He joined his father’s business (John Brogden and Sons) in 1846 and was closely involved with all the work.
He appears to have taken a particular interest in the coal and iron mining and in the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway.
Brogden died on 6 November 1855 suddenly of apoplexy at his residence, Lightburn House, Ulverston at the age of 32.
He was preparing to chair a Methodist meeting at the end of his day’s work.
[1][2] His early death was a serious blow to his father’s firm as well as to the family.