Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet

Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet (25 April 1750 – 3 May 1830), was a British politician and industrialist known for his involvement in textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. He was among the ten known British millionaires in 1799 and was the father of Sir Robert Peel, who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Background:

Peel's family background included his father, Robert "Parsley" Peel, and his grandfather, William Peel(e), both of whom were yeomen engaged in the textile industry. Their work was primarily organized through the domestic system, where most textile work was performed in the home.

Business Career:

Peel entered partnerships to raise capital for establishing spinning mills, which were water-powered, utilizing inventions such as Richard Arkwright's water frame. These mills were typically located in rural areas near rivers with strong streams. He partnered with William Yates to establish a mill and housing for workers at Burrs near Bury. In rural districts, labor shortages were often mitigated by employing pauper children as apprentices, who resided in hostels.

As an industrialist, Peel promoted progressive reforms relating to workers' rights and social welfare, including the health and morals of apprentices and child workers. In 1802, he introduced the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act to limit working hours for apprentice children and require mill owners to provide schooling. In 1815, prompted by Robert Owen, Peel introduced legislation to limit working hours for children in textile mills, which was enacted in 1819 as the Cotton Mills and Factories Act, although with amendments.

He retired from business in 1817, dissolving his partnerships. Peel was a subscriber to the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal navigation project in 1791 and constructed the first factory in Radcliffe.

Political Career:

Peel was a 'Church and King' Tory and a supporter of William Pitt the Younger, which was atypical among Lancashire mill owners who often held nonconformist and radical views. In 1790, he was elected Member of Parliament for Tamworth, a seat he acquired by purchasing the borough and estate rights. He made Drayton Manor in Staffordshire his main residence and adopted the lifestyle of a country gentleman.

In 1800, Peel was created a Baronet of Drayton Manor and Bury. His political efforts included advocating for reforms in mill labor conditions. He supported legislation to regulate child labor, including the 1802 act and subsequent laws. Peel retired from Parliament in 1820, having served as an MP during different periods.

Family:

Peel married Ellen Yates, daughter of his business partner William Yates, on 8 July 1783. They had eleven children, including:

- Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850), who also served as Prime Minister.

- William Yates Peel (1789–1858), an MP.

- Edmund Peel (1791–1850), an MP.

- The Very Rev. John Peel (1798–1875), Dean of Worcester.

- General Jonathan Peel (1799–1879), soldier and politician.

- Laurence Peel (1801–1888), MP.

- Harriet Peel (1803–1869).

Peel's children held various political and social roles. Notably, he invested heavily in his family, with at least one estimate in 1799 valuing the family wealth at approximately £1.5 million, equivalent to roughly £359.9 million in 2023 currency.

Following the death of his first wife, Peel married Susanna Clerke in 1805; the marriage was unsuccessful, and they eventually separated. Susanna died in 1824.

Death:

In April 1830, Peel's health declined; he ceased playing whist due to weakness and died peacefully in his armchair on 3 May 1830. His funeral was attended by local officials and tenants. His estate was distributed according to primogeniture, with significant legacies left to his sons.