John Pritchard (MP)
John Pritchard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1797 Broseley, England |
| Died | 1891-08-19 |
| Occupation(s) | Solicitor, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1837–1868 |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Bridgnorth (1853–1868) |
John Pritchard (1797 – 19 August 1891) was a distinguished English solicitor, banker, and Conservative politician, originally from Broseley and later residing in Stanmore near Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Following the death of his father in 1837, Pritchard transitioned from his legal profession to collaborate with his brother George at the family banking firm Vickers, Son & Pritchard, which operated branches in Broseley and Bridgnorth. In 1888, this bank was incorporated into Lloyds Bank. Upon his brother's passing, Pritchard inherited multiple estates including Broseley Hall and Stanmore Grove. He maintained a close friendship with the architect John Ruskin, who was known to visit him at Broseley Hall.
Pritchard passed away at the age of 94 in 1891. His properties were bequeathed to his wife Jane for her lifetime, after which they were transferred to William Pritchard Gordon, a banking partner. Additionally, he fulfilled duties as a county magistrate and borough justice of the peace.
Political career
In a by-election held on 23 March 1853—prompted by the invalidation of the 1852 general election results—Pritchard was elected without opposition as the Member of Parliament for the Bridgnorth borough. He retained this position for fifteen years until stepping down at the 1868 general election, encountering only one electoral challenge during the 1865 contest.