Place beans in a large, heavy-duty pot with enough water to cover by 6 inches.
Bring to a boil over high heat; simmer for one minute, remove from heat and cover and let sit for 1 to 2 hours.
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Drain beans and return to pot with chicken broth, 2 whole cloves of garlic and 1 sprig rosemary.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to "low", partially cover and cook until tender, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add a little water if beans get dry.
Add 1 tbs of salt during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Chop remaining 4 cloves of garlic.
Meanwhile season lamb shanks with remaining tbs salt and pepper; heat 2 tbsp oil in a large flameproof casserole or oven-safe skillet with high sides.
Add shanks and brown on all sides.
Remove lamb and set aside.
Add onion and chopped garlic to casserole and saute for 2 minutes.
Add wine and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom to remove any browned bits.
Add beef broth, lamb shanks and remaining sprig of rosemary.
Bring to a boil, cover and place in oven.
Cook until meat is fork tender, about 1 hour.
When beans are tender, drain and discard rosemary and garlic.
Toss with remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
Serve lamb shanks on bed of white beans.
Ready in 4 hours.