AT A time when the Chancery Bar was known for its old-fashioned ways and sedate pace, Charles Sparrow’s professionalism and pugnacious style of advocacy enabled him to build a hugely successful practice.
Albert Charles Sparrow was born in Kasauli, North India. He volunteered for civil defence duties at the age of 14, later joining the Royal Signals. Posted to northern India in 1943, he served as a radio operator in Lord Mountbatten’s HQ. He was called to the Bar in 1950 and joined chambers at 13 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn.
Sparrow had no significant private means and so he became one of the busiest juniors at the Chancery Bar. After taking silk in 1966, he handled fewer, but bigger, cases, becoming renowned for his meticulous preparation. Frequently asked to take charge of difficult or sensitive investigations, in 1974 he chaired an inquiry into the running of the RSPCA and in 1981 headed an internal inquiry into the affairs of the London Playboy Club.
Sparrow served as head of chambers at 13 Old Square for more than 20 years, and was a member of the Bar Council from 1969 to 1973 and served on the Senate of the Four Inns of Court from 1970 to 1973. He was master of pictures and silver at Gray’s Inn, and acted as a guide for visitors. He was elected treasurer in 1994.
He served as legal adviser to the Freemen of England and Wales and was awarded the freedom of York and Altrincham, becoming a Deputy Lieutenant in 1985. Eight years later, he was appointed a Knight of St John.
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Charles Sparrow married Edith Taylor, in 1949. She predeceased him in 1985. He is survived by their two sons and one daughter.
Charles Sparrow QC, barrister, was born on September 16, 1925. He died on May 17, 2005, aged 79.