John Mackie 1837-91
John Mackie’s association with New Mills began with his marriage in 1866 to Mary Elizabeth Ingham, daughter of James Ingham of Watford Lodge and the owner of Watford Print Works. Born in Wakefield, John Mackie moved to New Mills in 1868 after the death of his father-in-law, but still retained his house and connections in Yorkshire. During the following years he made a great impact on life in New Mills, becoming chairman of New Mills School Board from its foundation in 1875 and the president of the Mechanics Institute from 1887. John Mackie was an enthusiastic supporter of education in the town, presenting prizes for good attendance, visiting schools and encouraging both teachers and scholars. 

The Mackie’s were very generous to the poorer people of New Mills especially the elderly. In 1880 they donated St James church and six almshouses on Spring Bank to the town, built in memory of Mrs Mackie’s parents and named the Ingham Almshouses.

John Mackie became the leader of the New Mills Liberal Party and was president of the Liberal Club from its foundation. He was elected without opposition, as a representative for New Mills district on the formation of Derbyshire County Council and was created an alderman at the first meeting.

 His death in 1891, at the age of 54, was a great loss to the town and several memorials were erected in his memory including the Mackie memorial fountain situated in front of the Town Hall. The fountain is inscribed with the words from St Luke’s Gospels ’A good man and a just’.

 A bound volume of press cuttings announcing his death was presented to New Mills Town Council by Mrs Mackie and is now kept in the Heritage Centre.
A library was endowed by Mrs Mackie in memory of her husband; it later became the Technical School, an extension to the Board School. This fine building is now the Adult Learning Centre on Spring Bank. The words Mackie 'Memorial Library' can still be seen above the door.

 

 

This site is listed in the British Towns and Villages Encyclopaedia of Great Britain and we can be found in the entry for New Mills