Hugh Taylor

Hugh Taylor (1817–1900) was a British Conservative Party Member of Parliament, a colliery owner with interests in the shipping industry.

Early life Hugh Taylor was born in Shilbottle in Northumberland in 1817. He was partly educated at the Royal Jubilee School, New Road, Newcastle. His first career as a mariner was short-lived and he became a became a partner in a house of coal factors, in London; and, subsequently, in several very extensive collieries in the North of England, including Haswell, Ryhope, Backworth, Holywell near Seaton Delaval, and East and West Cramlington, as well as in many mines in South Wales.

Personal life In 1842 Taylor married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Taylor of Cramlington Hall.

In 1862 Taylor bought Chipchase Castle in Northumberland, which in 2014 is still owned by his descendants. The above Hugh Taylor’s father was John Taylor of Shilbottle, who died in 1825 aged 46. Hugh Taylor (1789-1868; he never married) was the brother of the deceased John Taylor.

Political career In 1852, he successfully contested the borough of Tynemouth for the Conservative party, defeating Ralph Gray (the sitting Whig MP) by 12 votes. However it was found his supporters had been bribing the voters, and he was duly unseated the following year.

He won the seat in 1859 but it seems his political sympathies were certainly leaning towards the Liberal Party, as he voted with them on a number of issues. Hansard records a couple of contributions to maritime debates. He resigned in 1861 and returned to business.