Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

It would've been quite interesting if you'd actually told us what he did to achieve his knighthood. However, you're obviously determined not to...or is it that you don't actually know in the first place?

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

I was told about him being the first Man in Accrington to be knighted. I did'nt ask what he had done. Does it really matter what he did to achieve it? He got one first and that's that. There are some that get one for doing ****** all. and some who don't belong to this country I was Just interested in it being Accrington. I may have gone into it deeper had it been my home town.:mad:

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

So, what were all these great things he did?

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

we aint never going to find out

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

It doesn't look like it. Because unless Thindle knows, i've Googled my butt off looking for why, but I can't find a reason anywhere.

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

Apparently knighted for getting the Newcastle Infirmary built.

The first Accrington Lord
 

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.

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

that was really intresting enjoyed reading about him he had a tough life when he was young but all worked out great in the end. him being the 1st knight

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

Well done Atarah :)

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

At last, the low-down on the mysterious Riley Lord! Thanks very much, Atarah.

Re: The first Accrington Knight
 

we can all sleep soundly now
many thanx atarah

Re: The first Accrington Lord
 

The library was in the MI last time I visited Accy a few years ago. I remember as a child my grandad (Harry Townley Barton) used to take me there when he went to play billiards. I was allowed to play at a vacant table, shooting the balls around by hand. (I could barely see over the edge!)

HTB held a position at the MI for which he received a gold watch when he retired. I think he was the treasurer.

Re: The first Accrington Lord
 

I read with interest your posts on Sir Riley Lord, he was a distant relative of mine and I have been compiling further information on him and his life. Does anyone have any further information that they would be happy to share?