Benjamin Broadbent Bradshaw

Known as Ben, he was the Sexton of Saddleworth church, born 06/04/1834 he was buried in a double plot in the new yard 29/12/1913. He lived with his family at Briggs House, located above the Cross Keys pub.

He was mentioned in the Parish Registers of St Chad, Saddleworth 1751 to 1800 (1891) edited by John Radcliffe. He served the role for up to 52 years and he was presented with a commemorative book for his 50 years served.

He is the great great Grandfather of Mr Hamer, who is locating his descendants.

Ben is buried with his wife Elizabeth buried 30/04/1880, Sarah (his 2nd wife) buried 10/09/1887, Elizabeth Pott buried 5/07/1890 and Emily Johnson buried 11/08/1893.

Reading Howcroft’s 700 year anniversary book, who records that the gravestones, made and beautifully lettered by Mr Bradshaw, specifically in regards to the grave of James Platt (ringer and gifted musician). He is also noted as having taken vestry minutes.

The late B B Bradshaw received his appointment in January 1862 of Sexton and Grave-digger in succession to John Brierley, lately deceased. He is bound to good be-haviour, or default instant dismissal … keeping out disorderly persons and dogs etc … signs with a stiff hand which in later years greatly improved …

It is also mentioned that he was proud of the Candelabra of 12 lights, a beautiful feature of the church, dated 1717 and bearing the names John Bentley and Edmund Knight, Churchwardens. It is still in place today.

There is also reference to a Bazaar at Kilngreen in 1871, where an extraordinary testimonial of respect was paid to him by an admiring public

There is also some references made to this important personage and the uniform (Livery) given to him once in two or three years by the churchwardens. Consisting of a Blue Coat and Waistcoat turned up with scarlet. Howcroft, comments further by saying for all the expense incurred there was a still leaking, decrepit, and mangled old church and an ‘exceeding magnifical’ sexton whose yearly rig-out comprised ‘Hat 17s, Tailor for clothes £1 2s 6d, cloth for trousers 9s 2d, shoes 12s, cloth £2 3s 1a. Total £5 3s 9d. Which came round as regularly as the wheel came off the hearse, the clappers fell out of the bells, and the water ran through the church roof…

I love the image of the notable four old officials,(see below) with Samuel B Brierley holding a shovel, in his role as Gravedigger. The Organist, William Holden with his music, The Clerk, James Radcliffe looking very official and finally Mr Bradshaw with the old church door key.