William Scholefield was a British businessman, a Liberal politician, and a leading figure of his time. In recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to Birmingham’s industrial development and economic growth, he was elected the city’s first mayor in 1838. In this leadership role, Scholefield boosted Birmingham’s appeal for investment and championed the interests of its citizens. Read more at birminghamyes.
Early Life and Paternal Influence
William Scholefield was born in 1809 in the heart of Birmingham on the Old Square, an area later consumed by modern development. His father, Joshua Scholefield, was a prominent figure in the city. For many years, he was a successful businessman, owning a bank, trading various goods, and running an iron factory. As his financial standing grew, Joshua became involved in politics and municipal charities. He aligned himself with the radical economist and reformer Thomas Attwood. Together, they campaigned for changes not only in Birmingham but in the very structure of government, advocating for three-year parliamentary terms, voting by ballot, and free trade. In a sense, his son’s path was already laid out for him: to first become a successful businessman, earn the trust and respect of the citizens, and then become an influential Birmingham politician. Joshua ensured that William and his brother Clement received the best possible education and upbringing. To give his son practical business experience, Joshua sent him to the United States and Canada to learn about global trends. In 1837, William married and returned to Birmingham to assist his father.
Mayor of Birmingham and Parliamentary Politics
The Municipal Corporations Act was passed in 1835. This new legislation was part of a broader programme to reform local government in England and Wales. It established a unified system of municipal boroughs governed by town councils, which were required to include local citizens. Before this reform, the town was managed by a Court Leet, typically headed by a High Bailiff. In 1837, William Scholefield was appointed High Bailiff. In this position, he championed the town’s inclusion in the new local government system. In 1838, Birmingham was granted a royal charter of incorporation, which William himself read out at the Town Hall. He was the returning officer for the first Town Council elections, responsible for ensuring the vote was conducted fairly. When the new council convened, William Scholefield was unanimously elected mayor for a one-year term. His time in office proved challenging, marked by the “Chartist riots” in the Bull Ring area. Chartism was a working-class democratic movement demanding the right to vote. The protests cast doubt on the future of the newly formed Town Council and caused concern in London. However, the situation was resolved successfully. The police managed to quell the unrest, and negative consequences were avoided. The workers temporarily accepted that the educated aristocracy and middle class would govern. At the end of his term, William was elected as a councillor.
In 1844, William’s father Joshua, who was a Member of Parliament, passed away, creating a vacancy. William contested the resulting by-election but was defeated. Three years later, he successfully ran in the general election and directed his political efforts in Parliament towards solving Birmingham’s pressing issues. Like his father, William advocated for voting rights for working men, supported free trade, and fought for religious freedom.
William Scholefield is remembered in Birmingham’s history as its first mayor, a man who defended the city’s interests throughout his life. His dedication to the community, strategic vision for development, and ability to unite people were key factors in building a prosperous Birmingham.