O'DONNELL SOLICITORS - Key Persons


Anthony Jones

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director / Solicitor and Head of the Family Department
Anthony is a Director/Solicitor and Head of the Family Department. He has practised in Family Law for over two decades. Anthony is an Accredited Specialist with Resolution, an organisation with over 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. He is accredited in complex financial provision (on divorce or dissolution of civil partnerships) and cohabitation (the law in relation to unmarried couples). Anthony has handled hundreds of mid to high net worth divorce and matrimonial finance cases which are often complex and involve dealing with share valuations, trusts, pensions, and property abroad. He also has extensive experience in disputes involving unmarried parties. Anthony represents clients (parents and grandparents) in disputes involving children including cases involving international child abduction. He acts for professionals, celebrities and individuals from all backgrounds in the UK and overseas including USA, Hong Kong and Mauritius. After attending Saddleworth School, Oldham Sixth Form College and the University of Huddersfield he joined a practice in West Yorkshire and then a leading city centre firm where he qualified as a Legal Executive. Anthony then went on to law school at the College of Law, Chester where he studied part-time and continued working full-time. He graduated with a distinction and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. Anthony has worked for high street firms and national leading Family Law and multi-disciplined practices based in West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Manchester city centre. Anthony joined O'Donnell Solicitors in July 2016 to head up the Family Department. Anthony lives locally with his wife and three children. He enjoys going to the gym, running, and playing golf. Anthony is also a Parent Governor at Micklehurst All Saints Primary School, Mossley. Anthony is a Director/Solicitor and Head of the Family Department. He has practised in Family Law for over two decades. Anthony is an Accredited Specialist with Resolution, an organisation with over 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. He is accredited in complex financial provision (on divorce or dissolution of civil partnerships) and cohabitation (the law in relation to unmarried couples). Anthony has handled hundreds of mid to high net worth divorce and matrimonial finance cases which are often complex and involve dealing with share valuations, trusts, pensions, and property abroad. He also has extensive experience in disputes involving unmarried parties. Anthony represents clients (parents and grandparents) in disputes involving children including cases involving international child abduction. He acts for professionals, celebrities and individuals from all backgrounds in the UK and overseas including USA, Hong Kong and Mauritius. After attending Saddleworth School, Oldham Sixth Form College and the University of Huddersfield he joined a practice in West Yorkshire and then a leading city centre firm where he qualified as a Legal Executive. Anthony then went on to law school at the College of Law, Chester where he studied part-time and continued working full-time. He graduated with a distinction and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. Anthony has worked for high street firms and national leading Family Law and multi-disciplined practices based in West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Manchester city centre. Anthony joined O'Donnell Solicitors in July 2016 to head up the Family Department. Anthony lives locally with his wife and three children. He enjoys going to the gym, running, and playing golf. Anthony is also a Parent Governor at Micklehurst All Saints Primary School, Mossley.

Asia Shahzad

Asia completed her Law degree at Leeds Metropolitan University and her Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in Leeds. She then went on to complete her Training Contract at a Law Firm in London and worked there for several years before returning to her home town of Rochdale to work for a local firm. She then went on to work for two other firms in the North West region before joining O'Donnell Solicitors. Asia has over 15 years experience in Residential Property and can deal with all aspects of Residential Property transactions. She is very thorough in her work and always wants the very best for her clients. In her spare time, Asia likes to travel, spend time with her family and friends and watch a good documentary.

