The Lord Denman

This Wetherspoon pub is named after the First Lord Denman, Lord Chief Justice of England.

This great reforming judge lived at Parsloes in Dagenham, from 1850-1852. Overwork had damaged his health and he came here in need of rest and recuperation. His wife, Theodosia, died here and was buried in Dagenham churchyard. He went on to Eton, where he gained a reputation as a debater with very liberal opinions, and then on to Cambridge University. He married and had 15 children. Lord Denman's efforts to abolish slavery, and his work on other causes and cases, brought about the collapse of his health. He was forced to resign as Lord Chief Justice in 1850. Although his health improved, his return to campaigning was soon followed by a stroke. He was never able to speak or write again, and died not long after in 1854. There were many tributes to his memory.