Thomas Butterworth Bayley

Thomas Butterworth Bayley (1744–1802) was an English magistrate, agriculturist and philanthropist.

Background He was from an old Lancashire family, and his mother was one of the Dukinfields of Dukinfield, Cheshire. Shortly after completing his education at the University of Edinburgh, he was chosen a justice of the peace for the county palatine of Lancaster. The reputation he acquired by led to his being appointed a few years afterwards perpetual chairman of the quarter sessions. He was appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire for 1768.

Magistracy Principally by his efforts, an improved gaol and penitentiary-house for Manchester was erected in 1787. In his honour, it was named the New Bayley. The building was pulled down in 1873. After improvements introduced in its construction, and in that of the county gaol at Lancaster, Bayley was consulted in regard to the erection and improvement of prisons throughout the country. He died at Buxton, Derbyshire, on 24 June 1802.