Walter Clopton

Sir Walter Clopton (died 1400) was an English lawyer, and Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1388 until his death in 1400.

Life Little is known of his origin and early years, but he was probably from Clapton, near Crewkerne in Somerset. His first appearance in the records is in 1376, as king's serjeant. Later he appears frequently on legal commissions in the South-West throughout the 1370s and 1380s. He served as justice of assize, justice of gaol delivery, commissioner of the peace and commissioner of array. Clopton had close connections with William Montacute, Earl of Salisbury. It then fell on Cloptonin what has become known as the Merciless Parliamentto pronounce death sentences on others of Richard II's closest advisers, including the King's former tutor Simon de Burley. Richard nevertheless decidedonce he regained power in Mayto retain Clopton, who had been created knight banneret in April. The next year he was asked for an opinion on a set of legal rulings that had been pronounced in 1387 on Richard's prompting, and that had contributed to the problems of that period. Clopton pragmatically decided to confer the matter to Parliament, while privately expressing his support for the rulings.

Clopton died in office, on 21 October 1400, and his post was filled by Sir William Gascoigne.

Family Clopton had a wife named Edith; the two had no surviving issue. When he died his brother Robert, was named as his heir.