JAMES MANNING (1781-1866), serjeant-at-law, born 1781, was son of James Manning, Unitarian minister, Exeter, by Lydia, daughter of John Edye of Bristol. He early acquired a familiarity with history, antiquities, and the European languages, was called to the bar at Lincoln`s Inn 23 June 1817, and went the western circuit, of which he was for many years the leader. His reputation rested mainly upon his learning. He was no orator, and his powers of advocacy were slight; but as a junior he obtained much business. By his knowledge of copyhold law he secured a perpetual retainer from the lord of the manor of Taunton Dean, Somerset, whose rights were the subject of continual litigation. He enjoyed the friendship of Lords Brougham and Denman, and rendered them assistance in the defence of Queen Caroline. He was appointed recorder of Sudbury in 1835, and recorder of Oxford and Banbury in November 1837, three offices which he held till his death. He was raised to the degree of a serjeant-at-law 19 February 1840, receiving a patent of precedence April 1945, and was made queen`s ancient serjeant in 1846. This dignity, revived at his own suggestion, after a long interval of dormancy, entitled him to a seat in the House of Lords, ex officio, but gave him no right of speaking, unless consulted, or of voting. He became judge of the Whitechapel County Court in March 1847, from which he retired in February 1863 on a pension of 700 pounds. (Source: http://www.manning.ch/genealogy/f821.htm#P2633)