James Clay author

James Clay (1804–1873) was an English politician and authority on whist. Born in London to a merchant family, he studied at Winchester College and Balliol College, Oxford, where he earned a third-class degree in classics. He served as Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull from 1847 until 1853 when he lost the seat due to a bribery inquiry but regained it in 1857 and held it until his death.

Clay played a significant role in the Reform Act of 1867, collaborating with Benjamin Disraeli to ensure its passage despite opposition from Gladstone. This act expanded voting rights beyond the original conservative intentions.

Known as the leading figure in the whist world for over three decades, Clay chaired a committee in 1863 to establish whist rules. In his personal life, he married Eliza Camilla Woolrych, and they had six children, including composer Frederic Clay and Henry Clay (later Clay-Ker-Seymer), whose granddaughter was photographer Barbara Ker-Seymer.

Clay's political career and contributions to both parliamentary reform and the game of whist highlight his multifaceted legacy.