Darbishire, Charles James (1797 -1874)

Born in 1797, Charles James Darbishire became the first mayor of his native Bolton in 1838. During his tenure as mayor the Chartist Riots broke out in Bolton in August 1839, which he handled with firmness and restraint, avoiding bloodshed. In 1822 he had became a partner in the quilting manufacturing factory of John and Robert Heywood. The latter, his close friend and political ally, succeeded Darbishire as mayor of Bolton 1839-1840. Throughout his life Darbishire was an active participant in the political life of Bolton and was instrumental in the establishment of a number of significant charities.