Alfred Billson

Background

Born in Leicester, he was fifth son of William Billson.

Career

He became a Justice of the Peace for the city, and was active in local Liberal politics as secretary of South West Lancashire Liberal Association from 1866 to 1884, and of Liverpool"s Liberal Association. He had also unsuccessfully contested Conservative-held Bradford East in 1896, being defeated by the Honourable Ronald Greville. In June 1907 he was knighted in King Edward VII"s Birthday Honours List although he did not live to receive the accolade.

He died suddenly, on 9 July 1907, in the House of Commons when he collapsed in the "Aye" lobby to cast his vote on sugar duty legislation, aged 68.

After cremation at Golders Green Crematorium, his ashes were buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. A future Liberal Member of Parliament, Congregationalist minister Silvester Horne, officiated.

A plaque was placed in his memory in Street Michael"s Parish Church, Alberbury, near his Rowton Castle home.

Membership

25th United Kingdom Parliament. 26th United Kingdom Parliament. 28th United Kingdom Parliament]

Billson was elected as Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) for three different constituencies: from 1892 to 1895 for Barnstaple in Devon, from a by-election in 1897 to the 1900 General Election for Halifax in West Yorkshire, and from the "Liberal landslide" 1906 General Election, until his death in 1907, for North West Staffordshire, after defeating a Conservative Member.

He was an active supporter of Liberal associations in the mainly Conservative-voting county, and served as member of the Atcham Rural District Council and Alberbury Parish Council.

Connections

friendship:

Rowton Castle

Partner:

Oliver Jones