Sir Wilfrid Lawson, 1st Baronet, of Brayton
Encyclopedia
Sir Wilfrid Lawson, 1st Baronet, of Brayton (5 October 1795 – 12 June 1867), was an English landowner, businessman and investor in the new industrial age. He was one of the Lawson Baronets
.
in 1806, the title expired and the estates passed to the nephew of his wife, Thomas Wybergh, the son of Thomas Wybergh of Clifton Hall, Westmorland
who assumed the name and arms of the Lawson family. Six years later Thomas drowned off the coast of Madeira
and having no direct heirs the estates passed to his younger brother Wilfrid, who likewise assumed the name of Lawson. In 1821, he married Caroline Graham, sister to the famous Peelite
statesman, Sir James Graham of Netherby. Their marriage produced eight children; four boys, Wilfrid, Gilfrid, William
and Alfred; and four daughters, Caroline, Elizabeth, Catherine and Maria.
, arrived in the district of St Bees
, sometime in the 13th century
. Gilbert de Engayne, the last of that ancient family in the direct line had a daughter Eleanor, who in 1364 carried the manor
and demesne
of Clifton near Penrith
, in marriage to William de Wybergh, of St Bees. The aforementioned possessions remained the property of their descendants until the twentieth century. Eleanor Wybergh died in the reign of Henry IV of England
, and the family laid her body to rest in Clifton Church, close to the old hall, where the residents placed a window in stained glass to her memory, bearing her effigy and arms. In 1524, Thomas Wybergh married a Lancaster of Melkinthorpe
Hall. The family later suffered greatly in the English Civil War
. In 1652, a Thomas Wybergh of St Bees, had his name attached to ‘the list of delinquents
’, thus forfeiting the right to own his estates, which were later sold under the direct orders of Oliver Cromwell
. The arms of Wybergh are, ‘of three bars sable, and in chief three stoiles of the last'.
After the Glorious Revolution
of 1688, the Wybergh’s transferred their allegiances from the Stuart
’s to the House of Hanover
. During the rising of 1715, Thomas Wybergh a prisoner of the Jacobites
was exchanged for Alan Ayacough, who had supported the Pretender
. His son, also called Thomas was later involved in the 1745 Uprising.
Following Thomas’s death in 1753, the estates passed to his eldest son William, who died in 1757. He was succeeded by Thomas, the father of the person under discussion, who died in 1827. Thomas married Isabel Hartley, and after their son assumed the Lawson inheritance the family settled at Isel
, where they remained for many years.
, where he championed the Whig (Blue) cause. He supported the extreme radical section: he was what he called a ‘true blue’, a supporter of the political philosophy of Charles James Fox
, the constitutional republicanism
of John Wilkes
and in time the social reforming of Richard Cobden
and John Bright
. Lawson remained a constitutionalist, and wished to extend the franchise
to include the masses, but he practised what he preached in his own household and family. He resented the class structure. Although his name is intimately associated with some of the political contests before the passing of the 1832 Reform Act, he only stood in one election.
, in opposition to James Law Lushington, the Tory (Yellows) Lowther nominee. Lawson stood on the following manifesto:
For radicals, freedom from obligation was a precondition for political citizenship and the cornerstone of the chartist
cause; freedom was their antidote to slavery
. Lawson is emphasising that parliament could only represent the people if the electorate were given the opportunity to elect representatives freely. Although he advocated reforms, Lawson senior was more of a radical in the Sir Francis Burdett tradition than a reformer, an advocate of ‘going back to the roots’. As Matthew McCormack differentiates: the reformer sought to remove abuses as a means of preserving the system, whereas the radical insisted upon the necessity of a more fundamental change.
In those days, elections took place over several days. It was a time of open voting where 'tallies' or groups of ten likeminded freemen ascended a small scaffold erected adjacent to the Moot Hall
, where the Lord Mayor publicly recorded each man's vote. They were exciting times, a theatre crammed with noise and bustle: the playing of patriotic music by rival bands; the flaunting of flags and banners; the display of party favours and colours; the processions and counters processions; and the cheering and counter cheering.
On the day of the nomination, Lawson travelled the nineteen-mile journey from Brayton in an open carriage, drawn by four horses. In the suburbs, his supporters, many of whom were ineligible to vote, withdrew the horses and dragged their candidate through the streets in triumph. They proceeded, carrying a blue ensign bearing the slogan ‘Lawson and Independence’, to make a demonstration in front of their rivals headquarters in the Bush Inn. Then, amidst a loud chorus of cheers, they paraded the carriage several times round the Market Cross. At the close of the poll on the opening day Lawson had received ten votes, while Lushingtons had received none.
