James Kitson, 1st Baron Airedale

James Kitson, 1st Baron Airedale (22 September 1835 – 16 March 1911), PC, DSc, was an industrialist, locomotive builder, Liberal Party politician and a Member of Parliament for the Holme Valley.

[2] One of them, Emily, married the royal obstetrician William Smoult Playfair in 1864, and became inadvertently involved in a court case with implications for medical ethics that resonate today.

He redecorated the hall and entertained lavishly including playing host to Prime Minister William Gladstone and his son, Herbert, who was a witness at Kitson's second marriage to Mary Laura Smith in 1881.

[6] He commissioned Burmantofts Pottery to create an elaborate bathroom with faiance in honour of a visit from the Prince of Wales circa 1885.

[7] In 1854, when Kitson was aged nineteen, his father bought the ironworks at Monk Bridge and put him and his elder brother, Frederick, in charge.

[2] In connection with his business interests Kitson was a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers from 1859 and was president of the Iron Trade Association.

[8] He was elected MP for Colne Valley from 1892 until 1907, supporting education, Irish Home Rule, and the provision of old age pensions.

He supported the Mechanics' Institute and the Yorkshire College, the forerunner of the University of Leeds, which awarded him an honorary doctorate, DSc in 1904.

[2] On 17 July 1907 Kitson was raised to the peerage as the first Baron Airedale of Gledhow in the West Riding of the County of York.

[10] Kitson was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) on 20 December 1902.

His funeral service was held at Mill Hill Chapel on 22 March before his body was taken for burial to Roundhay Church along a route lined by 4000 workpeople.