STOWELL, WILLIAM SCOTT, Lord, the eldest brother of lord Eldon (q.v.). was b. at Heworth, Durham, Oct. 17, 1745. He was educated at Newcastle; went to Oxford in 1761, and became a, college tutor. In 1779 he took the degree of D.C.L., removed to London, was called to the bar (1780), and admitted to the faculty of advocates at doctors' commons. Dr. Johnson introduced hint to the Literary club, and he became well known in the most intellectual society of London As an advocate lie at once obtained a large practice, and his pro:notion was rapid. In 1788 he was appointed judge in the consistory court, knighted, and nominated a privy councibor. In 1798 he became judge of the court of admiralty, the highest dignity to which he could attain in his own branch of the profession. Both its an and admiralty judge he won high distinction. He wrote no systematic treatise or text-hook, but Ms judgments were admirably reported, and supply the best evidence of his extensive legal learning, his sagacity, and his great literary ability. He is the highest English authority on ecclesiastical law
and the law of nations. an(I his judgments—those especially relating to the rights of belligerents and neutrals—have been as the most valuable contribution made by an English judge to general jurisprudence since the time of lord Mansfield. As a politician sir William Scott was not remarkable. He represented Oxford in the house of commons for 20 years. but lie took no part in the business of parliament. although like his brother he was a ./.:alous supporter of the conservative party and the established church. At the coronation of George IV. lie was raised to the peerage under the:isle of baron Stowell of Stowell park. In 1823 lie retired from the bench, and in 1835 he died. Lord Stowell was twice married, but only one child, lady Sidmoutli, survived him.