of Broadcloughand Winsley Hall, Salop. JP Lord of the manor of Westbury, Salop Notes sent to me by Robert Churchward Sept 2003 John 1829-1899 (Ref Lancashire Leaders edition 1899). Magistrate for the Counties of Lancashire and Shropshire. Sat for portrait in 1897 Lord of the Manor of Westbury Ref Lancashire Leaders, Social and Political published in 1899. page 35. John Whitaker, Esq., J.P. "Lancashire may well be proud to include in its brilliant head-roll of County Gentry one of such solid substance, quiet dignity and unchallenged position as Mr John Whitaker of Broadclough, Bacup (but now residing at Winsley Hall, Shrewsbury), who illustrates in his person and training the qualities and traits which distinguish the English Commoner. Mr Whitaker was born July 31st 1829 and was educated at Dr B Heldenmaier's Pestalozzian Institution, Worksop, Notts. Subsequently he married firstly Elisabeth Ann, daughter of the late Robert Munn, Esq., Heath Hill, Stacksteads, Manchester. This lady died in 1883, and in due course Mr Whitaker married secondly Mary Stewart Beattie, daughter of William Richardson of the Mains, Lockerbie, Dumfrieshire. Mr Whitaker's son and heir is James born 2nd August 1863, Captain in the 20th Hussars. Although now living at Winsley Hall, Shropshire, Mr John Whitaker is still owner of the Broadclough Estate, Bacup which has been in his family since before the year 1600, and is part of the Royal Forest of Rossendale. It was disforested by Henry V11 and let out to a number of copyholders, and we believe we are quite correct that Mr Whitaker's family are the only persons who have retained their holding. As already stated, Mr John Whitaker now resides in Shropshire having purchased the Winsley and Westbury Estates, and is also "pricked" to hold the high and ancient office of High Sheriff for the County of Shropshire for the year,1901-a great honour for any gentleman to have conferred upon him. With all classes Mr Whitaker is greatly liked for his energy, tact and suavity render him popular wherever he goes. Firm when necessary, he is always strictly courteous; and appreciating the keenness of modern suffering, he is sincerely sympathetic; and not being unmindful of the connection between effects and causes is the genuine friend of the true welfare of his poorer neighbours. He has the reputation of being a very kind and sympathetic landlord, and deservedly so, for he attends as much as he consistently can, to the wants and wishes of his tenants, by whom he is held in great respect. He is no advocate of self-confidence, but the deeds of his life are in harmony with the sentiments of the poet- 'it ever was my way and shall be still, When I do trust a man to trust him wholly' Mr Whitaker is a J.P. for both the Counties of Lancaster and Shropshire. 1881 Census entry Dwelling: Wensley Hall Census Place: Westbury, Shropshire, England Source: FHL Film 1341635 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 2644 Folio 37 Page 10 Marr Age Sex Birthplace John WHITAKER M 51 M Newchurch, Lancashire, England Rel: Head Occ: Farming 300 Acres Employing 8 Men Elizabeth Ann WHITAKER M 42 F Newchurch, Lancashire, England Rel: Wife Mabel Harriet WHITAKER 7 F Westbury, Shropshire, England Rel: Daur Norman Munn WHITAKER 2 M Westbury, Shropshire, England Rel: Son Lillias INGLIS U 42 F Dumfries, Scotland Rel: Serv Occ: Nurse (Domestic) Rosa GARING U 35 F Oakley, Stafford, England Rel: Serv Occ: Cook (Domestic) Annie DAVIES U 26 F Worthen, Shropshire, England Rel: Serv Occ: Housemaid (Domestic) Isabella HILL U 20 F Birmingham, Warwick, England Rel: Serv Occ: Ladys Maid (Domestic) Margaret COOPER U 17 F Westbury, Shropshire, England Rel: Serv Occ: Housemaid (Domestic) Ann DANILY U 17 F Loppington, Shropshire, England Rel: Serv Occ: Kitchen Maid (Domestic)