Family renews links to village founded by man’s generosity

Family renews links to village founded by man’s generosity

A VISITOR with a unique link to Shrigley’s historic past was in the village for a special visit this week. John Martin, who is one of the two last male descendants of the founder of the village’s original mill — who was also called John Martin — was in Shrigley on Monday night.

He was accompanied by his mother Barbara and local man Chris Hagan, the author of a book on the history of the village.

Mr. Martin’s visit was the first in over 100 years by a member of the family which played a leading role in the history of Shrigley.

The special visitor, who lives in Shropshire, spent time marvelling at Martin Clock which was built by money raised by villagers in 1871 in honour of John Martin who founded the village’s cotton mill and provided employment for many local people.

The founder of Shrigley mill was the son of a Belfast merchant who in 1824 built a six-storey weaving mill. The original mill, which was one of the largest in Europe when completed, burnt down in 1845 and was replaced by Martin with a flax spinning mill.

Mr. Martin was noted for his generosity and as a token of their thanks for his work, villagers erected a clock tower and drinking fountain in his honour.

During Monday’s visit, Mr. Martin said his ancestor who helped shape the face of Shrigley almost 200 years ago must have been a good engineer and innovator.

He revealed his mother Barbara read her mother-in-law’s diaries after she passed away which made reference to buying linen in Shrigley in the mid-1920s. Barbara then researched the village and came across Shrigley and its links with the Martin family.

Mr. Martin explained he also came across documents which belonged to his father which provided more clues about the family’s links with Shrigley.

He continued: “We found information relating to Pot Shrigley in Macclesfield and went there and found a grave beside an old church. My mum is researching the family tree and it seems that John Martin’s family came from Pot Shrigley and then he came here and built the mill.

“I am a seventh generation John Martin and it is lovely to be here in Shrigley and to visit Killyleagh. I can also appreciate the engineering feat to build the Martin Memorial clock. To build a monument like this in honour of your employer really is quite something.”

Mr. Martin was informed during his visit about plans to restore the clock which includes the return of the original bell tower and hopes the project will be successful.

“Killyleagh is a fantastic, lovely place and Shrigley is not a bad place either. Both are very nice and this area is really delightful,” he continued.

Mr. Hagan explained to the visitor that what makes the Martin family so unique is the fact that mill founder John Martin and his son Samuel gave so much of their wealth away.

He said the first children’s hospital anywhere in Ireland at the Whitewell Road in Belfast was built on land provided by the Martin family which would be worth between £6m and £8m in today’s money. Mr. Hagan described the Martin’s as “real philanthropists” who paid for the installation of gas at Killyleagh Parish Church.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews, who welcomed Mr. Martin and his mother to Shrigley on Monday night, said he was delighted to meet the special visitors and tell him a little bit about the area.

“John has a unique connection with the history of the area and it was fantastic he was able to visit a village which his ancestors helped create and leave a lasting legacy,” he added.