Description

Thomas Attwood (1783-1856), a Birmingham banker, played a prominent role in many of the important controversies in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. He wrote and published extensively, appeared as a witness before three Parliamentary committees, held a seat in the House of Commons for seven years, and earned a reputation as one of the most accomplished out-door orators of the time. In 1830-32 his leadership of the middle and working classes in the provinces allowed him to negotiate directly with the government on the question of parliamentary reform. Attwood was representative and spokesman for the new industrial towns before they achieved political influence in keeping with their economic strength; the philosophy and technique he brought to bear on the major questions of the era came, almost exclusively, from this source. Although Attwood was not alone in speaking for his economic sector, more than anyone else he became its symbol.