William Crawford

Who was William Crawford?

William Crawford was an English miner, trade unionist and a Liberal politician.

Crawford was born at Cullercoats Northumberland and worked in Hartley Coal Mines from the age of 10. In 1862 actively opposed the attempt of the Northumberland mine owners to impose the system of yearly hiring. He became Secretary of the Durham Miners' Association in 1863, and spoke frequently at the Durham Miner's Gala He was briefly secretary of the breakaway Northumberland Miners' Mutual Confident Association.

In 1885 Crawford was elected Member of Parliament for Mid Durham and held the seat until his death aged 57. From 1889 to 1890 he was a member of the Institute of Mining Engineers. Crawford was a chief promotor of the College of the Venerable Bede, Durham and acted as its treasurer until his death.