Lund, Charles

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Lund, Charles

Watercolour portrait of Charles Lund.

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was born at Kildwick, near Skipton in 1825 and memorable year in the industrial history of Bradford. His life story is a recital of strenuous endeavour, deservedly attended with success.
In every sense he was a self-taught man and by his own efforts reached the degree of proficiency which he ultimately attained. His parents removed to Bradford and he was put to work as a power loom worker (?) when he was only nine years of age. This compelled his having to walk winter and summer, all the way from near the Bradford Parish Church to Great Horton, his working hours being from 6 am to 7:30 pm very little time allowed in which to snatch a hasty meal.
Later he found employment in a mercantile warehouse, where he had more liberty and attended the night classes at the Bradford Mechanics’ Institute.
Afterwards he tried various occupations earn a livelihood, selling Charles and for some time he had a secondhand book business in Manchester Road. On marked days he kept a small shop in the old market, Kirkgate. Along with his book selling business he did “a bit of rent collecting” and began began to act as an accountant in a small way. In his 25th year he became a full fledged estate agent and accountant, with an office of his own in Darley Street. He published in 1856 a directory of Bradford. In 1854 the Bradford Third Equitable Building Society was established on the fourth floor of the old Victoria Chambers, Cheapside. Mr Charles Lund was one of its chief promoters and its first secretary, the late Mr Arthur Binns being president. For over 50 years Mr Lund remained secretary.
He was for 12 years Liberal Registration Agent and on his retirement from his offices was presented with a silver dinner and tea service of the value of £100. For seven years Mr Lund was a member of the Bradford Board of Guardians and for one year was chairman. His was a long connection with the Mechanics’ Institute, first as a scholar, then teacher, finally as a director. For over 20 years acted as treasurer. Mr Lund married Miss Pullan of Baildon in 1857 he died on October 1, 1914."

Year

1889

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-28