Acton Smee Ayrton (1816-1886), Politician

Sitter in 5 portraits
After leaving school Ayrton trained as a solicitor and practised in Bombay, returning in 1851 with a moderate fortune. He was called to the Bar as a barrister in 1853. Ayrton entered Parliament as a Liberal MP in 1857 and proved to be a staunch reformer. He served as First Commissioner of Works from 1869 until 1873 and subsequently as Judge Advocate General. He was appointed as a privy counsellor in 1869.