Joseph “George” Booth
In 1842, Joseph Booth, the servant who accompanied Ann Walker and Anne Lister on their honeymoon in 1834 and worked at Shibden Hall until 1837, wrote to Ann Walker seeking employment. Portions of that letter are included in this blog. Anne Lister had a soft spot for her servant John Booth, his family and most certainly his son Joseph. This blog will give the early history of Joseph with Anne Lister as well as Ann Walker and confirms some of what is written in his letter.
Early Years
Joseph was born to John and Mary Booth in 1817 in Halifax.1
His mother Mary died in 1825.2 Anne Lister wrote on 24 September 1825:
“very sorry to hear, on my return yesterday, that John Booth had lost his wife this day week, and that the poor woman was buried on Tuesday — I must try and do what I can for him — a more honest faithful servant does not serve every master —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/9/0021
Anne kept her word to do all that she could for her faithful servant John Booth.
Education
Knight’s Sunday School
Anne Lister had taken an interest in John’s children, their educations and future livelihoods prior to and after Mary’s death.
In 1824, when Joseph was 7 years old, Anne talked to the Knights and got him accepted into the Knight’s Sunday School.1
Mr Perrin
Anne also considered getting him into a training school for grooms with a Mr Perrin and asked Isabella Norcliffe to inquire about it for her. Anne recorded in her diary on 25 November 1825 the information Isabella shared in her letter. This was two months after Joseph’s mother’s death.
“‘I asked the question about a groom in the training stables and Perrin told me that he takes them from 11 years old to 16, provided they do not weigh above seven stone; they are fed and boarded, but find their own clothes, and pay for their washing; he allows them from 1/2 a crown to 3 shillings a week, but the former sum is the most common. He thinks he shall want some more boys soon, as he expects several more horses, and has promised to let me know’ — ….’they are better taken care of than at any of the other trainers, and are never allowed to swear, or make use of improper language’” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/9/0035
The following day, Anne wrote to Isabella about Joseph, describing the child and offering to pay the expenses.
“crossed the 1st page to IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] — Said I should like nothing better than to have the boy (John Booth’s son) with Mr. Perrin, but I feared the little fellow was too young; as I found he would only be nine the 16th of next month — thought Perrin’s terms sufficiently liberal — I should have been obliged to him to find the boy everything he wanted, and pay for his washing, and then settle with me — but, of course, all this was premature as yet — […] Cordingley brought me a letter from IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] (Langton) 2 1/4 hurried pages to say, Perrin had just been at Langton, was in want of 2 or 3 more boys, and wished to know if, and when I would send the boy, and that Perrin would not engage another till he heard from me — said that what I had written before on the subject seemed enough — that the boy was ‘mild tempered, softish and rather delicate’ but I thought the last arose from his being too much employed at a sedentary mechanic trade by which he earned his father 2/. a week — I had rather have him with Perrin, but any fear was he was too young, and Perrin would not take him —" West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/9/0035, 26 November 1825
This apparently never came to pass, most likely due to Joseph’s young age.
In 1827 while Anne was away in Paris, she wrote to Marian inquiring about John Booth and his family.
“Inquire hope Cordingley is well, and inquire after John Booth and his family”
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/10/0063, 26 February 1827
Leyland School
In 1829, Anne accompanied John Booth to a different school, the Leyland School, hoping to send Joseph, who was then 12 years old.
“off at 8 3/4 taking Jno. [John], in the gig — stopt at Leyland’s school in Ward Street — sent for Leyland to speak to me — told him I was interested about Joseph Booth (aetatis [age of] 12 last December) and should be much obliged to him to bring him forward as well as he could — he said the boy had been ill taught or left to teach himself and not taught at all — could not speak as to his talent as yet — I said, he was intended to be a gardener, and I wished him to do credit himself and his profession” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/11/0150, 13 March 1829
The Leyland School was a private school in Halifax founded by William Leyland. His son Roberts Leyland was a botanist, bookbinder, bookseller, printer and at one time was publisher of the Halifax Guardian Newspaper. Roberts had two sons, Joseph Bentley (a successful sculptor) and Francis Alexander (a chess player). Both sons were educated at their grandfather’s school.1 In 1829 Pigot’s Directory had a school listed as Leyland William & Son, Wade street. Presumably Roberts was the Mr Leyland Anne referred to in her 1829 diary entries as his father William Leyland, founder & schoolmaster died in 1826 at the age of 68.2 Francis Alexander, following in his family’s tradition, had a school listed in Pigot’s 1834 Directory as Leyland Francis, Wade st.
