WARDLEY, John Owen [of Newark]

(1849 - 1930)

Borough Treasurer of Newark, 1908 - 1924

The following obituary is taken from The Newark Advertiser of 26th November 1930 (p.10 c.5):-

It is with regret we announce the death of Mr. John Owen Wardley of Beacon Hill, Newark, the Borough Treasurer, which took place at his home on Monday, following a long illness.

Mr. Wardley, who was 81 years old and a bachelor, was the eldest of four sons, only one of whom, Mr. Lewis Cecil Wardley of Harcourt Street, survives him.  In addition he has three sisters still living, whilst his nephew, the Rev. H. Wardley King, is Vicar of Hungerford, Berks.

Mr Wardley's professional interests lay mainly in banking.  Entering a branch of Messrs. Samuel Smith and Co.'s bank in Nottingham, he transferred as manager to the Southwell branch.  In 1884 he came to Newark as manager, a position he retained until his retirement sixteen years ago.  During his managership the bank was amalgamated with the Union Bank of London, and later became the National Provincial Bank.  Ther present premises were built during the time he was manager.  On retiring he was made a local director.

Mr Wardley was appointed Borough treasurer in successor to Mr F. Abel Smith in 1908.

Landscape gardening was the deceased gentleman's main private interest and he possessed a beautiful and unique example of this art at his home.  He transformed clay pits into most attractive 'sunk' gardens and 'made the desert smile'.  His garden contained rare specimen trees, and the general ensemble was a charming picture that seemed to belong to another clime.

His library was of an extensive character and he was know as a widely-read gentleman.  Amongst his collection were books covering a range of subjects and vaulable first editions.

The funeral will take place to-morrow at the Cemetery, and will be preceded by a service at the house.  It was the wish of the deceased that no flowers should be sent.