William House

Who is William House?

William House was a British trade unionist.

House grew up in the West Auckland area of County Durham. He worked for many years as a coal miner, and joined the Independent Labour Party. He was elected to Durham County Council, then as a checkweighman for his pit. He was particularly prominent in the 1892 miners' strike, and became known for his public speaking. In 1899, he was chosen as an agent for the Durham Miners' Association, and he was elected as the union's President the following year, serving until his death.

House stood for the Labour Party in Bishop Auckland at the January and December 1910 UK general elections, coming within 5% of victory on the second occasion. He also stood unsuccessfully in the Houghton-le-Spring by-election, 1913. The following year, he became Vice-President of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain. He was the union's choice to replace John Wilson in the Mid Durham by-election, 1915, but they ultimately chose not to stand him, due to the electoral truce during the First World War.