Thomas Hardy - Shoemaker and Political Reformer

photo: National Portrait Gallery

"We conceive it necessary to direct the public eye, to the cause of our misfortunes, and to awaken the sleeping reason for our countrymen, to the pursuit of the only remedy which can ever prove effectual, namely; a thorough reform of Parliament, by the adoption of an equal representation obtained by annual elections and universal suffrage. To obtain a complete representation is our only aim - condemning all party distinctions, we seek no advantage with every individual of the community will not enjoy equally with ourselves." - Thomas Hardy (shoemaker and secretary of London Corresponding Society), speech, 8th July, 1793.

read full text of his memoirs here (PDF)