Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

The Whitehaven News May 18 1899 MR. WILLIAM BROCKBANK, J. P.

MR. WILLIAM BROCKBANK, J. P.

The Whitehaven News - May 18 1899

Photo of     WILLIAM BROCKBANK, Esq., J.P., GARTHLAND, KIRKSANTON. (From a Photograph by MR. J. HARGREAVES, of Millom, etc.).   MR. WILLIAM BROCKBANK, J. P., the subject of the portrait, is the eldest son of the late MR. WM. BROCKBANK, of Layriggs, Kirksanton, a property in possesion of the family for many generations.  His recent retirment from the position of Guardian of the Poor for his immediate district of the parish of Millom was due to ill health.  Over three years ago he was prostrated with an attack of illness from which he has not  yet recovered.  On this account he retired from the position of Poor Law Guardian, a position which he honourably filled for such a lengthened period as to entitle him to the term " Father of the Board".   It was in 1861 when MR. BROCKBANK first became associated with the work of a Guardian, and many anecdotes he has to relate in connection with that work.  It was the late MR. G. BENN, of Hestham, who signed his first nomination papers,  MR. JOHN LEWTHWAITE being at the time chairman.   In financial matters, MR. W. BROCKBANK has been eminently successful.  Almost whatever he took in hand has turned to gold.  The old saying about individuals being born with a silver spoon in their mouth seemed to be verified in MR. BROCKBANK'S  case.   The starting of the Bank Spring Breweries, Kirksanton, which has proved such a remunerative concern, was due to the foresight of MR. WILLIAM BROCKBANK.  One day, whilst on Grand Jury business at Carlisle, having some time at his disposal, he paid a visit to Carr's Biscuit Manufactory, and that incident, slight in itself, was fraught with great consequences.   The ingenuity by which the wheat at the top of the mill was converted into choice biscuits by the time it reached the bottom rooms, at once suggested the idea of a brewery.   At a glance, MR. BROCKBANK saw the practicability of changing the water running to waste on Lacra banks into wholesome beer.  He was not a man to waste time, and after a consultation  with his brother, MR. J. W. BROCKBANK, the work of constructing the new brewery was started.  For some little time the business did anything but pay, owing to the crude methods adopted.  Improvements were introduced, with the result that Kirksanton beer soon found its way into neighbouring towns.   The mining industry was being opened out in Millom, and with the increased population, more places of refreshment were required.   None of the difficulties now encountered to obtain a licence were experienced in those days.  Licences were obtained for the Queen's Hotel, Holborn Hill, and the Ironworks Hotel, Newtown.  The West County was subsequently erected.  The Royal was purchased for a price which would be deemed remarkable nowadays.   Amongst other premises purchased were the Harbour and Sun Hotel, Haverigg, and laterly the Station Hotel, this costing about £4,000.  Houses have also been secured at Coniston, Broughton, Eskdale, Bootle, &c.   MR. BROCKBANK's attention was not entirely confined to licensing business.  He was also connected with the mining and shipping trade, both of which ventures were sources of considerable pecuniary profit.  At one time MR. BROCKBANK had almost embarked on an expensive local mining scheme.  He conceived the idea that, in the immediate neighbourhood of his residence, iron-ore was to be found.  Arrangements were made, for boring the ground, and MR. BROCKBANK, and a friend, proceeded to Whitehaven to secure the royalty, which was owned by LORD LONSDALE.   The letting of the royalty they were told on reaching Whitehaven, was in the hands of a gentleman who resided near Barrow.   Tickets were taken by the next train for Furness Abbey.  On reaching there, the individual in question was noticed awaiting the train, but promised to be back at Furness Abbey before MR. BROCKBANK left.  The anxiously awaited train did not bring the expected individual, it being subsequently found that he had missed it.  MR. BROCKBANK returned to his home;  and after reconsidering the matter, he gave up the scheme.   He now deems the missing of the train in this instance a very lucky accident, as he believes the mining scheme then contemplated, would not have proved remunerative.   Of the numerous official positions MR. BROCKBANK has occupied, it would occupy too much space to give details.  He has been connected with The Green Show since its formation, and still retains the post of vice-chairman, which he has held for years.   The numerous certificates which adorn his sitting-room, attest the fact he has been a successful exhibitor at this show.  He was made Justice of the Peace for Cumberland in June, 1895, and was a regular attender to his magisterial duties as long as health permitted.   Before being appointed a magistrate, MR. BROCKBANK severed his connection with the brewing trade.   He is 69 years of age, having been born on the 6th February, 1830.   ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

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