Thomas Burden, 1st Baron Burden facts for kids
Thomas William Burden, also known as the 1st Baron Burden, was an important British politician. He was a member of the Labour Party and also held roles within the church. He lived from 1885 to 1970.
Early Life and Work
Thomas William Burden was born in Mile End, London, in 1885. His father, Thomas Burden, was the mayor of East Ham. Thomas Burden studied at the London School of Economics, a famous university.
He became very involved in helping workers and improving education. In 1909, he became the leader of the Poplar Labour League, a group that worked for better conditions for people. He also joined the Railway Clerks' Association, which was a union for railway workers. He served on its main committee from 1916.
Burden was also active in other groups. He was part of the London Labour Party and the Workers' Educational Association. These groups aimed to help people learn and have a voice. He also joined the Fabian Society and the Independent Labour Party, which were important political groups.
Political Career
In 1942, Thomas Burden became a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he was elected to the House of Commons, which is a main part of the British government. He represented the area of Sheffield Park until 1950.
While he was an MP, he also had a special role with the church. From 1945 to 1950, he was the Second Church Estates Commissioner. This job involved managing some of the church's property and money. He was also a member of the House of Laity, which is a part of the Church Assembly.
On February 1, 1950, Thomas Burden was given a special honor. He became a Baron, which is a type of noble title. His full title became Baron Burden, of Hazlebarrow in the County of Derby. This meant he could now sit in the House of Lords, another part of the British Parliament.
From 1950 to 1951, Lord Burden served as a Lord-in-waiting. This was a role in the government of Clement Attlee, who was the Prime Minister at the time. A Lord-in-waiting helps the government in the House of Lords.
Later Life
Lord Burden married Augusta Sime in 1910. He passed away in May 1970 when he was 85 years old. After his death, his son Philip inherited his title and became the next Baron Burden. Lady Burden, his wife, died a few years later in 1976.
