Huskisson, William (1770–1830)

British Conservative politician, financier, and advocate of free trade. He was active in the Corn Law debates, supporting their relaxation in 1821 and replacing the absolute level with a sliding scale in 1828. He was the first person to be killed by a train when he was hit at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, while crossing the tracks to greet the Duke of Wellington.

In his early career Huskisson served as secretary to the Treasury 1807–09 and colonial agent for Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He also served on a committee that investigated rural distress and agricultural depression.