On This Day

21 July 1897

Death of Anthony John Mundella, Liberal MP for Sheffield 1868-85 and Sheffield Brightside 1885-97

Mundella was a key figure in improving working conditions and labour relations in the second half of the 19th century. A manufacturer and partner in Hine and Mundella, Mundella organised the first Courts of Conciliation and Arbitration to settle industrial disputes. In parliament he was one of the key movers behind the Factory Act of 1875 which established the ten-hour day for women and children in textile factories. As Vice President of the Board of Education Mundella improved the regulation of elementary schools, while as President of the Board of Trade he removed restrictions on trade unions, improved conditions in the mining industry and afforded better protection for women and children working in factories.