Description: This bust is located at the entrance to the Arboretum. Samuel Morley (1809-1886) entered the counting house in London at the age of 16. He soon proved himself to be not only industrious, but having great energy, combined with capacity for management, and this, guided by deep religious convictions. In 1840 he became the virtual head of the London business and when his uncle Richard and cousin Arthur died, he became the sole managing partner. More than 40 years before Old Age Pensions were adopted he devised a system for his aged workpeople whereby he allowed each of them 6 shillings a week, without work, and other retiring allowances cost him over £2,000 per year. He took an active part in promoting elementary education, always insisting on simple Bible teaching. He was elected MP for Nottingham, but was unseated through the illegal activities of two zealous friends. He was MP for Bristol from 1868 to 1885. He served on the London School Board from 1870 to 1876. He was a generous benefactor to public charities and religious institutions. In 1885 Prime Minister Gladstone wrote to Samuel Morley, at Queen Victoria's command, offering him a peerage - the next day Morley replied that he sincerely valued Her Majesty's kindness but begged respectfully to decline the proposal. In later years he became wide in his sympathies and broad in his politics. He died in 1886 and at his funeral there were deputations from 97 institutions and associations with which he was connected. There is a statue of him in Parliament Street. (information from 'Men of Nottingham & Nottinghamshire', by R Mellors)