Family and Education

b. ?1702, 3rd s. of John Pollen, M.P., of Andover, but 1st by 3rd w. Mary, da. of Edward Sherwood of East Hendred, Berks. educ. C.C.C. Oxf. 17 Oct. 1719, aged 17; L. Inn 1718, called 1726, bencher 1746. m. 8 July 1731, Hester, da. of Ellis St. John (formerly Mews) of Farley and Dogmersfield Park, Hants, sis. of Paulet St. John, 2s. 4da.

Offices Held

2nd justice Carm. circuit 1742-53, c.j. 1753-d.

Biography

A member of a prominent local family, Pollen, a practising lawyer, was returned as a Whig for Andover on his own interest in 1734. He voted with the Administration in every recorded division, except on the place bill of 1740, from which he was absent. Made a Welsh judge in 1742, in 1749 he applied to Hardwicke for the chief justiceship of his circuit, should it fall vacant, writing:

I have been now near seven years in the circuit have done far the greatest part of the business alone and hope I have not demeaned myself so as to deserve any complaint against me. I flatter myself likewise that through the course of sixteen years attendance in Parliament my conduct has been such as not to be made an objection against me.1

In 1753 he obtained this office, which he held until his death, 24 July 1775.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Paula Watson

Notes

• 1. Add. 35590, f. 263.