Joseph wrote to Anne Lister while attending Leyland and she continued to pay his tuition.3
“Read this evening and laughed over the letter of Jno’s [John] son Joseph Booth given to me on Tuesday by John Booth — pretty well spelt” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/11/0153, 19 March 1829
On 22 March 1830 Anne received a forwarded letter from John Booth written by Joseph:
“Letter this morning directed by Marian from Jno. [John] Booth (Shibden) written by his son Joseph giving a good account of all the young trees, transplanted thorns, shrubs etc. and saying what Jno. [John] has planted since my being there — very fairly spelt all things considered and ditto very fairly written — ” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/13/0016
In February 1831, Anne wrote to her sister Marian:
“If John’s son had profited from going to Mr. Leyland’s school as I hoped he had I should not begrudge one farthing of the expense”
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0023, 7 February 1831
Mr Scott’s Racing Stables
Later in 1831 Anne began correspondence with Mrs Norcliffe and Isabella to get Joseph accepted into Mr Scott’s Racing Stables.1
John Scott, an acquaintance of the Norcliffes, was a successful horse trainer who bought Whitewall House, Malton in 1825 with training stables for 100 horses. He would hire young men and trained them as grooms.
In July, Anne went so far as to visit Mr Scott, while in York, about any upcoming openings for Joseph:
“put on my habit, and off at 2 1/4 with Charlotte Norcliffe in the gig I drove drove to Malton bridge then sent Richard to the post with my letter to ‘Mrs. Lister Shibden hall Halifax’ and drove to Scott’s White Wall Corner — no vacancy at present — probably would have one in a month or 2 — in September after Doncaster races […] and would be glad to oblige Mrs. Norcliffe and take my protégé — said he was a well principled steady slim boy of 12, or 13, or 14 — could read and write and account pretty well — (John Booth’s son Joseph)” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0092, 27 July 1831
Anne continued to wait for word from Mr Scott through Mrs Norcliffe. Then in September Anne wrote directly to him:
“then wrote to (and copied) letter to Mr. Scott hoping he would have a vacancy for Joseph Booth, and I should be obliged by his taking him — to write to my aunt Mrs. Lister of Shibden hall near H-x [Halifax] who would send the boy off — ‘He is not tall, or very stout of his age, but quiet, and well principled, and obliging, ‘and will do the best he can — you will be so good as make whatever terms with him you ‘think he deserves, and I hope, will have reason to be satisfied’ —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0114, SH:7/ML/E/14/0115, 10 September 1831
By October 1831, Anne was living in Hastings with Vere Hobart and received word from Mrs Norcliffe that typhus had spread among the stable boys:
“As Mr. Scott has got the typhus fever among his stable boys, should not like to put Joseph there just now, but should be glad to know what could be done for him — gave my address 15 Pelham Crescent Hastings expecting to get there tomorrow week” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0143, 28 October 1831
Still not giving up on sending Joseph to Mr Scott, she wrote in early December:
“IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] has not written to me since I left Shibden ‘nor Mrs. Norcliffe these 6 or 7 weeks ‘I trust, however, there can be no danger in sending Joseph Booth ‘to Scott’s — Fumigation, and whitewashing, and all that could be done would be done, to get rid of ‘infection as soon as possible — what frightens me is the boy’s inflamed knee — this does not look well — I fear, poor fellow! his constitution is not good — but we must hope the best’ —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0161, 9 December 1831
Finally, Anne’s determination to get Joseph accepted by Mr Scott paid off. She wrote on 20 December 1831 that Joseph had arrived at the stables:
“Mrs. Norcliffe has made up her mind not to go to Bath, but stay at home this winter — Scott sends her word that the boy (Joseph Booth) is arrived and goes on well —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0166
In 1832, while still in Hastings, Aunt Anne Lister wrote to Anne that Joseph was in need of clothing. From Anne’s diary:
“John's son has written for a frock coat, waistcoat, smalls, and gaiters — my aunt wrote to tell Scott to get them if wanted and send the bill to her — It should be ascertained what the boy can earn, and he must work for his clothes, — and trouble his father and anybody else longer than necessary” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0028, 19 February 1832
Anne’s response to Aunt Anne:
“said that John’s son ought to be taught to feel that he had only his own exertions to depend it would not do now that he was put into a way of getting his bread to be writing home for things — my aunt had ask Scott what wages he thought it right to give him, and not pay them to the boy himself till his father was repaid for the clothes he now bought for him — had better ask Scott’s real opinion of the boy, and say that though she would do anything for him that was necessary, he must depend only on himself” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0028, 19 February 1832
Mr Scott wrote to Anne about the cost of Joseph’s clothes in May:
“Letter from Scott of near Malton with bill of £5.1.8 for clothes for John’s son — this sort of thing won’t do —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0067, 12 May 1832
Though Anne was generous, she was not extravagant.