Ben Sharp

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Solicitor
Ben studied law at Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 2020 with a 2:1 and going on to work for the in-house legal team of a leading FinTech, working globally with Fortune 500 businesses, obtaining first-hand experience on numerous commercial matters and notably assisting with preparation for an IPO. With an ambition to qualify as a corporate solicitor, Ben then moved from his hometown in Northamptonshire to Manchester in April 2022 where he went on to work for a prestigious regional practice in east Manchester for almost 2 years, before commencing the LPC full time at the University of Law's campus in Manchester and completing the course in July 2024. Since then, Ben has worked at O'Donnell's, initially as a paralegal in the Corporate/ Commercial department before obtaining a training contract with the firm. Ben has been involved on numerous business acquisitions & sales, shareholder agreements, corporate finance matters and group restructuring exercises. Ben also gets involved on Commercial Property matters, such as sales/ purchases and commercial leases. Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing the guitar, running & going to the gym. He also has a passion for skiing (when he is lucky enough to go) and has a BASI Ski Instructor qualification to support this. Ben studied law at Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 2020 with a 2:1 and going on to work for the in-house legal team of a leading FinTech, working globally with Fortune 500 businesses, obtaining first-hand experience on numerous commercial matters and notably assisting with preparation for an IPO. With an ambition to qualify as a corporate solicitor, Ben then moved from his hometown in Northamptonshire to Manchester in April 2022 where he went on to work for a prestigious regional practice in east Manchester for almost 2 years, before commencing the LPC full time at the University of Law's campus in Manchester and completing the course in July 2024. Since then, Ben has worked at O'Donnell's, initially as a paralegal in the Corporate/ Commercial department before obtaining a training contract with the firm. Ben has been involved on numerous business acquisitions & sales, shareholder agreements, corporate finance matters and group restructuring exercises. Ben also gets involved on Commercial Property matters, such as sales/ purchases and commercial leases. Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing the guitar, running & going to the gym. He also has a passion for skiing (when he is lucky enough to go) and has a BASI Ski Instructor qualification to support this.

Charlotte Hurst

Job Titles:
  • Professional Service. Honest Work. Nice and Open People

Churchill Playing fields

Uppermill has plenty to offer sports lovers, such as the Churchill Playing fields, which stretch from Bridge Street, Uppermill, to Wellington Road, Greenfield. These playing fields cover about 7.8 hectares, making them the largest in Saddleworth - they also include a multi-use game court, a skate park and a tennis court.

Claire Egerton - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer

Courtney Shackleton

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Solicitor
Courtney is a first-year trainee currently sat with the Family Law department assisting the team with all areas of family law including divorce and matrimonial finances as well as disputes relating to unmarried couples and children. Courtney joined the firm in September 2022 as a paralegal in Family Law and Private Client, having previously worked for a well-known regional law firm in West Yorkshire. In 2020, Courtney graduated with a First-Class Masters Degree in Law from Northumbria University and is now undertaking her training contract with the firm with a view to qualifying in September 2025. In her spare time Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting her local football team Huddersfield Town, reading and is a keen baker. Courtney is a first-year trainee currently sat with the Family Law department assisting the team with all areas of family law including divorce and matrimonial finances as well as disputes relating to unmarried couples and children. Courtney joined the firm in September 2022 as a paralegal in Family Law and Private Client, having previously worked for a well-known regional law firm in West Yorkshire. In 2020, Courtney graduated with a First-Class Masters Degree in Law from Northumbria University and is now undertaking her training contract with the firm with a view to qualifying in September 2025. In her spare time Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting her local football team Huddersfield Town, reading and is a keen baker.

Diggle Lock

Diggle Lock is one of the industrial buildings you might pass on a walk down the Huddersfield Canal. However, it is no longer used as a textile mill; it is now a daytime eatery and pantry store. Here in the office at O'Donnell Solicitors, we are quite partial to one of Mark Bradley's pies from the Tunnel End Pie Co set up in September 2021, which is in the same building as Saddleworth Cookery School. The same industrial park is also home to Play2 (a soft play centre) and a CrossFit gym. There are plenty of food options available in Diggle, such as the famous chippy - Diggle Chippy, which sells fish, chips and mushy peas. You can head to Grandpa Greenes, the famous ice cream parlour, to finish your meal. Started by Grandpa Greene in his corner shop in Salford back in the 1920s, this cafe now serves luxury ice creams which are still handmade in an old-fashioned way.

