Thomas Bilcliffe Fyler MP (12 September 1788 – 4 March 1838)[1][2] was a British Tory politician who represented Coventry in the House of Commons from 10 June 1826 to 25 July 1831.[3]
Thomas Fyler | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 September 1788  |
| Died | 4 March 1838 (aged 49) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Position held | member of the 8th Parliament of the United Kingdom (1826–1830), member of the 9th Parliament of the United Kingdom (1830–1831) |
Early life edit
Fyler was an army officer and barrister. He attended Winchester School 1799-1806, before going up to Christ Church, Oxford then to Lincoln's Inn[2]
Parliamentary career edit
Fyler was first elected at the 1826 general election as a 'no Popery' Tory, opposing Catholic emancipation and supported by the corporation of the City of Coventry [2]
Fyler was re-elected unopposed at the 1830 general election
He gave his maiden speech opposing the use of impressment by the Royal Navy.[4] He was opposed to radical parliamentary reform and spoke against the introduction of annual parliaments, election by ballot and universal suffrage but favoured moderate reform such as the enfranchisement of cities.[5] Fyler was an opponent of the Corn Laws and spoke in the House of Commons on the subject of the distress caused by the Laws to working people.[6]
Fyler left the House of Commons at the 1831 general election where he lost his seat to Henry Bulwer, a Whig, who was a more enthusiastic supporter of parliamentary reform. Fyler unsuccessfully contested the Coventry seat again at the general election of 1832
References edit
- ^ "Historic Hansard 1803-2005 - Mr Thomas Fyler".
- ^ a b c "FYLER, Thomas Bilcliffe (1788-1838), of 19 Dover Street, Piccadilly and Teddington, Mdx". History of Parliament Online.
- ^ "Mr Thomas Fyler, former MP, Coventry". TheyWorkForYou.
- ^ "Naval Estimates-Impressment of Seamen". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 13 February 1827. col. 450–456.
- ^ "Distress and Reform (petition)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 11 March 1830. col. 176–176}.
- ^ "Distress of the Commercial and Industrious Classes of the Community". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 14 June 1827. col. 1288.