In August Anne sent a parcel to Langton2 containing a Bible3 for Joseph requesting it be delivered to him by Burnett, a Norcliffe servant. By October, Anne was considering taking Joseph on as a servant and requested that Mrs Norcliffe to ask Mr Scott opinion on the matter.4
In November Joseph came to Shibden while in the area with Scott’s head groom. She was impressed.
“John’s son Joseph Booth came over with Scott’s head groom to bring 2 perfect horses to Mr. Thomas Dyson of Willowfield — had him (Joseph Booth) in and spoke to him — he is grown, and improved — perhaps I shall take him with me abroad —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0141, 6 November 1832
On 20 December 1832, Anne received a glowing report from Mr Scott about Joseph through a letter from Isabella:
“from IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] (Langton) — their journey to Bath given up — stay at home this winter — want their mother to go to York for the winter — had seen Scott about Joseph Booth — ‘I never heard so fine a character as he gives him; he says it is impossible to say too much ‘in his favour, and that he never had such a boy before — During the whole time he has been with him, he has ‘never once had to find fault with him or to repeat a thing twice, and his cleanliness, sobriety, ‘and industry, are beyond all praise — He can groom a horse, and clean a gig remarkably well, ‘and keeps his saddles and bridles beautifully neat; but he thinks him rather too young to go abroad, and ‘advises his remaining with him another year’ — I think I shall take the boy at once?” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0167
She did not take him at once. In 1833 Joseph visited Shibden Hall and Anne had a proposition for him:
“had Joseph Booth — thinks he can save £2 by Xmas [Christmas] — by way of encouragement gave him 5/. and said my aunt would take care of his money for him if he liked and give him 5per cent. for it —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/16/0057, 16 May 1833
Joseph was still with Mr Scott in March 1834 when Anne wrote in her diary that she forgot to send his father John’s letter to him in the post.5
In April, Anne again wrote to Mr Scott. At this time Ann Walker was finishing her time at Heworth Grange and they had already taken the sacrament together and were looking at a honeymoon in the not-too-distant future:
“Saturday evening 26 April 1834. Sir — If you can spare Joseph Booth, I will take him into my service — Be so good as let meknowhave your answer as soon as possible, as I shall not say anything to the boy himself, or to his father, till I hear from you — Direct to me at Heworth Grange, near York — I am, sir, etc. etc. etc. Anne Lister’ — sent off the above letter to ‘Mr. or Mrs. Scott White wall corner near Malton Postage Paid’” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0023, 26 April 1834
On 3 May 1834 Anne received a reply from Mr Scott:
“then Letter very civil from Mr. Scott Newmarket franked by Lord Chesterfield, saying he had just received my letter had written to his bookseller to settle with Joseph Booth — ‘you will find him a very steady honest boy and I hope he will continue so and give satisfaction ‘has I shall be most happy to hear off [of] him doing well’ dated 30 April” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0025
Shibden Hall Servant
Anne received word on 6 May, that Joseph was on his way to Shibden Hall. She had left Mr Scott the Heworth Grange address to contact her, however, she was no longer there so Ann Walker forwarded the letter to her.
"note (Letter) this morning forwarded by Miss Walker from Mrs. Scott no! G.W. Ellis, York, dated 3 May to say my letter had been so long unanswered on account of her husband being from home but Joseph was to be off as today —" West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0027
On 7 May, Joseph arrived at Shibden with a parcel and letter from Ann Walker, Heworth Grange, York.
