William Broadhead

William Broadhead was a British trade unionist and saw grinder, and instrumental in the Sheffield Outrages.

Early life Born in Whirlow, Sheffield on 2 October 1815, Broadhead worked as a saw grinder with his father from childhood.

Career Broadhead became the landlord of a public house called The Bridge in Owlerton. before being made Treasurer of the United Kingdom Alliance of Organised Trades in 1866.

Sheffield Outrages The union's actions against unorganised labour came to national attention, and became known as the Sheffield Outrages. Broadhead denied all knowledge, and offered a reward for information. In November 1866, the Sheffield Association and the London Trades Council asked Parliament to investigate. Most union members, including Broadhead, were given certificates of immunity, so although Broadhead ultimately confessed to ordering a murder and various other crimes to be committed, he was not convicted. He remained with the union, but was refused his publican's licence. To avoid public attention, he emigrated to the United States in 1869, but returned the following year to start a new career as a grocer.

Later life and death Broadhead had a number of strokes after 1876 and died at his home of 114 Meadow Street, Sheffield on 15 March 1879. He was buried at All Saints' parish churchyard, Ecclesall, on 20 March 1879.

Personal life He married Mary Jane Wildgoose at Sheffield Cathedral on 2 April 1836 with whom he would go on to have nine children.

In popular culture In Charles Reade's novel Put yourself in his Place (1870), the character of Grotait is based on Broadhead.