1920-1922, Sir George Holden, Mayor of Leigh

1920-1922, Sir George Holden, Mayor of Leigh 

George Holden was born in Horwich in 1890 and moved to Leigh when his father was appointed as the manager for Tunnicliffe and Hampson, Fir Mills. George received his education at Leigh Grammar School before he went into the cotton spinning trade. After his father died he became the managing director of Fir Mills and also became the director of several other spinning companies and on the formation of the Combined Egyptian Mills became managing director. Until he had to resign due to ill health in 1936, he was also the chairman of the Bolton Master Cotton Spinners Association and was vice-chairman of the county federation.

George became the mayor of Leigh in 1920 and was mayor until 1922. He was also the elected member for St. Thomas’ Ward and sat on the Leigh Town Council from 1922 until 1924 when he reigned due to medical advice. During this time he was a key figure in getting a road constructed from Platt Street to Manchester Road this road was named Holden Road after him. He was elected as a borough magistrate in 1924.

George being a key man in business had little time for recreational activities however he regularly attended football matches and was president of Leigh Football Club from 1920 to 1921. During this period Leigh won the Northern Union Cup. He was fond of music and was a pianist and an organist, he owned a organ at his own residence.

George married Margaret Smith who was the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Smith and Mrs. Smith of Astley. They had three sons and one daughter together. 

He passed away in 1937 at the age of 47 in his home at Atherton Old Hall, Leigh, his baronetcy was passed on to his son Mr. George Holden who married Betty Shaw the only daughter of William Shaw a brewer from Lowton Grange.

By Simon Williamson

References

Biographical cuttings – Sir George Holden, Leigh Local Studies