WICKWAR & CO, 6 POLAND STREET, Manufacturers to H.M. Stationery Office.
A Large Victorian Black Leather covered Despatch Box C1850 stamped with the Victorian Royal Insignia and the the name Mr. James Fraser*, with central brass swing carrying handle and Bramah lock with original key, the unfitted interior lined with black leather cloth.
Weight 3.5 kg
Size 46 x 31 x 16 cm
*James Fraser (18 August 1818 – 22 October 1885) was a reforming Anglican bishop of Manchester, England. In 1858, he served on the Royal Commission on education and in 1860 became rector of Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, soon establishing a reputation as an able church manager. He travelled to the United States and Canada in 1865 on a commission to examine education there and his insightful report enhanced his reputation as a social analyst and leader of church opinion. In 1867 he was appointed by the Home Secretary to a commission on child labour in agriculture. Respect for his knowledge of educational matters led Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone to appoint him Bishop of Manchester and he was consecrated on 25 March 1870.
In 1880, he married Agnes Ellen Frances Duncan shortly after the death of his mother who had shared his home. He died suddenly at the bishop's palace following complications from a chill. Long known as the bishop of all denominations, his death was honoured by all the nonconformist churches along with the Jewish and Greek Orthodox congregations. Huge crowds attended his funeral in Manchester. He was interred in Ufton Nervet in his mother's grave.
A grade II listed statue by Thomas Woolner stands in Albert Square, Manchester.
