Arthur Hunnable

Who is Arthur Hunnable?

Arthur Hunnable, often known as Captain Hunnable, was a British poet and minor fraudster, best known for his frequent but unsuccessful attempts to become a candidate for election to Parliament.

Living in Ilford, Hunnable worked as a bicycle and tool maker and motor engineer until March 1907. He first came to public attention at the Jarrow by-election that summer, before which he spoke widely in the town, announcing that he intended to stand as a candidate. He was nominated, but failed to deliver a £200 deposit, as required, and despite his protests, was not permitted to stand. Despite this, he continued to give popular speeches, and the Mayor of Jarrow declared that "he keeps the young and the rough element amused". Following the election, Hunnable appeared at the Empire Music Hall in Holborn in a skit reliving parts of his campaign. After a week, he quit, to speak in the run-up to the Colne Valley by-election, then moved on to the North West Staffordshire by-election. However, he did not attempt to stand, announcing that he had decided to stand at Jarrow in the next general election. He proved less popular in Staffordshire, and was fined for causing an obstruction in Hanley Market Square, and describing any hecklers as "dirty little tykes". Unable to pay the £3 demanded, he was imprisoned for a month, but was released after three days, a public subscription having raised the sum.