Encyclopedias: Spartacus Educational: Reform of Parliament: Richard Birnie

Description: Abstract: Born in Scotland in 1760. Apprenticed as a saddler he moved to London, became partner in a tack company and married the daughter of a wealthy London merchant. He later became a magistrate at Bow Street where he developed a reputation for being autocratic and vindictive. He became Chief Magistrate in 1821 and died in 1832 as Sir Richard Birnie.