JOHN Brigg of Kildwick Hall, Keighley’s Member of Parliament since 1895, visits his Central Liberal Committee Rooms in the new Liberal Club buildings in Scott Street at the time of the 1900 General Election.
His election leaflets, listing measures he had hitherto supported, provide an idea of his character: the Sale of Intoxicating Liquor to Children Bill, the extension of Sunday closing in Wales, reduction of hours in shops, workmen’s cheap trains.
Magistrate, worsted manufacturer, deacon of Devonshire Street Congregational Chapel, traveller, amateur geologist, he was in 1900 an active 66-year-old despite having had his right leg amputated the previous year.
This election was noteworthy for the way rosettes, medallions and party emblems were worn “to an extent never previously seen in Keighley”, while on polling day both Mr Brigg and his Conservative adversary were each given the use of a motor car. Mr Brigg was re-elected by a majority of 640; nor would this be his last General Election. He would be knighted in 1909 and would die in harness two years later.
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