Constituency : South Staffordshire 1857-68
William was a Staffordshire ironmaster with an estate in Shropshire. He was also a wealthy landowner in England and Ireland noted for his generosity in endowing schools and churches.
William was one of the Adullamites and voted with Disraeli on the amendment allowing compounders to "pass the fine" to landlords.
South Staffordshire was abolished in 1868 and William seems to have stood for an Irish seat instead losing out to a Catholic by 49 votes. He suffered a stroke shortly afterwards and became progressively an invalid for the rest of his life. Latterly he became insane, cursing and groaning from a darkened room in the house.
He died in 1899 aged 85. His funeral attracted well wishers from all over the county. The Shrewsbury Chronicle said that he was "recognised as a great benefactor and a true English gentleman". His son William was also an MP. His daughter married the son of the Irish Tory MP Crofton Vandeleur.
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