A woman whose childhood memories of Joseph Brotherton helped shape her environmental campaigning believes Salford should do more to celebrate his legacy.
Lesley Whittaker first encountered Brotherton’s statue as a young child in Peel Park, where her grandfather, Cornelius John Townsend, read the words inscribed on its stone plinth with her.
“My riches consist not in the extent on my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.”
Decades later, Lesley says those words have continued to influence her environmental beliefs and showcase why Brotherton remains relevant today.
Brotherton was elected as Salford’s first MP in 1832 and was re elected four times.
Whittaker said: “He was a great man and his life story is astonishing.”
A lasting legacy in Salford
Whittaker highlighted his efforts to improve local people’s lives, including buying the land that became today’s Peel Park and donating it to the city so residents could enjoy green space and fresh air.
She also added his support for public education and cultural facilities, such as the public library and art gallery.
Evidently, these achievements demonstrate why Brotherton deserves greater recognition in Salford’s history.
From peel park to green movement
Whittaker went on to help establish People in 1972, which later became the Ecology party and eventually the Green Party.
She thinks Brotherton’s words remain important to environmental politics today, saying: “Oxfam summarise it; need, not greed. And that’s it”.
Why his statue matters
Brotherton’s statue has returned to Peel Park after years being away from its original location, including a period on the Manchester side of the River Irwell.
Joseph Brotherton statue, River Irwell
Whittaker said: “I think it’s quite exciting that his statue has been brought back to Salford and he’s back in Peel Park”, she said. Whittaker believes this return offers an opportunity for people to reconnect with his history and understand his wider significance.
“I just don’t think they have the link with the establishment of green politics, which is now an international movement”.
She believes the connection between Brotherton’s philosophy, and the development of environmental politics is still overlooked and hopes his story will encourage people to consider how his values relate to challenges today.
For Whittaker, Brotherton’s return to Peel Park is a reason for Salford to celebrate his contribution to the city.
“I think we should be proud”, she added.
