Richard Potter, Born 1778
electoral reformer and liberal mp
Richard Potter (1778–1842) was a radical non-conformist Liberal Party MP for Wigan, and a founding member of the Little Circle which, based around the Cross Street Unitarian Chapel in Manchester, was key in gaining the Reform Act 1832. Richard Potter’s father John worked as a journeyman in London and on the death of his father and mother he succeeded to their draper's shop in Tadcaster. Richard Potter junior and and his brothers William and Thomas started a warehouse company in Manchester, which grew to be one of the biggest of its kind. Richard Potter junior had nine children (all daughters) the youngest of whom, Beatrice, married Sidney Webb and became a notable social reformer.
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