Maskell William Peace (1834-1892) was a British lawyer, advocate for, and advisor to the mining industry. He held many public appointments and was prominent figure in the municipal life of Wigan and Lancashire. Born in Wigan and educated at Rossall School, Peace became a solicitor forming a series of legal firms while also performing the role his father had before him, mineral agent for the Earl of Crawford (an owner of numerous mines). His many public appointments included: Secretary of the Wigan Mining and Mechanical School, from its foundation in 1858; Secretary to the Lancashire and Cheshire Coalowners' Defence Association; Solicitor for the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Permanent Relief Society; Secretary of the South Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Association; solicitor and latterly secretary to the Mining Association of Great Britain; a councillor and town clerk for Wigan council and subsequently councillor representing Standish for Lancashire County Council. Peace was the author of several books relating to mining law and lobbied on behalf of the industry, his advice often sought for legislation related to mining.