Jackie Martin

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Jackie is Paralegal and sits with Richard Dobson-Mason in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Department. She has a wealth of experience dealing with disputes both in a legal and non-capacity from previous roles and currently assists with a complex range of matters including landlord and tenant disputes, contentious probate, re-possession and debt matters. Jackie studied law at University of Huddersfield and graduated with a first-class law degree in July 2022. She aims to qualify as a solicitor in 2026 by taking the SQE route to qualify. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys being outdoors, travelling and spending time with her small family Jackie is Paralegal and sits with Richard Dobson-Mason in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Department. She has a wealth of experience dealing with disputes both in a legal and non-capacity from previous roles and currently assists with a complex range of matters including landlord and tenant disputes, contentious probate, re-possession and debt matters. Jackie studied law at University of Huddersfield and graduated with a first-class law degree in July 2022. She aims to qualify as a solicitor in 2026 by taking the SQE route to qualify. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys being outdoors, travelling and spending time with her small family

James O'Donnell

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • First - Choice Solicitor
James studied Law in his home city of Manchester before completing the final stage of his education at the Chester College of Law. James completed his training contract with a well-known regional firm and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. Upon qualification, he was head hunted by his former firm to join its Commercial and Property team. James was made a Partner within his first year there, making him one of the youngest partners to be appointed, at the age of 26. James remained a Partner of that firm for 10 years before leaving to set up O'Donnell Solicitors in 2015 together with his wife Rebecca O'Donnell, also a Director of the firm. James practises in Commercial and Corporate Law dealing mainly with transactional work involving Business Asset Sales and Purchases, Merger and Acquisition work and Commercial Property matters. James assists the Dispute Resolution department where a dispute has a business or commercial angle. James lives locally with his wife and three young children and enjoys a busy social life. In his spare time James enjoys running, skiing, golf, walks and holidays with his family. James is also a self-taught guitar player, being a proud owner of the limited edition Epiphone Supernova as collaborated by Mr Noel Gallagher himself. James studied Law in his home city of Manchester before completing the final stage of his education at the Chester College of Law. James completed his training contract with a well-known regional firm and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. Upon qualification, he was head hunted by his former firm to join its Commercial and Property team. James was made a Partner within his first year there, making him one of the youngest partners to be appointed, at the age of 26. James remained a Partner of that firm for 10 years before leaving to set up O'Donnell Solicitors in 2015 together with his wife Rebecca O'Donnell, also a Director of the firm. James practises in Commercial and Corporate Law dealing mainly with transactional work involving Business Asset Sales and Purchases, Merger and Acquisition work and Commercial Property matters. James assists the Dispute Resolution department where a dispute has a business or commercial angle. James lives locally with his wife and three young children and enjoys a busy social life. In his spare time James enjoys running, skiing, golf, walks and holidays with his family. James is also a self-taught guitar player, being a proud owner of the limited edition Epiphone Supernova as collaborated by Mr Noel Gallagher himself. James O'Donnell has been our first-choice solicitor throughout our 20 years in business, guiding us through two property sales and several commercial lease negotiations as well as more recently a company share sale. He and his team have always dealt with these matters efficiently and with a reassuringly high level of expertise. We would have no hesitation in recommending O'Donnell Solicitors to any business owner seeking legal assistance

Jill Waddington

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Head of the Private Client
Jill is Head of the Private Client team and is also a Director at O'Donnell Solicitors. Jill brings a wealth of experience having worked for over 20 years in private client. Jill deals with all aspects of Private Client work; Wills, Estate and Tax Planning, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. Jill is a fully qualified member of Solicitors for the Elderly, a full member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society and has been recognised as a leading lawyer in the 2021 Legal 500. She is also a Dementia Friend. Jill is caring and approachable and offers a bespoke service to all her clients. Jill attended Hulme Grammar School and went on to study History at the University of Leeds after which she then completed the CPE and the LPC at the College of Law in Chester. She then completed her training contract with a Rochdale firm and later moved to a high street firm in Huddersfield where she became a Partner and Head of the Private Client team. Jill lives locally and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, trying to keep fit and travelling when possible. Jill is Head of the Private Client team and is also a Director at O'Donnell Solicitors. Jill brings a wealth of experience having worked for over 20 years in private client. Jill deals with all aspects of Private Client work; Wills, Estate and Tax Planning, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. Jill is a fully qualified member of Solicitors for the Elderly, a full member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society and has been recognised as a leading lawyer in the 2021 Legal 500. She is also a Dementia Friend. Jill is caring and approachable and offers a bespoke service to all her clients. Jill attended Hulme Grammar School and went on to study History at the University of Leeds after which she then completed the CPE and the LPC at the College of Law in Chester. She then completed her training contract with a Rochdale firm and later moved to a high street firm in Huddersfield where she became a Partner and Head of the Private Client team. Jill lives locally and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, trying to keep fit and travelling when possible.

