Sir David Radcliffe

Sir David Radcliffe (1834–1907) was mayor of Liverpool from 1884 to 1886. He was a British businessman, magistrate and alderman in the city of Liverpool.

Early life Radcliffe was born in Almondbury, Yorkshire on 8 January 1834. He was the tenth child of eleven born to his father Amos and his mother Olive Jephson.

Career Radcliffe trained as a plumber. Initially, he lived at home with his parents and was employed in an engineering business, which he later took over. From the early 1870s, he became involved in several railway companies, including the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, and was chairman of Liverpool United Tramways.

Retirement Radcliffe was a successful entrepreneur. He retired in 1882 and focused on public service.

In 1885, he led a deputation to Osborne House, Isle of Wight, and presented Princess Beatrice with a speech congratulating her on her forthcoming marriage. He presented her on behalf of the Corporation of Liverpool with a wedding cake on a silver tray which had four liver birds as part of the decoration.

Radcliffe instigated the 1886 Liverpool Exhibition, and was chairman of the organising committee. He lived at Formby Hall, Formby when he was knighted by Queen Victoria when she opened the Liverpool Exhibition.

Radcliffe also started a scheme to give 1000 hot pots to 1000 poor families at Christmas.

One of his grandsons, David Radcliffe, was killed at Arras in the First World War, and grandson and grandfather are memorialised in a window in Liverpool Cathedral.

Honours 1886 - Knight Bachelor