Sir Archibald Macdonald, 1st Baronet was a British lawyer and politician.
Background
Archibald Macdonald was the posthumous son of Sir Alexander Macdonald, 7th Baronet, and younger brother of the 8th baronet (see Baron Macdonald), but was bought to England in the aftermath of Culloden to complete his education at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford.
Education
Christ Church; Westminster School.
Career
He was called to the bar at Lincolns Inn in 1770. In politics, he followed the political lead of his father-in-law. He was appointed as second judge of the Carmarthen circuit in Wales in 1780.
He was knighted on 27 June 1788.
He was promoted to Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer from 1790, the least important of the Westminster law courts. He served in this post until he retired in 1813, due to failing eyesight.
He also served as the prosecutor in Thomas Paine"s sedition trial over the publication of Rights of Manitoba in 1792. On his retirement from the court he was created a baronet on 27 November 1813.
Membership
14th Parliament of Great Britain. 15th Parliament of Great Britain. 16th Parliament of Great Britain.
17th Parliament of Great Britain]
He was Member of Parliament for Hindon in Wiltshire (1777–1780) and then for Newcastle-under-Lyme (1780–1792), a seat where his father-in-law had a strong influence.