Thomas Prothero
Thomas Prothero | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1780 Usk, Wales |
| Died | 1853 |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, entrepreneur, mine proprietor |
| Years active | Early 19th century – mid 19th century |
| Known for | Opposition to John Frost; management of Tredegar Estate; coal mining in South Wales Coalfield |
Thomas Prothero (also spelled Protheroe) (1780–1853) was a Welsh attorney, entrepreneur, and mine proprietor, notably recognized for his opposition to John Frost.
Life
Hailing from Usk, he was the son of Thomas Prothero, a lawyer engaged in local governance and the administration of the Beaufort estate. Claims regarding his illegitimate birth, based on census data, remain uncertain.
Legal career and involvement in local governance
Following in his father's footsteps, Prothero launched a legal practice in Newport, Monmouthshire and assumed the role of town clerk there in 1807. Between 1824 and 1840, he formed a partnership with Thomas Phillips, a prominent figure in the area. Their firm played an active role in the electoral contests within Monmouthshire and Monmouth Boroughs.
Estate management and political representation
Prothero acted as agent for Sir Charles Morgan, 2nd Baronet M.P., overseeing both political matters and the Tredegar Estate operations. Despite strained relations with Morgan’s heir, their collaboration resulted in the 1826 Newport Improvement Act, which created the Newport Improvement Commission responsible for local administration until 1850. Although its effect on public health was modest, this commission paved the way for the later establishment of the Newport Board of Health.
Support for moderate reform
The alliance between Prothero and Morgan dissolved in 1831. Subsequently, Prothero shifted from predominantly conservative views to endorse moderate political changes preceding the Great Reform Bill of 1832. He maintained cordial ties with William Addams Williams, Monmouthshire's MP from 1831 to 1841 and a reform advocate, while also supporting Benjamin Hall’s victorious 1831 election campaign in Monmouth Boroughs alongside Phillips.
Conflict with Frost
A longstanding personal rivalry between Prothero and tradesman John Frost significantly influenced Monmouthshire’s political landscape over twenty years. Gradually, Prothero turned against further reforms and Chartism, perceiving certain 1839 Chartists as dangers to the landed elite—a viewpoint substantiated by instances of radical rhetoric.
This dispute originated from a family-related disagreement over William Foster’s will, which left Frost burdened by a contested debt. Frost’s libel suit against Prothero resulted in Frost’s incarceration in 1822. Following this, Frost launched pamphlet attacks targeting both Sir Charles Morgan and Prothero. He also petitioned Parliament to oppose the 1826 Newport Improvement Bill; however, it was enacted due to Morgan and Beaufort's influence.
The antagonism resurfaced when Frost assumed Newport’s mayoralty in 1837, accusing Prothero of misusing harbour revenues and criticizing Sir Charles Morgan. In retaliation, Prothero and Phillips accused Frost’s stepson William Foster Geach of professional impropriety. Additionally, Prothero provided testimony during the voir dire phase of the 1839 Monmouth treason trial.
Malpas Court
Between 1835 and 1838, Prothero commissioned the construction of Malpas Court, a substantial dwelling situated on the outskirts of Newport, with architectural design by Thomas Henry Wyatt. The estate stayed within the Prothero lineage until 1916 and is currently recognized as a Grade II listed building, although it experienced extended periods of neglect.
Mine owner
Beginning in the early 1820s, Prothero ventured into coal mining operations in north-west Monmouthshire, located within the South Wales Coalfield. His holdings encompassed Butter Hatch, Libanus, Church Farm, New Place Pig, Plas, and Place collieries. By 1830, he pioneered the use of steam locomotives on the Monmouthshire Canal Company tramway, notably acquiring the Speedwell engine from Neath Abbey Foundry for deployment at Blancyffin Isha Colliery.
In 1823, Prothero partnered with Thomas Powell to lease coal rights beneath Plas Bedwellty. Both engaged in assertive mining activities, including unauthorized extraction beneath the Tredegar estate originating from Woodfield colliery. Their business relationship involved frequent exchanges of shares across multiple mining sites. Throughout the 1830s, Prothero participated in attempts to establish a local coal cartel; although accounts vary regarding precise dates and participants, involvement is noted in either the Newport Coal Association (1833) or Newport Coal Company (1837), both aiming to regulate coal pricing in the area.
An 1842 report by the Children's Employment Commission highlighted Woodfield and Place Level collieries for their employment of child labor.
Family
Prothero's first marriage was to Mary Collins, with whom he had nine children before her passing in 1835. He subsequently wed Sarah Pattman. Among his descendants through his son George are distinguished figures such as George Walter Prothero, Arthur William Edward Prothero, and Rowland Edmund Prothero.