Jack Sanctuary was the son of George Sanctuary. George was born 10 January 1857 in Cullingworth. He married Hannah Maria Broadley in 1876.  In 1881 they were living at 46 George Street in Saltaire with George working as a worsted spinning overlooker. In 1891 the family were living at 28 Albert Road (renumbered now as 55). In 1901 & 1911 they were living at 68 George Street in Saltaire.

Jack, the youngest of seven children, was born 11 July 1903. He was baptised 2 September 1903 at Saltaire Congregational Church. Jack was awarded a scholarship at Salts School in 1915.

Jack lived with his family until 1939 at least. Following his father's death in 1932 the family moved to 36 Wellington Crescent in Shipley in 1935.

Jack died in 1989 at Tunbridge Wells in Kent. He had an elder brother, William Thomas, who served in WW1.

 

Norman Sanctuary was the son of Jacob Sanctuary. Jacob was born 1843 in West Walton in Norfolk. He moved with his family to Cullingworth in Yorkshire before 1851. In 1861 they were living at 5 George Street in Saltaire, Jacob was a warp twister and his father, John, worked in a combing shed. Jacob married Margaret Ann Brook 18 May 1867 at Kirkgate Chapel in Stephen Road, Bradford. In 1871& 1881 they were living at 13 Titus Street in Saltaire.

Norman, the fourth of six children, was born in Saltaire 13 August 1878. His older brother, Fred, served in WW1. In 1891 & 1901 the family were living at 75 George Street in Saltaire, by 1901 Norman was working as a house painter.

In 1904 Norman was playing billiards for Saltaire . He moved with his family to 21 George Street around 1908. From 1918 the family lived in Ferrands Road, Shipley.

Report from the Shipley Times 14 July 1916: -

Conscience Man In Caravan – Norman Sanctuary, of George Street, appeared at the Skipton Police Court on Tuesday (11 July), on a charge of being an absentee under the Military Service Act.

It was stated that the prisoner was found living in a caravan at Austwick, and that when charged by a military officer from Bradford, said that the prisoner was given notice to appear on or about 14 June. He had appeared before the local Tribunal in February, but his claim was dismissed. He appeared before the Central Tribunal with the same result.

The prisoner now said he based his appeals on conscientious grounds, but he was unable to be present at the Appeal Tribunal. He asked that the case should be adjourned in order that he might secure legal representation.

Replying to questions, the prisoner said that his circumstances had completely changed since the hearing of the appeals. At that time there was himself and a brother at home. The latter, however, was now serving in France. Consequently, there was only himself left to keep his father and mother who were 73 years old.

The Chairman said they could not deal with the matter, and a fine of 40s, was imposed, and the prisoner being remanded, to await a military escort.

In the 1939 Register, Norman, a house painter, was living with his brother Fred at 25 Ferrands Road. When Fred died 17 March 1941, he left his estate of £2100 16s 4d (worth c£120,000 in 2020) to Norman. Norman married Mary Ellen Flatley in 1941. They lived at 14 Sunny Mount in Keighley.

Norman died 24 August 1948 and left £386 8s 11d to his widow, Mary ( worth c£15,000k in 2020).

Mary lived out the rest of her life at 14 Sunny Mount, dying 30 April 1962 in Bingley Hospital.

 

Sedgley, Harry
2 July 1876 – 27 November 1957

Harry Sedgley was the son of Henry Edward Sedgley. Henry was born 2 July 1876 in Idle. Henry married Louisa Rushworth 4 July 1900.

Harry was born 29 April 1903 in Shipley. His mother Louisa died in 1903.

Widower Henry married Mackary Whitaker 23 April 1905 at St John’s Baildon. Mackary died in 1905. In 1911 Henry and his children were living with his married sister, Mary Louisa Halliday, and her family at 19 Constance Street in Saltaire. Henry married Sarah Hannah Griffiths 3 rd Qtr. 1911. By 1918 they were living at 17 (renumbered 33) Albert Road in Saltaire.

Harry, a cloth finisher, married May Clarke 17 November 1923 at St Peter’s Shipley. They had a daughter, Joyce, born in 1924. By 1925 they were living at 14 Whitlam Street in Saltaire. In the 1939 Register Harry was working as a cloth finisher and May was a weaver.

By 1945 they had moved to 62 Old Thackley Road in Shipley. In November 1957 Harry was a café proprietor living at 416 Huddersfield Road in Wyke.

Harry died 10 January 1964 in Bradford, May died in 1987.

 

Seeley, Alfred
1893 –????

Alfred Seeley was the son of John Seeley. John was born c1856 at Hondon, Suffolk. He married Mary Swenson in 1876 in Middlesbrough.

Alfred was born in 1893 in Ormesby, Middlesbrough. In 1901 they were living in Ormesby, where John was a platelayer’s labourer.

Alfred was a soldier when he married Margaret Thompson, 6 December 1915, at St. Paul’s Shipley. They were both living at 11 Hargreaves Street, Shipley.

By 1929 they were living at 29 Thomas Street in Shipley. From 1930 to 1934 they lived at 1 Albert Terrace in Saltaire.

Report from the Shipley Times and Express 15 August 1931: -

At Bradford West Riding Court on Monday (10 August), Alfred Seeley, labourer, 1 Albert Terrace, Saltaire, was charged with having stolen a gold signet ring, valued 18s, the property of Fred Pearson, of the same address.

Supt. Bell, in outlining the case for the prosecution, stated that Pearson lent Seeley a jacket and waistcoat in which there was a gold signet ring in one pocket. When Pearson came to put the jacket and waistcoat on he found that the ring was missing. Seeley suggested that the ring might have fallen out on to the bedroom floor, but it was subsequently ascertained that the ring had been pawned. Information was given to the police, and Seeley was arrested.

Seeley, who pleaded guilty, explained that had been drinking, and that the theft would not have occurred had he not been drinking. The Bench bound Seeley over in 40s. for twelve months, the condition being that he refrained from taking intoxicating drink during that period.

In April 1934 it was reported that Alfred, of Albert Terrace, pleaded “Guilty” to being drunk and disorderly on 31 March. He was fined 18s.

In 1934 Alfred and his wife moved to 34 Hirst Wood Road, Shipley. By 1935 they were living at 60 Hill Street, Shipley.

