Crossley, Henry, W.

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Crossley, Henry, W.

Watercolour portrait by John Sowden on 5 July 1890 of Henry W. Crossley, aged 81. On the back of the painting it says: 'Age 81 Born at Halifax 1809. Attended Heath School till 17 ½ years old & then came to Bradford appd to Hoyland & Armitage, tea dealers. Stayed with the firm till he was 22 years old started business on own account ½ year afterwards in Ivegate in present shop.'

He attended Heath Grammar School till 7 and a half years old and served his apprenticeship with Messrs Holland and Armistead whose premises were near to those of Mr Butterfield in Bridge Street Bradford, and with them until he was 22 when he commenced business for himself afterwards in Ivegate.
Bradford was very primitive 70 years ago when Mr Crossley came by coach, no railways, no telegraphs and no trains. the beck could be seen running through the town and round about Bridge Street there were rows of trees and private residences.
All that is left of the Bradford at that time seems to be a portion of Westgate, Ivegate and the top of Kirkgate up to the time of his retirement. Mr Crossley remained in business in Ivegate.
As far back as 1815 when 6 years old, he remembered his mother taking him by hand and showing him the illuminations in the streets of Halifax over the victory at Waterloo. Mr Crossley was a grocer and tea merchant. His connections with the Friends’ Provident Institution was a long one and was vice chairman for a long period. For over 60 years he was a director of the Institution and a member for several years more. Mr Crossley married, Mary (to be continued)

Creator

John Sowden.

Image filename

sowden-190