Subject

Politician.  Born Nottinghamshire.  An albino, he suffered poor and deteriorating eyesight so emigrated to Australia in 1841 in the hope of making a quick fortune before going blind. There he established himself as a lawyer and newspaper writer.  Returned to England in 1850, wrote for The Times and became an MP.  Home Secretary under Gladstone.  His proposal to impose a tax on matches failed. Keen on physical activities, according to Margaret Baker, while out cycling in Kenley he fatally injured a greengrocer. His first marriage was unhappy. Only 4 months after her death he married again, to Caroline. No children from either marriage. Died at home, Sherbrooke Lodge, Warlingham.