Richard Peacock

Reflecting a burgeoning industry that had barely started a decade beforehand, the Leeds and Selby Railway Company appointed Peacock in 1838, aged 18, as a locomotive superintendent.

In 1847, Peacock was present with Charles Beyer at a meeting at Lickey Incline which it is generally acknowledged gave birth to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Emily Faithfull, the Victorian printer and women's rights activist, dedicated the English edition of her book Three Visits To America to her "Friend Richard Peacock Esq of Gorton Hall" in 1884.

[1] During his period in parliament Peacock was in favour of Home Rule, of the reform of the House of Lords, the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of England, and the establishment of local self-government.

At the time of his death his eldest son, Colonel Ralph Peacock VD (1838–1928) of the part-time Manchester Artillery Volunteers, succeeded him at Gorton Foundry.