Nassau William Senior (1790-1864), economist, was born at Compton Beauchamp, Berkshire, educated at Eton and Magdalen College, Oxford from where he graduated in 1812. In 1819 he was called to the Bar and became one of the leading Classical economists of the period. He was a major contributor to economic theory and a proponent of laissez-faire. In 1825 he became the first Drummond professor of political economy at Oxford, holding the post till 1830 and again between 1847 and 1862. He was most influential in nineteenth century political affairs and an active participant in Whig politics; he was one of the commissioners responsible for the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834.
He is also known for journals he kept of visits to Europe and Africa, containing details of conversations with various people, including those of note in political and literary circles, whom he met on his travels. Many of these were published posthumously.
From the guide to the Nassau William Senior Papers, 1830-1864, (Bangor University)
