Edward Ryley (or Riley) Langworthy (1797 – 7 April 1874) was a British businessman and an independent but Whig-leaning politician.
Early life
Langworthy was born in 1797 London, the son of a Somerset merchant. He worked in Central and South America for 12 years as a textile merhcant for C. Taylor & Sons.[1]
Cotton industry
In 1837 he moved to Salford, Lancashire to join his brother George's cotton business alongside their other brother, Lewis.[1][2] George Langworthy & Co. was first established around 1822, then became Langworthy Brothers & Co. based at Greengate Mill on the bank of the River Irwell.[3][4]
Political career
When Salford was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1844, Langworthy was elected as the first alderman for Trinity ward. He was the borough's fifth mayor, elected for two consecutive terms from 1848 to 1850.[3] His term as mayor saw the establishment of the free public museum and library at Peel Park.[1]
In January 1857, Salford's Whig Member of Parliament, Joseph Brotherton, died. Langworthy was selected as the party's candidate for the vacancy, and as the only nominee, was elected unopposed on 2 February. Following his election he gave a speech outlining his political views: he supported the temperance movement, free trade and civil and religious freedom, the reform of parliament, strengthened local government, but opposed any increase in the size of the country's armed forces.[5] He was only Salford's MP for a matter of months, as he did not stand at the subsequent 1857 general election.
Death and legacy
Langworthy retained his connection with Salford Corporation[clarification needed], and on his death in 1874 left £10,000 to the museum and library he had helped establish. Langworthy Road, constructed shortly after his death, was named in his memory by Salford Borough Council.[3] Edward also left £100,000 (equivalent to £11,800,000 in 2023)[6] to George’s son.[2]
