Sir William Tomlinson, 1st Baronet
Sir William Edward Murray Tomlinson, 1st Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Heysham House, Lancashire, England |
| Died | December 17, 1912 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Barrister, coal mine proprietor, politician |
| Years active | 1882–1906 (as MP) |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Preston, Baronetcy recipient |
Sir William Edward Murray Tomlinson, 1st Baronet, DL (4 August 1838 – 17 December 1912), was an English barrister, proprietor of coal mines, and a politician affiliated with the Conservative faction.
He was born at Heysham House in Lancashire as the firstborn of Thomas Tomlinson, a practicing barrister, and Sarah Mashiter. His education included time at Westminster School followed by Christ Church, Oxford, where he completed his degree in 1880. Four years later, in 1884, he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple. Alongside his legal career, he held co-ownership of the Worsley Mesnes Colliery Company.
Tomlinson represented Preston as a MP from 1882 until the general election of 1906. During that election, the Conservative Party lost both Preston seats primarily due to disputes over free trade policies. In the year 1900, he retained his parliamentary seat by defeating challenger Keir Hardie. His contributions were recognized when he was granted a Baronetcy during the 1902 Coronation Honours and subsequently appointed deputy lieutenant of Lancashire in 1903. Beginning in 1891, he also fulfilled duties as a magistrate within the Amounderness Division.
Characterized as a prosperous Conservative adhering to traditional values, Tomlinson was an avid advocate for the Volunteer movement, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also held various positions within the Church of England. A notable incident involved Winston Churchill, who once made a disparaging remark about him that led to a challenge for a physical confrontation.
Tomlinson remained unmarried and spent his last two years confined at home. He passed away at age 74 due to a stroke, and with his death, his baronetcy ceased to exist.