Joseph Brotherton (22 May 1783 – 7 January 1857) was an English reforming politician, Bible Christian minister, and a pioneering vegetarian activist.

Among his achievements were the building of schools, the opening of a lending library and the establishment of a fund to support the victims of the Peterloo Massacre.

[citation needed] From 1815 Brotherton was a member of a group of Nonconformist Liberals, meeting in the Manchester home of John Potter, termed the Little Circle.

This called for the better proportional representation in the Houses of Parliament from the rotten boroughs towards the fast-growing industrialised towns of Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Salford.

[2] He actively supported the Municipal Corporations Bill, which led to Manchester and Salford having democratically elected councils.

He took an interest in the facilities provided by the new municipalities, and was largely responsible for the opening of Peel Park, Salford and Weaste Cemetery.

[citation needed] Brotherton viewed vegetarianism as integral to personal health, moral progress, and social peace, reflecting his broader pacifist and humanitarian principles.

[5] In response to the food shortages of 1847, Brotherton played a key role in setting up vegetable soup kitchens in Manchester to provide relief.

During its early years, the Society relied primarily on pamphlets authored by Brotherton to advance its mission and increase public awareness of the organization.

It was purchased by Manchester City Council in 1986, and was resited at Riverside Walk, overlooking the River Irwell and facing towards Salford.