Harry Orbell

Born in Bethnal Green on 4 November 1860,[1] Henry Joseph (Harry) Orbell trained as a writing desk maker, but was unable to find sufficient work, and so instead found employment at a tea warehouse, repairing tea chests.

[2] In 1887, there was a proposal to reduce wages of workers at the warehouse, and Orbell helped organise a meeting in opposition to this.

Later, he was based in London, but regularly travelled the country, and was one of the first to spot Ernest Bevin's talents, successfully recommending him to Ben Tillett for a full-time post.

Already in poor health, the strain of this worsened his condition and although he recovered for a while, he became ill again in late 1913 and died in March 1914.

[6] Although Orbell never stood for political office,[6] he supported the Labour Party, and served for some years on its National Executive Committee.