John Humffreys Parry

John Humffreys Parry (24 January 1816 – 10 January 1880) was a British barrister, who became serjeant-at-law.

Early life The son of John Humffreys Parry the antiquarian (1786–1825), he was born in London on 24 January 1816. He received a commercial education at the Philological School, Marylebone, and spent a short time in a merchant's office in London; but then took a post in the printed-book department in the British Museum. He attended lectures at the Aldersgate Institution and studied for the bar.

Legal career Parry was called to the bar in June 1843 at the Middle Temple. On the home circuit he built up a good criminal business, principally at the Old Bailey and the Middlesex sessions. Appointment as a serjeant-at-law, in June 1856, led him to success also in the civil courts. He was also largely employed in compensation cases, especially for the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway.

In 1847 Parry unsuccessfully contested Norwich against Lord Douro and Sir Samuel Morton Peto. In 1857 he was beaten in Finsbury by Tom Duncombe and William Cox, coming third at the poll despite heavy spending.

Death

Parry died on 10 January 1880 at his house in Holland Park, Kensington. He was buried at Brookwood Cemetery in Woking on 15 January 1880.

Family Parry was twice married: first, to Margaret New, who died on 13 September 1856; and afterwards to Elizabeth Mead, daughter of Edwin Abbott; she predeceased him by a few hours. He had two sons, of whom the elder, John Humffreys, an actor, died in 1891; the second was Edward Abbott Parry, judge and man of letters.