Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet

Who was Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet?

Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet was a Northumbrian politician and landowner.

He was the son of Matthew Ridley and Elizabeth White, daughter of Matthew White, a prominent Newcastle merchant of Blagdon Hall, Stannington, Northumberland, and sister of Sir Matthew White, 1st Baronet of Blagdon.

He succeeded to the Baronetcy of Blagdon and to the estate at Blagdon Hall on the death in 1763 of his uncle.

He followed his father as Governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers.

He was appointed Chief Magistrate for Newcastle on three occasions and was Member of Parliament for Morpeth 1768-1774 and Newcastle 1774-1812.

An impressive monument to his memory stands in the nave of St Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle. Ridley is depicted in full length life size dressed in a Roman toga. The long inscription gives details of his service to the community.

He married Sarah Colborne in 1777 and was succeeded on his death by his elder son Matthew.

His second son Nicholas was created Baron Colborne in 1839. His great grandson, the 5th Baronet, was created Viscount Ridley in 1900.