The House of Barkworth
An Overview
The Barkworth family came from Lincolnshire (probably the villages of East and West Barkwith) and to Hessle via Lincoln, Cleethorpes Barton on Humber and Hull. John Barkworth had Tranby House built in 1806 and when the family moved in it became part of the social elite of Hessle along with other families such as the Peases of Hesslewood, the Lockes of Hessle Mount, the Coopers of Tranby Lodge and the Todds of Tranby Park. These houses were the Georgian mansions of Hessle though sadly now Tranby Lodge and Tranby Park have gone. Hesslewood, Tranby House and Hessle Mount are all Grade 2 listed buildings and still in use today.
John Barkworth moved out of Hull along with many other wealthy merchants, ship owners and bankers, in the 18th and 19th centuries, to find a new residence far enough away from the town to avoid the overcrowding and stench and filth yet close enough to commute to work. Hessle was the ideal location for Barkworth but all the towns and villages around Hull had a number of wealthy newcomers.
When the Barkworths arrived in 1806 Hessle probably had a population of around 700. Most of them worked in the local farms or at the chalk quarries on the Humber foreshore. Some worked at the haven where most of the town’s commodities were unloaded and distributed. There were several shops selling bread, meat, leather goods, clothes etc. There were also professional men such as doctors and solicitors, and artisans such as joiners, plumbers, glaziers serving the needs of the townfolk. Supplies for the house were purchased from local traders and no doubt local labour built the house. On the foreshore Barkworth & Hawkes built a shipyard to provide more employment for local men. Thus they supported the local community in a variety of ways and helped it to thrive so that by the end of the 19th century the population exceed 3,000
Having settled in the family became a vital part of the community. They would have taken on a role in the church and provided employment on the estate for a number of people, providing homes for some of their workers. There is evidence from Swanland that the Barkworth’s provided a better type house for their farm workers than other farm owners. They also played a role in providing for the poorer elements of the community. Catherine Barkworth and Evelyn carried out mission and charity work.
Many people would be required to keep the Tranby estate running smoothly. In the house there would have been a butler, a housekeeper, a cook, footmen, housemaids, laundry maids, nursemaids and governesses to look after the children. Also ladies' maids and valets, among others. Outside stable boys and grooms for the horses were needed and a coachman to drive the several coaches owned by the family (Henry Barkworth had a brougham, a phaeton and a dog cart). Gardeners and other workers were required to manage the extensive pleasure gardens and the vegetable gardens. The Barkworths had their own farm employing more hands and providing for their kitchen.
After the departure of the Barkworth family from Tranby House it has continued to serve the needs of Hessle by being used as a school and providing education for thousands of local pupils. In 2016 it is set to expand and welcome many more pupils into its environment.