Memories

Well Known Resident

Robert Spendlove, the son of wealthy parents, came into the district under the care of the Honorable Wm. Howard, the then Rector of Whiston. Robert became a pupil of Mr. Davison at Whiston Boarding School, where he made the acquaintance of young John Styring. These two struck up a friendship which resulted in frequent visits being made to Brecks House, the home of John Styring, senior. An attachment between Spendlove and the eldest daughter of Mr. Styring, ended in marriage before Spendlove was 20 years of age. Possessed of ample funds, Robert Spendilove lived luxuriously and spent his money freely in entertaining such company as his buoyant spirits demanded. Wild and reckless though his habits were, he never forgot his gentlemanly training . Later he decided to take the Ship Hotel, succeeding Charles Dobb. The Ship Hotel soon became the centre for the wild spirits of the town and many mischievous escapades emanated from this hostelry.

Mrs. Spendlove his better half in name and deed, possessed business acumen of no mean order, and successfully managed her husband's businessess, which included a butcher's shop in The Shambles. After her husbands death Mrs. Spendlove removed her butchery business to a shop in High Street under the Three Cranes Inn and successfully ran this for many years.

Source: Reminiscences of Rotherham, by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P. Published 1927

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