James Platt

James Platt (1823 – 27 August 1857) was a British Radical politician and manufacturer.

Manufacturing business Alongside his brother John, Platt was a partner in the world's largest machine-making firm, Platt Brothers; the firm—established by their father Henry in partnership with Elijah Hibbert—created machinery for the textile industry in the UK and overseas. In 1854, the Platt brothers bought out the Hibberts' interest. However, Platt's tenure was cut shot by his accidental death just four months later.

Death

Platt was killed after a shooting accident on Saddleworth Moor while on an excursion with Oldham mayor Josiah Radcliffe and Joshua Radcliffe, both of whom were also his relatives. The trio left Ashway Gap, Platt's hunting Lodge, at around 11:00 on 29 August 1857 but, at around 13:15 when in a gully, Josiah Radcliffe, who had presided over Platt's election, stumbled causing his gun to fire, the bullet hitting Platt in the calf of his right leg. Although Platt was immediately bandaged, he suffered extensive blood loss and, after being moved to his home in Ashway Gap, he died between 14:00 and 15:00. His death caused "the deepest grief" and a "gloom" over the local population.

Ashworth Cross 1857 Memorial to James Platt MPAfter his death, and although he had only made three contributions to Parliament, Platt was celebrated in the media—including the Manchester Examiner and The Times—as a "rising man" who would have been likely to "distinguish himself greatly". Platt was laid to rest in a tomb at Chadderton Cemetery in Oldham on 2 September 1857.

His brother, John Platt, followed his footsteps into the seat, elected as a Liberal for the same seat at the 1865 general election.