Henry Fishwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Fishwick
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait of Henry Fishwick (1906)
by Thomas Edwin Mostyn |
|
| Mayor of Rochdale | |
| In office 1903–1905 |
|
| Preceded by | Sir James Duckworth |
| Succeeded by | Sir James Jones |
| Councillor for Rochdale | |
| In office 1871–1914 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 March 1835 Rochdale, Lancashire |
| Died | 23 September 1914 (aged 79) Rochdale, Lancashire |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Occupation |
|
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |
|
| Years of service | 1860–1902 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel (1871) |
| Unit | Volunteer Force |
| Commands | Eighth (King's) Regiment |
Henry Fishwick (born March 9, 1835 – died September 23, 1914) was an important British figure. He was a soldier, a politician, and a historian who loved old things (an antiquary). After serving in the army, he became a local politician. He was a Councillor for Rochdale for many years. He even served as the Mayor of Rochdale twice! Henry Fishwick also wrote and edited many books about the history of Lancashire. He helped start several important historical groups in the county.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Henry Fishwick was born in Rochdale, England, on March 9, 1835. His father was Henry Halliwell Fishwick. When he was eighteen, Henry became the secretary for the Young Men's Christian Association in Rochdale.
A Career in the Military
Henry Fishwick was one of the first people in Rochdale to support the Volunteer Force movement. This was a group of citizens who volunteered to train as soldiers. When a local group was formed, he joined as a Lieutenant in 1860.
He was later promoted to Major. Eventually, he became the commanding officer of his unit. From 1871, as a lieutenant colonel, he was part of the Eighth (King's) Regiment. This regiment was based in Salford.
Becoming a Politician
In 1871, Henry Fishwick started his career in local politics. He was elected to the Rochdale Town Council. He served as a Liberal Party Councillor from 1871 until 1914.
He also led the Library and Art Gallery Committee starting in 1881. Fishwick was a member of the School Board from 1870 to 1903. He became its chairman in 1897. After that, he joined the Education Committee, which replaced the School Board, from 1903 to 1914. He also served as its chairman. In 1909, he was chosen to be the President of the Association of Education Committees of England and Wales.
Mayor of Rochdale
Henry Fishwick was elected Mayor of Rochdale twice. He served from 1903 to 1904 and again from 1904 to 1905. He also worked as a local magistrate and a county Justice of the Peace for Lancashire. He was also a well-known Freemason.
In 1906, he was given the Honorary Freedom of the borough. This is a special honor given to important citizens. People knew him as the 'Father of the Council' because of his long service. In 1911, he received a special public award from Lord Sheffield.
A Passion for History
Henry Fishwick loved history and old things, which is what an antiquary does. He often wrote articles for historical magazines. These included Transactions of Rochdale Literary and Scientific Society and Transactions of Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society.
He also helped edit several books for the Chetham Society and Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. Fishwick wrote many books about the history of different parishes (local areas). Some of his books include:
- Goosnargh (1871)
- Kirkham (1874)
- Garstang (1878–79)
- Rochdale (1889)
Historical Societies
Henry Fishwick was a member of many important historical groups:
- Manchester Arts Club (Founding Member and chairman)
- Chetham Society (Council Member, 1875–1901, and Vice-President, 1901–14)
- Rochdale Literary and Scientific Society (Founder Member (1878), President and Vice-President)
- Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire (Founder Member, Vice-President, 1878–95, 1904–14, and President, 1895–1904)
- Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire (Council Member, 1880–1914)
- Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society (founding member, Council Member, 1883–1914, Vice-President, and President, 1897–98)
- Lancashire Parish Register Society (founding member and President, 1897–1914)
He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Historical Society. This shows how respected he was in the world of history.
Family Life
Henry Fishwick married the daughter of Dr W. H. Bullmore from Truro, Cornwall. They had four children together. They had one son, who later moved to Canada. They also had three daughters, including Janet Fishwick. Henry Fishwick lived at The Heights in Rochdale until he passed away on September 23, 1914.
