Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw

According to William Cudworth, author of Round About Bradford, the Richardson's Arms was built in the late 1850s. No doubt named after the historic Richardson family from nearby Bierley Hall.

7 Apr 1861 - Census entry - Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw.
Robinson DRIVER  Head  M  29  Innkeeper & farmer 30 acres emp 1m  Thornton

Emma DRIVER  Wife  M  35  Clayton

Sybel DRIVER  Dau  1  Oakenshaw

Joseph DOBSON  Serv  U  42  Ag lab  Thornton
Louisa SHAW  Serv  U  24  House servant  Low Moor 

23 Jun 1862 - Court Case - Robinson Driver, innkeeper, was found guilty of an indecent assault upon one of his employees. His wife was also charged with assaulting the same person. Both were fined £2 with costs.

25 Sep 1862 - Brewster Sessions - Licence renewed for the Richardson's Arms, applicant recorded as Robinson Driver.

2 Apr 1871 - Census entry - Richardson's Arms, Wyke Lane.
Emma DRIVER  Head  M  45  Innkeeper & farmer of 28 acres  Clayton
Sybil C DRIVER  Dau  11  Scholar  Oakenshaw
Jonas DRIVER  Son  9  Scholar
Elizabeth INGLESTON  Serv  U  25  General domestic  Burley

Landlady recorded as Emma Driver & family. She is also a farmer of 28 acres.

16 Jul 1878 - Court Case - Two men were found guilty of being drunk and assaulting the landlord, Robinson Driver, at the Richardson's Arms.

3 Apr 1881 - Census entry - Richardson's Arms, Cleckheaton Road.
Robinson DRIVER  Head  M  49  Farmer 67 acres emp 2m & innkeeper  Thornton
Emma DRIVER  Wife  M  60  Clayton
Jonas DRIVER  Son  U  19  Farmer's son  Oakenshaw

5 Apr 1891 - Census entry - Richardson's Arms, Cleckheaton Road.
Charles THORNTON  Head  M  46  Publican  Cringles
Sarah THORNTON  Wife  M  48  Assistant publican  Bowling
Evina THORNTON  Dau  S  22  Assistant publican  Beeston
Ana THORNTON  Dau  14  Assistant publican

Oct 1896 - Brewery - Acquired by Ilkley Brewery & Aerated Water Co.

8 Apr 1897 - Licence transfer. Richardson's Arms. To Seth Priestley, who stated that for 20 years he had been a blacksmith and the last few years pianist at the Granby Hotel, Cleckheaton.

May 1898 - Brewery - Acquired by Richard Whitaker & Sons.

31 Mar 1901 - Census - Richardson's Arms, Bradford Road. Landlord recorded as Seth Priestley & family. He was also a porter at a mineral water works.

2 Apr 1911 - Census - Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw. Landlord recorded as Henry Stephen Pearson & family.

1920 - Electoral Register - Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw. Occupants recorded as James, John & Martha Ann Sykes.

19 Jun 1921 - Census entry - Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw (10 rooms)
James SYKES  Head  M  65y 3m, Halifax,  Licensed victualler (OA)
Martha Ann SYKES  Wife  M  62y 8m, Lea Mills, Dbys,  Home duties
John SYKES  Serv  U  55y 8m, Halifax,  Barman for head
Lily Ann BIRKS  Serv  U  26y, Alfreton, Dbys,  Domestic (P)

1925 - Electoral Register - Richardson's Arms, Oakenshaw. Occupants recorded as James, John & Martha Ann Sykes.

1930 - Electoral Register - Richardson's Arms, Bradford Road. Occupants recorded as Joseph Samuel, Annie & Lena Thompson (previously at the George in Cleckheaton). Also resident is Alexander Miller Fenton.

1935 - Electoral Register - Richardson's Arms, Bradford Road. Occupants recorded as Tom Herbert & Florrie Hodgson and Maud Barraclough.

29 Sep 1939 - 1939 Register entry - Richardsons Arms Inn, Oakenshaw
Tom H HODGSON  b. 18 Feb 1882  M  Licensed victualler
Florrie HODGSON  b. 29 Sep 1887  M  Unpaid domestic duties
Harry HODGSON  b. 20 Mar 1915  S  Works chemist, chemical works
Alice HODGSON  b. 30 Sep 1921  S  Unpaid domestic duties (later married name FOWLER)
Dennis P HODGSON  b. 8 Feb 1925  S  Ap dyer
Margaret A HODGSON  b. 1 Nov 1926  At school (later married name NUDDS)
Maud BARRACLOUGH  b. 10 Aug 1877  W  Unpaid domestic duties

1940 - Electoral Register - Richardson's Arms, 684 Bradford Road. Occupants recorded as Tom Herbert, Florrie, Harold Edward & Harry Hodgson and Maud Barraclough.