Thomas Wilson | |
---|---|
Born | 11 November 1764 |
Died | 17 June 1843 |
Occupation | Congregational benefactor |
Children | Joshua Wilson (1795–1874) |
Thomas Wilson (11 November 1764 – 17 June 1843) was a Congregational benefactor of chapels and educational institutions and founder member of the Council of University College London from 1825.
He was born in Cheapside, the son of Thomas Wilson (1731–1794), a ribbon manufacturer, and his wife Mary Remington, daughter of John Remington of Coventry. He was educated at Newington Green, at Cockburn's Academy.[1] Wilson went into partnership with his father in 1785, having served as his apprentice.[1]
In 1798 Wilson gave up the business. At the time he was living in Artillery Place, near Finsbury Square.[2] In 1819 he lived in Maida Vale,[3] and in 1823 in Highbury Place.[4] From 1829 to 1842 he lived at 45 Burton Street, St Pancras.[5] He was ultimately a man of considerable wealth, with Remington family money after the death in 1813 of an uncle on his mother's side.[1]
Wilson was a lay preacher from 1804,[6] and preached on a monthly basis at the London Female Penitentiary, a charity refuge.[7] He was present at Peterloo in 1819 and supported parliamentary reform.[6]
Wilson promoted many causes, principally educational and theological. He was a director of the London Missionary Society; and in 1837 he became one of the founders of the Metropolitan Chapel Fund Association.[6]
Wilson built, at his own expense, new Congregational chapels in London and elsewhere.
Wilson married in 1791 Elizabeth Clegg, daughter of the Manchester timber merchant Arthur Clegg. Their children included the barrister Joshua Wilson (1795–1874).[1] Joshua was his father's biographer, and was involved in forming the Congregational Union of England and Wales. Dr Williams's Library in London houses the Thomas and Joshua Wilson collection of papers.[23]
John Remington Mills was Wilson's nephew. He was the son of Samuel Mills of Russell Square and Mary Wilson, sister of Thomas Wilson.[27][28]
A memorial to Wilson stands in Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, London.[29] It is in the Yew Walk.[30]