[Atarah]

Seek and thou shalt find
If this photo doesnt work, I will try again.

SIR RILEY LORD

Riley Lord was born in Chapel Street, Accrington in 1838. His father, who was a block printer , died when Riley was only 7 years old, and he was forced to start work at Plantation Mill. (mentioned recently in a thread). Round about that time an Act of Parliament was passed that no child should work under the age of 8. So young Riley was sent home for nearly a year. When back at work, he toiled for twelve hours a day, but he had no intention of remaining a block printer. As soon as work was over for the day, he rushed to the night classes at the Mechanics Institute (now the Registrars offices). At 20 he became an insurance agent, and rose to be chief representative in the North for an important company (The Prudendial). Circa 1885 he was able to spare the time to take an active part in the local politics of Newcastle-on-Tyne. In that year he was elected a member of the Council. He was appointed Sheriff of Newcastle in 1892-3 and elected Mayor in 1895-6 and again in 1899-1900 and the year following. It was during his first mayoralty that he conceived the idea which was destined to immortalize his name in the archives and annals of the City of Newcastle. He it was who founded the Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fund which had for its object the building of a new infirmary. By his efforts a staggering £110,000 was raised ...... much more mentioned about this Accrington born lad in various articles.

Atarah

Nearly 40 yrs after he left Accrington behind, he returned to his native town to present prizes at the Technical School. He was then Sir Riley Lord, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle! So "Dick Whittington" was not a mere fairy tale after all.