Thomas Hardy

Background

Hardy was born on 3 March 1752, the son of a merchant seaman. His father died in 1760 at sea while Thomas was still a boy.

Education

He was sent to school by his maternal grandfather and later apprenticed to a shoemaker in Stirlingshire.

Career

He later worked in the Carron Iron Works. As a young man, he came to London just before the American Revolutionary War. In 1791 Hardy opened his own boot and shoe shop at 9 Piccadilly, London.

Two years later it had grown so powerful that he was arrested by the Crown on charges of high treason.

He was acquitted after nine days of testimony and debate. In later life Hardy ceased involvement in politics, and with the assistance of friends set up a small shoe shop in Tavistock Street, Covent Garden and in September 1797 he moved to a smaller establishment in Fleet Street.

He died on 11 October 1832 and is buried at Bunhill Fields burial ground, where a tall granite obelisk, designed by John Woody Papworth, was later erected to his memory.

Views

The charges were prosecuted with Sir John Scott leading for the Crown, and William Garrow among the prosecuting counsel While Hardy was defended by Thomas Erskine.

Connections

friends:

London Corresponding