Viscount Ridley

Viscount Ridley is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1900 for the Conservative politician Sir Matthew White Ridley, 5th Baronet, Home Secretary from 1895 to 1900. He was made Baron Wensleydale, of Blagdon and Blyth in the County of Northumberland, at the same time, also in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The latter title was a revival of the barony held by his maternal grandfather James Parke, Baron Wensleydale, whose title became extinct upon his death since none of his sons survived him.

The 1st Viscount was succeeded by his son, Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Viscount Ridley, who represented Stalybridge in the House of Commons. His own son, Matthew White Ridley, 3rd Viscount Ridley, later became Chairman of Northumberland County Council. The 3rd Viscount was followed in 1965 by his son, Matthew White Ridley, 4th Viscount Ridley, who went on to serve as Lord Steward of the Household from 1989 to 2001. Since 2012, the titles have been held by his son, Matthew White Ridley, 5th Viscount Ridley, a prominent science writer, journalist and businessman.

The Ridley, formerly White, baronetcy, of Blagdon, in the County of Northumberland, is an extant title that was created in the Baronetage of Great Britain in 1756 for Sir Matthew White, 1st Baronet, with remainder to the heirs male of his sister Elizabeth White, wife of barrister Matthew Ridley. He was succeeded according to the special remainder by the son of his sister, the Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet.