Nathaniel Maxey Pattison

Nathaniel and his wife lived at West House in Congleton while he owned and managed the town`s largest silk mill. Nathaniel had inherited the business from his uncle Samuel Pattison and John Clayton. West House, now restored, had been built by Clayton. The memorials to Samuel, Nathaniel and Helen are in the church, John Clayton has a grave in the churchyard. Nathaniel had two pews in the church, one in the south gallery and one marked with his dog`s head badge in the main aisle. Hatchments (coats of arms) for Nathaniel and Helen hang on the south wall.

Samuel Pattison and John Clayton came to Congleton to set up their silk spinning mill in the decade after the new chapel was opened. Clayton had the technical knowledge and experience, Pattison had large estates in Kent and Woolwich and invested heavily in new technology and a new industry. The Old Mill was finally demolished in 2005, a plaque at the west entrance to the Park marks position.

Nathaniel Maxey inherited the fruits of their project and his status was enhanced by marriage to Helen Cumberbatch, daughter of the chief Justice for Chester. The town recognised his long standing eminence by electing him mayor four times spanning three decades. He became a great rival in both local politics and business to George Reade, head of another mill owning dynasty.

Photographs of paintings of Nathaniel and Helen Pattison by kind by permission of Martin Bertodano

James Pattison, Nathaniel`s son, moved from Congleton to London where he became a Member of Parliament and later Governor of the Bank of England. His father left him sufficient means to provide each of his six sisters with a dowry of £4,000.