Lester Hillman writes:

IA&HS ‘Real-politique’

On Wednesday 15th September our Chairman opened the new season of meetings welcoming Dr Thomas Lorman from University College London who shed a fascinating light on Islington’s Liberal MP from a century ago. Sir George Heynes Radford represented Islington East from 1906 until his death on the 5th October 1917.

The Society was especially delighted that Radford’s great granddaughter was present. Ms Helen Morton, the Treasurer of Somerville College had travelled down from Oxford and was able to share insights into the Radford family and the archive legacy. Original imagery was circulated enhancing the vivid picture painted by Dr Lorman.

Radford Rail Rally

Radford had a passion for trams in London. He served on the London County Council, elected in 1885, 1888, 1901 and 1904 to represent West Islington. Advanced use of trams in Budapest may have motivated his leading the Liberal ‘Eighty Club’ making the first British delegation to Hungary in 1906. Back in London in 1908 the ceremonial first cross river tram departed from Highbury Station. Radford was surely behind that honour falling to Islington. A century later Society members present in Committee Room 1 of the Town Hall were able to contribute first hand expertise ranging over tram operations in London and worldwide.

There was speculation about the future revival of trams in London. Along with financing creating the separation for trams on London’s highways would be major challenges. The most recent £1.3 billion proposals for London’s Cross River Tram were put on hold 6th November 2008.

Rail Politics

Towards 9pm as the discussion drew to a conclusion operational safety, accidents, hazards and risk were stubbornly recurring themes. Perhaps this was appropriate. The late evening of 15th September 1830, 180 years earlier was when William Huskisson MP died. Like Radford he was a parliamentarian (he rose to be President of the Board of Trade). He was also an advocate of passenger transport (in his case promoting the railway in Liverpool). He had that day been at the grand opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway and was hit by a train, the first recorded fatal casualty on an operational passenger railway. Politics and rail may be a dangerous combination. It is said that Joseph Locke was driving the locomotive ‘Rocket’ when it hit Huskisson. Locke went on in 1847 to become the Liberal MP for Honiton, Devon serving until his death on 18th September 1860, 150 years ago.

Lester Hillman

16th September 2010

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