On This Day

28 March 1825

Birth of Anthony John Mundella manufacturer and Liberal MP

Mundella, who served as Liberal MP for Sheffield 1868-85 and Sheffield Brightside 1885-97, was a key figure in the drive to improve 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 Concilliation 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 inproved 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.