Senior, Joseph
c1860 - 21 October 1881

Joseph Senior was the son of the elder Joseph Senior. The elder Joseph was born c1824 in Leeds. He married Jane Holmes 10 August 1845 at St Peter's Leeds. In 1851 they were living in Ecclesfield with Joseph working as a cordwainer.

Joseph, the third youngest of nine children, was born c1860 in Hull. In 1871 they were living at 53 George Street in Saltaire. Joseph died 21 October 1881.

Report from the Shipley Times 5 November 1881: -

A SAILOR DROWNED.
A young man named Joseph Senior, 21 years of age, brother of Mr. John Senior, newsagent, Westgate, was drowned at sea early on the morning of 21 October.
 Senior left Saltaire about five years ago to go to Hull to be fisherman and has since that time followed that occupation. About half-past two on the morning named, he was out on board the "Albert Victor," about 80 miles from Spurn Point, and whilst engaged holding one end of a net, which had become entangled, his mates heard him call out, and immediately he was seen to fall overboard. It is supposed that the net was too heavy for him, and that rather than let it go, he allowed himself to be pulled overboard. A heavy sea was running at the time, and this no doubt rendered his task more difficult. After he fell overboard, his body was not seen again.

 

Edward Stevenson Sharpe was born 9 November 1878 in Londonderry in Northern Ireland. He was the son of John William Sharpe, a Presbyterian Minister.

In 1902 Edward gained a degree in medicine and surgery at Edinburgh University. By 1908 he was a physician and surgeon practicing in the Shipley area and he was one of the doctors who attended Salts Hospital.

From 1908 Edward lived at 1 Myrtle Place in Saltaire. He married Ethel Rebecca Jackson 25 August 1909 at St Paul Shipley. They had three daughters; - Kathleen Laurentia (born 1910), Joan McMormick (13 January 1913 - 1990) and Mary Dorrien (born 1915). From 1924 the family lived at 227 Bingley Road in Shipley, where they remained the rest of their lives.  

During World War One Edward was the Commander of the Shipley Volunteer Force, who had their headquarters at Albert Road School in Saltaire.  

Edward died 10 July 1958 at Bradford Royal Infirmary and he was buried in Hirst Wood Cemetery. In his will he left £12,878 (worth c£270k in 2016) to his daughter, Joan. His wife, Ethel died 16 March 1979 and was buried alongside him.

 

Sidebottom, Maria (nee Fillingham)
18 June 1873 – 1961

Maria Fillingham was the daughter of Charles William Fillingham. Charles was born c1848 in Beverley. He married Fanny Meanwell (born c1851 Hull) in Lincoln in 1869. In 1871 they were living in Lincoln.

Maria, the third of nine children was born 18 June 1873 in Lincoln In 1881 the family were living in Gainsborough. Charles worked as an iron moulder.

In 1891 the family were living at 5 Merton Street in Shipley with Maria working as a millhand.

Maria married Samuel Sidebottom 22 August 1900 at St Paul’s Shipley. In 1901 they were living in Long Preston (village between Settle & Skipton) with Samuel working as a railway porter. By 1905 they had moved to Leeds and in 1911 they were living in Kirkstall. They had a son, Herbert born 1905. By 1918 they were living at 5 Amelia Street in Saltaire.

Samuel served in WW1. After the war he and his family continued to live in Amelia Street until around 1931 when they moved to 45 George Street in Saltaire. By 1945 they were living at 1 Albert Road in Saltaire. Samuel died in 1953

Report from the Shipley Times 18 June 1958: -

LIVE PLAINLY AND GIVE FREELY IS BIRTHDAY MOTTO

Mrs. Sidebottom of 1Albert Road, Saltaire celebrates her 85th birthday to-day (Wednesday). She enjoyed 58 years of married life until her husband died at the age of 79, some five years ago. He was formerly foreman at Leeds Railway Station and had worked there for over 50 years. They were caretakers of Lloyds Bank, Saltaire. for 16 years.

Leading quite an active life. Mrs Sidebottom does all her own housework. Mrs. Sidebottom likes the company of young people who, she says, keep her young. She is a member of the Saltaire Congregational Church, although she is unable to attend the services as often as she would like. At one time she took part in the Thursday evening Women’s Own Keep Fit classes. Her hobbies now include knitting and reading.

Mrs Sidebottom is fortunate in having two of her sisters living quite close. They are Miss Naomi Fillingham. who is a retired midwife and Mrs. Ethel Berry. Her brother Mr. Frank Fillingham lives at Garston. Liverpool.

Having travelled quite extensively. touring most of France and the British Isles, Mrs. Sidebottom still enjoys a trip out and celebrated her birthday by going with the Windhill Co-operative Society for a day at Cleethorpes. Being an active old lady herself. Mrs. Sidebottom’s motto is "have interests outside and don’t mope inside, live plainly, give freely, this is the pleasure of life.

Maria died in 1961. Her nephew Jack Fillingham served in WW2

 

Simpson, John Beck
27 February 1906 –????

John Beck Simpson was the son of Arthur Simpson. Arthur was born, 27 April 1879, in Pateley Bridge. He married Rachel Edwards, 13 November 1897, at St. Paul’s Shipley. They had eight children.

John, their fourth child, was born, 27 February 1906, in Bingley. The family moved to Colne, Lancashire around 1908. In 1911 they were living in Sowerby Bridge. In 1914 they were at Barnoldswick, Lancashire. By 1918 they were at 34 George Street, Saltaire. (Also John Beck's siblings: Kate Simpson, and Douglas Foch Simpson.)

Image: John Beck Simpson

Report in the Shipley Times 3 March 1922: -

JOY RIDE WITH STOLEN STEED

Failed in their attempt to break into Baildon Bridge mill to steal the wages of the workpeople, a gang of Shipley youths broke into a stable, made off with a horse and cart and went “joy riding.”
The sequel was heard at the Bradford West Riding Court, (28 February) when the four defendants were summoned for stealing a horse, a flat cart, harness, two lamps, a whip, and a loin cloth, value £22, the property of Win. Staniforth, greengrocer, Shipley, from a stable near the Bull Hotel, Briggate.
The defendants were White (19), labourer, of 20, School Hill, Shipley; Robert Smith, painter, Thackley Old Road, Thackley; Ernest Lancaster (21), woolcomber, of 74, Saltaire Road, Shipley; and John Beck Simpson (16), blacksmith’s apprentice, of 34 George Street, Saltaire.
The Chairman (Mr. J. G. Mowat) remarked that evidently leniency was wasted on the prisoners, as they had been previously bound over. White, Smith, and Lancaster would go to prison for three months. Simpson, on account of his age, the Bench were inclined to deal with more leniently, and as he had only one previous conviction, he would be fined £5.

