Jeffreys (of Wem), George Jeffreys, 1st Baron 1648-89
English judge

Born in Acton, Clwyd, Wales, he was called to the Bar in 1668. He rose rapidly, was knighted (1677), and became Recorder of London (1678). He was active in the Popish Plot prosecutions, became Chief Justice of Chester (1680), baronet (1681), and Chief Justice of the King's Bench (1683). In every state trial he proved a willing tool of the crown, and was raised to the peerage by James II (1685). Among his earliest trials were those of Titus Oates and Richard Baxter. His period in the West Country to try the followers of the Duke of Monmouth earned the name of the 'Bloody Assizes' for its severity. He was Lord Chancellor (1685-88), but on James's flight into exile was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he died.

Bibliography: G W Keeton, Lord Chancellor Jeffreys (1965)