On the second day, Lawson recited a letter written by a voter from Edinburgh
, who had received a message signed by one of Lushington's election agents enclosing £10, inviting the receiver to journey to Carlisle and vote accordingly. "But" added the writer, "I have returned the £10, and I shall be in Carlisle on Tuesday to vote for Lawson." This example of political virtue was regularly referred to throughout the campaign. Marred by rain, the day ended with a brawl after scores of Yellow supporters attacked their opponents. At the close of the second day Lushington had received 175, while Lawson trailed with 153.
On the third day a coach carrying Blue freemen arrived from Newcastle
. At the Kings Arms, a mob of angry Yellow supporters surrounded the coach and tried to prevent the freemen entering their headquarters. Blue supporters appeared and drove their rivals back to their committee rooms in the Kings Head. Stones, slates and items of furniture were hurled, resulting in serious damage. At the close of the day Lushington had 276 votes to Lawson's 261. According to The Times: "It's beginning to look like a proper Carlisle election, rioting included"
On the fourth days, Lawson abandoned the election with the poll standing at Lushington 362 votes, Lawson 323. Lawson gave an explanation.
Following the announcement of the withdrawal, the Yellows proceeded to seek revenge for their defeat on the previous day. Wielding bludgeons they attacked their opponents with great force, and a scene of riot and broken heads prevailed. Having wreaked their vengeance on the people they proceeded to the Liberal headquarters and vandalised the Coffee house. The day ended with the reading of the Riot Act and the arrival of the military.
.
Lawson accepted, and Graham conveyed his wishes to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey
and by such means were the Coronation
honours of the reform government decided. On 1 September, 1831, King William VI created Lawswon a baronet.
, whose purpose was to send missionaries into neglected villages in England
. He became an associate and established a House Mission Station in Aspatria
. Shortly afterwards he attended a Temperance lecture, which had an immediate impact on the Lawson household.
A modified version of this story appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette
almost fifty years later and was used to vilify the baronet's son.
Thus was born the legend of the Whisky Pond.
In 1878, Samuel Smiles
published a biography, of George Moore
of Mealsgate
, which noted a visit made by Moore and the Lord Mayor of London
, to Brayton in 1854.
For many years Lawson adopted the old temperance platform, that while spirits were forbidden, wine and beer could be used as beverages. Eventually the Lawson family became great drinkers of ginger beer
.
At the pre-election dinner in 1830, prior to nominating his brother-in-law, Sir James Graham, Lawson proposed a toast, which formed the subject of much comment at the time. Sir James had been speaking of the right and duty of the people to resist despotic powers as exercised against their liberty, when Lawson, rose to propose a toast.
The vociferous cheers with which his sentiment was received showed that the feelings of the speaker were shared by his audience. It was however much condemned by the opposing press on the following day.
It was also said that Lawson's neighbours and fellow-landowners, who in private remained on intimate terms, would, when they met in the streets of Carlisle, walk out of their way rather than be seen discussing issues with a man of such character.
, particularly im the adoption of modern methods. In 1837, he entered into a partnership with the inventor Joseph Mann of Abbey Holme. For three years they experimented with early reaping
machinery. However, although the equipment cut the stalks satisfactory, it failed to process the grain. Lawson spent thousands of pounds improving land cultivation and water drainage. He was also an enthusiastic breeder of Shorthorn cattle.
, trying to spread the Evangelical religion. In 1825, he was the principal subscriber to the inauguration of a Free school at Aspatria; and later a similar institution solely for girls. He was the principal proprietor of Christian News, the organ of the Evangelical Union
, published in Glasgow
. He remained a strict teetotaller and founder member and a principal donator to the United Kingdom Alliance
. He supported the Congregationalists in Aspatria, and supplied the means of erecting their chapel at Aspatria. He also donated a piece of land for use of a cemetery.
Company, he held shares in the London and South Western Railway
; the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway
; the Great Western Railway
; the North Eastern
; Cockermouth and Workington Railway
; London Bridge
and Charring Cross; Great North of England Railway
; Darlington and Barnard Castle Railway; Stockton and Darlington; South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway; Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
; in addition to the Liege and Numur railway. He was a man of considerable wealth, who also held shares in several large hotel companies and Turnpike Trusts. Besides the family estates of Brayton and Isel, he also owned considerable freehold and customary estates at Fitz, Arkelby, Mechi, Littlethwaite and Meregill; in Whinfell, Loweswater
and Lorton
; and of Parkhouse in Torpenhow and Newbiggin Grange at Ireby
. Through his business acumen, he became a man of considerable wealth, who bequeathed a large estate and a sum of over £300,000 to his eldest son.
The following reminiscence, by Miss Elizabeth Lawson, captures her father's life.
