George and Henry Leadbeater

Three generations of Leadbeaters served as master plasterers in Rotherham in the nineteenth

and early twentieth century’s. Living at No 8 Bridgegate in 1841 was George Leadbeater,

born in 1806, with a wife and four children: Henry 1832; Elizabeth 1834; George 1835;

Charles 1837. George was in business on Bridgegate as early as 1833, though by 1859 he

was renting premises on Greasbrough Road whilst still living on Bridgegate. After the death

of his first wife, George remarried and retired to live in Bolton on Dearne. After his death his

widow, Emma, returned to New Zealand Yard, to live with her stepson, Henry. He was

continuing to run the plastering business which now employed ten men and two boys. Emma

was described as living on the income from houses. Another stepson, Charles, worked in the

family business, owning houses in Kimberworth and living at No 9 Clifton Lane in 1901. A

third stepson, James became a watch maker and later an optician on Frederick Street, with,

according George Gummer, some connections back to the family business:

Referring, some time ago, to the older tradesmen who frequented the White Hart and other

hostelries, I said there was no club where they could foregather. I over looked a small and

select Bohemian club known by the name of The Charmian, which had its home in a room in

Frederick street behind the shop of Mr. James Leadbeater, the optician.

To enter this room, which had formerly been used as a store for hair required in the business

of plastering, we were compelled to thread our way down a dark passage and climb a steep

ladder, on which, if you were not careful, were liable to meet disaster.

The leading spirit of the interesting coterie gathered there was, of course, Mr. James

Leadbeater. I have heard many intellectual and interesting discussions amongst the few

members who assembled. We had, of course, billiards, cards, and refreshments, to which we

helped ourselves and placed payment in a box fastened to the wall.

Occasionally, Mr. James Leadbeater gave displays with his magic lantern, the subjects often

being lightning effects. Many of these afterwards appeared in the Strand and Pearson’s

magazines, Mr. Leadbeater being considered in the front rank in this particular form of

photography. From the small beginning of Mr. Leadbeater in his optician business in

Frederick street has sprung the well-known firm of Leadbeater and Peters, Ltd.

A Retrospect of over 60 years, by Alderman George Gummer, J.P., 1927

According to the census returns, Alfred Peters was a nephew, coming from the same town in

Wales as James’ wife, Sarah. Alfred was an ophthalmic optician, lodging with his aunt and

uncle in 1891 and 1901.

The plastering business was carried on into the twentieth century by Fred Leadbeater, son of

Henry. It was still based in New Zealand Yard. Fred died in 1936 and was buried in

Moorgate Cemetery with his wife, Laura.

Henry Leadbeater’s toppled monument in Moorgate Cemetery

New Zealand, Bridgegate, where the Leadbeater’plastering business was based

nry Leadbeater’s toppled monument in Moorgate Cemetery

New Zealand, Bridgegate, where the Leadbeater’plastering business was basedNew Zealand, Bridgegate, where the Leadbeater’plastering business was based

Henry Leadbeater and his wife were living at The Alders on Aldred Street in 1901.

Charles Leadbeater was living at 9 Clifton Lane in 1901. His son, Herbert, was a civil

engineer.

Henry Leadbeater and his wife were living at The Alders on Aldred Street in 1901.

was living at 9 Clifton Lane in 1901. His son, Herbert, was a civil

Henry Leadbeater and his wife were living at The Alders on Aldred Street in 1901.

was living at 9 Clifton Lane in 1901. His son, Herbert, was a civil