William Tanner was a solicitor to Hannah Rooke, who lived in Frenchay Park (now a Frenchay hospital administrative headquarters). On her death in 1864 there was much surprise and speculation when it was found that her whole estate was inherited by William Tanner. He lived there until his death in 1887 when his son inherited the property.
William Tanner was remembered as a ‘sharp operator’. One story concerns his attempts to block up a footpath running through his estate. It is said that the night before the hearing to decide on the legality of this he entertained the objectors so lavishly that they were too drunk to give evidence the next day.
William Tanner was remembered as a ‘sharp operator’. One story concerns his attempts to block up a footpath running through his estate. It is said that the night before the hearing to decide on the legality of this he entertained the objectors so lavishly that they were too drunk to give evidence the next day.