William Turton made his money as a Hay and Corn Merchant but is better known as a founder and long-time chairman of Leeds Tramways Company and with the Busby brothers, founder and director of horse tramways in ten of the largest cities of northern England.
The McLeod and Richardson Diplomatic Missions to Tai States in 1837
The narrative follows British diplomats McLeod and Richardson on their groundbreaking journey to the Tai states in December 1836, aiming to establish trade and friendship. Traveling from Moulmein on elephants and horses, they ventured through the Shan States in Burma, northern Thailand, and Sipsong Panna in China. As the first Europeans to officially explore this region, they encountered remarkable social and cultural experiences, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and customs of the local populations.
Focusing on the historical discourses of social differentiation, this text explores the complexities of a politically and ethnically diverse region. It delves into themes of cultural pluralism, nationalism, and the dynamics of ethnic dispersal, providing a nuanced understanding of how these factors shape social identities and relationships within the region.