John Greenwood Shipman…

John Greenwood Shipman

John was born in Manchester the only son of John Shipman and his wife Ruth (née Sheffield). Ruth Shipman was the aunt of George Sheffield (1839–1892), the Manchester artist.

He went to school in Northampton and afterwards at Hurstpeirpoint College. He undertook his further education first at London University where he passed the first LL.B examination with honors.

He then went on to New College, Oxford and took a second class in the final year of jurisprudence in 1875, a first class in the Bachelor of Civil Law examination in 1878 and was Vinerian Law Scholar in 1878. In 1877 he had obtained an Inns of Court studentship in civil law and in 1878 gained a scholarship in common law given by the Inner Temple

The plain black gown was adopted by most barristers in 1685 when the bar went into mourning at the death of King Charles II.
They have apparently never gotten over it as in England this garb is still worn today. Or as one source I read said “no one told them they could stop.”
In 1892 John entered the political arena as a Liberal candidate. According to Wikipedia the final meeting of his campaign was a scene of considerable disorder. He was prevented by the mob from speaking from the platform. After he left a fight took place. Fireworks were thrown and several people were injured.
Five years later he returned and in 1900 he was elected. In 1909 he retired stating ill health as the reason.
Personally I am quite conservative when it comes to politics, but I must say I do admire the Bill he introduced in Parliament (Qualification Of Women). It’s purpose was to involve women more greatly in many areas of activity, such as housing the poor, managing the female side of “lunatic asylums” the prevention of cruelty to children, the supervision of industrial schools, the supervision of midwives and baby farms The Bill eventually became law in 1907.
John passed away at age 70 on the 20 Oct 1919 at his home in Northampton.
To this day his life is remembered in good works as in 1930 his widow donated his former home to Mansfield Hospital, Northampton to be used as a convalescent home. Currently the John Greenwood Shipman home is used as a center for disabled children.
In 1932 the home was visited by the Duke of York and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on an official visit to Northampton.


I am proud that my cousin could rise from humble circumstances to become a well educated person who cared for others and did something to help them.