Rawdon Briggs (politician)

Rawdon Briggs (1792 – 29 June 1859[1]) was a British politician.

Briggs was born in Halifax,[1] where his father was a prominent banker. At the 1832 UK general election, he stood for the Whigs in Halifax.[2] Although he was not a well-known figure, he was described as having a "high and unimpeachable character", and had strong local connections. He won a seat, topping the poll.[3]

In Parliament, Briggs supported free trade and the introduction of a property tax, and argued for the gradual abolition of taxes on corn. He also argued against monopolies and for church rates to be abolished.[2] Although he did not speak in Parliament, he attended frequently, and was an active member of various committees.[3] He stood down at the 1835 UK general election,[2] to look after his father, who was in poor health.[3]

  1. ^ a b "Rawdon Briggs". History of Parliament Online. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Stenton, Michael (1976). Who's Who of British Members of Parliament. Vol. 1. Hassocks: Harvester Press. p. 46. ISBN 0855272198.
  3. ^ a b c Crabtree, John (1836). A Concise History of the Parish and Vicarage of Halifax, in the County of York. Hartley and Walker. Retrieved 24 November 2024.