The Neild family had lived in Cheshire for generations, running successful businesses and working in the professions. Theodore Neild was born in Altringham in 1843, the sixth child of Isaac, a Quaker and cotton manufacturer, and Hannah (nee Thorp).

He began his education at the Manchester Grammar School, and at the age of 15 entered the Friends School in York where his cousin Fieldon Thorpe was headmaster. Neild remained at York until he was 18 when he decided to train for teaching. He entered Flounders College, the training college of the Society of Friends, and became a Quaker. He was 22 when he took his degree at London University, and afterwards went to University College, London, where he distinguished himself in Classics and Anglo-Saxon studies. While preparing for a debate at the Union he undertook a study of Trade Unionism and this led to an enduring interest in the rights of labour, and the lowering of the age at which people are eligible to vote.

In 1868 Neild married Helen Newman, daughter of Henry Newman of Leominster. They would go on to have four daughters and two sons.

Neild’s first teaching appointment was as a private tutor to the family of Mr Pease of Bristol. In this role Neild, the teetotaller who supported women’s suffrage, had a profound effect on young Edward Pease, as future secretary of the Fabian Society.

In Manchester, Owens College had been created for education on non-sectarian lines by a legacy from the wealthy industrialist, John Owens. It opened in 1851 in a house on Quay Street in central Manchester. When the Friends decided to extend the College in 1876, Neild was invited to apply for the principalship. His application was successful, and the interval before taking up his appointment was spent at Strasburg University. He was principal at Owens College until 1897, overseeing the expansion and development of the University. On retirement the University conferred an honorary degree on him.

The Neilds moved to Grange Court in Leominster and undertook its restoration. Neild continued his public work serving on numerous committees related to education, health and welfare at local and county level. Neild held an international reputation on the issues of temperance and peace studies, subjects on which he wrote and lectured widely.

He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1899, and was chairman of the Leominster bench until his retirement in 1928.

As Theodore Neild’s health declined the couple left Leominster in 1928, and he died in Sussex the following year.

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