George Dewhurst

George Dewhurst (8 August 1789 – 14 August 1857) was an English Radical, reformer and reedmaker, best known for his contribution towards working class Radicalism in the first half of the 19th century and reform in his home town of Blackburn.

Early life

George Dewhurst was born in the English town of Blackburn on 8 August 1789, one of seven children of George Dewhurst the elder and his wife Ann Hanson. His father was a whitesmith and grocer of the town.

George Dewhurst married Ann Green in February 1810 and the couple had four children together (Hanson, Alice, George and Mary) before Ann's untimely death in 1816. He married his second wife, Alice Hitchen, in November 1823.

Dewhurst was a reed maker by trade, providing reeds for the weaving and calico industry. He remained in this line of work for a large part of his life, despite this traditionally handcrafted process being increasingly mechanised (reeds originally made from strips of reed became replaced by flattened brass and steel wire and began to be made by machinery.

Radical beginnings

George Dewhurst could scarcely have been born at a time more resonant with the hope and possibility of betterment for the poor, together with the fear, despair and anger that such change would never be realised. It was a time ripe for a man such as George Dewhurst, whose life was to be defined by fighting against injustice and reforming the conditions of the working men, women and children of his hometown of Blackburn.

The French Revolution began the year of Dewhurst's birth, and the possibility of a similar upheaval befalling the established order in England must have been occupying the thoughts and haunting the dreams of the privileged. The prevailing sense of corruption in politics (such as the rotten and pocket boroughs denying proper representation of people's grievances) was compounded by the financial constraints caused by the end of the Napoleonic War, the tariffs and trade restrictions of the Corn Laws and the burden of taxation. Throughout the country there was an increase in British political radicalism and restlessness to improve the lot of the working poor.

In addition to the general maladies affecting the country as a whole, workers in areas such as Blackburn, dependent so much on cotton, were threatened continually with the onward march of industrialisation in the factories and the fluctuations in the price of raw materials. As Abram and a number of others in the three years that followed. He became "by dint of earnestness, downrightness, and the use of plain, forceful Saxon words" someone who "understood and felt by the most illiterate of his hearers". This is just one indication of the hardship that he endured during his imprisonment, further insights can be gained from a letter he wrote in August 1821 from his cell at Lancaster. Although the full text of the document is no longer available, Abram in his book on Blackburn Characters

He then made a reference to his imprisonment, and its injustice:

However, the feeling of indignation in this speech and the prevailing sense of injustice it spoke of foreshadowed not further attempts at reform in Blackburn but the determination to start anew in the United States.

Travel to America

Between 1826 and 1827 there was renewed distress in Blackburn and great difficulty in trade. This depression left only about one third of the population around Blackburn in work and the consequent hardship led inexorably to robberies and even mob violence including an attack on the house of the clerk to justices and passengers on market coaches. Gooderson further records that a large crowd destroyed power looms in Accrington and Blackburn and fatalities occurred in a conflict between soldiers and rioters outside a mill in Grimshaw Park.

The privations endured by the poor around Blackburn (and doubtless similar towns) were truly severe:

It is known that George Dewhurst travelled from Liverpool on 22 July 1827 to New York on the Dalhousie Castle, a "fine fast-sailing ship" of 470 tons with accommodation for passengers that were "extensive and very comfortable", and "with beds and bedding at the ship's expense".

