All About Thornton

John Harold Barraclough, 1863 – 1942

A biography compiled from Census returns and the online British Newspaper Archive, (which does not include the Telegraph and Argus which dates from 1868 to now).

Some details about his family are in the process of being added as at 10 February 2025. I am still researching his grandfather.

“Barraclough” in dots of brass in the pavement outside the Market Street shop, now the home of Manzil’s restaurant.
  • 1863, July 10, John Harold Barraclough (hereafter JHB) was born.
  • 1871, April 2. The 1871 Census has the following entries, people living together in Main Street, Thornton. Main Street was later called Market Street. No house numbers were given.
    • James Barraclough, Head, Widower, aged 36, Ironmonger (employing) 1 Man, born in Thornton
    • John H ditto, son, unmarried, aged 7, Scholar, born in Thornton
    • Engelia Theresa ditto, daughter, aged 6, Scholar, born in Thornton.
    • Marie Louise ditto, daughter aged 3, born in Thornton.
    • Elizabeth ditto, Cousin, aged 25, House Keeper, born in Leeds.
  • JHB was educated at Thornton Grammar School.
  • 1881, April 3. The 1881 Census has the family living at 74 Market Street, which number today is the Brontë birthplace. The same occupants were there, all being 10 years older. JHB was shown as “Shopman”, and Engelina had become “Angelina” and was Shop Assistant, ironmongers. Marie Louise had become a Scholar. Elizabeth the cousin was noted as unmarried.
  • In 1884 JHB was listed as a Voter living at Dalemoor, a detached house which is on Thornton Road.
  • 1889, December 30 JHB married Sarah Annie Penniston of Leeds, 2nd daughter of George and Dorothy D Penniston of 24 Sholebrook Avenue, Leeds. George was an Egg Dealer, employing 2 men in the 1881 census. The marriage was announced in 3 newspapers including the Leeds Times of 4 January 1890 – see illustration ©of the British Newspaper Archive.
  • 1891, April 5. The 1891 Census shows Harold and family at 104 Market Street. The occupants were:
    • John H. Barraclough, head (of household), married, aged 27, Ironmonger, Watchmaker, and Jeweller, Employer, born in Thornton
    • Sarah Annie Ditto, Wife, married, aged 27, no occupation, born in Leeds.
    • James P. ditto, son, aged 3 months, born in Thornton.
    • Hannah Huscroft, Visitor, married, aged 63, born in Leeds.
  • 1901, January 1. The Bradford Daily Telegraph had the following report: “Presentation to a Thornton Choirmaster.” “Mr. J. Harold Barraclough, who has held the position of organist at the Wesleyan Chapel, Thornton, for 20 years, was last night presented with a handsome walnut revolving book-case, with suitable brass inscription plate, by the present and a few past members of the choir. Mr. J. Booth made the presentation.”
  • 1901, January 17. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported on a lecture given at the Thornton Mechanics’ Institute: “A lecture on ‘Awheel in Brittany’ was delivered in the Thornton Mechanics’ Institute on Tuesday, by Mr. W. Fitzwater Wray, of Bradford. Mr. J. Harold Barraclough effectively displayed with his lantern 80 slides of photographs taken en route. Mr. Percy D. Craven presided.”
  • 1901, March 31. The 1901 Census shows Harold and family at 102 and 104 Market Street. The occupants were:
    • John H. Barraclough, Head, married, aged 37, Watchmaker and General Dealer, Employer, at home, born in Thornton.
    • Sarah A. ditto, Wife, married, aged 39, no occupation, born in Leeds.
    • James P. ditto, son, aged 10. born in Thornton.
    • George H. ditto, son, aged 6, born in Thornton.
    • Dorothy M. ditto, daughter, aged 3, born in Thornton.
  • 1906, October 26. The Leeds Mercury carried a long article about the renovation of Roscoe Place Methodist Chapel, Leeds, including a large organ, containing 45 stops, 1,907 pipes and 8 pistons, all powered by electricity given by Mrs. Penniston, in memory of her late husband, Mr. George Penniston. The Revd. Dr. Thomas B. Stephenson preached the dedication sermon on “Music in the worship of God”, and Mr. Harold Barraclough of Thornton, “(son-in-law of Mrs. Penniston) accompanied the hymns of the organ”.
  • 1908, March 20. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported that “Mr. John Harold Barraclough, of Dalemoor, Thornton, has accepted the invitation of the Liberals to become a candidate. Mr. Barraclough carries on business in Market Street, Thornton, and is the son of Mr. James Barraclough, formerly Chairman of the Thornton District Council, and subsequently for four years one of the Thornton members of the City Council.”
