Henry Redhead Yorke - Politician

Henry Redhead Yorke was born 1772 in the West Indies (likely Antigua). He was born into wealth. Yorke's grandfather was an English plantation owner and his grandmother was a former slave. Yorke travelled to Britain in the 1780s to further his education. He was initially interested in studying law.

However, Yorke became an activist. He advocated for freedom of the press, votes for all and reform of the British royal family. He also aligned himself with reformist groups including the London Corresponding Society who campaigned for political representation and rights for working-class men.

Yorke’s activism led to his arrest, in 1795 he was sentenced to two years in prison for ‘seditious practices’ (which means encouraging violence against the state and monarchy).

The experience caused a major change, Yorke made a massive U turn. On his release from prison Yorke distanced himself from his former activism activities and began supporting more moderate views, which drew criticism.

In 1802 Yorke was elected as the member of parliament (MP) for Reigate, becoming one of the first Mixed Race Black men to sit in the House of Commons. He remained an MP until 1806.

Henry Redhead Yorke died in 1813 at the age of 41.

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