THE right-hand man to the Duke of Devonshire who realised his ambition to work in the area he loves and grew up in has retired.

John Sheard, originally from Cross Hills, has spent the past 32 years working on the Bolton Abbey Estate, the last 28 as its agent.

He has always loved the countryside and its environment and, as a boy, used to cycle there with friends to spend many hours by the river.

After being educated at Skipton's Ermysted's Grammar and Sedbergh Schools, he attended the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester.

He then worked for estate and land agents, Ingham and Yorke, at Clitheroe, for two years before being commissioned in the Royal Engineers for his national service.

After that Mr Sheard gained valuable experience in land management, working for Bidwell's, a large land agents in Cambridge.

The three years spent with the firm stood him in good stead as his first application to the Bolton Abbey Estate secured him the job of assistant manager. He succeeded Ernest Hey as manager four years later, and he and his wife, Brenda, moved to the 18th century Old Rectory, adjacent to the priory.

Mr Sheard has seen many changes during his time, most of which have benefited the village.

"The Duke of Devonshire showed how far-sighted he was 30 years ago by opening up the moorland to walkers," explained Mr Sheard.

"The estate was also very aware of the need to provide for the increasing number of visitors and access to various parts has been improved to accommodate the disabled.

"One notable example was the introduction of a mobility scooter," he added.

Many awards have been forthcoming in recognition of the estate's services towards conservation, tourism, management and education.

He is immensely proud of the trust put in him and the rest of the estate workers by the Royal Family, and in particular, HRH the Prince of Wales, who visits occasionally knowing his desire for solitude will be respected.

"I have seen the village develop into a thriving community. The priory church was moribund in 1966 but a new roof and other major renovations have seen it grow into a vibrant and lively place," he said.

Mr Sheard enjoys singing with the church choir and is also a member of the Ilkley Choral Society. He is an active member of the Rotary Club and enjoys classical music - under duress he will admit to being something of a pianist.

He is a countryman first and foremost. He chose to retire to give himself some more space and decided to do absolutely nothing for six months.

"I'm not sure what I will do after that time though I have had or two offers already. I will be sad to leave the Old Rectory, which is a tied house, but will be moving to another house on the estate. It will be an opportunity for me to see things from the other side," he said.

Mr Sheard's assistant of nine years, Benedict Heyes, is the new manager.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.