John Whittaker Ellis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Whittaker Ellis
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Caricature by Spy published in Vanity Fair in 1882.
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| Lord Mayor of the City of London | |
| In office 1881–1882 |
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| Preceded by | William McArthur |
| Succeeded by | Henry Knight |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 January 1829 |
| Died | 20 September 1912 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouses | (1) Mary Ann Staples (d. 1901) (2) Marian Bailey |
| Alma mater | Rev. William Allan's School |
Sir John Whittaker Ellis (born January 25, 1829 – died September 20, 1912) was an important person in London and Surrey during the Victorian era. He was the Lord Mayor of London from 1881 to 1882. This was a very important job, like being the head of the city. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for eight years, representing the Conservative Party.
Sir John was a successful businessman, working as a banking executive, estate agent, and auctioneer. He cared a lot about his community. For example, he helped set up a fire station in Byfleet, Surrey. He also served on the boards of many hospitals, and his wife was very involved in charity work too.
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About John Whittaker Ellis
John Whittaker Ellis was born in 1829. He was the fifth son of Joseph Ellis, who owned the famous Star and Garter Hotel in Petersham, near Richmond.
He lived in Byfleet for many years. His home, Petersham House/Place, was built around 1859. After a fire at his home, John Ellis decided to do something about it. He helped create Byfleet's very first fire brigade! He gave three of his gardeners some hose and an old manual pump on wheels. This pump was kept in a potting shed.
John Ellis held many important local government jobs. He was an alderman for Broad Street Ward from 1872 to 1909. He also served as Sheriff of London and Middlesex from 1874 to 1875. In 1881, he became the 553rd Lord Mayor of London. Later, he was the mayor of Richmond from 1890 to 1891. He was also a Justice of the Peace (a magistrate), which means he helped keep law and order.
His Time in Parliament
John Ellis was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1884 for Mid Surrey. An MP is someone who represents a local area in the country's main government. When that area changed, he was elected again in 1885 and 1886 for the Kingston upon Thames area. This area included Richmond. He decided to retire from Parliament in 1892.
In 1882, he was given the special title of baronet. This means he became "Sir John Whittaker Ellis, 1st Baronet." This title ended when he passed away because he didn't have any children to pass it on to. Later, he became the first Mayor of the Borough of Richmond. He even bought the land for Richmond's first town hall.
His Legacy
Sir John Whittaker Ellis passed away on September 20, 1912. He is buried in St Peter's churchyard, Petersham. A large stone monument marks his grave, which he shares with his wife. There is also a special plaque for him inside the church.
One of his most important legacies is the Byfleet Fire Station. In 1885, he paid for this station, which housed a volunteer fire brigade. The building was used until 1963 and is still standing today. It is now a Grade II listed building, meaning it is protected because of its historical importance.
In 1895, a sculpture of John Ellis was revealed in Richmond Town Hall. This was done by Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck. You can still see this sculpture in the town hall today. There is also a street in Richmond named after him, called Whittaker Avenue.
Lady Ellis
John Whittaker Ellis married Mary Anne Staples in 1859. She became Lady Ellis.
The first Lady Ellis was a very active and important Mayoress, both in London and in Richmond. She was involved in many charities across Surrey. She was the president of the Ladies' Committee of the Royal Cambridge Asylum, which helped 70 military widows. After Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck died in 1897, Lady Ellis took over her role as county president of the Surrey Needlework Guild.
She was also a president of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association. Lady Ellis played a big part in setting up the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), which helps protect children. She passed away on December 18, 1901, in Richmond.
See also
- Old Town Hall, Richmond
Images for kids
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Caricature by Spy published in Vanity Fair in 1882.
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A portrait of Alderman Ellis
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A stone monument above his family grave near St Peter's Church, Petersham
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A sculpture of Ellis at Old Town Hall, Richmond
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The house known as Wormleybury, where he lived