The Dowager Lady Lawson, died on 1 November 1870 at her residence at Arkelby Hall, she was 77 years of age; her obituary recorded:
Lawson Baronets
There have been six Baronetcies created for persons with the surname of Lawson, two in the Baronetage of England and four in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom...
.
Early life
After the death of Sir Wilfrid Lawson, 10th BaronetSir Wilfrid Lawson, 10th Baronet
Sir Wilfrid Lawson, 10th Baronet of Isell, MA , was a leading Cumberland landowner. He was one of the Lawson Baronets.Sir Wilfrid Lawson was born at Aspatria in 1764. In 1787, he married Anne, second daughter of John Hartley of Whitehaven...
in 1806, the title expired and the estates passed to the nephew of his wife, Thomas Wybergh, the son of Thomas Wybergh of Clifton Hall, Westmorland
Westmorland
Westmorland is an area of North West England and one of the 39 historic counties of England. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974, after which the entirety of the county was absorbed into the new county of Cumbria.-Early history:...
who assumed the name and arms of the Lawson family. Six years later Thomas drowned off the coast of Madeira
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies between and , just under 400 km north of Tenerife, Canary Islands, in the north Atlantic Ocean and an outermost region of the European Union...
and having no direct heirs the estates passed to his younger brother Wilfrid, who likewise assumed the name of Lawson. In 1821, he married Caroline Graham, sister to the famous Peelite
Peelite
The Peelites were a breakaway faction of the British Conservative Party, and existed from 1846 to 1859. They were called "Peelites" because they were initially led by Sir Robert Peel, who was the British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader in 1846....
statesman, Sir James Graham of Netherby. Their marriage produced eight children; four boys, Wilfrid, Gilfrid, William
William Lawson (co-operator)
William Lawson was the second son to Sir Wilfrid and Caroline Lawson, an English agriculturalist and pioneer co-operator, who owned, at great personal expense, an experimental farm in Cumberland, between the years 1862 and 1872....
and Alfred; and four daughters, Caroline, Elizabeth, Catherine and Maria.
Wybergh connections
The Wybergh family, long established in North WestmorlandWestmorland
Westmorland is an area of North West England and one of the 39 historic counties of England. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974, after which the entirety of the county was absorbed into the new county of Cumbria.-Early history:...
, arrived in the district of St Bees
St Bees
St Bees is a village and civil parish in the Copeland district of Cumbria, in the North of England, about five miles west southwest of Whitehaven. The parish had a population of 1,717 according to the 2001 census. Within the parish is St...
, sometime in the 13th century
13th century
As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 through 1300 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian/Common Era...
. Gilbert de Engayne, the last of that ancient family in the direct line had a daughter Eleanor, who in 1364 carried the manor
Manorialism
Manorialism, an essential element of feudal society, was the organizing principle of rural economy that originated in the villa system of the Late Roman Empire, was widely practiced in medieval western and parts of central Europe, and was slowly replaced by the advent of a money-based market...
and demesne
Demesne
In the feudal system the demesne was all the land, not necessarily all contiguous to the manor house, which was retained by a lord of the manor for his own use and support, under his own management, as distinguished from land sub-enfeoffed by him to others as sub-tenants...
of Clifton near Penrith
Penrith, Cumbria
Penrith was an urban district between 1894 and 1974, when it was merged into Eden District.The authority's area was coterminous with the civil parish of Penrith although when the council was abolished Penrith became an unparished area....
, in marriage to William de Wybergh, of St Bees. The aforementioned possessions remained the property of their descendants until the twentieth century. Eleanor Wybergh died in the reign of Henry IV of England
Henry IV of England
Henry IV was King of England and Lord of Ireland . He was the ninth King of England of the House of Plantagenet and also asserted his grandfather's claim to the title King of France. He was born at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire, hence his other name, Henry Bolingbroke...
, and the family laid her body to rest in Clifton Church, close to the old hall, where the residents placed a window in stained glass to her memory, bearing her effigy and arms. In 1524, Thomas Wybergh married a Lancaster of Melkinthorpe
Melkinthorpe
Melkinthorpe is a hamlet in the civil parish of Great Strickland within the Eden District in the county of Cumbria. It is near the villages of Hackthorpe and Cliburn.-Geography and general description:...
Hall. The family later suffered greatly in the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
. In 1652, a Thomas Wybergh of St Bees, had his name attached to ‘the list of delinquents
Delinquents
The Delinquents are a rap group from Oakland, California, composed of two members, Glen Jones aka G-Stack, and Vidal Prevost aka V-White . They were established in July 1991 and are known for their playful brand of gangsta rap...
