Stephen Popham

Stephen Popham (5 July 1745 – 13 June 1795) was a British politician and solicitor who is remembered for improving the residential locality of Georgetown in the city of Chennai, India and reforming the civic and police administration.

Early life

Popham was born on 5 July 1745, the fourth son of Joseph Popham of Gibraltar and Mary Riggs. Popham's younger brother was the British naval officer Admiral Sir Home Riggs Popham. He had his education at King's School and matriculated from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1764.

Popham recommended the construction of direct and cross drains in every street, the lighting of streets, registration of births and deaths and licensing of liquor shops and outlets. In 1782, Popham submitted a plan for the creation of a regular police force in Madras city.

Death

Popham died in Conjeevaram on 13 June 1795 as a result of injuries suffered during a fall from his curricle.