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Entry TypePerson
SurnameArkwright
ForenamesRichard
EpithetFinancier; son of Sir Richard Arkwright
Dates1755-1843
BiographyCotton manufacturer and landowner, was born on 19 December 1755 at Bolton, Lancashire, the only son of Sir Richard Arkwright (1732-1792), cotton manufacturer, and his wife, Patience (d. 1756). Richard junior continued to capitalise on his father’s business success and following the death of Richard senior death he showed adeptness at managing the properties, partnerships and mills he inherited and purchased various grand houses elsewhere in the country. Choosing to live in Willersley Castle he continued to improve working conditions for the people in his mills.

He also had an interest in horticulture, growing tropical fruits in his hothouses, which led to him being awarded the Horticultural Society Gold Medal in 1822.

He was the largest holder of government stocks in England at his death, having reinvested profits gained through cotton spinning, and posthumously earned the soubriquet ‘the richest commoner in England. He was buried in the family vault at Cromford Chapel on 29 April 1843. His character was summarized in the Gentleman’s Magazine 'generous without ostentation and charitable without parade'.
Key Events1755, 19 Dec: Born Bolton, Lancashire
1822: Awarded Horticultural Society Gold Medal
1843: Died Willersley Castle, Cromford
Authorised Form of NameArkwright; Richard (1755-1843); Financier; son of Sir Richard Arkwright
Cataloguing NotesWritten May 2020, VW.

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