BRADSHAW, jOITN, an eminent Puritan, was b. in 1586, of a good family in Cheshire, and studied law At Gray's inn. Called to the bar, he gained a good practice by his ability and learning, especially as a chamber council. In Oct., 1646, he was appointed a commissioner of the great seal, and in Feb., 1647, chief-justice of Chester. In Oct., 1648, he received the degree of sergeant, and in the following Jan.. was elected presi dent of the high court of justice for the trial of king Charles I. As the reward of his services on that solemn occasion, he was made president of the council of state, and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, besides the grant of estates worth £4000 per annum, the deanery house of Westminster for a residence, and £5000 to furnish it. B., 'however, refused submission to tlie Protector. He was an able lawyer, but not an able politician. His mind was rigid rather than broad, and. in consequence, he was unable
(like so many others of the stern fanatical republicans of his time) to see or comprehend the necessity for a great iron rule like Cromwell's. He even engaged in some fifth-mon archy and other plots against Cromwell, but his respectable character and past services saved him from molestation. He was deprived, however, of his office as chief-justice of Chester. After Oliver's death, he was lord president of the council of state, and a com missioner of the great seal under Richard. His last public act was to protest against the violent seizure of speaker Lenthall by the army. He died Nov. 22, 1639. His body was buried with pomp in 1Vestininster abbey„ but it was afterwards exhumed and hung on a gibbet, with those of Cromwell and Ireton.