’, thus forfeiting the right to own his estates, which were later sold under the direct orders of Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
. The arms of Wybergh are, ‘of three bars sable, and in chief three stoiles of the last'.
After the Glorious Revolution
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution, also called the Revolution of 1688, is the overthrow of King James II of England by a union of English Parliamentarians with the Dutch stadtholder William III of Orange-Nassau...
of 1688, the Wybergh’s transferred their allegiances from the Stuart
House of Stuart
The House of Stuart is a European royal house. Founded by Robert II of Scotland, the Stewarts first became monarchs of the Kingdom of Scotland during the late 14th century, and subsequently held the position of the Kings of Great Britain and Ireland...
’s to the House of Hanover
House of Hanover
The House of Hanover is a deposed German royal dynasty which has ruled the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg , the Kingdom of Hanover, the Kingdom of Great Britain, the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
. During the rising of 1715, Thomas Wybergh a prisoner of the Jacobites
Jacobitism
Jacobitism was the political movement in Britain dedicated to the restoration of the Stuart kings to the thrones of England, Scotland, later the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Kingdom of Ireland...
was exchanged for Alan Ayacough, who had supported the Pretender
Pretender
A pretender is one who claims entitlement to an unavailable position of honour or rank. Most often it refers to a former monarch, or descendant thereof, whose throne is occupied or claimed by a rival, or has been abolished....
. His son, also called Thomas was later involved in the 1745 Uprising.
Following Thomas’s death in 1753, the estates passed to his eldest son William, who died in 1757. He was succeeded by Thomas, the father of the person under discussion, who died in 1827. Thomas married Isabel Hartley, and after their son assumed the Lawson inheritance the family settled at Isel
ISEL
ISEL can refer to:*Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, a Portuguese school of engineering*Industrial Syndicalist Education League, a British syndicalist organisation*Institut supérieur d'études logistiques, a French school of engineering...
, where they remained for many years.
Politics
Throughout his life, Lawson took an active role in politicsPolitics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
, where he championed the Whig (Blue) cause. He supported the extreme radical section: he was what he called a ‘true blue’, a supporter of the political philosophy of Charles James Fox
Charles James Fox
Charles James Fox PC , styled The Honourable from 1762, was a prominent British Whig statesman whose parliamentary career spanned thirty-eight years of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and who was particularly noted for being the arch-rival of William Pitt the Younger...
, the constitutional republicanism
Republicanism
Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed by means other than heredity, often elections. The exact meaning of republicanism varies depending on the cultural and historical context...
of John Wilkes
John Wilkes
John Wilkes was an English radical, journalist and politician.He was first elected Member of Parliament in 1757. In the Middlesex election dispute, he fought for the right of voters—rather than the House of Commons—to determine their representatives...
and in time the social reforming of Richard Cobden
Richard Cobden
Richard Cobden was a British manufacturer and Radical and Liberal statesman, associated with John Bright in the formation of the Anti-Corn Law League as well as with the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty...
and John Bright
John Bright
John Bright , Quaker, was a British Radical and Liberal statesman, associated with Richard Cobden in the formation of the Anti-Corn Law League. He was one of the greatest orators of his generation, and a strong critic of British foreign policy...
. Lawson remained a constitutionalist, and wished to extend the franchise
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
to include the masses, but he practised what he preached in his own household and family. He resented the class structure. Although his name is intimately associated with some of the political contests before the passing of the 1832 Reform Act, he only stood in one election.
Carlisle election
After the death of Sir Philip Musgrave in 1827, Lawson reluctantly came forward as the Parliamentary Whig (Blue) candidate for the representation of the City of CarlisleCarlisle (UK Parliament constituency)
Carlisle is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament by the first past the post system of election. It was a Labour seat from 1964 until 2010, although the Conservatives came close to victory in the elections in...
, in opposition to James Law Lushington, the Tory (Yellows) Lowther nominee. Lawson stood on the following manifesto:
-
- "That it is essential to the general interest of the nation that the people should be free, and that it is the duty of their representatives to assert the rights of the people, redress their grievance and watch over the expenditure of public money."
For radicals, freedom from obligation was a precondition for political citizenship and the cornerstone of the chartist
Chartism
Chartism was a movement for political and social reform in the United Kingdom during the mid-19th century, between 1838 and 1859. It takes its name from the People's Charter of 1838. Chartism was possibly the first mass working class labour movement in the world...
cause; freedom was their antidote to slavery
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
. Lawson is emphasising that parliament could only represent the people if the electorate were given the opportunity to elect representatives freely. Although he advocated reforms, Lawson senior was more of a radical in the Sir Francis Burdett tradition than a reformer, an advocate of ‘going back to the roots’. As Matthew McCormack differentiates: the reformer sought to remove abuses as a means of preserving the system, whereas the radical insisted upon the necessity of a more fundamental change.
