George Faulkner (manufacturer)

George Faulkner (c. 1790 – 1862) was an English manufacturer who suggested and became involved in the creation of Owens College, the fore-runner of the Victoria University of Manchester.

For a time its business included a fine-spinning mill, in which Faulkner's intimate friend, John Owens, was one of his partners.

Owens' irritation at this singular conduct, however, ceased after a few days, when Faulkner suggested to him the plan of leaving the bulk of his wealth for the foundation of a college which should supply a university education unconditioned by religious tests.

[1] In 1851, Owens College was called into life at Manchester and Faulkner was elected the first chairman of its trustees.

He filled this post until August 1858, taking repeated opportunities of supplementing his friend's munificence by liberal benefactions of his own.