Thomas Hobson

Thomas Hobson (* 1544, † January 1, 1631 ), sometimes called the " messenger of Cambridge " is mainly known by the expression Hobson 's choice.

As a messenger of Cambridge, he was responsible for the post between London and Cambridge and had a stall outside the gates of St Catharine 's College. If his horses were not required for the post, they were awarded to students and professors of the university.

Hobson quickly realized that his best and fastest horses the most popular and therefore often were revised. To prevent further depletion of his best horses, led Hobson a strict rotation system, which allows the customer only allowed to take the order after next horse. This policy of " this or not " was known as Hobson 's choice when an apparent de facto choice is no choice.

The poet John Milton has popularized both Hobson and the expression.

It intends Hobson also because of its participation in the construction of the Hobson 's Conduit. This is supplied with clean drinking water, a 1614 -built artificial watercourse, Cambridge. Hobson was a major benefactor of the new watercourse. The Hobson 's Conduit is alternatively known as Hobson 's Brook.