Michael
Bass,
the grandson
of the brewer William Bass, was born on 6th July 1799. After his education
at schools in Burton-on-Trent and Nottingham,
Michael joined the family firm. The William Bass Brewery had been
established in 1777. Initially the company concentrated on exporting
its beer to India. The opening of the Trent & Mersey Canal greatly
benefited the Burton Breweries and the company expanded rapidly.
In 1831 Bass, as an officer in the Derbyshire Yeomanry Cavalry, assisted
in putting down the riots during the campaign for the 1832
Reform Act. However, Bass sympathized with the complaints of working
people and over the next few years became a supporter of the reformers.
In 1848 Bass agreed to become the Liberal
candidate in a by-election held in Derby.
Bass was elected and held the seat for the next thirty-five years.
Although Bass rarely spoke in debates in the House
of Commons, he worked behind the scenes for legislation that would
improve the standard of living of the working classes. This included
commissioning the investigation carried out by Leone Levi into wage
levels in Britain.
Unlike most Liberal MPs, Bass was a supporter
of trade unions. In 1870 he helped finance the
formation of the Associated Society of
Railway Servants Union. He also provided generous support for
the Railways Servants' Orphanage at Derby.
Bass also donated large sums of money to Derby.
This included £25,000 to provide a free library, and £12,000
for a large recreation ground and public swimming baths. Another £100,000
was given to the town of Burton.
Bass continued to be involved in running the family brewing business.
By 1882 Bass employed over 3,000 people at Burton and had a turnover
of £2,400,000. In the 1880s the Bass company did as much business
in three days as it did in 12 months in the 1830s.
Michael Bass, who refused offers of a baronetcy and a peerage, died
on 29th April 1884.
Available from Amazon Books
(order below)