Report in the Shipley Times 18 August 1928: -

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

John Beck Simpson (22) of 34 George Street. Saltaire, was charged at Bradford West Riding Court on Saturday (11 August) with being on enclosed premises for unlawful purposes.
A constable said that the previous evening after information by the caretaker of the Woolcombers’ Club, Dale Street, Shipley, he found Simpson hiding against the door of one of the rooms. He took Simpson into custody, and he was placed in cell the Shipley Police Station.
It was stated that Simpson had attempted to commit suicide in the cells trying to hang himself with strip torn from his shirt.
He was remanded in custody until Thursday (16 August) for observation to his mental condition.
On Thursday, P.C. Hayhurst again gave evidence of finding Simpson on the premises of the Woolcombers’ Club. P.C. Postill stated that he was on duty in the office that night and about 12 p.m. he was attracted to the cell occupied by the prisoner by hearing a choking noise. He went inside and found Simpson with strip, torn from his shirt, tied tightly around his neck. He had hold of each end of the strip and was pulling it tighter. Witness loosed the strip and asked Simpson what was doing. Simpson replied that he was fed up and he thought that would frighten them and let him out. Simpson, in court, said that he did not know what was doing as had had too much to drink.
Simpson’s father, who was present in court, said that his son was not fit to have drink he never knew what he was doing then.
The Chairman, Mr. E. Illingworth, said the Bench were going to take a lenient view of the matter. They would dismiss charge of being on enclosed premises and would bind prisoner over for 12 months condition being that he was not to take any alcoholic liquors.
If he appeared before the magistrates again during that period, the present charges would be taken into consideration against him.
Simpson was also concerned together with Sam Butterfield (2t5) labourer, of Shipley, in a summons for obstructing the highway in Saltaire Road, Shipley, fighting, on 31 July. Each was fined 5s.

Report from the Shipley Times 13 October 1928: -

SALTAIRE LABOURER FINED.

John Beck Simpson (22), labourer, George Street, Saltaire, pleaded guilty at Otley yesterday (12 October) of stealing a piece of serge cloth, the value of £l7, from Baildon Green Mills, the property of Joseph Clough; and also a raincoat, the property of Edith Kendall, South View Terrace, Baildon.
It was stated that the accused had effected an entrance to the mill through one of the rear windows. He was traced by means of finger prints on the window. At first he denied all knowledge of the theft, but later produced the raincoat from behind the door. He then took a police officer to a quarry about 200 yards from the mill, and the cloth was found hidden between two rocks, and covered with stones. He said was he was drunk at the time or would not have done it.
Several previous convictions were reported against accused.
His father said he was a good lad when not in drink and pleaded for him not to be sent prison. Simpson was fined £5.

Report in the Shipley Times 16 March 1929: -

TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED.

John Beck Simpson, Shipley, labourer, was charged at Bingley on Wednesday (13 March) with having broken into and entered the Brown Cow Inn, Bingley, and the Maypole Stores on Friday (8 March). He was remanded for week be medically examined.

Report in the Shipley Times 23 March 1929: -

FINGER PRINTS CLUE.

John Beck Simpson (23), labourer, of George Street, Saltaire, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at Bingley on Wednesday (20 March), on charge of having attempted to steal 20 tins of fruit from the Maypole Dairy, Bingley. Finger prints found the door of the shop were produced evidence against him. There were several convictions against Simpson, and it was recommended that he be sent to the Wakefield Training Centre.

John married Fennetta Portsmith 25 October 1931.

Report in the Shipley Times 10 December 1932: -

CANAL BANK CHASE BY CONSTABLE.

SHIPLEY MEN SENT TO GAOL.

How a Windhill man was caught by a police constable in a chase on the canal bank, and his Shipley accomplice was apprehended the following day was described at the Bradford West Riding Court on Monday (5 December), when John Beck Simpson, aged 29, labourer, of 6 Briggate. Windhill, and Robert Lofthouse, aged 36, a gardener, of 47 Hirst Wood Crescent, Shipley, were charged with loitering in Dockfield Road, Shipley, on Friday (2 December) with intent to commit a felony.

Both men were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

It was stated that the men were seen near the warehouse of Frank Maun. Ltd., and one of them tried the door of stationary motor car. Police constable Taylor gave chase to the men when they were disturbed and caught Simpson. Lofthouse was apprehended the following day. Both men had made voluntary statements implicating each other. Lofthouse stated in evidence that, and Simpson had been drinking and had gone for a walk. They had no intention of breaking the law, and the statements they had made and signed were “all rubbish.”

Report in the Yorkshire Post 19 June 1934: -

At Bradford West Riding Court yesterday (18 June) John Beck Simpson (28), labourer. Shipley, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on a charge being found concealed in the Rosse Hotel, Shipley.

Report in the Bradford Observer 16 April 1936: -

The Bradford City Coroner opened and adjourned an inquest yesterday (15 April) on John Beck Simpson, aged 2 years, son of John Beck Simpson, lodging at 3 Cornwall Place, Bradford. The child died on Monday (13 April).
Nurse Barker, of Bowling Institute, Bradford, said she identified the body as that of a baby who had been in the institute. She understood that the baby had previously been in St. Luke’s Hospital, but when it was ready for discharge the parents did not claim it, and it was removed to Bowling for care.
The child was backward mentally and physically, but its condition improved and on 31 March it was handed over to its mother. 

Report in the Bradford Observer 24 December 1936: -

WOMAN’S INJURIES
Man Detained in Bradford

Shortly after midnight, Fennetta Simpson, 13 Grant Street, Bradford, was admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary with throat wounds. John Beck Simpson, of the same address, has been detained by the police and will appear at Bradford City Police Court today (24 December).

Report in the Leeds Mercury 1 January 1937: -

John Beck Simpson, (30), stone dresser, Grant Street, was remanded in custody for a further week at Bradford City Court to-day (31 December) on a charge of attempting to murder his wife.
Mrs. Simpson was admitted to the Royal Infirmary with a throat wound early on the morning of 24 December. She is stated to be progressing satisfactorily.
Mr. S. Hilton, applying for a remand, said Mrs. Simpson would not be able to attend Court until 7 January.
Simpson did not object the remand, but said he wished to apply for legal aid. The Stipendiary Magistrate (Dr. F. J. O. Coddington) said a certificate would be granted.

