Joseph Brotherton

Joseph Brotherton Esq. M.P. (BM 1865,0114.217) (cropped)

Joseph Brotherton (22 May 1783 – 7 January 1857) was a British Nonconformist minister, social reformer, and politician. He was the first Member of Parliament (MP) for Salford and a prominent figure in the early 19th century reform movements.

Early Life

Joseph Brotherton was born in Whittington, Derbyshire, the son of John Brotherton, a cotton manufacturer. He was educated at a local school and later joined his father's business. In 1806, he married Martha Harvey, who was also deeply involved in social reform.

Ministry

Brotherton became a minister in the Bible Christian Church, a Nonconformist denomination. He was known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice. His ministry was characterized by a focus on education, temperance, and the abolition of slavery.

Political Career

In 1832, Brotherton was elected as the first MP for Salford, a position he held until his death in 1857. As an MP, he was a member of the Radical Party and later the Liberal Party. He was a strong advocate for parliamentary reform, public education, and workers' rights.

Parliamentary Reform

Brotherton supported the Reform Act 1832, which extended the franchise and reformed the electoral system. He was also involved in the campaign for the Repeal of the Corn Laws, which aimed to reduce food prices and improve living conditions for the working class.

Public Education

Brotherton was a proponent of public education and played a key role in the establishment of the Salford Free Library, one of the first public libraries in the United Kingdom. He believed that education was essential for social progress and worked tirelessly to improve access to learning for all.

Workers' Rights

Brotherton was an advocate for workers' rights and supported various measures to improve working conditions. He was involved in the campaign for the Ten Hours Act, which aimed to limit the working hours of women and children in factories.

Legacy

Joseph Brotherton is remembered as a pioneering social reformer and a dedicated public servant. His contributions to parliamentary reform, public education, and workers' rights had a lasting impact on British society. A statue of Brotherton stands in Peel Park, Salford, commemorating his achievements.

See Also

• Salford
• Reform Act 1832
• Corn Laws
• Ten Hours Act
• Liberal Party (UK)