James Manning

James Manning (1781–1866) was an English barrister, serjeant-at-law and law writer. Biography Manning, born in 1781 in Exeter, was son of James Manning, a Unitarian minister, by his wife Lydia, daughter of John Edge of Bristol. He early acquired a familiarity with history, antiquities, and the European languages. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn on 23 June 1817, and went the Western circuit, of which he was for many years the leader. His reputation rested mainly upon his learning. He was no orator, and his powers of advocacy were slight; but as a junior he obtained much business. By his knowledge of copyhold law he secured a perpetual retainer from the lord of the manor of Taunton Dean, Somerset, whose rights were the subject of continual litigation. He enjoyed the friendship of Lords Brougham and Denman, and rendered them assistance in the defence of Queen Caroline.