Report in the Dundee Evening Telegraph 4 March 1937: -

HUSBAND SENT TO PRISON:
CHILDREN IN A HOME
Woman's "Cup of Sorrow Brimful"

Alone in her home Mrs Fennetta Simpson, the 24-year-old wife of John Beck Simpson, Grant Street, Barker End Road, Bradford, who was sentenced to eighteen months hard labour at Leeds Assizes for attacking her, recalled the misfortunes which have marked her five years of married life.
She is separated from her two children, Mary, aged three, and Ralph, aged two, now in a Bradford home, and she will bear the mark of the assault upon her for life.
Mrs Simpson, a Castleford woman, whose parents are dead, has had five children, including twins. Two died within ten months, and Phyllis, aged ten months, died in hospital while Simpson was in Armley Gaol awaiting trial. "My cup of sorrow has been brimful during these past few years," Mrs Simpson said to me. “If only I had two bairns to comfort me now it would help me to bear up until my husband comes home again”
“They were taken away to a home while I was recovering in hospital, because the house was empty, but I don't know yet when I am going to get them back. But I want them, and I going to ask the Bradford Police Court missionary to help me.”
“Misfortune seems to have trailed Jack and myself through our married life. But I have forgiven him for what happened at Christmas, because I know he only did it in a moment of frenzy after months of unemployment.”
“He was heart-broken when they would not release him from prison to attend our baby's funeral few weeks ago.”
“He has written me from Armley Gaol pleading for forgiveness, and he knows now that I shall be waiting for him—the past forgotten—when he is released.”
"It was his birthday last Saturday and mine on Monday, and both of us spent it in solitude.”
“I spoke, for him before the judge today, thinking it would help to set him free. I could not bear to sit in court to hear him sentenced. I sat outside and wept.”
Simpson, a 31-year-old stonemason, who pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder his wife, but guilty to unlawfully wounding, was stated to have cut her neck on 23 December with a blade from a safety-razor set which she had bought him as a Christmas present. At the time of the attack she thought was going to caress her.
Medical evidence showed that Simpson had harboured certain delusions about his married life which might have been a contributing factor to the offence, for which, he said, he was deeply sorry.
Justice Singleton, passing sentence, said that Mrs. Simpson was a decent young woman, and had done her best in “speaking up” for her husband, but in Simpson's own interest it. was better that he should remain in prison for a time.
There, view of what had been stated by the prison doctor, he would be cared for and receive skilled treatment.

Report in the Yorkshire Post 4 October 1938: -

John Beck Simpson (30), stone dresser, Aireville Road, Frizinghall, Bradford was sentenced to six months hard labour at Bradford, yesterday, for an assault on a police constable at Shipley.

It was stated that Simpson was released from prison last June after serving 18 months for unlawfully wounding his wife.

(He had an appeal against his sentence dismissed in January 1939.)

Report in the Shipley Times 1 January 1941: -

SHIPLEY LABOURER FOR TRIAL

A Shipley labourer who was alleged to have struck a soldier on the head with a bottle was at Bradford West Court committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, bail being allowed. He was John Beck Simpson (34), of Shipley, and he was charged with wounding Private Stephen Brown. Private Brown said that on the evening of 14 December he visited a Bradford public-house, when he met Mrs, Florence Ada Walsh, of Beamsley Road, Shipley, she invited him home for supper.
After he had been in the house some time Simpson who was lodging at the house, came in. Witness alleged that Simpson told him to get out or take off his tunic.
Mrs. Walsh intervened, and the two shook hands, but when Brown sat down again he alleged that he was hit over the head with a bottle. He stood up and hit Simpson, who left the house.
Brown was taken Saltaire Hospital, where was treated for cuts. A surgeon said they were not serious.
A police constable said he found Brown at 42 Beamsley Road, holding e cloth to his head, and with blood streaming down his face. He found Simpson at the police station, his shirt and face covered with blood.
At 3.15 that afternoon, proceeded witness, Simpson made a statement, saying that a scuffle occurred at his lodgings when Brown said was going stay the night. He remembered nothing more until he found himself in custody.
Simpson elected tried by jury.

Report in Yorkshire Post 8 January 1941: -

John Beck Simpson (32), stone dresser, was acquitted on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Stephen Brown.

Report in the Shipley Times 10 July 1946: -

Bradford W.R. Magistrates Court Monday 8 July
STOLEN HENS

A sentence of 12 months was passed upon John Beck Simpson, aged 35, a stone dresser, no fixed address. He was charged with stealing four pullets value £6, the property of Alfred Farrar, dairyman, of West End Terrace, Shipley, and also stealing one pullet, value 25s, the property of some person unknown. He pleaded “not guilty."
Alfred Farrar said he had a hen hut in Moor View Avenue, Shipley. At 8.30 am on Monday, 22 October last year he locked up the hut. There were 30 fowls inside at that time. At 1.30 p.m. next day he found that two boards had been removed from the hut and four pullets were missing. He later identified two of three fowls which were found in a kennel in a yard in Saltaire Road, Shipley, as his property. He identified them by their colouring and rings on their legs.
Alice Wilkins, of Saltaire Road, Shipley, said that on Tuesday, 23 October, last year, she discovered a sack containing three dead fowls in a dog kennel in the yard of her home and reported the matter to the police. P.C. Swallow said he kept observation on the kennel in Mrs. Wilkins’ yard, and at 9.45 p.m. on 23 October, Simpson entered the yard and took out the sack containing the fowls. When asked for an explanation, he replied: "A man In ’the Prince’ told me where they were, and I thought I would have them." When charged with the offence he said; “It’s drink to blame.”
He made a voluntary statement in which he admitted the offence. PC. Haigh said Simpson was not arrested until 20 June 20 this year when he said: "I did do that. I cleared off when I should have appeared at court.” Simpson, giving evidence, denied stealing the fowls. He said he must not have been in his right senses when he made the voluntary statement. He only said he had stolen them to enable him to get bail. He said he just found them in the kennel and added: "As soon as I picked the sack up the policeman picked me up.”

