WALTER Hazell was a prominent British Liberal politician, publisher, and social reformer whose life and work were deeply intertwined with the progressive movements of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Britain. Renowned for his advocacy for workers’ rights, particularly those of women in the printing industry, Hazell’s legacy is that of a man who combined business acumen with a passionate commitment to social justice.

Hazell’s Connection with Chesham

In 1891 Hazell ran a training farm in Essex for unemployed and unskilled young men from London who were unable to find work. The success of this venture led him to move to a 225-acre site in Buckinghamshire which was at Manor Farm, Hundridge, near Chesham. Around 100 men (a few boys 14-17 and five men aged 40-46, but with an average age of 24) were helped. 44 came from lodging houses and refuges. The intention was to gain skills and emigrate to Canada with the Self-Help Emigration Society.

The Self-Help Emigration Society was a significant player in the history of emigration, particularly in the context of the British Empire. It was instrumental in assisting individuals from Britain to find new lives in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The society was involved in various aspects of emigration, including providing a booking service for those who could pay their own fares, assisting passages for those unable to afford the full cost of migration, conducting parties and chartered vessels for group migration, and offering loans for passages. Hazell was well aware of the need for labour in these far flung lands, as he had travelled extensively in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia

Not everyone was grateful for this opportunity however. In 1894, a Henry Barnes who had been a trainee at the farm, was convicted of setting several hay stacks alight on the Manor Farm causing damage estimated at £1,000. In 1898, on a visit to the farm, Hazell sat on a folding deck chair which collapsed, crushing his left hand and tearing off part of one of his fingers. He ran the Manor Farm venture until 1900, ably assisted by his bailiff, a Mr Franklin and his records show a success rate of just over 50%. The expense of running the scheme was heavy, yet Hazell bore most of the cost himself with a little help from acquaintances who supported him.

Early Life and Background

Walter Hazell was born in 1843 in the bustling heart of London. His father Jonathan was a goldsmith and the family lived over the shop. Coming from modest beginnings, he was educated locally before joining his father as a jeweller. He never took to the life however, and since books and printing appealed to him, at the age of 20 he joined a small local printing business. The world of publishing at the time was undergoing rapid transformation, and Hazell quickly established himself as a talented and forward-thinking figure within the industry.

He married a childhood friend - Sarah Tomlin – at the age of 24 and they had five children – Ethelwyn, Walter and Ralph (who followed their father into the print industry), Charlotte and Wilberforce (who became an architect). Hazell was Mayor of Holborn 1911-1912.

Career in Publishing

Hazell founded Hazell, Watson & Viney, a pioneering printing and publishing firm which at one time had premises in Aylesbury. Under his guidance, the business became a major force in British printing, noted not only for its technological innovations but also for its progressive employment practices. Hazell was one of the earliest employers to actively promote the welfare of his workforce, introducing policies that were ahead of their time — including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and opportunities for women to train and advance within the company.

Political Career

Driven by his beliefs in social justice and equality, Walter Hazell entered politics as a member of the Liberal Party. He was elected Member of Parliament for Leicester in 1894, a seat he held until 1900. During his tenure in the House of Commons, Hazell was a vocal supporter of reforms to improve conditions for workers, particularly women and children. He campaigned for the introduction of legislation to protect female workers in the printing trades and was instrumental in the passage of several key measures that improved industrial safety and limited excessive working hours.

Advocacy for Women’s Rights

Hazell’s commitment to women’s rights set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He was an active supporter of the Women’s Printing Society and various suffrage organisations, believing firmly in the value of women’s voices in both the workplace and in public life. His efforts contributed to the growing movement for gender equality, though full suffrage would not be achieved in his lifetime.

Walter Hazell retired from political life in the early twentieth century but continued to be active in social causes until his death in 1919. His legacy endures in the improved conditions for workers in the printing industry and in the gradual advancement of women’s rights in British society. He lived for the last eighteen years of his life on his farm in the Vale of Aylesbury.

Chesham Museum – Forthcoming Event

On behalf of Chesham Museum, Mick Jones will lead a Dancersend Nature Reserve Walk on August 23rd. 14.00-16.30. The walk will cover much of the reserve for wildlife and includes main areas where Susan Cowdy and Miriam Rothschild managed to save much of the valuable chalk grassland. Hopefully we will see the rare Chiltern gentians which are purple, trumpet-shaped flowers blooming from August. Price £8.

This is a walk at a gentle pace with frequent stops. Suitable for anyone with reasonable mobility, but some uphill and downhill sections and one flight of steep steps, and rough ground throughout which may be slippery. Stout footwear essential along with suitable clothing for the forecast. Limited to 16 people. Bookings via www.CheshamMuseum.org.uk.