John Fielden – aka Young John Fielden and the King of Todmorden – was born at Dawson Weir [8th July 1822], the second son of Honest John Fielden.
He went to St Domingo's House School in Everton, Liverpool.
He was a partner in Fielden Brothers, although he was no great businessman.
He began his working life as a salesman for the Fielden firm in the Manchester warehouse.
It is said that he fell in love with, and proposed to, Ruth Stansfield – one of his mill workers – and she said she would marry him on condition that he build a castle for her. He commissioned John Gibson to build Dobroyd Castle, Todmorden, and the couple married.
On 19th February 1857, he married Ruth Stansfield at Hammersmith Parish Church, Middlesex
Ruth, of Hammersmith, was the daughter of John Stansfield
Witnesses were Mary Collinson, Ellen Fielden and Samuel Fielden
It was not a happy marriage, and Ruth lived in a Swiss-style chalet which she had built in the grounds, whilst John remained at the castle. They had no children.
In 1870, after the deaths of his sister, Ann, and her husband, John and Ruth fostered their 2 youngest children – Ernest and Constance.
On 18th April 1873, John was out riding at the closing meet of the Bedale Hunt on Catterick Racecourse when he was kicked by the horse of another rider, and one of his legs was broken above the ankle. This left him permanently crippled and in a wheelchair.
After Ruth's death in 1877, John became friendly with Ellen Mallinson and within 8 months, they were married.
After his second marriage he attended the Anglican church – see Lumbutts School.
On 2nd July 1872, he bought the estate at Grimston Park, Tadcaster.
On 5th March 1885, he became High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
He died at Dobroyd Castle [4th July 1893].
Probate records show that he left effects valued at £482,016 1/11d.
Probate was granted to Thomas Fielden & Edward Brocklehurst Fielden.
John was buried at Halifax Parish Church
He is mentioned in the List of Local Wills: 1893
Page Ref: QQ_173
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