Lincoln Billany (1865-1930)

# Neiles Boynton Billany

**Neiles Boynton Billany** (1826 – 1896) was an English **shipwright**, **Freeman of the City of Kingston upon Hull**, and **working-class political activist**.

A prominent figure in 19th-century Hull, he became known for his advocacy of social justice and his involvement in early labor and radical movements.

A memorial drinking fountain was later erected in his honor, recognizing him as a “tireless worker against injustice.”  

## Early life and apprenticeship

Billany was born in **1826**, probably in **Kingston upon Hull**, Yorkshire, England. His early years coincided with a period of rapid industrialization and maritime expansion in Hull.  

At the age of thirteen, in **1839**, he began an **apprenticeship as a shipwright and carpenter**, learning the craft of shipbuilding in one of England’s busiest ports.  

In **1847**, upon completing his apprenticeship, he was admitted as a **Freeman of the City of Kingston upon Hull**, a civic honor that conferred both recognition and local trading rights to skilled craftsmen.  

## Family and personal life

Billany married **Charlotte Ann Clevelin**, and together they had at least one known child, **Zillah Smith Billany**, born on **29 May 1859** in Hull.  

Zillah later emigrated to **New Zealand**, where she became known for her work in nursing and social service — continuing the family’s tradition of civic-mindedness.  

By the early 1890s, trade directories listed Billany’s occupation as an **agent**, residing at **97 Hessle Road**, Hull — a working-class area closely tied to the city’s shipbuilding and fishing communities.  

## Political and social activism

Throughout his life, Billany was an advocate for **workers’ rights** and **political reform**.  

In the later decades of the 19th century, as the **labor movement** began to emerge as a significant political force in Britain, he became associated with **independent working-class** and **radical political activity** in Hull.  

He reportedly stood as an **independent candidate** in local elections, reflecting the growing sentiment among industrial workers for greater political representation.

Although records suggest he did not hold public office, he earned a lasting reputation for his **advocacy of fairness, justice, and civic improvement**.  

## Legacy and memorial

Neiles Boynton Billany died in **1896** at the age of seventy. The following year, a **memorial drinking fountain** was erected in his honor at the **entrance to West Park**, Hull.  

The fountain’s inscription commemorated his life and service to the city, describing him as a *“Freeman of the City of Kingston upon Hull and tireless worker against injustice.”*  

The memorial remained for several decades but suffered vandalism — its cup and chain were stolen — and it was ultimately damaged during the **Second World War**.

It was later removed, though it remains remembered through local archives and photographs.  

## Character and influence

Billany’s life exemplified the aspirations of the **Victorian working class**: self-improvement through skilled labor, civic participation, and moral integrity.  

From humble beginnings as a shipwright, he rose to become a respected figure in Hull’s civic and political life.

His contributions reflected the growing confidence of working people in the industrial North of England during a time of sweeping social change.  

Although not a national figure, his influence endured in Hull’s local memory and through descendants such as his daughter, whose life continued the family’s legacy of public service abroad.  

## See also

- [Kingston upon Hull in the 19th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston_upon_Hull)  

- [Labour movement in the United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_movement)  

- [List of Freemen of Kingston upon Hull](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_City)  

## References

1. Hull History Centre, *Catalogue U DX101: Neiles Boynton Billany Papers (1826–1896).*  

2. *Memorial Drinking Fountains – Yorkshire*, memorialdrinkingfountains.wordpress.com.  

3. *Liberal History Journal* (Issue 86): “The Struggle for Political Representation.”  

4. Hull Trade Directory, 1892 (Blunham Archive).  

5. Infinite Women Archive: “Zillah Smith Gill (née Billany).”