SirAlfred Billson (18 April 1839 – 9 July 1907) was aLiberal Party politician in theUnited Kingdom.
Born inLeicester, he was fifth son of William Billson.[1] He was admitted asolicitor in 1860, and moved to Liverpool, where he became partner in the law firm of Oliver Jones, Billson, and Company. He became aJ.P. for the city, and was active in local Liberal politics as secretary of South West Lancashire Liberal Association from 1866 to 1884, and of Liverpool's Liberal Association.[1]
Billson was elected asMember of Parliament (MP) for three different constituencies: from 1892 to 1895 forBarnstaple inDevon, from aby-election in 1897 to the1900 General Election forHalifax inWest Yorkshire, and from the 'Liberal landslide'1906 General Election, until his death in 1907, forNorth West Staffordshire, after defeating aConservative Member. He had also unsuccessfully contested Conservative-heldBradford East in 1896,[1] being defeated by the HonourableRonald Greville.
Billson married in 1862 Lilla, daughter of John Baines of Leicester, and had one son and three daughters.[1]
Later in his life he began to live inShropshire atRowton Castle as tenant of its then landlord,Baron Rowton, with whom he enjoyed friendship despite political differences, Rowton having been a close Conservative associate ofDisraeli.[2] He was an active supporter of Liberal associations in the mainly Conservative-voting county, and served as member of the Atcham Rural District Council andAlberbury Parish Council.[3]
In June 1907 he was knighted in KingEdward VII'sBirthday Honours List although he did not live to receive the accolade. He died suddenly, on 9 July 1907, in theHouse of Commons when he collapsed in the 'Aye' lobby to cast his vote on sugar duty legislation, aged 68.[3][4] After cremation atGolders Green Crematorium, his ashes were buried inKensal Green Cemetery. A future Liberal MP,Congregationalist ministerSilvester Horne, officiated.[5] A plaque was placed in his memory in St Michael's Parish Church,Alberbury, near his Rowton Castle home.
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of Parliament forBarnstaple 1892 –1895 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament forHalifax 1897 –1900 With:Sir Alfred Arnold | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament forNorth West Staffordshire 1906 –1907 | Succeeded by |