In those days, elections took place over several days. It was a time of open voting where 'tallies' or groups of ten likeminded freemen ascended a small scaffold erected adjacent to the Moot Hall
Moot hall
A moot hall is meeting or assembly building, traditionally to decide local issues.In Anglo-Saxon England, a low ring-shaped earthwork served as a moot hill or moot mound, where the elders of the hundred would meet to take decisions. Some of these acquired permanent buildings, known as moot halls...
, where the Lord Mayor publicly recorded each man's vote. They were exciting times, a theatre crammed with noise and bustle: the playing of patriotic music by rival bands; the flaunting of flags and banners; the display of party favours and colours; the processions and counters processions; and the cheering and counter cheering.
On the day of the nomination, Lawson travelled the nineteen-mile journey from Brayton in an open carriage, drawn by four horses. In the suburbs, his supporters, many of whom were ineligible to vote, withdrew the horses and dragged their candidate through the streets in triumph. They proceeded, carrying a blue ensign bearing the slogan ‘Lawson and Independence’, to make a demonstration in front of their rivals headquarters in the Bush Inn. Then, amidst a loud chorus of cheers, they paraded the carriage several times round the Market Cross. At the close of the poll on the opening day Lawson had received ten votes, while Lushingtons had received none.
On the second day, Lawson recited a letter written by a voter from Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, who had received a message signed by one of Lushington's election agents enclosing £10, inviting the receiver to journey to Carlisle and vote accordingly. "But" added the writer, "I have returned the £10, and I shall be in Carlisle on Tuesday to vote for Lawson." This example of political virtue was regularly referred to throughout the campaign. Marred by rain, the day ended with a brawl after scores of Yellow supporters attacked their opponents. At the close of the second day Lushington had received 175, while Lawson trailed with 153.
On the third day a coach carrying Blue freemen arrived from Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
. At the Kings Arms, a mob of angry Yellow supporters surrounded the coach and tried to prevent the freemen entering their headquarters. Blue supporters appeared and drove their rivals back to their committee rooms in the Kings Head. Stones, slates and items of furniture were hurled, resulting in serious damage. At the close of the day Lushington had 276 votes to Lawson's 261. According to The Times: "It's beginning to look like a proper Carlisle election, rioting included"
On the fourth days, Lawson abandoned the election with the poll standing at Lushington 362 votes, Lawson 323. Lawson gave an explanation.
-
- Gentlemen, at this period of the contest I have a statement to make, which I shall do without any feeling of mortification, and, as I before told you I should do, without envying my opponent, whatever feelings of triumph he may be disposed to indulge in. He has at this moment a majority of 39, after 685 votes have been polled; and, notwithstanding I have still many promised votes on which I could rely, I must admit that at this moment I do not appear to have the means of withstanding the influence of your corporation, and of the powerful family with which it is allied. But, gentlemen, however much I could have desired the success of your cause upon this occasion, I do assure you that I would rather remain for ever in retirement, than that I should have succeeded by the means to which my opponent has resorted."
Following the announcement of the withdrawal, the Yellows proceeded to seek revenge for their defeat on the previous day. Wielding bludgeons they attacked their opponents with great force, and a scene of riot and broken heads prevailed. Having wreaked their vengeance on the people they proceeded to the Liberal headquarters and vandalised the Coffee house. The day ended with the reading of the Riot Act and the arrival of the military.
Baronetcy restored
In 1831, Sir James Graham, then First Lord of the Admiralty suggested to his brother-in-lawBrother-in-law
A brother-in-law is the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling.-See also:*Affinity *Sister-in-law*Brothers in Law , a 1955 British comedy novel...
.
-
- As you possess the ancient and large property connected with an honourable title, and as you have a son to whom you may transmit the Title with the estates, it might not be disagreeable to you to have the old Brayton Baronatage restored."
Lawson accepted, and Graham conveyed his wishes to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, KG, PC , known as Viscount Howick between 1806 and 1807, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 22 November 1830 to 16 July 1834. A member of the Whig Party, he backed significant reform of the British government and was among the...
and by such means were the Coronation
Coronation
A coronation is a ceremony marking the formal investiture of a monarch and/or their consort with regal power, usually involving the placement of a crown upon their head and the presentation of other items of regalia...
honours of the reform government decided. On 1 September, 1831, King William VI created Lawswon a baronet.
