HUGHES, TROMAS, English author and politician; second son of John Hughes, esq., of Doningion Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, was b. at Uffington, •erks, itl l8t.3. educated at Rugby under the celebrated Dr. Arnold; entered Oriel college, Oxford, in 1841, and took his degree of B.A. in 1845; was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1848, and became a member of the chancery bar. In 1856 he gave to the world Tom Brown's School-days—a picture of life at a public school, evidently written from the author's own personal experience, and recording the vivid and enduring impressions be brought with hint from Rugby. This work attained great popularity both in England and America, especially among the young. It was followed, in 1858, by The .Scouring of the White Horse; in 1861, by Mtn Brown at 011ord, in which the mental history of his hero is con• tinned, with sketches of college life and incidents; and in 1869, by Alfred the Great.
Hughes pursued meanwhile the study and practice of the law. He gained the con fidence and good-will of the working-classes by endeavoring to promote a better under standing between masters and men, and by teaching the latter the value of co-operation as a means of social elevation. He has, however, never failed courageously to rebuke the narrow prejudices and mischievous views held by certain members of trades-unions. At the general election for Lambeth in 1865, he was placed at the head of the poll, the working men being especially enthusiastic in securing his return. lie was returned for Promo, in 1808, which he continued to represent till 1874, and always took a prominent part in debates relating to the combinations of trades-unions, and the amendment of the law of master and servant. He was appointed queen's counsel in 1869. Hughes has written various pamphlets and articles in reviews.