Report in the Bradford Observer 15 January 1953: -

John Beck Simpson (46), stone dresser, of no fixed address. who pleaded "Guilty' to breaking into the shop of Richard Tearle Ford at Baildon, and stealing chocolate wafers, tobacco, and other articles, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

Simpson, stated to have 14 previous convictions, asked for four other offences to be considered. He told Judge William Stewart, the chairman, that he had been in very bad health since coming out of the Forces and had nowhere to live properly.

Report in the Bradford Observer 7 October 1954: -

Bradford Quarter Sessions Wednesday 6 October

John Beck Simpson (48), general labourer, 9 Lofthouse Terrace, Leeds, stealing a raincoat and overcoat from John Whitehead and stealing food from the Y.M.C.A. Hostel, 12 months imprisonment.

It is unclear as to when John died.

 

Simpson, Kate (nee Simpson)
1 July 1899 – 12 February 1990

Kate Simpson was the daughter of Arthur Simpson. Arthur was born, 27 April 1879, in Pateley Bridge. He married Rachel Edwards, 13 November 1897, at St. Paul’s Shipley. They had eight children.

Kate, their eldest child, was born, 1 July 1899, at 47 Thompson Street, Shipley. She was baptised 23 July 1899 at St Paul’s Shipley. (Also: Kate's siblings: John Beck Simpson, and Douglas Foch Simpson.)

In 1906 the family were living in Bingley. They moved to Colne, Lancashire around 1908. In 1911 they were living in Sowerby Bridge. In 1914 they were at Barnoldswick, Lancashire. By 1918 they were at 34 George Street, Saltaire.

Image: Kate Simpson

Kate married Arthur Simpson (they shared the same surname) in 1921. They had two daughters – Rachel Annie born in 1922, and Kathleen Mary born in 1927.

In the 1939 Register they were living at 25 Netherhall Road, Baildon, with Arthur working as a textile dyer. Kate died 12 February 1990.

 

Slingsby, Walter Baxter
c1869 – 1950

Walter Baxter Slingsby was the son of William Slingsby. William was born in Idle. He married Martha Hodgson 23 September 1865 at St Wilfrid’s Calverley.

Walter was born c1869 in Idle. In 1881 they were living in Idle where William was a mill mechanic and Walter a spinner.

Walter married Hannah Scott 31 October 1888 at St Wilfrid’s Calverley. They had a daughter Lilian born in 1889. By 1911 they were living at 56 Victoria Road Saltaire with Walter working as a mill mechanic. Walter, with his wife and daughter, emigrated to Australia in 1920. They departed from London 21 August 1920 aboard “SS Ormonde” for Melbourne Victoria.

S.S. Ormonde was built by John Brown & Co, Clydebank for The Orient Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., in 1917 as a troopship. She served the UK - Suez - Australia route between the wars. Converted to one-class in 1933. Troop carrier in WWII. Returned to commercial service in 1947, again on the Europe - Australia route. She was scrapped in 1952.

Walter worked as a textile mechanic / engineer. He lived with his family lived in Castlemaine, a small city 120kms north west of Melbourne.

His daughter Lilian died a spinster in 1938. Both Walter and his wife Hannan died in 1950.

 

Kirk Smith was the son of Hardisty Smith. Hardisty was born 1838 in Horsforth. He married Mary Ann Kirk 9 April 1860 at St Oswald Guiseley. In 1861 they were living in Horsforth with Hardisty working as a woollen weaver.

Kirk, the elder of two sons, was born 1862 in Horsforth. In 1881 the family were living in Headingley Cum Burley with Kirk working as a twister.

Kirk married Sarah Jane Senior 15 December 1883 at St George's Church in Leeds. They had five sons all of whom served in World War One; Leslie, Hardy, Harold, William & Gilbert. They had two daughters; Florrie & Carrie, who married George Henry Bower who also served in the war.
In 1891 Kirk and his family lived in Headingly Cum Burley, by 1901 they had moved to 25 Jane Street in Saltaire. Kirk died in 1903; his widow, Sarah, died in the same house in 1923.

 

Wilkinson Smith was the son of John Smith. John was born c1825 in Shipley. He married Mary, (date and her maiden name unknown). 

Wilkinson, the third of six children, was born 1855 in Bingley. In 1861 the family were living in a temporary hut in Barden in North Yorkshire. John was working as a carter at a public works. In 1871 they were living at 32 Albert Street in Shipley with John working as a farm labourer and Wilkinson as a yarn scourer. Wilkinson was a scourer all his working life.

Wilkinson married Elizabeth Atkinson 28 November 1874 at Bradford Cathedral. They had seven children, two of whom died in infancy; Fred (b1876), Henry (1879 - 1920), Mary (b1881), Harold (1890 - 1933) and May (1892 - 1916).

In 1881 Wilkinson and his family were living at 18 Queen Street in Shipley. By 1887 they had moved to Saltaire living at 16 Albert Road (renumbered 31); 24 Jane Street from 1897 to 1901; 14 George Street from 1901 to 1905; then from 1905 at 10 Jane Street.

Wilkinson died in February 1914 and he was buried 25 February 1914 in Hirst Wood Cemetery.

His wife, Elizabeth, was buried alongside him 6 June 1918. Their children; May, Henry and Harold were buried with them.

 

Snailham, Christopher
27 January 1884 – 17 August 1965

Christopher Snailham was the son of William Snailham. William was born c1853 in Preston. He married Jane Hall in 1874 in Preston. They had eight children, but four died as infants. The family lived in Bolton where William was a sheet metal worker.

Christopher was born 27 January 1884 in Bolton. In 1901 & 1911 he was working as a library assistant.

Christopher married Marvel Wilson 9 November 1911 in Bolton. They had a daughter, Constance, born 29 August 1912.

Christopher served his country in WW1 when he was general secretary of the Bradford Church Institute.

Report from the Yorkshire Post 24 July 1924: -

Mr. Christopher Snailham. secretary and librarian to the Church Institute, Bradford, has been appointed chief librarian and manager of the Saltaire Institute.

Report from the Shipley Times 13 January 1943: -

An interesting address dealing with the importance of sea and air power was given in connection with the War To-day series, by Sir Archibald Southby, M.P. for Epsom, at the Shipley Town Hall on Friday evening.

The meeting, held under the auspices of the Shipley District Ministry of Information Committee, was the first organised by Mr. C. Snailham, who has been appointed to succeed Mr. Arthur Turner, who has joined the R.A.F., as secretary.

I congratulate Mr. Snailham on his organising abilities in making such satisfactory arrangements for the meeting.

Christopher and his family lived at 5 Albert Road in Saltaire from 1931 to 1948.

