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Home » Yeadon » Businesses Yeadon » Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1860 – 1970s (1)

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1860 – 1970s (1)

Wm. Brayshaw 1886

Images of Wm. Brayshaw’s family c1886, Please – Click Here.

Title Wm. Brayshaw & Sons
Date 1886
Location Yeadon
Photo ID V887
Comment A photograph of Wm. Brayshaw taken in 1886, aged 46 years. The company began as a blacksmiths and wheelwrights in the late 19th century, by 1889 they were making wagons for Romany and show (fairground) people. It was their boast that everything but the wheels and tyres were made by them at their works in Marshall Street, Yeadon. In 1930 the average cost of a new wagon was £300-£400, the more decorative and superior models could cost up to £1,000. Brayshaw’s only worked for showmen (fairground men), the last models they produced had showers, cocktail cabinets, fridges and other luxury fittings. Image donated by Jack Brayshaw – Great Grandson.
Mr & Mrs Bert Holland 1906

E104 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, 1906.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – 1906

Showman’s van built for Mr and Mrs Bert Holland of Swadlingcote in Derbyshire, presumably the couple standing inside. This van was built by William Brayshaw & Sons of Yeadon. Workmen appear to be painting the exterior which is opulently finished, the side in view has two large religious paintings. A second van with similar front decoration is parked alongside.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons c1925 Dora Preston

V882 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1925.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – c1925

Dora Preston, youngest daughter of Edmund and Carrie Preston (nee Brayshaw) taken at the Brayshaw’s joinery yard, Back Lane, off Marshall Street, Yeadon, c1925.

Donated by Jack Brayshaw.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons c1925 Mary Preston

V883 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1925.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – c1925

Mary Preston, oldest daughter of Edmund and Carrie Preston (nee Brayshaw) and an unknown woman, possibly a traveller, taken at the Brayshaw’s joinery yard, Back Lane, off Marshall Street, Yeadon, c 1925.

Donated by Jack Brayshaw.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons c1925 staff and Dora Preston

V884 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1925.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – c1925

First right is Dora Preston, together with unnamed members of the Brayshaw family and staff taken at the Brayshaw’s joinery yard, Back Lane, off Marshall Street, Yeadon, c 1925.

Donated by Jack Brayshaw.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons c1925 family & Staff

V885 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, c1925.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – c1925

Unnamed members of the Brayshaw family and staff taken at the Brayshaw’s joinery yard, Back Lane, off Marshall Street, Yeadon, c 1925.

Donated by Jack Brayshaw.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated family and staff

E103 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Wm. Brayshaw third from the right and his son Alfred Brayshaw fourth from the right, with members of their staff outside the firms blacksmiths shop on Marshall Street.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated Alfred Brayshaw

H04 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Alfred Brayshaw at work in the forge at the works on Marshall Street.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

J34 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Stood in front of a Brayshaw caravan,  Brayshaw’s staff, Fred Shaw and N Smith along with Alfred R Brayshaw.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

J35 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Six people stood in front of another Brayshaw caravan, we have three names supplied –
George Smith, Polly Turner and Fred Turner.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

E101 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

This horse-drawn showman’s van was built and renovated by Brayshaw’s at their works on Marshall Street.
The front has decorative panels, etched glass in the door and the name P Johnson painted on it.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

H01 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Caravan built by Brayshaw’s, it was a 12ft van with a 6ft extending kitchen.
A toddler is on the steps, “A Silcock” is painted on the door.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

H02 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

A type ‘C’ caravan or showman’s wagon, elaborately decorated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

H03 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

A type ‘A/1’ caravan built by Brayshaw’s, on the left is a fire-place with decorative surround.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons Undated

E102 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, Undated.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – Undated

Inside an early horse-drawn showman’s van or living wagon. This photo was taken after it had been renovated by Brayshaw’s. The woodwork is finished with intricate painted designs which are echoed by the designs on the glass panels.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons 1935

E105 – Wm. Brayshaw & Sons, 1935.

Wm. Brayshaw & Sons – 1935

Brayshaw family members and staff with a showman’s van at their works on Marshall Street.

The company were renowned for manufacturing luxurious living wagons or vans for travelling showmen.

Previous Comments:

Re E105
Davbuzz
I recognise the chap sat in the doorway as Leslie Brayshaw, is the little girl his daughter Rosie? She was born in 1935, so that would seem to fit.
03 May 2013.

Re E105
adminch05
Comments from Alfred Brayshaw: “The little girl is my sister, my father is sat down. The man in the middle is Robbie Preston, The man second from right is Tom Raines.

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Consolidated by Elaine Ellwood. 09 December 2021.
Last updated: 17 January 2023 – All images reviewed.

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