Born Robert Douglas Carswell, his legal career began when he was called to the Bar in 1957. He took silk in 1971 and was appointed to the High Court in 1984, before being elevated to the Court of Appeal in 1993 and becoming a privy councillor.

He was appointed as Lord Chief Justice in 1997 and later, in 2004, became a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, where he remained until 2009.

In a statement, the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, said: “Lord Carswell served with great distinction in high judicial office as Lord Chief Justice and a Law Lord. He made a huge contribution to our legal system throughout his career.

“Lord Carswell was held in high esteem by his judicial colleagues and the legal profession. He maintained his connections in retirement and was a good friend to many.

“Lord Carswell was also dedicated to public service outside of the law, holding the role of Chancellor of the Diocese of Armagh and Diocese of Down and Dromore as well as Chairman of Council at the University of Ulster.

“He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in the judiciary. I would like to extend my condolences, and that of the judiciary, to Lord Carswell’s wife, Romayne and daughters, Catherine and Patricia and all extended family.”