Henry Boot PLC: changing the face of Sheffield since the 19th century

28th April 2020

From banks to breweries, hotels to Methodist churches and everything in between: Sheffield-based Henry Boot PLC has changed the face of much of its home city as it approaches its 135th birthday.

From banks to breweries, hotels to Methodist churches and everything in between: Sheffield-based Henry Boot PLC has changed the face of much of its home city as it approaches its 135th birthday.

The company, established in 1886, has been operating for well over a century – a notable achievement for any business. And, in celebration, it has shared a selection of nostalgic pictures from its illustrious past, among them several throwbacks to the reigns of Edward VII and George V.

Despite the heritage of its Banner Cross Hall headquarters, Henry Boot’s current base is not its original home – that could be found on Moore Street in Sheffield city centre.

In the city itself, the company headed up the notable Cavendish Buildings development on West Street, 1907-1919. The site was originally a garage and showrooms for the Sheffield Motor Company Ltd, with billiard saloons found on the upper floors.

Other developments pictured include Barclays Bank, Fitzallen Square; the Queen Adelaide Hotel near Bramall Lane (1912); and two picture houses: The Star Picture House (c. 1912-15) and Greystones Picture Palace (1916).

Outside the city centre boundaries, Henry Boot was also behind places of worship such as the Perpendicular Revival style Firth Park Methodist Church (1911) and Neoclassical Wilson Road Synagogue near Ecclesall Road (1936).

Later in the 20th century came the transformation of Barnsley Brewery (1970), which incidentally is located a stone’s throw from one of the newest sites – the forthcoming Barnsley Glass Works retail and leisure project.

For more information on Henry Boot’s history, visit http://www.henryboot.co.uk/about-us/our-history/.