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Joseph Cowen

Photograph of Joe [Joseph] Cowen, MP

Parliamentary Archives, PHO/11/2/2

Joseph Cowen was MP for Newcastle-upon-Tyne between 1874 and 1886. Cowen was a radical activist, politician, journalist and printer. Cowen was known in the House of Commons for his choice to adopt the dress of a Northumbrian miner, which was, at that time, a great novelty. At Parliament he frequently spoke up for the concerns of his working class constituents.

This section explores his life and career in Parliament.

Early life
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What was Cowen's early life like? How was he influenced during this period?

Writer and printer
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When did Joseph Cowen become involved with publishing?

Involvement with the Northern Reform Union
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What causes did Cowen speak vocally about? When did he first attempt election to Parliament?

Election to Parliament
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When was Cowen elected to Parliament?

Later career and life
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What was Cowen's later career and life like? When did he retire from politics?

Related information

The De Montfort Project is an outreach project run by the Parliamentary Archives which explores the life and impact of local MPs and Peers on both their local area and at Parliament.

Related information

Biographies of Ellen Wilkinson, Jack Lawson, Earl Grey and Joseph Cowen can be found on the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

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The De Montfort Project is an outreach projectrun by the Parliamentary Archiveswhichexplores the life and impact of local MPs and Peers on both their local area and at Parliament.

Find out more

ODNB

Biographies of Ellen Wilkinson, Jack Lawson, Earl Grey and Joseph Cowen can be found on the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

ODNB

Biographies of Ellen Wilkinson, Jack Lawson, Earl Grey and Joseph Cowen can be found on the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.