Remarkably, an aurora borealis was recorded by the Captain Robert Walton in the Dalhousie Castle log whilst Dewhurst was on board. The event took place on Tuesday 28 August 1827, South of Nova Scotia, about a week before Dewhurst arrived in America. We can only hope he was on deck to see the sight. Tuesday, August 28th, 1827.— As daylight closed, the moon had a remarkably red aspect, the sky was clear, and stars brilliant. At 9,30, a dark cloud was rising to the northward, and soon afterwards strong perpendicular rays of light were seen from the N. E. to N. N. W.— these rays rose in shape of a cone, or to a point, the lower part resembling much the tail of a comet, becoming now and then more or less bright. This continued till 10 o’clock, (in which interval the moon had sunk below the horizon) when a far stronger ray of light appeared in the N. W. in width about eight or nine degrees, and which ascended to thirty five degrees. After remaining stationary a short time, it ascended till it reached the zenith, and afterwards formed an arc. This continued till about 11, 30, when the upper part inclining to the southward, gradually died away. The dark cloud remained stationary all this time, from fifteen to twenty degrees high, and till midnight, and the strong light from N. E. to N. N. W. continued till after one, A. M.— the intermediate space between the lower part of the cloud and horizon filled with a dense haze. On the 27th, we experienced squally weather with rain and bright lightning. The whole of the 28th was fine weather with light breezes. On the 29th fine weather with light breezes. No appearance during the evening or night of the light.

[The situation of the ship at 10, P. M. was lat, 42° 12’ N. lon. 63° 9’ W] Dewhurst arrived in America on 6 September 1827 but so far no more is known of his time there, or the exact date of his return to Blackburn (although this cannot have been later than 1830). It seems that Dewhurst met with little success in the United States, and Abram reports that some of his old neighbours made fun of him for having discovered that the "American Republic was no better than, if so good as, king-lord-squire-and-parson-ridden England".

Upon his return, perhaps after a short respite, Dewhurst once again became involved in the political fray. This was reported by another Blackburn citizen Thomas Rogerson who reported his activities to the then Home Secretary Robert Peel in November 1830:

The disapprobation of Rogerson did little to diminish Dewhurst's enthusiasm for reforming politics and he was to go on to play a significant role in the future political and social development of Blackburn.

The work of reform 1830–1857

The Great Reform Act

Across the country inequalities in society and the suffering of the populace created a longing for reform that was both pressing and widespread. The memory of earlier revolutions in France and America, together with the hardships caused by the Corn Laws exacerbated the situation, as did the growing cause of Radicalism. The authorities responded to these threats to the status quo with greater repression and the use of spies to root out dissent. The clamour for reform would not be subdued however and another revolution in France in July 1830 strengthened the argument that reform was necessary to prevent a similar event from happening in England.

Schama

Some Radicals opposed the bill as they felt it did not go far enough (a leading example being Henry Hunt, who became known as "Orator Hunt" after his speech at Peterloo. George Dewhurst however strongly supported the Act, so much so that he was willing to work with those who might be considered political rivals to help bring it about. At a meeting at Blakey Moor in Blackburn to support the bill he walked arm-in-arm with William Feilden (the local Conservative). The event was recorded by Durham: The disagreement is recollected in The Preston Chronicle which recalls Dewhurst congratulating a Blackburn audience on the passing of the Bill which he regarded as a stepping stone to further reform. Apparently Hunt was "stung to the quick" by this remark and argued that the Reform Bill would prove to be "one of the worst measures ever passed for the working classes ..".

Dewhurst further emphasised the ongoing progress of reform in a speech made at a reform meeting in Blackburn in August 1835 and quoted by Lewis:

Whatever reservations were harboured by Hunt, the Reform Act of 1832 brought significant changes to the electoral system of the United Kingdom including extending the franchise to Blackburn as a two-member constituency. This was a significant step forward in the fight for universal suffrage, notwithstanding the fact that only those who had property at a rateable value of £10 and above were eligible to vote (thus excluding the majority of men and all women). It can be imagined that Dewhurst felt that having representation for the town at a national level could only be advantageous.

Early parliamentary elections in Blackburn

Blackburn's first election Initially it seemed like Blackburn's first election - described by Miller This was another point of commonality with Dewhurst who was a dissenter in the same Unitarian tradition (see 'Religion' below in the section entitled 'Political, social and economic views').

