Francis Arkwright (politician)

Francis Arkwright (1802 – 1858) was a British Conservative politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Derbyshire North from 1843 to 1847.

Born in Cromford, Derbyshire, he was the son of Peter Arkwright, a prominent figure in the Arkwright family known for their involvement in the textile industry. He was a descendant of Sir Richard Arkwright, the inventor and entrepreneur who revolutionized cotton spinning.

Arkwright was elected to the House of Commons in a by-election in 1843, succeeding George Cavendish, who had been elevated to the peerage. He represented the constituency of Derbyshire North for a single parliamentary term. While in Parliament, he generally supported the Conservative government led by Sir Robert Peel.

After his parliamentary career, Arkwright remained involved in local affairs in Derbyshire. He resided at Mark Hall, near Harlow, Essex, late in his life, where he also had family connections. He died in 1858.