“from 10 3/4 to 12 wrote 3 ppages and ends kind letter to, and sent it off to ‘Miss Walker Heworth Grange York’ in answer to her parcel and letter 4 ppages and 1/2 page of envelope by Joseph Booth who arrived about 11 1/2 a.m. — He brought a pastille bottle and asparagus for my aunt and cream cheese for Marian —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0027
The same day he arrived at Shibden, he was delivering letters and parcels to Cliff Hill and Crownest.
“then sent Miss Walker’s letters and parcels to Cliff hill and Crownest by Joseph Booth — the boy was ætatis [age of] 17 last December — awkward but much grown since I saw him then (December end of at Langton) —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0028
And on 8 May, Anne ordered clothing for Joseph.
“— ordered a dress and under suit and great coat and linen jacket for Joseph Booth — set him to weed opposite the hut —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0028
Joseph was now a servant at Shibden Hall.
Honeymoon
On 3 June 1834 Anne and Ann headed off on their honeymoon with Eugenie and Joseph in tow.
Anne called her new servant Joseph up until 20 June 1834 when she got his passport “George Joseph Booth” and began referring to him as George, as did Ann Walker.
“wrote to Lord ‘His Excellency The Earl Granville British Embassy’ to ask him to give me another passport for George Joseph Booth — Lord Granville sent me back my own passport and one for George — Out again at 2 — back to the prefecture to identify Miss Walker and Eugenie and George and got all the passports done — sent mine and George’s to the Swiss Chargé d’affaires and Eugenie’s to the French foreign office” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0044
Despite Anne’s penchant for her personal servant to be named George, in this blog he will continue to be called Joseph.
Ann Walker mentions “George” several times in her journal. On 1 August, 1834 Ann wrote:
“stayed there till 3.30 unwillingness of our guide to leave, & his attempt to cheat us by charging 43 sous for his dinner when it only cost him 15. in returning he was quite Lame, my mule stumbled, & I then dismounted & changed with dearest in a short time guide was so lame we had to mount him on George’s mule, & George got up behind me: only just 2 hours in going from Grand Chartreuse to Pont St. Laurent” West Yorkshire Archive Service, Calderdale WYC:1525/7/1/5/1/21
Again on 16 August:
“dearest called 20 minutes to 4 – off soon after 4 – she & George in little carriage, I saw them go – got up myself a few minutes past 8 – breakfasted & picked strawberries […] watched after very often for dearest’s return, who went at 4 in morning with George to Puy de Dôme” West Yorkshire Archive Service, Calderdale WYC:1525/7/1/5/1/29
Joseph had many memorable adventures with Anne and Ann during their honeymoon.
If you’d like to read the Ann(e)s daily diary entries side by side, check out the ISAW portal here. The diary comparisons began 4 June 1834 and ended 19 February 1835. The honeymoon took place within that time period.
Life at Shibden
No doubt Joseph’s experiences while abroad were exciting and educational. On 31 October 1834, in a letter to Mariana, Anne commented on how much he had grown:
'''and Joseph whom I call George, did exceedingly well abroad, and does very well here, being much grown and improved’ —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0101
Throughout the rest of 1834 and into 1835 Joseph witnessed legal documents,1 received lessons on nouns, adverbs, pronouns, had much advice given to him2, learned to wait on the family table3, and shared improprieties he saw among the servants with Anne.4
Joseph was a part of everyday life for the Ann(e)s as Ann Walker records on 19 December, 1834:
“Received Sacrament with Mrs. Lister dearest Miss Marian – Oddy & George – from Mr. Musgrave at 3 oclock went to Cliff Hill & heard the hunters had been over ground at Crow nest & Cliff Hill –” West Yorkshire Archive Service, Calderdale WYC:1525/7/1/5/1/0035
In May 1835 Joseph received a raise and new clothes5:
“then settled with George paid him the arrears of his year’s wages up to the 7th instant and told him that in consideration of his doing his best etc. etc. that I would give him in future £15 per annum having raised his wages at once up to what they should be till for some time to come — and to what in any other case I should have raised them 2 or 3 times instead of at once” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/18/0033, 12 May 1835
However, on 13 June 1835 trouble began brewing. Joseph was upset and Anne was losing patience. It’s not surprising that Ann Walker was distressed at the thought of sending him off.
