John Rylands

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John Rylands (February 7, 1801 – December 11, 1888) was an English weaver and entrepreneur.

Born St Helens, Lancashire to a weaving family, in 1819 he established a textile business with his father and two brothers. The business flourished with John becoming sole owner in 1839. Under his leadership, the business became the largest textile manufacturer in the United Kingdom by 1873.

Rylands was a devout Congregationalist and was responsible for many charitable projects. He died in Stretford, Manchester and is buried in Southern Cemetery.

After his death, his wife, Enriqueta Augustina Rylands, established the John Rylands Library in his name.