William Hughes-Hughes

Who was William Hughes-Hughes?

William Hughes-Hughes J.P. D.L. was a founding member of The Philatelic Society, London, which subsequently became The Royal Philatelic Society London, and one of the small group who met regularly at the Rev. Stainforth's Rectory before that society was formed. He may therefore be called one of the first philatelists.

He was reported to have become a collector in 1859 and ceased in 1874 having spent £69. His collection was then sold by Stanley Gibbons for £3000 in 1896. It included a number of rarities:

British Guiana 1856 4 cents on blue 'sugar' paper

Canada 12d black

One of the four unused Great Britain Penny Red plate 77

Cape of Good Hope 4d red Woodblock error of colour

Reunion 1852 15c

Naples 1860 ½ tornese in both types.

Hughes-Hughes was a Barrister by profession. He had attended Tonbridge School.

Mr M.E. Hughes-Hughes also later became a member of the Royal Philatelic Society London.