James Williamson, 1st Baron Ashton

James Williamson, 1st Baron Ashton, DL, JP (31 December 1842 – 27 May 1930) was a British businessman, philanthropist and Liberal Party politician. His family's business in Lancaster produced oilcloth and linoleum, which was exported around the world. After serving as a Member of Parliament for Lancaster, he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Ashton in 1895. Unproven accusations that he had purchased his title, however, haunted him and led to his eventual withdrawal from public life.

For other people named James Williamson, see James Williamson (disambiguation).
"Baron Ashton" and "Lord Ashton" redirect here. For other uses, see Baron Ashton (disambiguation).

The Right Honourable
The Lord Ashton
DL JP
James Williamson, Baron Ashton
Member of Parliament
for Lancaster
In office
1886–1895
Preceded byGeorge Blucher Heneage Marton
Succeeded byWilliam Henry Foster
Personal details
Born
James Williamson

31 December 1842
Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Died27 May 1930(1930-05-27) (aged 87)
Ashton Hall, Thurnham, Lancashire
Political partyLiberal Party
OccupationBusinessman and politician
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