About Arnold Muir Wilson
Lived 1857 – 1909 (aged 51–52). Arnold Muir Wilson was a solicitor and politician.
Born in Sheffield, Wilson studied in the German Empire before becoming a solicitor based at Clifford's Inn. He built up a large practice in Sheffield, usually representing the defence at the Police Court, against Arthur Neal. He was a key figure in the formation of an Amateur Parliament in the city, and in 1883 he was elected to Sheffield City Council for the Conservative Party. He was also known as an early motorist and mountaineer.
In 1891, Wilson objected to an attack on him in the Sheffield Anarchist, and successfully sued its editor, John Creaghe, for libel. Although he won the case, no damages were awarded, as the judge contended that the newspaper could inflict injury only on those who read it.
In 1898, Wilson was appointed as an honorary consul for Serbia, and he attempted to use the position to promote British trade with the nation. In 1904, he travelled to Belgrade and worked with Frank Storm Mottershaw to film the coronation of Peter I. This is the oldest surviving film shot in Serbia.
In the 1900s, Wilson became known for his outspoken attacks on well-known figures in Sheffield.
Wilson stood for the Conservatives in Sheffield Attercliffe at the 1906 general election, taking 46.8% of the vote. In 1907, he began a lengthy trip around the world. He took a strong fourth place, with 21.7% of the votes cast. The week after the election, he called a public meeting, at which he complained that he had spent £1,100 on contesting the 1906 and 1909 elections, and that "if that is not enough to buy the seat of Attercliffe, I don't know what is". Later in the month, he sued the Conservative candidate for assault on the election night, and for damage to his bowler hat, but the case was dismissed before he was able to give evidence.
Wilson died in October 1909, in Vancouver. His daughter became a prominent author under the pen-name Romer Wilson, while his great-nephew was the author and journalist Roger Redfern.
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Important facts
People in Arnold Muir Wilson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Arnold Muir Wilson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Arnold Muir Wilson?
British politician (1857-1909)
When was Arnold Muir Wilson born?
Arnold Muir Wilson was born in 1857.
When did Arnold Muir Wilson die?
Arnold Muir Wilson died in 1909.
What was Arnold Muir Wilson's occupation?
Arnold Muir Wilson was a solicitor and politician.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Arnold Muir Wilson
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Arnold Muir Wilson. https://biography.guide/arnold-muir-wilson/
MLA: "Arnold Muir Wilson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/arnold-muir-wilson/.
Chicago: "Arnold Muir Wilson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/arnold-muir-wilson/.
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