Christopher Sibthorpe

Sir Christopher Sibthorpe (died 1632) was an English-born lawyer who had a distinguished career in Ireland as a judge and politician, and was also a religious writer of some note.

Early life

He was born in Great Bardfield, Essex, third son of John Sibthorpe. Another brother, William, also moved to Ireland and settled at Dunany, County Louth.

Christopher matriculated from the University of Cambridge and entered the Middle Temple in 1584, but was expelled in 1588 for "unorthodox" i.e. Puritan, beliefs. His attitude to Catholic barristers like Everard (whose admission to the Inns he opposed) remained uncompromising, especially where they managed to evade taking the Oath of Supremacy, "which they so greatly dislike and refuse" as he noted, The John Sibthorpe who is listed as a member of the King's Inns in 1622 was no doubt a relative of Christopher and Robert, possibly a brother of Lucy.