As the two parties representing Feilden and Bowring got on tolerably well with each other, it was felt that the two candidates would be sent to Parliament without the need for a contest. This inevitably led to tension and opponents could use underhand means to sway the election as can be seen in this account from page 14 of the Autobiographical Recollections of Sir John Bowring. When the Reform Bill was passed, Dr Bowring presented himself for election at Blackburn, but though enthusiastically received by the mass of the people, he was rejected by the electors, his opponents beating him by several votes. On looking back at the electioneering contests of that time, one cannot help wondering at the vehement invective and unsparing abuse which were freely bandied about. Every kind of gibe, jest, satire, and insinuation was brought into play at Blackburn, nor was the hostility to Dr Bowring confined to words, for a large stone was thrown into his bedroom, which passed close to his head. His friends, however, on their side, manifested their regard by presenting his wife with a handsome service of plate.Dewhurst's support of Bowring put him at odds with one of his famous acquaintances - William Cobbett - who had become friendly with Dewhurst when visiting Blackburn in the winter of 1831-32. His principal allegation was that Feilden used "corrupt and unlawful means" to be elected by "treating and promising money". The petition was rejected and the results upheld.

The Election of 1841 Abram reports that in the 1841 election Dewhurst was not very active as he did not care for William Turner personally. In addition, as he grew older and reforms continued, Dewhurst may have felt that his work on parliamentary reform could be safely left in the hands of others (although he still worked hard in the day-to-day reform of his home town):His Radicalism did not fail with the continued demand upon it, but, like many men, his views were chastened somewhat as he advanced in years, and, as reforms progressed, he was perhaps satisfied that Britons could secure all the rights and liberties they wanted without transforming their old political system. Free speech, for which he had battled and borne the harshest penalties of the law, he saw conceded and enjoyed without stint. This was unsurprising as Dewhurst shared Eccles's opposition to the Corn Laws and was almost certainly sympathetic to the Anti-Corn Law Association that Eccles chaired.

The final result was James Pilkington (846), William Eccles (580) and John Hornby (509).

Three electors successfully petitioned against the return of Eccles in the election alleging that there was "gross, extensive, and systematic bribery and treating" by his friends and supporters. on the regular Friday meeting of the Commissioners in the Sessions Room in Blackburn. George Dewhurst was in the chair and that single meeting covered:

The construction of the new Market House including the costs involved. Repairing streets and cleaning bye-ways (where Dewhurst brought attention to the "filthy nuisance" of the George and Dragon yard where horses were boiled up and placed in tubs causing an intolerable stench) In his role as chairman, Dewhurst brought the commission's attention to the fact that the Improvement Act intended that a street was defined not only as a thoroughfare but also a court, alley, lane or passage and that these areas were to be cleaned as well. When this was challenged Dewhurst pointed out that "...the state of the back places were disgraceful. The persons residing there paid their rates like other people, and yet they were, in this respect, together neglected. The scavengers ought to go into all these back streets and places." The removal of pigsties. What Dewhurst considered the greatest nuisance of all, the River Blakewater, and in particular the "noxious exhalations continually rising from its bed." A lengthy and detailed discussion followed. Approving the purchase of land. The appointment of police constables. The post of weighing machine keeper.

Dewhurst dutifully continued his work on Blackburn's Improvement Commission until the town's incorporation in 1851. The passion of his youth that led to his imprisonment may have become more measured, but his commitment to those he felt compelled to serve remained as strong as ever.

Election to the first town council

Dewhurst was a member of Blackburn's Improvement Commissioners for many years before the town was incorporated and in 1851 was elected to the first Town Council. He was to represent the ward of St Pauls until he died in 1857.

Political, social and economic views

Religion Although baptised and married in the Church of England, George Dewhurst was a self-confessed dissenter of the Unitarian tradition (at least in 1832, it is possible that his views changed in later life). Radical meetings also began to encourage women to vote with men for or against resolutions by a show of hand, adding support to the notion that women as well as men had the right to be represented.

