Background
Hardcastle born at Firwood Hall (demolished 1969), in Tonge, near Bolton, Lancashire was the fourth son of James Hardcastle of Firwood and Pen-y-lan, Ruabon, Denbighshire and Hannah Compton Jackson.
Hardcastle born at Firwood Hall (demolished 1969), in Tonge, near Bolton, Lancashire was the fourth son of James Hardcastle of Firwood and Pen-y-lan, Ruabon, Denbighshire and Hannah Compton Jackson.
Hardcastle played cricket regularly from 1864 representing Manchester, Bolton and the Gentlemen of Lancashire. In 1869 he played two first class matches for Lancashire County Cricket Club. Hardcastle rose to be head of the family bleaching firm and also became president of the United Bleachers" Association of Lancashire and Cheshire.
Hardcastle was also the proprietor of Breightmet Colliery near Bolton.
He was re-elected unopposed in the ensuing general election of 1886. While in parliament, Hardcastle represented the interests of the bleaching industry.
He retired from parliament on health grounds in 1892. He was a justice of the peace for Lancashire, and was High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1895.
Hardcastle moved from Lancashire to Southsea in Hampshire, and finally to London.
He died suddenly from heart failure at his residence, 87 Lancaster Gate, Paddington in 1908, aged 64. Hardcastle married Ida Ross in 1885, and they had five daughters before her death in 1894.
23rd United Kingdom Parliament. 24th United Kingdom Parliament]
Hardcastle was the first member of parliament for Westhoughton, a constituency created by the Redistribution of Seats Acting 1885.