Administrative / Biographical History

The Holbrooks were a family in Manchester, a number of whom practised as surgeons and apothecaries. They descended from Edward Holbrook (d 1656). He was an apothecary in Manchester, and was also an important figure in Manchester, acting as constable. Edward's eldest son, John, was an apothecary in Manchester probably from the 1650s to the 1680s. He was borough reeve in 1672. His son, John (baptised 19 Nov 1665), was a physician in Manchester, and his older son, Edward Holbrook ([1689?]-1752) was also a apothecary in Manchester. The younger son of Edward Holbrook (d 1656) was Richard Holbrook MA ([1633?]-1676). He was the Incumbent of Holy Trinity Salford and warden of Manchester. When he was ejected from Salford in 1662 he appears to have practiced as a physician. His eldest son, William MB (1663-1728) was a man midwife in Manchester. The file also includes material relating to other members of the family.