Click to Enlarge
|
The Quaker Ellises who lived in the vicinity of Leicester were a large and remarkable family.
Through their commercial enterprises and social commitment they proved to be a valuable asset in
the communities in which they lived.
Perhaps the best-known member was John Ellis of Beaumont Leys
and Belgrave Hall, noted most of all for his involvement in the Leicester & Swannington and
Midland Railways, but there were many other family members whose achievements are so worthy and interesting to record.
|
Book Cover of Ellis Of Leicester: A Quaker Family’s Vocation
|
Starting as successful farmers, branches of the family were soon in business, particularly in
the extraction industries of lime, slate, coal and granite. They were merchants for all these
commodities and many more products besides. They were also involved in banking, building societies
and insurance, and from their humble beginnings many of their businesses continue today as part of larger conglomerates.
|
From a strong commercial base and strong adherence to their Quaker beliefs they were very concerned with
social welfare and committed in their work to support hospitals, schools, charities and the temperance movement.
Among them were writers, borough and local councillors, and three Members of Parliament.
|
This book gives an insight into their very interesting lives, based in their grand houses, such as The Brand,
The Gynsills, Anstey Grange, Knighton Hayes and Knighton Hall, and includes brief histories of the various Ellis companies.
|
|
|
|
|