William Edward Armitage

William Edward Armitage MBE was a British landowner, councillor and gunner in the Royal Artillery.

Early life
He was born in Hoylandswaine, West Riding of Yorkshire to Thomas and Jane Armitage. After the death of his father, he inherited the 115 acre Ecklands Farm and Cottage in Penistone which was built by his relatives in the 17th century.

William was educated at Penistone Grammar School and briefly St Peter's School, York. He received an offer to study at Durham University, but at age 19, William was conscripted into the York and Lancaster Regiment. He was with the regiment in 1916 when he fought in the Battle of The Somme, and was subsequently awarded the Medal for The Somme. Upon his return to Yorkshire, as well as working the farm, he kept horses for the Wentworth Silkstone Colliery. It was this experience that afforded his role in the Second World War as part of The Queens Own Yorkshire Dragoons where he managed cavalry horses.

Armitage married Annie Dawson, and the couple had 2 children; Joe and Charlie; and 2 grandchildren, Josephine and John. At their diamond wedding anniversary, William and Annie Armitage received a letter from the queen congratulating them on the occasion.

Career
He became a councillor of the local district in 1958, and served for 20 years. Following his tenure he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to the committee.

Death
After retirement, William worked on the upkeep and restoration of the Ecklands estate until his death. The cottage was awarded Grade II listed status four years later.

William Edward died aged 91 in Penistone, South Yorkshire on 16 January 1984.