Subject

MP, brewer, slave abolitionist and social reformer. Born Essex. Entered the Brick Lane brewery Truman, Hanbury & Company in 1808, eventually taking on sole ownership. 1807 married Hannah Gurney, Elizabeth Fry's sister. A Quaker he supported Fry in her prison reform efforts, worked for the abolition of the slave trade, taking over from Wilberforce when he retired. Founding chairman of the RSPCA in 1824. Died at his country seat in Norfolk.

The Buxton family liked to reuse the name “Thomas Fowell Buxton”. We’ve found three and have spent some time sorting them out. This one, the one commemorated with a fountain in Parliament Square, was the first baronet (1B). His parents were TFB (1756-1793) and Anna Hanbury (1762-1828). Other TFB’s are 1B’s son (1822-1908) and 1B’s grandson (1837-1915, 3B) by his son, Edward (2B). Hope that’s clear.