“Désagrément with George — he said he was like a dog in the house (treated like one) —[…] sat talking over tea as we had done for a little while after dinner about George and his impertinence this morning — A- [Ann] distressed at the thought of my sending him off, but, at last, seemed persuaded I should be right in doing so — he is well principled but bad tempered — nothing has gone right since John the footman came — the boy will do better, I hope, elsewhere —” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/18/0048
The following day Anne spoke at length to Joseph:
“then had George in the blue room — gave him warning but promised to help him in getting a place — Represented to him the impropriety and impertinence of what he said yesterday morning and told him of his badness of temper which without correction would be the cause of his unhappiness through life — Poor fellow! He said he now it very differently from what he did before — would try to correct his temper — I should never have to find fault with him for impertinence again — would do any thing he could — would lay down his life for me — sure I should never get one who would do more than he would, and afterabout 3/4 hour it endedabout an hour at 10 20/.., it ended in my saying I would try him again” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/18/0048, 14 June 1835
In April 1836, after Jeremy Lister’s death, Anne gave Joseph new pants for the funeral.6
Clearly, Anne felt that Joseph would be in her service long term by her next entry:
“went up to see my father at 7 50/.. and at 8 35/.. saw him for the last time in his coffin — had George and Greenwood with me — told George I wished him to see the last of my father as perhaps he might see the last of more of us — In a little while said I, we, shall come to this — my heart was full and sad, but I shed no tear […] It is 10 now that George is come up to say Mr. Duncan and Greenwood are gone, after having seen the lead coffin soldered up in the drawing room and left all safe” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0025 & SH:7/ML/E/19/0026, 10 April 1836
On 31 May, Anne wrote to Mariana and shared her thoughts on Joseph:
“‘George is our foot man and travelling servant; and a clever out-of-doors ‘man acts groom, and cleans the carriages — there is a certain degree of hugger-mugger about all this that ‘I do not like: but perhaps it is safest to make no great alteration in the male department at present'” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0051
Hugger-mugger meaning here.
Joseph Leaves Shibden
June was a difficult month for Joseph. On 18 June 1836 he shared with Anne an issue between Mrs Briggs and Ann Walker:
“George wanted to speak to me — afraid he was all wrong and that it would end in his giving warning — had him in my study about (above) 1/2 hour — agreeably surprised to find not much the matter — He thought it right to tell Mrs Briggs had been crying at dinner and Miss Briggs fretting to see her mother fret because Miss Walker spoke to her Mrs Briggs in such a way she could not bear it would leave at an hour’s warning but her own house not ready I was silent a moment or two then gently said this was not the right way for Mrs Briggs to go on it was at least unlucky all mistake nobody kinder in reality than Ann said I could take no notice of what George told [me] but could easily set all right if Mrs Briggs spoke to me I much obliged to her etc. etc. poor George saw that there was no good to be done against Ann but I see they all dislike her” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0062
Two days later Anne wrote in her diary:
“dinner at 6 1/2 — on coming through the hall found George had hung the 2 dinner napkins on one of the armchairs before the fire to dry (too damp on being taken from the press) — odd appearance — called George — said I was shocked — this would not do — to ask Mrs. Briggs to shew him how to lay down the napkins and not make them too damp — spoke to Mrs. Briggs, and asked her to shew him — at dinner found he had taken in the bottle of marsala with the cork drawn and an empty decanter to the Messrs. Haigh — I had told him to take them in to A- [Ann] and me at dinner — he misunderstood — and I thought there would be no more of it — dinner at 6 1/2 — coffee — as we were sitting at coffee — George came in, and said, he was sorry he had not been so comfortable of late — ‘I am sorry (too)’ said I ‘but if you are not comfortable and if you think you can be more comfortable anywhere else, you can but try’ — he ‘should wish totrytry this day month’ — ‘very well,’ said I very calmly, ‘then you shall do so’ — and here the matter ended — A- [Ann] did her French — A- [Ann] and I agreed nobody would be very sorry at George’s going; and John (his father) soon after came to the door with a grin on his face, and lookingmymore cheerful than we had seen him for long” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0063, 20 June 1836
On 23 June Anne felt sorry for George and told him he might return to her in a year or when she returned from the continent.