Report from the Shipley Times 1 December 1948: -

Mr Douglas W Prescott, of Leicester, has been appointed Librarian to succeed Mr C. Snailham. mho is to retire towards the end of January. Mr Prescott is to take up duties at Shipley on January 1.

Excerpts from a Report in the Shipley Times 26 January 1949: -

TRIBUTE TO SHIPLEY’S RETIRING LIBRARIAN

TO-MORROW Mr. C. Snailham, Chief Librarian Shipley Public Libraries, will relinquish his post for a well-deserved period of retirement after 50 years of public service.

He served his apprenticeship to the library profession at Bolton, under the eagle eve of a Victorian disciplinarian, Archibald Spark, and finally left Bolton after the first world war to become librarian and secretary to the Church House, Bradford; relinquishing this post to become Chief Librarian at Shipley.

His period of office at Shipley has seen many changes, notable among them the reorganisation of the Carnegie Branch Library at Windhill.

The success of this venture was assured by the financial aid, he secured from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trustees. Complete internal reconstruction produced a modern, efficient library service, for both children and adults, with special consideration to provision of reference books and desks in quiet surround where school children may actively pursue their home studies. The branch offered a full-time service under a trained branch-librarian and with trained staff.

During the last war, Mr Snailham was kept very busy organising the British Restaurant in the Saltaire Institute basement; which task he assumed in spite of his additional duties as librarian and manager of the Institute, and with outstanding success, showing a profit instead of the usual loss which we have come to associate with these institutions.

Little has been mentioned of Mr Snailham’s capable management of the Saltaire Institute, though anyone familiar with the numerous social events filling the annual programme of the Institute cannot fail to appreciate how much the smooth flow of social enjoyment is dependent on the efficient managerial, but paternal, supervision accorded to all by Mr Snailham, from Conversazioni to smaller dances and parties of local societies or families.

In 1949 Christopher and his wife were living at 30 Bank Rise in Baildon, moving to 74 Baildon Road, where they were still living in 1960.

Christopher died 17 August 1965 at 2 Netherhall Park in Baildon. In his will he left £254 to his widow, Marvel. She died in 1978.

Snowden, Benjamin
15 Jan 1847 - ????

Benjamin Snowden was the son of William Snowden. William was born c1803 in Foulsham, Norfolk. He married Mary Ann Baldrey 29 April 1834 in Southwold, Suffolk.

Benjamin was born, 15 January 1847, in Norwich. The family lived in Norwich where William was a shoemaker; Benjamin was working as a shoemaker by 1871.

Benjamin married Rebecca Rent Green 14 September 1874 in Norfolk. They had two daughters. By 1881 they were living at 42 Ada Street in Saltaire.

Report from the Shipley Times Saturday 26 August 1882: -

Another Unhappy Couple at Saltaire.

At the West Riding Police Court, Bradford, on Monday last, Benjamin Snowden, described as a shoemaker living in Ada Street, Saltaire, was brought up charged with assaulting his wife, Rebecca Snowden, on the 16th of August, and also threatening his son-in-law, Arthur Green, on the same date

lt appears from the evidence, that the first complainant and defendant have been married eight or nine years, and during the last five or six years the defendant has been in the habit of ill-using his wife.

The assault complained of consisted of the entering the house on the 16th inst., and without any provocation striking his wife a violent blow in the face. The wife stated that her husband had taken his money home regularly, and she did not want to imprison him. She merely wanted to live comfortably and have peace.

The complainant Arthur Green, who lives with his mother and step-father, complained that when he got up to assist his mother, the defendant threatened to screw his neck round. He had said similar things to him many a time before. He had done the same sort of thing on the Saturday when the Prince of Wales was in the district, and he (Green) took up the poker and struck the defendant on the head with it, in defence of his mother.

The case was dismissed.

Alice Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin, died 16 December 1882 aged just five.  In 1891 Benjamin was not living with his family, he was living in the boarding house in Norwich.

 

Speak, Savannah Johnson
4 September 1868 – 29 December 1929

Savannah Johnson Speak was the son of Savannah Speak. Savannah snr. was born 11 August 1832 in Sowerby. He married Annie Speight 17 December 1859 at St Peter’s, Birstall. They had five children. In 1861 the family were living at 1a Caroline Street in Saltaire. Savannah snr. worked as a warp dresser

Savannah, their third child, was born 4 September 1868 in Saltaire. In 1871 & 1881 the family were living at 41 Caroline Street.

Extract from a report from the Shipley Times 17 January 1880: -

SALT SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Governors of the Salt Schools have during the past week offered for competition, under Clause 24 of the Deed of Endowment of the Schools, four free scholarships tenable for three years each in the High Schools. Two of the scholarships were offered to boys and two to girls. The competitive examination was held on Monday evening last, and was conducted by Mr. Joseph Taylor, superintendent of the Bradford Board Schools. It comprised the subjects of reading, writing, arithmetic, dictation, English grammar, and geography. Ten boys and one girl (all scholars of the Central Board School) entered, and the result, as declared by the Examiner, is as follows, the highest number of marks obtainable being 190:

Savannah Johnson Speak, Saltaire .. 175 (first)

Speak is only eleven years of age and has been a scholar of the Central School from its commencement as a temporary school in the Gymnasium of the Institute on 5 April 1875.

Extract from a report in the Shipley Times Saturday 19 May 1883: -

The Yorkshire College Scholarships.

At the meeting of the council held at Leeds on Wednesday (17 May), the following were elected to scholarships tenable the Yorkshire College from next October: —

Science scholarships, each tenable for two years— Entrance: Savannah Johnson Speak, Salt Schools, Shipley, Akroyd Scholarship of £25.

In June 1884 in the Junior class of the Yorkshire College Savannah was awarded George Ward prize and was placed first in mathematics. In July 1885 he was second in the second year Physics course. In June 1886 in the Physics third year course he was placed second. In October 1887 he was awarded a Royal Scholarship at South Kensington.

On leaving South Kensington College Savannah studied at the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London.

He worked in Transvaal in 1890 and in German South West Africa in 1891. He was lecturer in metallurgy at the University of Sydney from 1892 to 1894. He was a metallurgist at the Geldenhuis Deep Gold Mine, Johannesburg, in 1895-97 and worked in the Dutch East Indies 1898-99. He also worked in West Africa, Celebes, Korea, British Columbia, Siberia, Argentina, and Northern Rhodesia.

