Joseph Davidson Qualtrough

Who was Joseph Davidson Qualtrough?

Sir Joseph Davidson Qualtrough JP SHK was one of the most renowned Manx politicians ever and Speaker of the House of Keys from 1937 to 1960.

He was born in Castletown in 11 June 1885, son of Joseph Qualtrough MLC, Receiver General of the Isle of Man. He was educated at King William's College and then served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps from 1915 to 1919 as a Lieutenant. On his return from the war he was elected MHK for Castletown in 1919 in the by election. He was returned unopposed in 1919, 1924, 1929 and 1934 and was successfully returned as MHK at the 1946, 1951 and 1956 General Elections. He died in 1960 while still sitting as an MHK. He was appointed Speaker on 7 December 1937 and served in that position until his death on 14 January 1960.