Richard Atherton

His father has been described as of the traditional political elite, a presbyterian, who had served as a Captain in the parliamentary army during the English Civil War (1642-1651) and taken prisoner at the Battle of Marston Moor.

[7] His terms in office from Member of Parliament during the 1670s, followed by Mayor and Alderman of Liverpool, covered the whole Restoration period of the House of Stuart, which ended with the death of Queen Anne.

The growth of Liverpool had accelerated since 1660, by trading with America and the West Indies in cloth, coal and salt from Lancashire and Cheshire in exchange for sugar and tobacco.

Atherton was first elected as Member of Parliament for Liverpool in 1671, on the interest of Lord Molyneaux, but was unseated on petition.

[12] He remained in this role until 1685, returning to represent the city in parliament from 1685-1687, and died in office, just one year prior to the Glorious Revolution, which deposed James II.

A year later, now with considerable wealth, he married Isabel, the first daughter of Richard Holt of Castleton and Stubley on 22 November 1676.

Immediately prior to his death he made a will on 30 December 1686 and appointed his brother in law, James Holt and friend William Bankes as guardians of his children.

[9] His male line of descent became extinct with the death of his grandson, Richard Atherton (1700-1726) at an early age.