From its inauguration in 1838, to the late 1840s, the Chartist movement inspired thousands of men and women across the nation to demand their right to vote. The British working class was developing a strong and united voice as never before.

One of those who spoke out was Ben Rushton, a poor hand-loom weaver from Ovenden. For over thirty years he campaigned vigorously in the West Riding for the rights of his fellow men, sharing the platform with National leaders.

When he died in 1853, 10,000 people attended his funeral. Five special trains were laid on from Bradford to bring mourners and bands to join the procession. His friend, the Chartist writer and speaker Ernest Jones, gave the eulogy. Karl Marx, wrote about this manifestation of Chartist solidarity to a New York newspaper:

“Never before in the annals of British Democracy, has such a demonstration been witnessed, as that which attended the revival of Chartism in the West Riding, and the funeral of Benjamin Rushton, on Sunday last [June 26, 1853].

It was one of the last great events of the movement, and a tribute to a man who “as leader of the handloom weavers and political radicals, as lay preacher, who had chaired a score of monster rallies and whose scorn had flayed the Poor Law and the factory system, represented in his own person the dignity of the Chartist
Prime.” *

The headstone in Lister Lane Cemetery, Halifax, uses a poem by R Burns to commemorate

“The Late Old and Tried Patriot, Benjamin Rushton”.

An honest man here lies at rest,
As e`er God with his image blest;
The friend of man, the friend of truth;

The friend of age, and guide of youth;
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm`d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform`d;
If there’s another world he lives in bliss,
If there is none, he made the best of this.

This 40 page illustrated booklet sets the known facts of Rushton’s life into the context of radicalism in nineteenth century Halifax, and is comprehensively referenced.

It may be obtained from
Wades Bookshop, Rawson St, Halifax-
01422 354 400.
Tourist Information, The Piece Hall, Halifax,
or the Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery
friends@listerlanecemetery.co.uk

This website has been set up by the Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery to provide information about one of the most notable but little known people buried there, and to record the Ben Rushton memorial project and Chartist Festival, funded by Local Heritage Initiative in 2006.

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