Blackburne came from a political family: his father, also John Ireland Blackburne was Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) for Newton from 1807–1818 and Warrington from 1835–1847, his mother was Anne née Bamford, of Bamford, Lancashire. He was born at Hale Hall near Liverpool, the family home of the Ireland Blackburnes, and was educated at Eton College.
Eton College.
He sat for Lancashire from 1784 – 1831. He obtained a commission in the 5th Dragoon Guards and served with the regiment for 14 years, retiring with the rank of captain. In 1874 he inherited his father"s large land holdings, and was actively involved in the management of the estate until his death, when it was noted that he was popular with his tenants.
In October 1875, Charles Turner, Member of Parliament for South West Lancashire, died.
Accordingly a by-election was held to fill the vacancy. Blackburne was the only candidate nominated, and was thus elected unopposed on 5 November 1875.
The Redistribution of Seats Acting 1885 redistributed the two-seat South West Lancashire seat among seven new constituencies. Blackburne retired from parliament at the ensuing general election.
Blackburne was a justice of the peace for the county palatine of Lancaster, and was appointed honorary colonel of the 4th Royal Lancashire Militia and subsequently of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, the Prince of Wales"s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).
He died at his London residence after a long illness in September 1893, aged 77.
Blackburne successfully defended his seat at the 1880 general election.
21st United Kingdom Parliament. 22nd United Kingdom Parliament.