Julian West

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Julian specialises in property transactional and conveyancing work, having specialised in property transactional work for over 28 years. Julian West joined O'Donnell Solicitors in April 2020 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the firm's Residential Conveyancing Department and has since moved across to the Commercial Property Department to join the expanding team. Julian continues to represent a wide range of clients on Commercial Property transactional work having established long lasting contacts and client base. Julian has acted for some notable celebrity clients, frequently accepting instructions on high value transactions from existing and former clients. Julian is an out-and-out property expert and renowned for his thorough approach. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Julian specialises in property transactional and conveyancing work, having specialised in property transactional work for over 28 years. Julian West joined O'Donnell Solicitors in April 2020 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the firm's Residential Conveyancing Department and has since moved across to the Commercial Property Department to join the expanding team. Julian continues to represent a wide range of clients on Commercial Property transactional work having established long lasting contacts and client base. Julian has acted for some notable celebrity clients, frequently accepting instructions on high value transactions from existing and former clients. Julian is an out-and-out property expert and renowned for his thorough approach.

Kenneth Lees

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Governors at Coppice
  • Head of the Medical Negligence Department
  • Specialist
Kenneth is a specialist medical negligence solicitor who acts exclusively for claimants in all aspects of medical negligence claims. He joined O'Donnell Solicitors as Head of the Medical Negligence Department in November 2024. Kenneth attended Our Lady's High School and Sixth Form before studying Law at Oxford University. After graduating, Kenneth spent a year working at Manchester Magistrates Court before joining a leading regional law firm where he worked for 14 years. More recently he worked as Head of Clinical Negligence at a leading law firm in Blackburn. His day to day work includes advising clients on relevant principles of law, investigating medical negligence claims from early stages by reviewing medical records, collating relevant documents and securing factual and expert evidence right through to pursuing the case in court and negotiating settlements. Kenneth enjoys a varied caseload covering the entire spectrum of medical negligence claims. He specialises in claims involving Gentamicin toxicity, the delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer, avoidable ectopic pregnancies and stillbirths, fatal accidents and orthopaedic injuries. Focusing on ensuring that his clients receive a first class service, Kenneth has a reputation for acting in the best interests of his clients and a proven track record of success. He values an honest and frank approach whilst maintaining genuine warmth when dealing with his clients. Outside of work, Kenneth is Chair of Governors at Coppice and Roundthorn Primary Academies in Oldham. He finds this role very rewarding as it affords him the opportunity to interact with leaders and staff in each Academy, covering areas including HR, finance, quality of teaching and curriculum development. Having grown up in the area himself, Kenneth values helping to ensure that each child is given the best possible opportunity to realise their full potential. Kenneth is a specialist medical negligence solicitor who acts exclusively for claimants in all aspects of medical negligence claims. He joined O'Donnell Solicitors as Head of the Medical Negligence Department in November 2024. Kenneth attended Our Lady's High School and Sixth Form before studying Law at Oxford University. After graduating, Kenneth spent a year working at Manchester Magistrates Court before joining a leading regional law firm where he worked for 14 years. More recently he worked as Head of Clinical Negligence at a leading law firm in Blackburn. His day to day work includes advising clients on relevant principles of law, investigating medical negligence claims from early stages by reviewing medical records, collating relevant documents and securing factual and expert evidence right through to pursuing the case in court and negotiating settlements. Kenneth enjoys a varied caseload covering the entire spectrum of medical negligence claims. He specialises in claims involving Gentamicin toxicity, the delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer, avoidable ectopic pregnancies and stillbirths, fatal accidents and orthopaedic injuries. Focusing on ensuring that his clients receive a first class service, Kenneth has a reputation for acting in the best interests of his clients and a proven track record of success. He values an honest and frank approach whilst maintaining genuine warmth when dealing with his clients. Outside of work, Kenneth is Chair of Governors at Coppice and Roundthorn Primary Academies in Oldham. He finds this role very rewarding as it affords him the opportunity to interact with leaders and staff in each Academy, covering areas including HR, finance, quality of teaching and curriculum development. Having grown up in the area himself, Kenneth values helping to ensure that each child is given the best possible opportunity to realise their full potential.

