Victorian Britain was a nation transformed by the unrelenting rush of
new technology and new opportunities which created great wealth for
those who were bold enough to meet the challenges.
Abraham Laverton, the son of a humble West Country weaver, took
advantage of these changes and helped transform the market town of
Westbury in Wiltshire from economic poverty to prosperity. For a period
of thirty years he breathed new life into the woollen mills which until
then had been in sharp decline.
Laverton was a lifelong bachelor who lived very modestly; his
remarkable journey saw him rise to prominence as a generous benefactor
to Westbury. In later life he became liberal member of Parliament, amid
scandal and accusations of bribery which would lead to a change in
voting legislation.
By building a fortune of over £50 million in today's money Abraham
Laverton was able to improve not only the lives of those that worked for
him, but also the people of Westbury.