Temperance
When Lawson fell dangerously ill in 1834, he turned to religion, and sent for a Presbyterian minister named Walton who preached in the neighbouring village of Blennerhasset. His health restored, he befriended the Home Mission SocietyHome mission society
The American Baptist Home Mission Societies is a Christian missionary society. It was established in New York City in 1832 to operate in the American frontier, with the stated mission "to preach the Gospel, establish churches and give support and ministry to the unchurched and destitute." In the...
, whose purpose was to send missionaries into neglected villages in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. He became an associate and established a House Mission Station in Aspatria
Aspatria
Aspatria is a small town and civil parish in Cumbria, England, and lies half way between Maryport and Wigton, on the A596. Historically within Cumberland, it is about away from the coast. It is approximately seven miles from the northern boundary of the Lake District, and located to the south east...
. Shortly afterwards he attended a Temperance lecture, which had an immediate impact on the Lawson household.
-
- "Sir Wilfrid Lawson of Brayton Hall, Cumberland, is said to have been so strongly impressed by the arguments of Mr (William) Pollard, who is lecturing on behalf of Temperance societies throughout the county, that he has had the whole of his Brandy, Rum, Gin and Whisky taken from his cellars at the back of the Hall, and destroyed by fire in his own presence.
A modified version of this story appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette
Pall Mall Gazette
The Pall Mall Gazette was an evening newspaper founded in London on 7 February 1865 by George Murray Smith; its first editor was Frederick Greenwood...
almost fifty years later and was used to vilify the baronet's son.
-
- "An amusing instance of the zeal displayed by the more enthusiastic advocates of temperance is that of the late Sir Wilfrid Lawson, father of the present baronet. Old Sir Wilfrid, as the inhabitants of West Cumberland are wont to call him - on his conversions to the cause of teetotalism, had all the wines and spirits taken out of the cellars and thrown into the fishpond at Brayton Hall, thereby causing great destruction of life, to the astonished and unoffending fish."
Thus was born the legend of the Whisky Pond.
In 1878, Samuel Smiles
Samuel Smiles
-Early life:Born in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, the son of Samuel Smiles of Haddington and Janet Wilson of Dalkeith, Smiles was one of eleven surviving children. The family were strict Cameronians, though when Smiles grew up he was not one of them...
published a biography, of George Moore
George Moore (philanthropist)
George Moore was an English merchant and philanthropist. He was born in Mealsgate but later acquired a mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens.-Further reading:...
of Mealsgate
Mealsgate
-Location:Mealsgate is situated on the old Roman Road between Carlisle and the Roman fort of Derventio at Papcastle . This road is now known as the A595.-Railway Connection:...
, which noted a visit made by Moore and the Lord Mayor of London
Lord Mayor of London
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London is the legal title for the Mayor of the City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor of London is to be distinguished from the Mayor of London; the former is an officer only of the City of London, while the Mayor of London is the Mayor of Greater London and...
, to Brayton in 1854.
-
- "Sir Wilfrid Lawson and most of his family are teetotallers, but the Lord Mayor pronounced his wines, the best he had ever drank."
For many years Lawson adopted the old temperance platform, that while spirits were forbidden, wine and beer could be used as beverages. Eventually the Lawson family became great drinkers of ginger beer
Ginger beer
Ginger beer is a carbonated drink that is flavored primarily with ginger and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.-History:Brewed ginger beer originated in England in the mid-18th century and became popular in Britain, the United States, and Canada, reaching a peak of popularity in the...
.
Rebellion
In his younger days, Lawson was a mischievous rebel, and an ardent friend of controversy. The following examples will somewhat explain his character, and highlight the integrity and humour that he bequeathed to his family.At the pre-election dinner in 1830, prior to nominating his brother-in-law, Sir James Graham, Lawson proposed a toast, which formed the subject of much comment at the time. Sir James had been speaking of the right and duty of the people to resist despotic powers as exercised against their liberty, when Lawson, rose to propose a toast.
-
- "That the heads of Don Miguel, King Ferdinand (VII of Spain) and Charles Capet (Charles XCharles X of FranceCharles X was known for most of his life as the Comte d'Artois before he reigned as King of France and of Navarre from 16 September 1824 until 2 August 1830. A younger brother to Kings Louis XVI and Louis XVIII, he supported the latter in exile and eventually succeeded him...
), be severed from their bodies and rolled in the dust - and the more speedily the better."
- "That the heads of Don Miguel, King Ferdinand (VII of Spain) and Charles Capet (Charles X
The vociferous cheers with which his sentiment was received showed that the feelings of the speaker were shared by his audience. It was however much condemned by the opposing press on the following day.