Kevin Sinfield

Grasscroft is home to Kevin Sinfield, the former professional rugby player and defence coach for the England national rugby union team. He has raised more than £7 million for charity, specifically to help raise awareness of MND, which his close friend Rob Burrow, a former Rugby League player, was diagnosed with in 2019.

Lisa Kirk

Job Titles:
  • Private Client Solicitor
Lisa is a Private Client Solicitor at O'Donnell Solicitors, having previously worked for a well known estate administration and probate services provider in Manchester. Lisa deals with all aspects of Private Client work; Wills, Estate and Tax Planning, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. She studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University and completed the LPC at the College of Law Chester. Lisa lives locally and in her spare time enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her friends and family, reading and travelling when possible. Lisa is a Private Client Solicitor at O'Donnell Solicitors, having previously worked for a well known estate administration and probate services provider in Manchester. Lisa deals with all aspects of Private Client work; Wills, Estate and Tax Planning, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. She studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University and completed the LPC at the College of Law Chester. Lisa lives locally and in her spare time enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her friends and family, reading and travelling when possible.

Mark Gregory

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Solicitor
  • Member of the Firm 's Charity
Mark is a first-year trainee currently sat with the residential property team and assists with both residential purchases and sales. Having previously worked as a probate caseworker in a nationwide legal services firm, and as an assistant in the private client and residential conveyancing departments at a high street firm in his hometown Bury, Mark joined our Private Client team in February 2024. Mark graduated with a degree in French and Translation Studies from Aston University in 2017 and completed the GDL and LPC/LLM from the University of Law in Manchester in 2021. He is now undertaking a training contract with the firm, with a view to qualifying in 2026. In his spare time, Mark enjoys cooking, watching football and playing guitar. Mark is also a member of the firm's charity committee and has taken part in the Mossley 10k and has even won a charity Strictly Come Dancing contest. Mark is a first-year trainee currently sat with the residential property team and assists with both residential purchases and sales. Having previously worked as a probate caseworker in a nationwide legal services firm, and as an assistant in the private client and residential conveyancing departments at a high street firm in his hometown Bury, Mark joined our Private Client team in February 2024. Mark graduated with a degree in French and Translation Studies from Aston University in 2017 and completed the GDL and LPC/LLM from the University of Law in Manchester in 2021. He is now undertaking a training contract with the firm, with a view to qualifying in 2026. In his spare time, Mark enjoys cooking, watching football and playing guitar. Mark is also a member of the firm's charity committee and has taken part in the Mossley 10k and has even won a charity Strictly Come Dancing contest.

