Joshua Walmsley facts for kids
Sir Joshua Walmsley (1794–1871) was an important English businessman and politician. He was a member of the Liberal Party. He worked to make life better for people in his community.
Contents
Sir Joshua Walmsley's Life Story
Early Life and Education
Joshua Walmsley was born in Liverpool on September 29, 1794. His father, John Walmsley, was an architect and builder. Joshua went to school in Knowsley and Eden Hall, Westmorland.
When his father passed away in 1807, Joshua became a teacher at Eden Hall school. In 1811, he moved back to Liverpool. There, he continued teaching at Mr. Knowles's school.
Starting a Business and Public Work
In 1814, Joshua Walmsley started working for a corn merchant. Corn merchants bought and sold grain. After learning the business, he decided to start his own corn trading company.
He strongly believed that taxes on corn should be removed. These taxes made food more expensive for everyone. He worked with famous people like Richard Cobden and John Bright. They were part of the Anti-Cornlaw League, which fought to end these taxes.
In 1826, Walmsley became the president of the Liverpool Mechanics' Institution. This place helped people learn new skills. Around this time, he also met George Stephenson, who was a railway pioneer. Walmsley became interested in railways and even bought land with Stephenson where coal was found.
Becoming a Leader in Liverpool
In 1835, Walmsley was elected to the Liverpool town council. He worked hard to improve the city. He helped make the police force better, improved public health, and supported education.
He was also one of the first members of the Liverpool Chess Club, which started in 1837. In November 1838, he became the Mayor of Liverpool. He was even knighted by the Queen when Queen Victoria got married.
Serving in Parliament
Walmsley tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Liverpool in 1841 but did not win. He moved to Ranton Abbey, Staffordshire, in 1843.
In 1847, he was elected as an MP for Leicester. However, he lost his seat after a special review. Around this time, he started the National Reform Association. He was its president for many years. This group worked for political changes.
In 1849, he became an MP for Bolton. In 1852, he switched back to represent Leicester. People in Leicester liked him because he helped the framework knitters, who made clothes. He lost his seat in 1857 and mostly retired from public life. However, he remained president of the National Sunday League until 1869.
Later Years and Legacy
Sir Joshua Walmsley passed away on November 17, 1871. He died at his home, Hume Towers, in Bournemouth. He was buried in Edge Hill, Liverpool. His wife, Adeline Mulleneux, whom he married in 1815, passed away two years after him.
His son, H. M. Walmsley, later wrote a book about his father's life.
