Join Sir John Royce for a fascinating evening as he shares incredible stories and reflections from his distinguished career as a High Court Judge.
Tuesday 9th September 2025
6.30pm – Arrival
7pm – Talk
8pm – Supper: Chef’s pie and sharing cheese boards & half a bottle of wine
Price: Members £40.00 / £45.00 Guests
About Sir John Royce: Club Member Sir John Royce read law at Cambridge before qualifying as a solicitor in London. During his transition to the Bar, he became an Austrian-qualified ski instructor, and later joined Guildhall Chambers in Bristol in 1970. Appointed as a High Court Judge in 2002, Sir John served as Presiding Judge of the Western Circuit, presiding over murder trials and serious criminal cases.
Event Highlights: In this edition of Royce of the Rolls, Sir John will share insights from several remarkable and high-profile cases, including:
- A claim arising from the 1998 flooding of Aberfan, the village devastated in the 1966 disaster that claimed 116 children and 18 adults – and the curious common enemy rule.
- The mysterious disappearing Pharaoh: Al Fayed v BBC and an unusual injunction application.
- Tony Nicklinson’s assisted dying action – and the events that followed the judgment.
- West Bromwich Albion v El Safty: The Baggies’ failed £3 million claim against a surgeon.
- Personal lessons learned from birth injury cases – and how they helped during his own daughter’s birth.
- The £4 million golden lavatory burglary from Blenheim Palace: definitely not a bog standard case.
- R v Collins: A burglary case hinging on the moment of entry – was he already over the window ledge when she invited him in?
Booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve your place, please book online or contact reservations@thecliftonclub.co.uk or call 0117 974 5039.
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