Profiles

He was born in Stockton-on Tees in 1725, and after qualifying in law he went to London to practise his profession.

After becoming Chief Magistrate, the saying came about in 1770, when Brass released a newspaper editor, who had illegally published the day's business in Parliament.

As Brass had gone against the wishes of Parliament, he was  thrown in the Tower of London,  but when he was brought to trial several judges refused to hear the case and after protests from the public, he was released, and  'bold as Brass' became a common saying.

There's a memorial to him in Bromley, where he died, but there isn't anything in Stockton, but that could change.

Mayor of Stockton, Suzanne Fletcher says that there should be a permanent reminder of his actions in Stockton, and she says, "a number of people have asked me about it.

I think it's very important we get the feeling of the people of Stockton, and find out what they want."

"I'm hoping the Council will be looking at what ideas there might be and to decide what to do about it."

To listen to John Foster's interview with Mayor Suzanne Fletcher, go to the 'see also' section.