George Nicholls (commissioner) facts for kids
Sir George Nicholls (born 1781, died 1865) was an important British official. He helped change how poor people were supported in Britain. He worked as a Poor Law Commissioner after a new law was passed. Before that, he was an Overseer of the Poor under the older system of poor relief.
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Early Life and Education
George Nicholls was born on December 31, 1781. His birthplace was St. Kevern in Cornwall, England. He was the oldest child of Solomon Nicholls.
He went to school in a few different places. First, he attended the parish school in St. Kevern. His uncle, William Nicholls, was his teacher there. Later, he studied at Helston grammar school. He also spent a short time at a school in Newton Abbot, Devon.
Adventures at Sea: A Maritime Career
In 1796, George Nicholls began a career at sea. His uncle, Captain George Millett, helped him get a job. He became a midshipman on a ship called the Earl of Abergavenny. This ship belonged to the East India Company.
He sailed on six voyages, moving up in rank each time. By 1809, at age 28, he became a ship commander. He commanded the ship Lady Lushington. Later, his ship Bengal caught fire in 1815. This happened in the harbor at Point de Galle. An investigation cleared him of any blame. He decided to leave the sea that same year.
Helping the Poor in Nottinghamshire
After his time at sea, Nicholls moved to Farndon, Nottinghamshire in 1816. He then moved to Southwell, Nottinghamshire in 1819. He became very interested in helping his local community. He focused on schools and farming.
At Farndon, he started the first savings bank. He also studied the poor laws, which were rules about helping the poor. In Southwell, he became an active Overseer of the Poor. This meant he managed aid for those in need.
In just two years, he greatly reduced the cost of poor relief in Southwell. He wrote eight "Letters by an Overseer" in 1821. These letters explained his ideas for helping the poor. He believed in ending "outdoor relief." This was money given to poor people who lived outside a workhouse. Instead, he supported using the 'workhouse test'. This meant people had to go to a workhouse to get help.
He also started a workhouse school in Southwell. Children from large, poor families could attend during the day. They would then return home to their parents at night.
Building Canals and Connections
In 1823, Nicholls was asked to help with the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal. This canal was not finished and needed money. Nicholls knew about the project from earlier years. He moved to Gloucester and helped manage the canal for three years.
During this time, he also worked on other projects. He often worked with Thomas Telford, a famous engineer. They became good friends. One of their ideas was a ship canal connecting the English and Bristol Channels. This project was approved by Parliament. However, a financial crisis in 1825 stopped it. The rise of railways also made the project less important.
Nicholls was also asked to study a possible Panama Ship Canal. He declined this offer due to concerns about the climate. In 1825, he also reported on a plan. This plan was to build a harbor at Lowestoft and a ship canal to Norwich.
A Career in Banking
In 1826, Nicholls accepted a new job. He became the superintendent of a new branch of the Bank of England. This branch was in Birmingham. He had previously helped set up a bank branch in Gloucester.
Life in Birmingham was very busy for him. He started the Birmingham Savings Bank. He was also active in local government. He helped manage the Birmingham General Hospital. He created a system for paying taxes through the Bank of England. This system was later used across the country.
He also became a director of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. He stayed on the board until his death. He was chairman for the last twelve years. In 1829, he advised Robert Peel, a government official. They discussed the general condition of Birmingham.
Leading the Poor Law Commission
In 1832, new commissioners were appointed to study the poor laws. Nicholls was asked to share his ideas. The report they published in 1834 praised his work. It highlighted the systems he used in Bingham and Southwell. These ideas became the basis for new laws.
The Poor Law Amendment Act was passed in 1834. In August of that year, Nicholls became one of three commissioners. Their job was to manage this new law. He moved to London for this role. He stayed a commissioner until 1847.
The question of how to help the poor in Ireland also became important. In 1836, Nicholls suggested ideas to the government. He traveled to Ireland twice to study the situation. His reports helped create the Irish Poor-law Act of 1838.
In 1838, he also visited the Netherlands and Belgium. He studied how they helped their poor. He then returned to Ireland to help start the new poor law system. This was a very difficult task. He faced many challenges and political opposition. However, even his critics praised his character and ability.
In 1847, the poor law board was reorganized. Nicholls became its "permanent" secretary. In 1848, he was honored with the title C.B. (Companion of the Order of the Bath).
Later Life and Legacy
In 1851, Sir George Nicholls retired due to poor health. He received a pension and was knighted as K.C.B. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath).
After retiring, he spent his time writing. He wrote many books about the poor and poor laws. Between 1848 and 1857, he was consulted by people from other countries. They wanted his advice on creating their own poor laws. He also remained active with the Birmingham Canal.
Sir George Nicholls passed away on March 24, 1865, in London. His son, Henry George Nicholls, also became a clergyman.
Written Works
Sir George Nicholls wrote several important books and reports:
- Eight Letters on the Management of our Poor and the General Administration of the Poor Laws, 1823.
- Three Reports by George Nicholls, esq., to H. M. Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, 1838.
- The Farmer's Guide, Dublin, 1841.
- The Farmer, London, 1844.
- On the Condition of the Agricultural Labourer, 1847.
- The Flax-Grower, 1848.
- A History of the English Poor Law, 2 volumes, 1854.
- A History of the Scotch Poor Law, 1856.
- A History of the Irish Poor Law, 1856.
Family Life
George Nicholls married Harriet Maltby on July 6, 1813. She was from Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Harriet lived until May 1869, after her husband's death.
They had one son, the Reverend Henry George Nicholls. They also had seven daughters:
- Georgiana Elizabeth
- Charlotte (who married W. F. Wingfield)
- Emily
- Jane (who married Rev. P. T. Ouvry)
- Mary Grace
- Harriet (who died as a baby)
- Catharine Harriet (who married W. W. Willink)