Rebecca O'Donnell

Job Titles:
  • Director
Rebecca studied Law at Leeds University and completed the final stage of her legal education part time at the College of Law Chester, whilst already working for a well-known regional firm whereat she would later qualify. Rebecca carried out her training contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. She was soon invited to Partnership at her former firm and then went on to head that firm's Private Client department before leaving to set up O'Donnell Solicitors in 2015 together with her husband James O'Donnell, also a Director of the firm. Rebecca is the firm's Managing Director dealing with management of the firm, risk compliance and growth strategy. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending quality time with her young family, walking her dog, exercising and visiting new places on holiday. Rebecca studied Law at Leeds University and completed the final stage of her legal education part time at the College of Law Chester, whilst already working for a well-known regional firm whereat she would later qualify. Rebecca carried out her training contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. She was soon invited to Partnership at her former firm and then went on to head that firm's Private Client department before leaving to set up O'Donnell Solicitors in 2015 together with her husband James O'Donnell, also a Director of the firm. Rebecca is the firm's Managing Director dealing with management of the firm, risk compliance and growth strategy. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending quality time with her young family, walking her dog, exercising and visiting new places on holiday.

Richard Dobson Mason

Job Titles:
  • Director
Richard is the Director of and Head of the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Department. Richard qualified as a Barrister in 2008, cross-qualified as a Solicitor in 2013, qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate in 2016, and was appointed as a Magistrate in 2018, sitting on Adult Crime and Family Law cases. Richard attended Oldham Hulme Grammar School before studying Law at Sheffield University and completing the Bar Vocational Course at Manchester Metropolitan University. Richard has handled a very broad range of cases during his career, including complex and high value disputes, claims against national newspapers, for and against large insurance companies, and on behalf of international clients (including those based in Australia, Japan and Spain). He assists clients with civil and commercial disputes, from pre-action, through to trial, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and appeals processes. Richard has experience conducting contract disputes, landlord and tenant (residential and commercial) cases including re-possession, disrepair, dilapidations and rent claims, boundary and neighbour disputes, property and trust claims, defamation, injunction and debt matters, insolvency cases, construction cases, and contentious probate, wills and inheritance claims. In his spare time, Richard enjoys a strong interest in keeping fit and healthy, playing, watching and coaching football, listening to music and singing, enjoying and learning about nature, and spending time with his young family. Richard is the Director of and Head of the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Department. Richard qualified as a Barrister in 2008, cross-qualified as a Solicitor in 2013, qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate in 2016, and was appointed as a Magistrate in 2018, sitting on Adult Crime and Family Law cases. Richard attended Oldham Hulme Grammar School before studying Law at Sheffield University and completing the Bar Vocational Course at Manchester Metropolitan University. Richard has handled a very broad range of cases during his career, including complex and high value disputes, claims against national newspapers, for and against large insurance companies, and on behalf of international clients (including those based in Australia, Japan and Spain). He assists clients with civil and commercial disputes, from pre-action, through to trial, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and appeals processes. Richard has experience conducting contract disputes, landlord and tenant (residential and commercial) cases including re-possession, disrepair, dilapidations and rent claims, boundary and neighbour disputes, property and trust claims, defamation, injunction and debt matters, insolvency cases, construction cases, and contentious probate, wills and inheritance claims. In his spare time, Richard enjoys a strong interest in keeping fit and healthy, playing, watching and coaching football, listening to music and singing, enjoying and learning about nature, and spending time with his young family.

St Annes Church

St Annes Church, Lydgate, stands at the top of the hill on Stockport Road. It is a popular wedding church with close ties to the local St Anne's C of E Lydgate Primary School. The vicar at St Anne's is a school governor, and the church and school participate in shared events and activities, including local community projects. Lydgate Parish Hall is used for many church-related activities and accommodates the Junior Church and Youth Group. It was gifted to the village by Edmund Buckley as the village school in 1869 and is currently managed by a charity named the Lydgate Community Association. It is used for Rainbows, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, band practices, choir meetings, yoga, Pilates and Zumba, amongst other things. Located at the top of the village, opposite the church, is the famous hotel/pub/restaurant, The White Hart. Built in 1788 by local landowner John Buckley, the White Hart has been the local police station, a schoolhouse, a weaver's cottage and a bomb shelter in the Second World War. In 1921 it was sold to the Gartside Brewery and became a pub until it was sold again in June 1994 to Charles Brierley, who bought the freehold.