Guardian News
John’s fascinating tale of family fortunes
3:00pm Tuesday 21st February 2012
VISITORS to Knutsford’s heritage centre were treated to an insight into the town’s past as part of the centre’s popular February Forum event.
The second talk in the series, organised by the Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre, was given to another full house on Saturday.
The guest speaker was John Howard, a Knutsfordian born and bred, who kept the audience entertained with his tales of the four Lee brothers, one of whom was his great-grandfather, who were Knutsford business men and town councillors during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
His story starts when Tom Lee, an early Victorian Stockport publican, moves to Knutsford and buys two inns in King Street.
Three of his four sons inherit these inns and his wines and spirit business at a young age.
John’s talk followed their fortunes, through active service in the Boer War, a stint as a barefist pugilist, involvement with Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford May Day, to a penniless demise and tragic suicide for one of them. John even revealed a real life ‘skeleton in the cupboard’ – or rather in a derelict cottage near The Moor.
Last year John published a book – More Lees than Cheshire Fleas, which has more tales of the Lee family.
The second part of the book, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Restaurateur, is a light-hearted memoir of his varied and interesting life.
Wendy Moleas, chairman of the Friends, thanked John for his talk, and reminded the audience of the valuable role the Friends play in raising money for the heritage centre.
Becoming a member costs £10 a year, or £15 for joint membership, and further details can be obtained from the heritage centre.
