Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
Edmondson Spencer - His legacy to Colne
Dr. Edmondson Spencer died on Saturday 19th November 1955 at Hartley Hospital. In his will he left £42,940.
After various bequests he left the residue in equal amounts each to Hartley Hospital, Providence Independent Chapel and Colne Council.
The image shows the Providence Chapel in Waterside which benefited from Dr Spencer's generous bequest.
The bequest to Colne Council was to enable the Council: “....to acquire some land on the banks of the stream which flows from Sunny Bank to the Calder between Pike Laithe Farm and Lenches Road, and to preserve the same as a wooded glen and natural park for the Borough.”
Due to the lack of housing in this area the Council declined the offer hoping the money would go to the other two beneficiaries.
Hartley Hospital as it appeared in the 1930s. Dr Spencer left money in his will for the upkeep of the hospital.
On Sunday 30th December 1963 a memorial plaque was unveiled to Dr. Spencer at Providence Independent Methodist Church, Waterside.
The plaque is now in Providence Independent Chapel, Albert Road.
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