Liberalism
An incident occurred in 1837, which demonstrates Lawson’s independent character? It happened after Graham infuriated his constituents by accepting a position in the Tory government. At the ensuing election, his former supporters nominating rival candidates then flocked into the constituency to show their contempt. Cavalcades of horsemen, sporting banners and flags, many of whom had ridden many miles, stood in a line, four a breast, stretching over half a mile in length. One flag bore a black gamecock, with yellow legs and comb, and a large white feather in its tail. It carried a motto, ‘The Renegade Cock of the North’, in reference to Graham’s sobriquet. Another carried a yellow flag at half-mast, bearing a portrait of Graham lying on his back, with the slogan, ‘Sir James Crow, jump about, wheel about, and fall just so’. While a coat turned inside out with yellow sleeves hung from the top of one Flagstaff. Lawson sat at the head of the concourse and was the first to defy his brother-in-law, resulting in Graham’s only defeat in that city.It was also said that Lawson's neighbours and fellow-landowners, who in private remained on intimate terms, would, when they met in the streets of Carlisle, walk out of their way rather than be seen discussing issues with a man of such character.
Reform
During the reform agitation that preceded the introduction of the 1867 Reform Act, Lawson came out of political retirement to chair several meetings held on behalf of the non-electors of Carlisle. his speeches left the listener with little doubt of his allegiance.-
- “There are few persons now, I think, who would say that the great mass of their fellow-countrymen are not fit to perform such simple acts of citizenshipCitizenshipCitizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
as that of voting for a member of parliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
. When the unenfranchised, as a class are spoken of, I suppose the working classes are meant. Now I think the working classes of this country are capable of forming an intelligent opinion of what is for the good of the country and as likely to make an honest, independent, and patriotic use of the franchiseFranchiseFranchise generally means a right or privilege. It may refer to:*Suffrage, the civil right to vote*Franchising, a business method that involves licensing of trademarks and methods of doing business, such as:...
s any class of the community. I cannot understand how any ChristianChristianA Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
man can wish to deprive his fellow countrymen of any privilege he possesses himself. But it is said, ‘they are so numerous’! Well if they deserve the character, which by common consent is acceded to them, the more numerous such persons are the better for the country. Let it be remembered, that the House of Commons is called, and intended to be, the representation of the people of this country, which it can scarcely be said to be when but it represents one fifth part of our adult population. I am afraid you must be prepared for a severe struggle before this question of reform is settled, a struggle perhaps more severe than that for the Reform Bill of 32. You will have to devote a great deal of time and perseverance to the prosecution of this movement if you are in earnest of this matter. It is a duty you owe to yourselves and to your unenfranchised fellow countrymen who will derive the benefits, and it is a duty from which I think you shall not shrink. The Tories talk of forming a great constitutional party. I quite agree with them. We are that great constitutional party.”
- “There are few persons now, I think, who would say that the great mass of their fellow-countrymen are not fit to perform such simple acts of citizenship
Agricultural matters
owning a large landed estate, Lawson took a deep interest in the progress of agricultureAgriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, particularly im the adoption of modern methods. In 1837, he entered into a partnership with the inventor Joseph Mann of Abbey Holme. For three years they experimented with early reaping
Harvest
Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. Reaping is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a scythe, sickle, or reaper...
machinery. However, although the equipment cut the stalks satisfactory, it failed to process the grain. Lawson spent thousands of pounds improving land cultivation and water drainage. He was also an enthusiastic breeder of Shorthorn cattle.
Philanthropy
As a philanthropist he contributed unselfishly to the welfare of his neighbours. He supported schools throughout the local district and in other parts of the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, trying to spread the Evangelical religion. In 1825, he was the principal subscriber to the inauguration of a Free school at Aspatria; and later a similar institution solely for girls. He was the principal proprietor of Christian News, the organ of the Evangelical Union
Evangelical Union (Scotland)
The Evangelical Union was a religious denomination which originated in the suspension of the Rev. James Morison, minister of a United Secession congregation in Kilmarnock, Scotland, for certain views regarding faith, the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, and the extent of the atonement, which...
, published in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
. He remained a strict teetotaller and founder member and a principal donator to the United Kingdom Alliance
United Kingdom Alliance
The United Kingdom Alliance was a temperance movement in the United Kingdom founded on 20 July 1852. It was based in Manchester and sought to outlaw the alcohol trade.-History:...
. He supported the Congregationalists in Aspatria, and supplied the means of erecting their chapel at Aspatria. He also donated a piece of land for use of a cemetery.
Businessman
Although previous generations had increased the Lawson estate through judicious marriages and careful purchases, this Sir Wilfrid exploited the spirit of the new industrial age, becoming an ardent supporter and early investor in the growth of railways. He was the principle shareholder and personality in the Maryport and Carlisle RailwayMaryport and Carlisle Railway
The Maryport & Carlisle Railway was a small but highly profitable railway formed in 1836 to connect the town of Maryport to the county town of Carlisle and to allow the output of collieries inland of Maryport to be more cheaply transported to Maryport for oward movement by sea. Its headquarters...
