William Bailey (engineer)

Sir William Henry Bailey (10 May 1838 – 22 November 1913) was a British engineer, businessman and local politician, knighted by Queen Victoria for his work on the creation of the Manchester Ship Canal.

Sir William Henry Bailey
Born	10 May 1838 Salford, Lancashire
Died	22 November 1913 London, Middlesex
Nationality	British
Occupations	Engineer Businessman Politician

Bailey was born on 10 May 1838 in Salford, England to John Bailey and Elizabeth Ann Bailey.

He was elected to membership of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society on 7 February 1888^[1] and President of the Society 1905–07.

He was involved in the local politics of the Borough of Salford, being first an alderman, and later elected Mayor of the borough in 1893.

He was knighted by Queen Victoria on the royal yacht in 1894 when the Queen opened the Manchester Ship Canal. Sir William was one of the promoters of the Canal, and was a member of the Provisional Committee.^[2]

Bailey died in London on 22 November 1913.