Robert Applegarth (1834-1924). In 1862, Applegarth became general secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners (ASCJ) and was also a leading figure in the London Trades Council (LTC). He accused George Potter of political and financial dishonesty and was instrumental in Potter losing his seat on the LTC executive.

An early visit to the USA, made him opposed to slavery and a strong supporter of the North during the American Civil War. He was a member of the Reform League and the Labour Representation League.

Applegarth gave evidence to Royal Commission on Trade Unions in 1867 and acted as union observer at its proceedings. In 1871, he became the first worker to join a Royal Commission - that on the Contagious Diseases Act.

He retired from the ASCJ after being accused of neglecting his union work.

Title	Robert Applegarth (1834-1924)
Maker	--
Production Date	1850-1880
Format	Photograph
Copyright	--
Holding Institution	TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University
Related Objects	--