Constituency : Truro 1857-65
Augustus was a Hertfordshire squire and banker. He was educated at Harrow and Oxford. He acquired a reputation as a philanthropist building non-denominational schools before buying a lease on the Isles of Scilly in 1834 for £20,000. He styled himself "Lord Proprietor" and soon set about making his presence felt. The locals referred to him as "Emperor Smith ". He expelled the unemployed and started depopulating the smaller islands. In 1855 Samson was completely cleared ( of its ten inhabitants ) to create a deer park although they all swam away. More positively he built a new quay at Hugh Town and some more schools and he tried to improve agriculture. He lived at Tresco Abbey where he had children by several of his female servants. He first stood for Truro in 1852 but was defeated by 8 votes. He was returned unopposed five years later.
Augustus was a frequent speaker in the Commons with an opinion on most subjects.
In 1861 Augustus published a genealogical work on the name Smith.
In 1866 Augustus became involved in a dispute with Lord Brownlow when the latter tried to enclose Berkhamstead Common. Augustus hired locals and East End toughs to pull down the fences and a skirmish ensued known as the Battle of Berkhamstead Common. Augustus is still commemorated by a scholarship for state pupils in Berkhamstead.
He died in 1872 aged 67.
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