History of Radcliffe Chambers

Radcliffe Chambers was formed on 5th June 2006 on the merger of the Chambers of Malcolm Waters QC at 11 Old Square and the Chambers of Hedley Marten at 11 New Square.

The constituent sets have distinguished histories, which can be traced back to the 19th century, and have produced many notable practitioners and judges. Former members include:

Lords of Appeal in Ordinary/
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Lord Browne-Wilkinson of Camden
Lord Scott of Foscote

Lord Justices of Appeal
Sir Denys Buckley
Sir Jonathan Parker
Sir Timothy Lloyd

Justices of the High Court, Chancery Division
Sir John Vinelott
Sir John Knox
Sir Donald Rattee
Sir Peter Smith
Dame Sonia Proudman DBE

Circuit Judges
His Honour Nathaniel Micklem
His Honour Roger Cooke
His Honour John Weeks QC
His Honour David Gilliland QC
His Honour Judge Simpkiss

Other judicial appointments
Judge Patrick Powell (Judge of the Upper Tribunal)
Chief Master Winegarten (Chief Chancery Master)

Queen's Counsel
John Mills OBE QC
Carol Ellis CBE QC
Edward Davidson QC

Radcliffe Chambers is named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe KC, GBE, 1st Viscount Radcliffe (1899-1977). Lord Radcliffe was an eminent Chancery silk and was created a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary in 1949 as Baron Radcliffe of Werneth in the County of Lancashire, enjoying the unusual distinction of appointment directly from the Bar. He was elevated to the Viscountcy in 1962.

back | print