But it was remembered that he had held briefs for the Crown, in the Western counties, at the assizes which followed the battle of Sedgemoor.

It seems indeed from the reports of the trials that he did as little as he could do if he held the briefs at all, and that he left to the Judges the business of browbeating witnesses and prisoners.
Nevertheless his name was inseparably associated in the public mind with the Bloody Circuit.

He, therefore, could not with propriety be put at the head of the first criminal court in the realm.

[25] After acting during a few weeks as Attorney General, he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.

Sir John Holt, a young man, but distinguished by learning, integrity, and courage, became Chief Justice of the King's Bench.