Joseph Bottomley Firth

The Bottomleys were a prominent Quaker family in the West Riding of Yorkshire, having been major landowners since the reign of Elizabeth I.

[1][2] He attended Ackworth School and the University of London, where he received a degree in law.

He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple, and practiced as a barrister on the North Eastern Circuit.

[1][2] Firth was an active campaigner for reform of local government in London, as well as being involved in the Liberal Party.

[1][2] In 1880 he entered the House of Commons as one of two Members of Parliament for Chelsea and held the seat until 1885.