Hickson , William Edward , 1803-1870 , author and educationist Place , Francis , 1771-1854 , radical reformer

William Edward Hickson was born in Westminster in 1803, but was brought up largely in Northampton, where his family were active in the Baptist church. He entered the family's footwear manufacturing business as a young man but also found time to participate in the burgeoning literary and scientific life in London and take an interest in radical politics. Hickson was a founder-member of the Reform Club and owned and edited the radical Westminster Review for more than 10 years. He was most concerned with promoting education (particularly musical education), but was also prominent in discussions on child labour, the Corn Laws, professional malpractice and the condition of the unemployed.