John Somers (born 4th March 1650, died 26th April 1716) was son of John Somers of Clifton-on-Severn. He was educated at Worcester and Oxford, and became a Bencher of the Middle Temple in 1689.
Mr. Somers became Solicitor-General in 1688, when he received the honour of Knighthood, and he represented Worcester in Parliament. Sir John was sworn of the Privy Council in 1693, and shortly afterwards was made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Speaker of the House of Lords, and Lord Chancellor. In 1697 he was created Baron Somers of Evesham. Lord Somers was President of the Royal Society. In 1701 he was impeached in the Commons for various supposed misdemeanours, but the charge was dismissed.
The Barony of Somers became extinct at John Somers' death in 1716, but it was revived in 1784 in the person of Charles Cocks of Castleditch, M.P. for Reigate, who was a descendant of a sister of the first Lord.
SPENCER, CHARLES, THIRD EARL OF SUNDERLAND
Arms.—Quarterly; arg. and gu., on the second and third quarters a fret or, over all on a bend sa., 3 escallops of the first. Spencer.
Motto.—Diev defende le droict.
Note.—Used before 1702.
[Camden. Britain. London, 1637.]