From 1905, he was a consulting engineer, practicing from London Wall Buildings, and became a partner in the firm of Hooper, Speak & Co. He was president of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy from 1922-23.

Savannah married Ethel Maud Griffiths 12 December 1908 at All Souls, Langham Place, Westminster, London. They adopted a daughter, Gwendoline, who was born, 13 April 1916, in Ireland.

In the 1920s, Savannah lived at Monkenhurst, New Barnet, on the edge of Monken Hadley Common. He died on 29 December 1929 at Dixton, Hadley Common, leaving an estate of £14,439. His executors were Ethel Maud Speak, widow, and William Henry Speak, merchant. Ethel died 24 July 1963 at Bradley Court Nursing Home, Mitcheldean, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Gwendoline, who was a spinster and pianist, died in 2013 in Croydon, Surrey.

 

William Stirk was the son of William Stirk (Snr).
William (snr) was born c1816 in Eldwick. He married Martha Bland 9 July 1837 in Otley.

William, the fourth of seven children, was born c1848 in Baildon. In 1851 the family were living in Baildon with William (snr) working as a woolcomber. By 1861 they had moved to Shipley with William (snr) working as a worsted spinner. In 1871 they were living at 34 Albert Road (renumbered now 67) in Saltaire with William (snr) working as a wool dyer and William as a weaver. In 1881 they were at 27 Earle Street in Shipley with William (Snr) working as a yeast dealer and William as an overlooker.

William (snr) died 8 November 1885 and was buried in St Pauls Churchyard in Shipley. His wife, Martha, died 27 February 1888 and was buried alongside him. Four of their children were buried with them:-
Mercy (1850 - 21 February 1877)
Hannah (1852 - 8 April 1876)
Mary Ann (1855 - 1 March 1875)
Sam (1856 - 8 November 1867)

William, living at Croft Street in Shipley, married Sarah Stancliffe, a weaver living at Victoria Road in Saltaire, 20 February 1886 at Bradford Cathedral. They had one child, a daughter, Martha Elizabeth, born in 1887. The family lived in Saltaire all their lives. In 1889 they were at 6 Amelia Street, moving to 9 Edward Street. In 1903 they moved to 25 Dove Street.

William died 30 September 1915 and he was buried at Nab Wood Shipley. Sarah died 15 April 1930 and was buried alongside William. Their daughter, Martha, married Charles Houlden in 1918. They lived at 2 Myrtle Place in Saltaire. Martha died 10 April 1951 and was buried with her parents.

 

Storey, Thomas Sadler
1 November 1856 – 7 September 1932

Thomas Saddler Storey was the son of William Storey. William was born 23 February 1817. He married Ann Sadler 22 September 1849 in Northallerton. They had 10 children.

Thomas, their fourth child, was born 1 November 1856 in Northallerton. In 1861 the family were living in Northallerton where William was a fruitier master.

Thomas married Sarah Ann Broadley, 3 January 1880, at St John the Baptist, Halifax. They had seven children, including: -

Louisa, born in 1880 – she married the undertaker Joseph Dibb.
Ada born in 1882 – she died in 1888 aged just six.
Gertrude, born in 1885 – she married John Watmough.
Elizabeth, born in 1887 – she married John Leahy.
Wilton, born 5 October 1889 – he worked in Saltaire Mills.
Lionel, born in 1897 – he served in WW1.

In 1881 & 1891 the family were living in Norwood Green, Hipperholme cum Brighouse with Thomas working as a nursery gardener.

Death Notice in the Brighouse News 25 August 1888: -

STOREY – 23 August, aged 6 years, Ada, daughter of Thomas Sadler Storey, cart driver, Granny Hall, Brighouse.

In 1901 the family were living at 5 Amelia Street in Saltaire. By 1906 they had moved within Saltaire to 49 George Street. They moved to 24 Alexandra Road, Shipley, around 1925.

Report from the Shipley Times 11 January 1930: -

GOLDEN WEDDING.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Storey, of 24 Alexandra Road, Shipley, celebrated their golden wedding on Friday of last week, having been married Halifax Parish Church on 3 January 1870. Mr. Storey, who is a native of Northallerton, is 73 years of age, and Mrs. Storey who was born in Norwood Green, near Bradford, is 70 years of age. They have lived in Shipley for over thirty years. For several years Mr. Storey was in the employ of Mr. William Kershaw, nurseryman, but retired from work last year.

They have had seven children, five of whom survive (two sons and three daughters). One son is in Canada, and the other is in Poland. Their eldest daughter is Mrs. Joseph Dibb, of Cottingley, formerly of Shipley, and the other daughters are Mrs. John Watmough, of Saltaire, and Mrs. John Leahy, of Cottingley. There are eight grandchildren.

The happy event was celebrated by a family gathering at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Storey last week-end.

Thomas died 7 September 1932, following an accident on 27 August 1932.

Report from the Shipley Times 8 October: -

Mr. Thomas Sadler Storey, a retired gardener, of The Bungalows, Cottingley, who was fatally injured at Shipley on 27 August, was heard at Bradford West Riding Court on Monday, when Peter Gilbey, aged 20, a machine minder, of James Street, Valley Road, Shipley, was summoned for driving a motorcycle in manner dangerous to the public, and also for driving a motorcycle without due care and attention. Defendant pleaded ‘‘Not guilty” to both summonses.

Mr. R. C. Linney, of the County Solicitors’ Department, Wakefield, prosecuting, said that the evening of 27 August, a tramcar was proceeding along Bradford Road, Shipley, in the direction of Bradford. The tram stopped at a recognised stopping place at the corner of St. Paul’s' Road and Bradford Road, Shipley. Thomas Storey alighted, and was walking to the pavement, distance of some 15ft. The defendant, who was driving his motor-cycle in the same direction towards Bradford, passed the tramcar while it was stationary, and, in so doing, struck the old gentleman, the front of the machine catching him in the middle of the body. He was lifted and thrown against tram standard on the side of the road. He was taken to hospital, where he subsequently died from his injuries. Mr. Linney said it would be unfair to the defendant if he were to lay undue stress upon the fact that Storey had died. It was some indication of the force with which he was struck at the time.

The defendant, in evidence, said he saw the tram 20 yards ahead, and changed from second gear to low, when he would be travelling at nine to ten miles hour. He saw no one alighting from or boarding the tramcar, and after blowing his horn went to pass the tram. When he was about two yards from it, the man appeared in front of him and was struck. Defendant said he did not know where he came from and he did not see him get off the tram. He reported the accident to the police.

