.

The council is making efforts to provide a permanent memorial to him and American lawyers have been approached about helping pay for it.

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