Martha M. Clough
General Service and Donor
Martha Mitchell Hattersley was born on 27th June 1862 and baptised 31st August that year at St. Andrew’s Church in Keighley. Her parents were Richard Longden and Annie Hattersley nee Smith of South Street. Richard had taken over the family owned textile machinery manufacturing firm, then known as George Hattersley and Sons, from his father George. Martha was the youngest of Richard and Annie’s eight daughters.
Baptism record of Martha Mitchell Hattersley
In 1871 the family lived at Springfield, Skipton Road. Richard was described as a machine maker employing 212 men. The family remained at this address in 1881, however Martha was a pupil at Catharine Lodge Ladies School, Trafalgar Square, Brompton (part of the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea). Richard’s firm now employed 320 men and 74 boys.
I have not been able to locate Martha on the 1891 census, though she married in the second quarter of that year to Samuel Clough. They had three children – Samuel Hattersley (1893-1974), Edwin Hattersley (1897-1897) and Dorothy Hattersley (1900-1981).
In 1901 the family lived at Barrows House, Steeton. Samuel was described as a worsted spinner and manufacturer. A cook and nurse housemaid also lived at this address. In 1904 Samuel purchased Steeton Hall. He served for four years as President of Keighley’s Chamber of Commerce and was the town’s Mayor from 1910-1912.
Photo of Samuel Clough taken from a Keighley News publication celebrating the Keighley Borough Jubilee printed on 10 September 1932
In 1911 Samuel, Martha and Dorothy were living at Steeton Hall, Samuel was now described as ‘Stuff manufacturer of dress goods’. Four staff lived with them – a governess from Germany and three housemaids.
Martha worked as a VAD during the war in general service and is also described as a donor, Samuel’s VAD record has him undertaking convoy and hospital work. In addition, he spent a long period as Chief Superintendent of the Keighley Corps of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade.
Their son Samuel served as a Captain with 1/6th West Riding Regiment during the First World War, earning the Victory, British War, Star and Silver War Medals.
In 1919 Samuel donated the War Memorial and Memorial Garden in Steeton, on what had been the drive of Steeton Hall. When Samuel Clough died in 1935 he left £1,000 for the continuing upkeep of the war memorial & gardens. During the Second World War an air-raid shelter was constructed in the memorial gardens, and in 1948 a further plaque was unveiled on the War Memorial to commemorate the 9 men who gave their lives in the Second World War.
Steeton War Memorial
The family continued to live at Steeton Hall, though may have spent time in London as the 1928 electoral register shows Samuel and Martha registered at a property in Bassishaw, though their abode was still documented as Steeton Hall.
On the 1939 Register Martha was a widow, after Samuel had died in 1935. Dorothy remains with her mother, she did not go on to marry. There is a notation on the register for Dorothy – “ARP First Aid…. Skipton” which suggests she volunteered during the Second World War, as her parents had done in the First World War.
Martha died on 19th June 1942, leaving her son Samuel and his family, and daughter Dorothy. Dorothy remained at Steeton Hall until her death in 1981 and it left the Clough family, becoming a hotel.
Sources:
England and Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1935
England and Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915
1871 England Census
1881 England Census
1901 England Census
1911 England Census
1939 England and Wales Register
West Yorkshire, England, Electoral Registers, 1840-1962
London, England, Electoral Registers, 1832-1965
Mayor Sam Clough – King’s coronation mug on KDLHS Flickr
George Hattersley and Sons – Graces Guide
www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk
