The Right Honourable John Henry Whitley PC was born in Halifax, the son of Nathan Whitley and half-brother of Sir Edward Nathan Whitley
He was educated at Clifton College. He gained a BA at London University.
He and began his working life entered the family cotton-spinning business, S. Whitley & Company, at Hanson Lane Mills.
On 29th June 1892, he married (1) Margherita Virginia Marchetti at Square Church, Halifax.
Margherita Virginia was the daughter of Giulio Marchetti
Children:
The family lived at Brantwood, Halifax.
In 1893, he served on Halifax Town Council.
In 1900, he began a distinguished Parliamentary career as Liberal MP for Halifax [1900-1918] – and then as Speaker of the House of Commons [1921-1928]. He was the first Nonconformist Speaker of the House of Commons.
He was party whip [1908-10]; Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Commons [February 1910]; a Privy Counsellor on the accession of George V [1911].
Between 1917-1918, he was Chairman of a Committee on relations between employers and employees which recommended the introduction of a joint consultative system known by his name.
In 1918, he bought Clare Hall, Halifax. He was an active sportsman and felt that Halifax should have its own gymnasium. The Drill Hall, Heath Grammar School, and the R. E. S. Gymnasium were all used in turn. In 1919, he had the grounds at Spring Hall laid out as playing fields.
He was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 9th May 1919..
His wife Margherita Virginia died in 1925.
On 2nd August 1928, he married (2) Helen Clarke at Chelsea Old Church.
He did much work with children, setting up education classes and holiday camps for poorer children – see Halifax Boys' Camp, Halifax Recreative Evening School.
J. H. Whitley school is named after him.
In June 1928, due to ill-health, he retired as Speaker and he caused a sensation when he declined the knighthood which is normally given by the sovereign at such times – breaking a tradition which had lasted since 1789.
Between 1929-1931, he was Chairman of a Royal Commission on Labour in India.
In 1930, he was appointed Chairman of the BBC and he made the first broadcast on the Empire Service – later to become the BBC World Service – on 19th December 1932.
When he died, police had to control the crowd of 1600 people when a memorial service was held at St Martin-in-the Fields church, London on 7th February 1935.
He was buried at Lister Lane Cemetery [Plot 456]
A Blue Plaque has been erected in his memory .
In his will, he left £3,000 to the trustees of the Spring Hall Trust
See Clement Holroyd and Clifford Holroyd
Page Ref: X2035
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