  • 1908, March 26. A report in the Bradford Daily Telegraph gave details of the candidate standing in the election: James Harold Barraclough, Liberal of Dalemoor, New Road, Thornton, Ironmonger, and William Trenholme, Independent Labour Party, of 4 Alexandra Terrace, Eccleshill, Solicitor. The report also noted that the Conservative Party agent had said that they were not going to fight Thornton. The vacancy was due t the death of the sitting councillor, Mr. Richardson Jennings who owned a stone quarry at Moscow. More details of his life can be found under the entry for Moscow here.
  • 1908, April 10. The Yorkshire Factory Times gave the election result: Barraclough 522, Trenholme 330.
  • 1910 In the April Council elections JHB was returned unopposed.
  • At some stage after 1910 JHB was appointed Chairman of the Gas Committee of Bradford City Council.
  • 1911, April 11. In the Census return the following people lived at Dalemoor:
    • John Harold Barraclough, Head, 48 years old, married,Ironmonger and Jeweller, Employer, born at Thornton.
    • Sarah Anne Barraclough, Wife, 49 years old, no occupation, born in Leeds.
    • George Harold Barraclough, son, aged 16, at School, born in Thornton.
    • Dorothy Maria, daughter, aged 12, at School, born in Thornton
    • Violet Mary Jones, servant, aged 20, single, General Servant (Domestic), worker, born in London.
    • Martha Elizabeth Parrish, servant, aged 40, single, General Servant (Domestic), worker, born in Holbeck, Leeds.
    • NOTE: Their eldest son, James Penniston Barraclough, having first attended Bradford School of Art was boarding at the home of Mary Anne Parry at 38 Richmond Road, Paddington, described as an Art Student. More information about James P Barraclough will be found at the end, after the life of JHB.
  • 1913, November 3. The results of the election for a Councillor for the Thornton ward, were published in the Bradford Daily Telegraph, and were as follows: J. H. Barraclough (Liberal) 504; F. Spenser, (Conservative), 454; G. Pogson, (Socialist), 224. 89.7% of all voters voted.
  • 1913, December 23. It was announced in the Bradford Daily Telegraph that Probate of the will of Miss Zillah Matilda Fielden, of 4 Mount Pleasant, Manningham, had been granted to Mr. Joshua Holden of Beechwood, Cleckheaton, and Mr. John, Harold Barraclough, of Dalemoor, Thornton, ironmonger.
  • 1914, July 10. The Bradford Daily Telegraph, under the heading of “Today’s Anniversaries“, had the following: “Many Happy Returns to Mr. J. Harold Barraclough of Dalemoor, Thornton, chairman of the Corporation Gas Committee, born July 10, 1863.“
  • 1914, December 14. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported: “City Volunteers, Appointment of Officers. The appointment of the officers in connection with the Bradford City Volunteer Force, (of which the Lord Mayor, Alderman Geo. H. Robinson is president) has been made and is as follows:-“ Under the 2nd Battalion, D Company is listed “Company Commander (vacant), Subalterns or Platoon Commanders – John Harold Barraclough, Alexander Hamilton Stewart.”
  • 1915, March 6. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported on a lecture held at Thornton Wesleyan School, in aid of the Belgian Famine Fund a lantern lecture entitled “Belgium in Peace and War” by Mr. J. J. Hatch of Leeds was given. The lantern slides were shown by Mr. J. Harold Barraclough, who later proposed a vote of thanks.
  • 1915, May 4. The Bradford Daily Telegraph carried a long article about the official opening of the new bowling green by JHB. The paper reports that the Parks Committee assembled in Bradford and were conveyed to Thornton in a special tramcar, and despite the fact that a very biting wind was blowing there was a good assembly at the opening ceremony.
  • 1915, June 14, a report and photo in the Bradford Daily Telegraph, headed B. C. V. RECRUITING AT THORNTON, (B. C. V. being Bradford City Volunteers – see 1914, December 14. The report states: “Councillor Barraclough made an impassioned speech, which met with little response.” see photograph below the next entry.
  • 1915, November 12, gave details of all members of Bradford Council, including the 3 Thornton councillors, JHB, (Liberal), and 2 Conservative councillors, Joseph Briggs and Jonas Drake.

