Henry Warburton (1784-1858; politician)
<< Back to full list of biographies
Warburton was the son of a Kent timber merchant, and took over the family business after completing his education at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1809 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1826 he was elected to parliament as M.P. for Bridport, and five years later he gave up his business to concentrate on politics and science. He sat for Bridport until 1841, and for Kendal from 1843 to 1847.
He was a radical, and in 1835-36 worked closely with Daniel O'Connell to co-ordinate opposition to Peel's government. Warburton had many political interests but was particularly known for his work relating to the reform of medical matters. He was a member of the first council of London university in 1827, and a member of the Political Economy Club from 1821 onwards.