Benjamin Alfred Dobson

Industrialist - Chairman of Dobson & Barlow of Bolton, one of the world's leading manufacturers of textile machinery.

Grandson of the nephew of Isaac Dobson.

Studied as a civil engineer and entered Dobson & Barlow's Kay Street works in 1871. His initial reputation as a benevolent paternalist was somewhat tarnished by his use of imported blackleg workers - known as 'knobsticks' at the time - during the bitter and often violent engineering strike of 1887.

He joined the Bolton Infantry Volunteers (2nd Volunteer Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment - then known as 27th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers) as an Ensign and rose to the rank of Lt Colonel and second in command. Awarded the Volunteer Decoration for 20 years service as an officer.

He wrote books about the spinning industry and held several engineering patents.

Represented North Ward 1874-80. Alderman for North Ward and Magistrate from 1880.

Made a Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur for services to French industries.

As Chairman of the Park and Burial Board Committee he cut the first sod of Heaton Cemetery 11 April 1878.

He laid the cornerstone for the Episcopal Chapel in Heaton Cemetery 15 March 1879 and opened the lattice girder 'Dobson Bridge' in Queen's Park on the same day.

Opened the Chadwick Museum in Queen's Park 12 June 1884.

Knighted 21 July 1897.

His wife, Coralie, was the first Mayoress to wear the Mayoress's Chain and Badge which were presented to her on 9 May 1895.

A statue of Dobson, purchased by public subscription, is situated to the right of Bolton Town Hall in Victoria Square and was unveiled by Alderman William Nicholson on 17 February 1900.

His great grandson, Christopher Brian Spencer Dobson was a lawyer, politician, comedian and actor who co-wrote the screenplay for Nicholas Roeg's 1973 film "Don't Look Now" under the name Chris Bryant.

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