In 1832 Henry Hunt (a friend of George Dewhurst) presented a petition to parliament on behalf of a Yorkshire woman from Leeds named Mary Smith. Smith’s petition argued two primary points: one that as she paid taxes she should not be excluded from the election of a representative that would be responsible for spending them and secondly, as she was subject to the punishments of the law (not excepting execution) she ought to have a voice in making them. Smith also made the point that in the latter case it seemed unfair that both judges and jurors were all male. The petition was met with ridicule as can be seen in the response of Sir Frederick Trench who argued that if a jury made up half of males and half females were locked up together “… as now often happened with juries. This might lead to rather queer predicaments”. discovery of a speech made by Dewhurst and recorded in the Bolton Chronicle in February 1831 makes clear:

In the marriage vow the woman gave up her rights to her husband; and he from that time became responsible for their exercise (hear). If it [the vote] were extended to females, it might create disturbance in many families, as the husband and wife might be at variance as to the candidate whom they ought to support.

(Laughter.) He was aware that women were as capable of judging either in political or religious matters as men; and in most matters they were far superior to them, being more virtuous, more sober, and more persevering than men. He thought, however, that it would be quite sufficient if the franchise were extended to men.

Railway mania

Catholic Emancipation

Death and burial

George Dewhurst died at his home on Queen Street on the 14th of August 1857 of kidney disease and was buried five days later at Blackburn Cemetery. He was still a Councillor of the town on the day of his death.

Dewhurst's contribution to the cause of reform couldn't have been more clearly articulated than in a letter from Mr John Sparrow that was read out at a meeting held at the White Bull Inn in Blackburn in 1857. The meeting was held to consider the possibility of erecting a memorial to Dewhurst and was chaired by Mr Alderman Rutherford. Mr Sparrow was unable to attend as "magisterial matters prevented his attendance" but his letter expressed his view that no man had "laboured more earnestly" than Dewhurst "during the whole of his life in the cause of reform and social progress".

The resolution adopted by the meeting was glowing in its praise:

The meeting was concluded with a "display of cordial and enthusiastic feeling", and a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Unsurprisingly the people of Blackburn went on to commission a monument to Dewhurst at the cemetery and in April 1858 the Blackburn Standard reported that it had been erected. It was the first public monument in the cemetery at that time, completed by the builder John Hacking and stood about 17 feet in height. It was reported that when first erected the monument was "conspicuous from a considerable distance".

The monument is inscribed with the following:

Legacy and recognition

The silver cup presented to George Dewhurst by fellow radical reformers. George Dewhurst's contribution to the cause of reform was clearly recognised before and shortly after the time of his death. His memorial in Blackburn Cemetery has already been mentioned, but he also received a fine silver cup from fellow Radical reformers with the inscription:

The cup can currently be seen in Blackburn Museum.

Old Drinking Fountain memorial for George Dewhurst 1858. Fleming Square, Blackburn.

Shortly after Dewhurst's death a small drinking fountain made of Peterhead granite was inserted in the west wall of the market house with the inscription "1858. Erected by the friends of the late George Dewhurst". It was later moved beneath Darwen Street railway bridge and then (following the prompting of Margery Woods, one of Dewhurst's descendants) to Fleming Square.

Despite the acclaim that George Dewhurst enjoyed during his lifetime as "one of Blackburn's most remarkable sons", recognition of the importance of his role faded from memory over the decades that followed his death. More recently this recognition has been revitalised by the enthusiasm of those with a passion for local and family history. An online supporters group has been set up and has been influential in bringing Dewhurst's role to much greater prominence. The aforementioned silver cup was successfully acquired through crowdfunding, and members share memories of George Dewhurst and his ancestors and act to preserve his memory.

Recently Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery held a George Dewhurst day and Dewhurst descendants have also announced that they have put in an application to have a road named after George Dewhurst which has now been put into effect.

An animation was created in celebration of George Dewhurst by the BA (Hons) student Bee Joy