Francis Hargrave


Francis Hargrave was an English lawyer and antiquary. He was the most prominent of the five advocates who appeared on behalf of James Somersett in the case which determined, in 1772, the legal status of slaves in England. Although the case was Hargraves first, his efforts on the occasion secured his reputation.

Hargrave was born in London, the son of Christopher Hargrave of Chancery Lane. He entered as a student at Lincolns Inn in 1760.

Source: Wikipedia