Hirst, C.B., Lt Col

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Hirst, C.B., Lt Col

Watercolour portrait of Lt. Col. Henry Sagar Hirst by John Sowden. The date is not known.

Sowden's note in notebooks -
'Henry Sagar Hirst was the third son of Mr Thos Hirst of Low House, Clayton; & was born there in 1829; Low House, the site of Westwood, having been the residence of the Hirst family from 1618. At the age of 16 he was articled to Mr Richard Tolson, Solicitor of Bradford, but as Mr Tolson died soon after, the articles were completed with Mr J S Harrison. In 1851 Mr Hirst joined his brother Joseph in the brewery business which he carried on under the style of J & H S Hirst. He was fond of outdoor sports and had a long connection with the Bradford Cricket Club. Colonel Hirst was a Conservative & a Churchman & was warden of St John's Church, Clayton, for 47 years. He liberally assisted in its restoration as well as the Bradford Parish Church. The principal feature in his career was his long connection with the Volunteer movement. He was associated with the movement from its inception and received his first commission as an ensign in 1859. Three years later he was appointed Lieut. Colonel commanding the Bradford Rifles, a position he held for 28 years. He resigned in 1890 & was gazetted honorary Colonel of the battalion. For the great services and support he had given to the cause he received the honourable title of Companion of the Bath, He was a strong supporter of the West Riding Rifle Association. At one time he was Master of the Clayton Harriers. In 1864 he married a daughter of the late John Foster of Hornby Castle, He died in 1899 leaving no issue.'

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

Sowden-72