Company, he held shares in the London and South Western Railway
London and South Western Railway
The London and South Western Railway was a railway company in England from 1838 to 1922. Its network extended from London to Plymouth via Salisbury and Exeter, with branches to Ilfracombe and Padstow and via Southampton to Bournemouth and Weymouth. It also had many routes connecting towns in...
; the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway
Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway
The Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway was formed by amalgamation in 1847. The MS&LR changed its name to the Great Central Railway in 1897 in anticipation of the opening in 1899 of its London Extension.-Origin:...
; the Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway
The Great Western Railway was a British railway company that linked London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. It was founded in 1833, received its enabling Act of Parliament in 1835 and ran its first trains in 1838...
; the North Eastern
North Eastern Railway (UK)
The North Eastern Railway , was an English railway company. It was incorporated in 1854, when four existing companies were combined, and was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway at the Grouping in 1923...
; Cockermouth and Workington Railway
Cockermouth and Workington Railway
The Cockermouth & Workington Railway was a railway between the towns of Workington and Cockermouth established by Act of Parliament in 1845. A single-tracked line of eight and a half miles length, it was built primarily to carry coals from the pits of West Cumberland to the port at Workington for...
; London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge over the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark, in central London. Situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge, it forms the western end of the Pool of London...
and Charring Cross; Great North of England Railway
Great North of England Railway
The Great North of England Railway was an early British railway company. Its main line, opened in 1841 was between York and Darlington, and originally it was planned to extend to Newcastle. In 1850 it was absorbed by the North Eastern Railway ....
; Darlington and Barnard Castle Railway; Stockton and Darlington; South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway; Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
The Forth and Clyde Junction Railway was a railway line in Scotland which ran from Balloch to Stirling.It shared a short stretch from Gartness Junction to Buchlyvie Junction with the Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway.- Opening :...
; in addition to the Liege and Numur railway. He was a man of considerable wealth, who also held shares in several large hotel companies and Turnpike Trusts. Besides the family estates of Brayton and Isel, he also owned considerable freehold and customary estates at Fitz, Arkelby, Mechi, Littlethwaite and Meregill; in Whinfell, Loweswater
Loweswater
Loweswater is one of the smaller lakes in the English Lake District. The village of Loweswater is situated at the foot of the lake.The lake is not far from Cockermouth and is also easily reached from elsewhere in West Cumbria. The group of fells to the south of Loweswater is known as the Loweswater...
and Lorton
Lorton, Cumbria
Lorton is a civil parish in the district of Allerdale, in the county of Cumbria, England, containing two small villages - Low Lorton and High Lorton, both approximately four miles south of Cockermouth. At the time of the 2001 census, the parish had a total population of 250 people...
; and of Parkhouse in Torpenhow and Newbiggin Grange at Ireby
Ireby, Cumbria
Ireby is a village in Cumbria, England, with a population of over 300.Ireby forms part of the civil parish of Ireby and Uldale; for local government purposes it is in the ward of Boltons, under the authority of Allerdale borough council. Historically it was in the county of Cumberland – since...
. Through his business acumen, he became a man of considerable wealth, who bequeathed a large estate and a sum of over £300,000 to his eldest son.
Finally
On 12 June 1867, Sir Wilfrid Lawson died at Brayton, he was in his 71st year. In accordance with his wishes the funeral was conducted by his lifelong friend, the Rev. Professor Kirk of Edinburgh, without ostentation or parade. The funeral procession numbered four simple mourning carriages, containing family and servants. Notwithstanding his wishes hundreds followed the cortege.The following reminiscence, by Miss Elizabeth Lawson, captures her father's life.
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- "Our father was greatly interested in all efforts for the good of his fellow-men, and frequently `Deputations' from various religions, social and political societies used to come to Brayton. Religious services were frequently held in the house, and in the neighbouring villages; which we used to attend. It often caused surprise that our father was so keenly interested in religious meetings, while at the same time he kept up his old interests in country sports and occupations. He enjoyed a long days shooting and hunting almost to the end of his life, and in skating and playing hockey on the ice he often tired out many younger men. He was extremely fond of open-air life, and had a most enthusiastic love of our Cumberland lakes and mountains often taking a few days refreshment in driving about them. He was a very silent man, but he certainly had the power of attaching people to him in a greater degree.".
The Dowager Lady Lawson, died on 1 November 1870 at her residence at Arkelby Hall, she was 77 years of age; her obituary recorded:
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- "Lady Lawson possessed a kind heart and a benevolent dispossession and her death will be much regretted"