16 Facts About Maurice Margarot

Maurice Margarot is most notable for being one of the founding members of the London Corresponding Society, a radical society demanding parliamentary reform in the late eighteenth century.

Maurice Margarot was the son of a wine and general merchant, named Maurice, and his wife Catherine.

Maurice Margarot was inspired by the French people and the revolution, and returned to England in 1792, where he followed Thomas Hardy into the London Corresponding Society to further the cause of reform.

At his trial, Maurice Margarot defended himself with a speech described by the judge, Lord Braxfield, as itself being "sedition".

Maurice Margarot was joined by his wife, but almost immediately a controversial and still mysterious set of events overtook the prisoners.

Palmer and William Skirving Palmer claimed that Maurice Margarot was in league with Campbell.

Maurice Margarot maintained that the process of transportation should discharge his sentence.

Maurice Margarot's request was denied and although he had to remain in the colony, he was not liable for compulsory labour.

Maurice Margarot was mentioned in a report of rebellion in September and October 1800 due to multiple claims of sedition.

Maurice Margarot fell into further trouble with authorities, for example, claiming at several points to have been appointed by the British government to report on the mis-governance of the young penal colony.

Maurice Margarot's home became a center for seditious events that included radical convicts and the Society of United Irishmen.

Maurice Margarot stood witness before the 1812 parliamentary committee on transportation, where he continued his pursuit against the officers from New South Wales.

Maurice Margarot published two pamphlets upon his return to England that marked his return to an interest in British politics.

Maurice Margarot died in December 1815 in extreme poverty, and under continued government suspicion as a pro-French radical.

Maurice Margarot was buried in Old St Pancras Churchyard in London.

Maurice Margarot's name is listed on Burdett Coutts memorial there amongst the interments with no marker.