Thomas Webster

Thomas Webster (1810–1875) was an English barrister, known for his involvement in patent legislation, and for committee work leading up to The Great Exhibition. Life He was born on 16 October 1810, the eldest son of Thomas Webster, vicar of Oakington, Cambridgeshire. From Charterhouse School he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and graduated B.A. as fourteenth wrangler in 1832, proceeding M.A. in 1835. In 1837 Webster became secretary to the Institution of Civil Engineers. In 1839 he resigned the post, but remained honorary secretary till 1841. In that year he was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn, and joined the northern circuit. Webster built up a practice in scientific cases, and was recognised as an authority on patent law. He played a major part in the reforming Patent Law Amendment Act of 1852. He had also a parliamentary practice. He was one of the counsel engaged for Birkenhead in the contests over the Liverpool and Mersey docks.