Wednesday 2nd December, 2009
Summary part 2
Francis Sharp Powell had a long and active life. Should the people of Wigan be proud of his achievements?
Certainly, he was a generous benefactor, but more so in Bradford, where he lived for most of his life, than in Wigan, his birth place.
For most of his long political career he represented Wigan in Parliament, but he was also M.P. for Cambridge and Yorkshire (North-West Riding) constituencies, and fought unsuccessful campaigns in Staley Bridge and Manchester. He may have stood for Wigan in the 1880s simply because he felt he had a chance of success in his native town.
There is no doubt, however, that he was a hard working, able M.P. who, despite his Conservative loyalties actively campaigned on behalf of his working class constituents.
His achievements were acknowledged in 1892 when he received a baronetcy on the Queen's birthday. Bradford expressed their gratitude for his philanthropy by making him a freeman of the city in 1902. In 1910, a statue of him was unveiled in Wigan in recognition of his many years as their M.P. Powell Street, near the town centre, is named after him.
As to whether he may be regarded as a Wiganer (or not), the circumstances of his funeral arrangements are significant.
The service, held in late December, 1911, was in All Saints, Bradford - a church built with money donated by Francis. All Saints, Wigan, had to be content with a memorial service a few days later.
This was despite the fact that the Bradford Church had no associated burial ground. Francis was laid to rest in a specially constructed vault, which was consecrated by the Bishop of Richmond immediately before the service.
It must not be forgotten that there was a blight on Francis' political career. His election as Wigan's M.P. in January 1881, was declared “void on petition”. It seems that the number of voters considerably exceeded expectations.
The petition was presented at the Borough Courts in Wigan. It was said that money had changed hands and the process of “treating” had been widespread.
“Treating” consisted of giving voters free breakfasts at various locations, then taking them in bunches to the polling booths to vote as instructed by their benefactors.
The Second Reform Act (1867) enfranchised many working class men who had previously been denied a vote. Wigan was a town where this was very much in evidence. These relatively new additions to the Wigan electoral registers were referred to as “poor starving voters” by the “Manchester Guardian” and were considered vulnerable to the process of “treating”.
Francis distanced himself from the accusation. He was said have taken “very little interest” in the election. This seems very much out of character for this active, busy person who was desperate to be elected to Parliament again.
The judges ruled the poll “null and void on the ground of bribery by agents”. No corrupt charges were proven against Francis.
Here is a quote from Francis' Obituary in the “Manchester Guardian” 26th December, 1911.
“Sir Francis was a fine old English gentleman, an ardent politician, a zealous Churchman, and an earnest worker and generous giver to philanthropic and educational causes. He was one of the most highly respected figures in the public life of Bradford and Wigan for half a century, and until last year was 'father' of the House of Commons.”
Taken all the facts into consideration, Wigan seems to have gained considerably by association with Sir Francis Sharp Powell, baronet. He was a great benefactor for the town - particularly in the fields of education and religion. Also, much of his parliamentary activities benefited our poorer residents.
Enough of Francis; I'm now off to Mesnes Park to rub the foot of the statue there and wish for a new car for Christmas.
The Statue with the Shiny Foot
Sir Francis Sharp Powell, the Early Years
Sir Francis Sharp Powell, the Politician
Sir Francis Sharp Powell, Bradford's Benefactor