William Makant

Master Bleacher - proprietor of Gilnow Bleach Works.

His first job was at Eagley Cotton works. He later joined G Taylor (Spinners & Bleachers) Ltd, becoming manager at the Gilnow  Bleachworks in 1834 and bought the firm in 1848  In 1856 he also became a director of Park Mill Spinning Co and was a leading member of the Spinners Federation.

Represented Derby Ward from 1851-59. Alderman for Derby Ward 1859-66.

He served on several committees but was especially connected with the Waterworks Committee becoming its Chairman. He oversaw the improvement of Heaton reservoir.  However, he did strongly (but unsuccessfully) oppose the building of Wayoh reservoir on financial grounds and thought it better and more cost effective to strengthen and expand the existing reservoirs, rather than build a new one.

He retired from the Council "for business reasons" in March 1866 but remained a Magistrate becoming in time the second oldest on the bench. He also continued to serve as a Commissioner of Income Tax until 1872 - a position he had held from 1860.

He held senior positions in the local Liberal party and vigorously denied his opponents' claims that he had originally been a Conservative. 

His second wife, Martha - the daughter of Councillor John Holden, was Mayoress.

One of his sons, Robert Percy Makant, served as a Councillor until his early death in 1892. Another son, John William Makant, served as High Sheriff of Lancashire.

He died at his home, Gilnow Lodge, on 21 April 1880 "rather unexpectedly" according to his obituary which described him as a "plain, homely and genial man of the world."

An Anglican who attended the Parish Church, he was interred in the family grave at Christ Church, Walmsley.

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