(Both photos © copyright of the British Newspaper Archive)

  • 1916, November 9. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported that JHB was elected as one of 32 Patrons, from a field of 50 candidates, of the Bradford European War Fund Trust Deed.
  • 1916, November 15. The Bradford Daiy Telegraph reported that Councillor Barraclough had attended the funeral of Mr. Caleb Tapp, former headmaster of the Thornton Board and Council Schools.
  • 1917, May 9. The BDT reported on discussions at a Council meeting. As Chairman of the Gas Committee, he accepted an amendment to his proposition that public street lights should not be lit in May until further notice, which amendment stated “public street lighting should be discontinued during May, June, and July.” This was to reduce the Council’s demand on coal stocks.
  • 1919 JHB established the firm of Barraclough’s Ltd., Automobile and Electrical Engineers.
  • 1921, June 19. The 1921 census shows the following living at 616 Thornton Road, which is Dalemoor:
    • John Harold Barraclough, Head, Aged 57yrs and 11months, Male, Married, born in Thornton, Ironmonger and Jeweller, Employer, workplace Thornton, number of children under 16 – None
    • Sarah Anne Barraclough, Wife, aged 59 years and 8 months, Female, Married, born in Leeds, Household duties, at Home.
    • George Harold Barraclough, Son, aged 26 yrs and 6 months, Male, Married, born in Thornton, Motor and Electrical Engineer working for Barraclough’s (Engineers) in Thornton, with 1 child under the age of 16.
    • Ruth Barraclough, Daughter-in-law, aged 27yrs and 11 months, Female, Married, born in Seascale, Cumberland, Household duties at home.
    • Dorothy Maria Barraclough, Daughter, aged 23 yrs and 2 months, Female, Single, born in Thornton, Secretary at Barraclough (Engineers) in Thornton.
    • Audrey Pearson Barraclough, Grand-daughter, aged 1yr and 7 months, Female, born in Thornton, both parents alive.
    • Janet Kirkbride, Servant, aged 27yrs and 1 month, Female, Single, born in Clifton, Cumberland, General Domestic Servant.
  • 1922 JHB appointed a Magistrate.
  • 1937, November 19. In the Announcements of the Bradford Observer there was the following death notice:
    • “Barraclough, On November 19 (suddenly), at 11 Redburn Drive, Shipley, Sarah Anne, in her 77th year, the beloved wife of John Harold Barraclough, J. P. Funeral arrangements later.”
  • 1939, September 29. In the 1939 Register the entry for 22 Moorhead Lane, Shipley is as follows:
    • Barraclough, John H, Male, born 10 July 63 Widower Watch and Clock maker – Retired.
    • Barraclough, Ruth, Female, born 12 July 93 Widow Unpaid Domestic Duties
    • Barraclough*, Audrey P, Female, born 9 November 19, Single, Unpaid Domestic Duties
    • Bray, Annie, Female, born19 November 75, Single, Cook.
    • Amos*, Winifred, Female, born 30 March 21, single House-maid
    • * The Register was a working document and showed Audrey’s surname had changed to Haigh at an un-noted date, and Winifred’s had changed on 5 April 1948, to Anderson.
  • 1942, December 10. The Bradford Observer carried the following report. Headed “REPRESENTED THORNTON, and Death of Mr. J. Barraclough”, it reads, in full:
    • “Less than a month after the death of his son, Mr. J. P, Barraclough, the artist, Mr. J. Harold Barraclough, of 11 Redburn Drive, Shipley, died at his home yesterday, in his eightieth year. Mr. Barraclough was a native of Thornton and in his younger days carried on a jeweller’s and ironmonger’s business which his grandfather founded in 1832. He represented Thornton Ward on Bradford City Council from 1908 to 1920, as a Liberal. For 20 years Mr. Barraclough was organist at Thornton Wesleyan Church and was a former Governor of Thornton Grammar School. He was appointed a magistrate in 1922. He did valuable work during the last war, and in 1919 established the firm of Barraclough’s Ltd., Automobile and Electrical Engineers. Mr. Barraclough had been in poor health for several years. The only surviving member of the family is a daughter, Mrs. S.N. Andrews of Moorhead.”
    • The Death Notice in the Yorkshire Post read: “BARRACLOUGH – December 9, at 11 Redburn Drive, Shipley, in his eightieth year JOHN HAROLD BARRACLOUGH, J.P. – Service at Scholemoor Crematorium tomorrow (Friday), December 11, at 2.30pm. No mourning or flowers.”

