James Stuart

Who was James Stuart?

James Stuart was a British educator and politician. He was born in Markinch, Fife, and attended the University of St Andrews before going to Trinity College, Cambridge. He later became a Fellow of the College and Professor of Mechanism and Applied Mechanics at Cambridge University from 1875; he was also Lord Rector of St Andrews from 1898 to 1901. Stuart was interested in popularising scientific topics and published several books on the subject.

Stuart was an unsuccessful Liberal candidate for the Cambridge University parliamentary seat in an 1882 byelection; in 1884 he was elected for Hackney. From the 1885 election he sat for the Hoxton division of Shoreditch. He became known for his contribution to London politics and in February 1890 was chosen as an Alderman of the London County Council, the added work caused him to resign his chair at Cambridge. The Progressive Party on the LCC chose him as its Leader shortly after his election but he stood down after the 1892 council election.

In the 1900 general election Stuart lost his seat in Parliament. He returned briefly for Sunderland from 1906 until again being defeated in January 1910. He was appointed to the Privy Council in 1909.