WESTBURY is invited to come together to celebrate the 200th birthday of the ‘town’s greatest benefactor’, Abraham Laverton, on Saturday 14th December from 7pm.
Abraham Laverton, who from humble beginnings as the ninth child of a Trowbridge handloom weaver, became a mill owner, JP and Liberal MP for Westbury.
He is known for building The Laverton Institute in 1873, the houses of Prospect Square in 1879, forming the idea to build Westbury’s public baths, which were completed by his nephew William Laverton in 1887 – a year after Abraham’s death – and giver of philanthropic gifts to Westbury.
Westbury Town Council say, “We are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Westbury’s greatest benefactor, Abraham Laverton.
“We are holding a free event at the Laverton Institute (naturally), to recognise a remarkable philanthropist, Abraham Laverton 1819-1886.
“It will be both a celebration and an opportunity to find out more about what he did for Westbury.
“The programme will include; The Beckford string quartet; opening by the Mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton; a short talk by Sally Hendry from Westbury’s Heritage Society on the life and works of Abraham Laverton; a presentation about the continuing influence of the Laverton legacy by the Laverton Trust; readings and poetry from the days of Abraham; updates on the Laverton Institute; musical entertainment from Westbury favourites MGB and Leander Morales; and we will be raising a glass to the great man!”
For more information about the history of Abraham Laverton, Tony Laverton has written a book based of the life of his famous ancestor.
In his book, ‘Abraham Laverton: The rise and rise of a Westbury Woollen Mill owner’ he said, “By building a fortune of over £50 million in today’s money Abraham Laverton was able to improve not only the lives of those that worked for him, but also the people of Westbury.”
To guarantee your free seat you can book and download your free ticket from www.westburyfestival.org.uk.
Picture: A bust of Abraham Laverton held at The Laverton.
