Thomas Watson (1821 – 7 March 1887), was an English silk spinner and  politician.

Watson began life as a silk spinner. In 1846 with two fellow workers, he started a silk-spinning and hatter business in  . He was responsible for the invention of silk-plush for hat-making and became sole partner in the firm of Thomas Watson & Sons, silk-plush manufacturers of Rochdale. He funded a new infirmary for the town of Rochdale, became chairman of Rochdale School Board, and treasurer of the Free Church Denomination. He was also   for Rochdale.

In the  , Watson was elected as the   (MP) for  . He retained the seat in the  , but died in 1887 at the age of 66.