Abel Heywood Inn Sign

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 5 Oct 2015

Whilst the sign outside the Red Lion Street frontage of Image] shows Abel Heywood himself, this sign outside the Turner Street frontage makes reference to his business as a book publisher and seller. Abel Heywood (1810 – 1893) was an English publisher, radical and twice mayor of Manchester. In 1831 he set up a penny reading room in Manchester. And his bookselling business in Oldham Street was successful and continued for many years. Heywood was an active Chartist and his business published much of the reading material of the town's movement, including the Northern Star. In 1841, he was elected treasurer of the National Charter Association, as well as sitting on the executive committee. At the same time he campaigned actively for the incorporation of the city and, once this was achieved, was elected to the council in 1843. Heywood served as alderman in 1853 and in 1859 stood unsuccessfully as a Radical Liberal candidate for Manchester. His first term as Mayor was in 1862–1863, during the cotton famine. He became Mayor again in 1876–1877. A major achievement was his role in guiding Manchester Town Hall to its completion; the clock bell of the Town Hall, "Great Abel", is named after Heywood. see also Image

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