Legacy of Newark philanthropist Sir William Gilstrap is recognised
A blue plaque to commemorate a renowned Newark philanthropist has been unveiled at the former library building which carries his family’s name.
The work and legacy of Sir William Gilstrap was remembered at a short ceremony held at the Gilstrap Building which is located in Newark Castle grounds. Among the guests was Sir William's great, great, great niece, Baroness Miranda van Lynden MacRae.
The Grade II listed building is now leased to Nottinghamshire County Council which operates a Register Office from there and where weddings and civil partnership ceremonies now take place.
In 1883, Sir William presented the building, a free public library, as a gift to the town in recognition of the great kindness shown to members of his family and to himself during his time in Newark in his early life.
Sir William bore the £10,000 cost of the library, equivalent in today’s values to circa £2.5m, himself.
200th anniversary
He also offered financial support, among a number of other projects, to building a hospital in Newark and in 1887, in official recognition of his work, he was awarded a baronetcy in Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Honours List.
Last year, the Friends of Newark Castle marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir William and expressed their wish to mark his contribution permanently.
An approach was made to Newark Archaeological and Local History Society (NALHS) which readily agreed to assist, using its experience in erecting more than 30 plaques that are located throughout the town.
Finance was sought and the trustees of the Gilstrap Charity awarded a grant which enabled the project to proceed.
In his early life Sir William attended local schools before taking up work in his father’s wine and spirits importing business as well as helping to run a hotel, trading as Joseph and William Gilstrap.
The Chairman of the Gilstrap Charity, Councillor David Payne, said: “On behalf of the trustees I am delighted that we were able to support this initiative to recognise the charity`s benefactor and to mark his important contribution to the town which continues to this day through the work of the charity."
Baroness Miranda van Lynden MacRae said: "He did so much good and he would be thrilled with the work that has been done here. I’m so glad he is being remembered for all the good he did in Newark. ”
Later that day, in Newark Library, Professor Philip Dixon delivered an address on a separate theme, Richard III and other bodies.
The next meeting, which will incorporate the annual meeting of NALHS, is to be on Wednesday May 3 at 7.30pm in Newark Library.
There will be a short address on a theme still to be announced.
