Joseph Feilden (British Army officer)

Joseph Feilden (1784 – 1870) was a British Army officer, magistrate, and cotton manufacturer, primarily known for his service during the Napoleonic Wars and his later involvement in the family business, Feilden Brothers, a prominent cotton manufacturing firm in Lancashire.

Feilden received his commission in the British Army and served with distinction during the Peninsular War, participating in several key battles. He later served during the War of 1812. His military career brought him into contact with prominent figures and exposed him to a wider world than that of his Lancashire roots.

Upon retiring from the army with the rank of Colonel, Feilden returned to Lancashire and played an active role in the management of Feilden Brothers. The company, already well-established, expanded significantly during his tenure, contributing to the industrial growth of the region. He also served as a Justice of the Peace, reflecting his standing within the local community.

Joseph Feilden was also involved in local politics and social affairs, representing a generation transitioning from a landed gentry to a more industrially focused elite. He was a figure of considerable influence in Blackburn and the surrounding area. He married Eliza Whalley in 1813 and they had children.

His life exemplifies the intersection of military service, industrial development, and social leadership in 19th-century Britain.