James Heywood (1810–97)

University reformer and philanthropist. Attended universities of Edinburgh and Geneva. Worked as a banker in Manchester until inheriting a fortune. Passed the mathematical tripos at Cambridge University, 1833, but was debarred from taking his degree because he was Unitarian. Called to the bar, Inner Temple, 1838. Trustee of Cross Street Chapel in Manchester. Helped found the Manchester Athenaeum in 1839. Compiled and published statistics on the state of English universities in the 1840s. MP for North Lancashire, 1847–57. Carried an amendment removing religious tests for those matriculating or taking BA degrees at Oxford University, 1854. A supporter of women’s suffrage and education. President of New College, Manchester, 1853–8. FRS 1839.