Humphrey Smith (MP)


Humphrey Smith, of London and Cullompton, Devon, was an English politician.

Family and education

Smith was educated at the Inner Temple in 1556. In 1586, he married Ursula, who was probably the daughter of Thomas Leveson, probably one of the Leveson of Hornes Place, Kent. They had one son, Walter.

Career

Smith was a Justice of the Peace for Devon c. 1573–1587 and for Middlesex from c. 1579, probably until his death. He was a bencher in the Inner Temple in 1574, an Autumn reader 1576 or 1577 and a Lent reader in 1587. Smith's patron was probably Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford. His legal role means he must have been in London the majority of the time, rather than his constituency.
He was a Member of the Parliament of England for Bodmin in 1571.

Death

Smith died on 15 September 1589. His will was made the same day, with his wife, Ursula, as the executrix, and their son, Walter, was left in her care aged eighteen months.