Some details of his children

James Penniston Barraclough, 1890 to 1942

  • 1890, December 28, born in Thornton.
  • Attended Bradford School of Art, under Mr. Stephenson.
  • 1914, February 18, Secured a Corporation Exhibition (scholarship) to the Royal College of Art (according to the Braford Daily Telegraph of that date.)
  • 1914, July 18, JPB described as an Artist, aged, along with Philip W. Cole, an Art master, aged 30, left Southampton in a ship of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Line, called Lutzow, which ship was bound for China and Japan. They travelled to Genoa.
  • 1916, 2nd quarter. JPM married Gladys Thompson in Chelsea.
  • 1917, June 10. JPB appointed a 2nd. Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery.
  • 1917, August 19. JPB’s Medal card in the National Archives showed that he served first as a Bombardier in the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 79529, in France, and later served as a Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery.
  • 1921, June 19 Census for 21 Carlyle Square, Chelsea, SW3, shows the following:
    • James Penniston Barraclough, Head, aged 30yrs and 6 months, Male, Married, born in Thornton (Bradford), Yorks, Artist (Painting), working on own account, at home, 1 child under the age of 16.
    • Gladys Maud Barraclough, Wife, aged 36yrs and 3months, Female, Married, born in Calcutta, India, Resident British born, Artist (Designer) working on own account, at home.
    • Jillian Mary Barraclough, Daughter, aged 3 years and 3 months, Female, Both Parents alive, born at Regents Park, London, NW.
    • Amelia Georgina Thomson, Mother-in-law, aged 53yrs and 3 months, Female, widow, born in Calcutta, India, Resident, British born. no occupation.
    • Irene Fakes, Visitor, aged 35yrs and 4 months, Female, Single, born in Chelmsford, Essex, Artist (Designer), employed at Arnold Stables, Metal Works in Hammersmith.
    • Millicent Cotton, Servant, aged 25 years and 1 month, Female, Single, born in Plumstead Kent, Private Nurse, at home.
    • Hilda Mary Stapleton, Servant, aged 20 yrs and 5 months, Female Single, born ay Whissonsett, Norfolk, Private General Domestic Servant, at home.
  • 1939, September 29. In the 1939 Register the family are living at Chelsea Studios, 410-416 Fulham Road at Studio 4, and consisted of:
    • Barraclough, James P, Male, born 28 December 1890, Married, Artist (Portrait Painter)
    • Barraclough, Gladys M, Female, born 28 March, 1885, Married, Artist (Designer and Posters, also Professional Dowser)
    • Barraclough, Michael P, Male, born 28 November 1922, Single, Left school, commences training on 17 October at College in Aeronautical engineering.
    • The 1939 register was a working document. On the notes page (which is not available to read in full) against JPB’s entry it reads “Accepted for Army Officers Em… Reserve (not yet gazetted)”
  • 1942 November, JPB died in Marylebone, London.
  • Examples of JPB’s paintings can be seen on the Art UK website, and in websites of commercial galleries. His speciality was portrait painting in oils He also did some landscape paintings in watercolours.
  • He lived and worked in London and exhibited mainly at the Walker Art Gallery, RA, RP, and ROI, becoming a member of the latter in 1922. He also showed with the 7 & 5 Society and in the provinces, particularly at Matthews and Brooke’s Gallery, Bradford.

George Harold Barraclough, 1894 to 1937

  • Born 18 December 1894
  • Joined Royal Naval Air Service. It is not clear when this was, but, as a Sub-Lieutenant he was moved from Crystal Palace to Redcar on 28 April 1917, and from Redcar to Cranwell on 2 July 1917. His appointment was terminated on 20 August 1917 as “Medically Unfit”.
  • a further record of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve shows that on 17 September 1917 he started a Coding course at Pembroke and subsequently qualified for Coding duties. He was transferred to Portland Listening School on 16 March 1918, and demobilised on 10 February 1919.
  • The Whitehaven Advertiser of August 10 1918 has the following under “Marriages” ©Findmypast
  • The 1921 Census, (see above under J. Harold Barraclough) shows him, his wife and daughter living at Dalemoor. He was employed as Motor and Electrical Engineer working for Barraclough’s (Engineers) in Thornton.
  • He died in the April to June quarter of 1837, aged 42.

Dorothy Maria Barraclough, 1898 to 1977

  • Born 1898
  • The 1921 Census showed her to be employed as a secretary in the family firm of Barracloughs (Engineers) of Thornton.
  • 1924, November 29 The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer announced the marriage of Dorothy Maria Barraclough to Sydney Nettleton Andrews of Clayton at Thornton Wesleyan Chapel on November 25. It announced an “At Home on the 14th and 15th January 1925 at West Bank, The Grove, Moorhead, Shipley.”
  • On April 4, at St.Peter’s Church, Shipley, their daughter, Betty Barraclough Andrews, married Robert Derek Dobson of Moorhead, Shipley.
  • Sydney N. Andrews was a wool merchant, and in 1957 was President of Saltaire Conversazione. He’s pictured in the Shipley Times and Express with Dorothy Maria, his wife.
  • Sydney died in 1972. His widow died on 2 February 1977, at which time she was living at Moorhead Lodge, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, which had been their home for many decades.
  • Nothing yet indexed. (Last updated 21 February 2025)