Rothwell Butchers of Waterfoot and Newchurch

AFTER over a century of trading, the weekend saw the end of Rossendales oldest family butchers business — Rothwell Brothers of Church Street, Newchurch.

The end came with the retirement of the two latest proprietors, brothers Dick and Herbert Rothwell.

The business had been based in the old village of Newchurch for more than 65 years, but the firm was founded in 1875 by John Richard Rothwell, who later became a Rawtenstall councillor and Mayor of the town in 1913-14. In the next generation it was carried on by sons George and Jack and more recently by George's sons, Herbert and Dick.

Over the past 103 years the Rothwells have traded at seven shops in Hareholme, Waterfoot centre, Mill End and Newchurch.

In 1912. the founder and his sons had a slaughterhouse built at Burnley Road East, Mill End, and this was fully operational until the Second World War.

Employees of the firm have been Percy Howarth. Harry Raynor, Malcolm Brown, and for a short time another, gandson of the founder, J R Boardman.

The brothers and their wives have always assisted in the shops and, with that and the help of near relatives, they have never had to close through illness.

At the turn of the century the Rothwell family lived at Dark Lane House, Newchurch where they were interested in farming and horses. The house was demolished when the Staghills estate was built.

Herbert has twice been president of Rawtenstall and District Butchers' Association and was secretary for many years.

Dick was a National Federation of Meat Traders diploma winner in 1948, and both brothers have been members of the institute of meat.

New owners of the business will be Mr and Mrs lan Jackson of Bacup.

Rossendale Free Press
June 1978