After a short retirement, Sir John Mowat (chairman) said it was clear that the defendant had not driven with due care and attention. He would be fined £5 and £1 Is. fid. costs. For not having signed his driving licence, there would be a fine of 10s. 

Thomas was buried 10 September 1932 at Nab Woods Cemetery, Shipley.

Report from the Shipley Times 17 September: -

The funeral took place, at Nab Wood Cemetery, Shipley, on Saturday 10 September of Thomas Sadler Storey of 5 The Bungalows, Cottingley.

Mr. Storey, who was fatally injured by a motor-cycle on Saturday, 27 August, was a well-known and highly respected resident in Shipley, for several years, and for over thirty years he was employed as a gardener by Mr. William Kershaw, The Nurseries, Saltaire.

The Rev. J. Alexander Booth (Pastor, Saltaire Congregational Church) officiated.

The family mourners were Mrs. Storey (widow). Mr. and Mrs, Joseph Dibb (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. John Watmough (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. John Leahy (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Wilton Storey (son and daughter-in-law). Miss L. Storey, of Leeds (sister), Mr. A. Booth, Mr. and Mrs. L. Booth. Mrs. Lund (Brighouse), Mrs. Marsden. Bingley (nephews and nieces), Marjorie G. Gibb, John Leahy, Muriel Storey, Margo Watmough, and Audrey Watmough (grandchildren).

Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. Hollingworth, Mrs. Houlden, and Mrs. Priestley. Mr. W. Smith (representing Messrs. Walton, Ward and Co., Baildon Bridge), Mr. Thorpe (representing Mr. William Kershaw, The Nurseries, Saltaire), Miss W. Scott, Mr. W. Lee, Mr. E. Farrar (Norwood Green), Mr. Peter Gilbey.

The bearers, who were employees of Mr. Joseph Dibb, were Messrs. M. Lapish, J. Rowlands, A. Belton. M. Mayfield, W. Sletts, H. Boothroyd, and C. Smith.

The funeral arrangements were carried out under the personal supervision of Mr. Jesse Sykes (acting on behalf Mr. Dibb).

His widow, Sarah Ann, was buried with him, when she died 19 April 1933.

 

Summerhill, William
c1874 – 1916

William Summerhill was born in c1874 in Birmingham, Warwickshire. He married Susannah Woodward 12 July 1902 in Bingley. They had one child who sadly died as an infant. By 1906 they were living at 19 Amelia Street, Saltaire.

Report in the Shipley Times 28 May 1909: -

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT SAILTAIRE.

On Saturday (22 May) morning a serious accident occurred at Saltaire to William Summerhill, of 19 Amelia Street, Saltaire. Summerhill, who is a married man, was engaged in cleaning windows on the third storey of a house occupied by Mrs. Sharpe, 10 Albert Terrace. In order to reach the windows he had reared a ladder against the wall, and it was through the upsetting of this that the accident happened.
A horse attached to a milk-float belonging to Mr. Sam Whitfield, 57 George Street, was proceeding along the narrow street, and collided with the foot of the ladder, with the result that the unfortunate man was hurled to the ground from a height between thirty and forty feet. His head struck the edge the causeway, and when he was picked up by Mrs. Sharpe and Mrs. Bishop he was found to be unconscious. The right side of his head was shockingly cut and bruised, and blood flowed profusely. Blood was also issuing from his ears. Dr. Thornton found that the man had sustained a fractured skull.
Summerhill was afterwards conveyed in the horse ambulance to the Bradford Royal Infirmary. He had only been given temporary employment as a window cleaner.
Summerhill has regained consciousness during the last day or two and is now very comfortable.

In 1911 William and Susannah, were living at 14 Ada Street, Saltaire. He was a iron foundry labourer; she was a wool comber.

William died in 1916.

 

Swaine, Allen
26 February 1894 – 12 April 1960

Allen Swaine was the son of Joe C. Swaine. Joe was born c1869 in Wakefield. He married Mary Ellen Totty, 4 April 1893, at St. Mary Magdalene’s in Outwood, near Wakefield.

Allen, their only child, was born 26 February 1894 in Stanley, near Wakefield. His mother died in 1895. Widower Joe married Emily Jane Calvert, 27 October 1896, at St. Anne’s in Wrenthorpe, near Wakefield. They had two children. They lived in Outwood, where Joe was a grocer and off-licensee. In 1911 Allen was a pawnbroker’s assistant.

Allen married widow Florence Oxley (nee Newsome) 24 July 1926 at St. John’s, Wakefield. She was 13 years older than Allen. From before 1939 to their deaths they lived at 14 Albert Terrace, Saltaire. In 1939 Allen was working as a wool warehouseman.

Florence died 11 April 1950 at 14 Albert Terrace. She was buried at St. Paul’s, Alverthorpe, Wakefield. In her will she left Allen £451 18s 10d.

Allen died 12 April 1960, 10 years to the day after his wife died.

Report in Shipley Times 22 June 1960: -

FOUND IN GAS FILLED KITCHEN

A verdict “that he died of coal gas poisoning self-administered, there being not sufficient evidence to determine the state of his mind at the time,” was recorded by the District Coroner, Mr. S. E. Brown, at the resumed inquest at Shipley Town Hall today on Allan Swaine (66), boiler maintenance man, 14 Albert Terrace, Saltaire, who was found in the gas-filled kitchen of his home on 12 April.
Mrs. Maude Creasey, of Britannia Street, Shipley, said Swaine was her brother-in-law and lived alone. He had not worked since last February after having a slight stroke. He had been worried about the stroke and the possibility of having another one.
His neighbour, Mrs. Nora Riley, Edward Street, Saltaire, said on 11 April she arrived home at 10 p.m. and noticed a smell of gas which she and other neighbours thought came from the street. The next morning the smell had disappeared.
Dr. John D. Bates (pathologist) said cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mr. Wilfred Steel, Woodlands Estate, Oakworth, Keighley, laundry delivery man, said he called at Swaine’s home to deliver the laundry on 12 April, and he found him lying on the kitchen floor with a blanket over his head. There was a strong smell of gas.

Allen was buried with his wife at Alverthorpe. In his will he left £1505 9s 7d to Fred Goodall Swaine, a joiner. Fred was a younger brother of Allen.