“John Booth came wanting to speak to me (in the garden) — stood talking a long while — he was almost in tears about George’s folly in giving warning — wished me to forgive him — I said I would do anything I could to oblige John; but I thought it would be best for George himself to go away — I had spoilt him — it was my own fault — he could not conquer his temper here — he had best try elsewhere — it would be the best thing for him — Consoled poor John as well as I could, and told him to console his daughter Mary who had fretted all night — I should not do the less for them, or any of them — […] and had George till 10 50/.. — Poor fellow! my heart ached for him, but I resisted all entreaty, saying he truly my word had passed, and I must keep to it — said I would get him a place and lastly that he might stay here till I did get him one — and that he might return to me in a year, or on my return from the continent — but all would not do — he said he could not get up his spirits with anyone but me — could not bear to see me go away without him — and went off crying bitterly the moment he found he could not prevail — Poor fellow! what a pity that his temper should be what it is! I have even asked him if he could not go and learn his business as a servant (as a footman and butler) for 6 months, and then come back, and do me thus the greatest good he could — but no! all won’t do, if he does not go away with me now, he is sure he can never get up his spirits — Poor fellow! I have promised to be as great a friend to him as ever — what can I do? —
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0064
The following day George again pleads his case to go abroad with Anne to no avail.
“and had unexpectedly George up — he wanted to beg me to take him abroad with me, and send him off 6 months from this time instead of taking him back six months hence — he begged hard — and said it thought it very hard when he submitted to everything that I would not for such a little thing….. no! no! said I, that won’t do — now you are getting quite wrong — if you think I inflict any hardship upon you, I can only say I see no hardship at all — you are only right served for your folly — remember it is not your 1st folly of this sort — but let this settle it — I am determined not to take you abroad with me now — I will sooner go without a servant — and on this he left me — I had just before dinner given him the ‘Footman’s Guide’ merely saying ‘I will give it you’ and walked off, he making no answer — I am now satisfied that I have done right to listen to no entreaties — he had best go — whether he ever returns or not”
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0065, 24 June 1836
Joseph ran out of his second chance, though Anne wouldn’t throw him out into the street with no where to go.
On 13 July, 1836 she wrote:
“Took John Booth and went to see about the tidying in the coach house chamber — all right — Long talk to John —George wanted to know if I had said anything — no! he said he had enemies — folly — I said he had no enemies that I knew of but himself — his temper his great enemy — the wrong time of year for getting him a place in London — afraid I could not get him one — he must try what he could do for himself — but he should not be turned out of doors with out somewhere to go to” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0074
By 17 July, his time at Shibden had run out; and with that, Anne’s patience:
“George asked me last night for a prayer book and small bible! — told him this morning that the bible was wanted before he gave warning — he begged pardon but assured me that it was after — very well! said I then, I will not be less good than my word — you shall have a small bible — and at the same time gave him 1 of A-’s [Ann] society for promoting Xtian [Christian] knowledge small prayerbooks with the old version of psalms in it — said he had asked me last night if he might stay till he had got a place and I had said yes! — I must now explain that I meant for a reasonable time but he was not to remain here after I was gone — not to be here when I was away — I would give him till the 20th of next month and pay him wages till then but would not pay him any wages for any time not afterwards — the sooner he got a place the better — he might go any day if he could get a good place — might go tomorrow — I ought to have added or rather explained more clearly that I would pay him up to the 20th of next month if he stayed so long, but if not that I would pay him up to the time he did stay” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0076
Anne gave him until August 20th to find a position elsewhere, however on 4 September he was still at Shibden:
“George asked me to give him — no! to sell him no! the 3rd black coat he has had since my father’s death on the 3rd of April — I have left him 2 complete suits and an extra pair of black cloth trowsers! I told him it was not my intention to sell 2nd hand clothes, and came upstairs — I shall tell him again the sooner he gets off from here the better — He said he had no coat fit to wear — I said ‘then you must get a new one — but that is not my concern’ — his dress coat is very good” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0101
By 9 September, an ultimatum was given to John about his son leaving:
“had George in — came to ask my advice whether to get a place under a butler, or learn a trade — of course I declined giving advice — said it was out of my power he must judge for himself but must leave here on Monday week, and not come here afterwards — all this took till 10 1/4 — spoke to George calmly and kindly as the circumstances would admit but very decidedly as to not having him come here — […] spoke to John Booth about going to the front cottage — saw he did not like it all — he told me he had been looking out for a house — said I would, if he liked, let Frank have the offer of taking the front cottage now with the chance of the back Lodge when built — this roused John into saying he would like to look at the front cottage and consider about it — told him I would not have George come here or be in my way after he had once left here, and he was to go next Monday week” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0105
Finally on 19 September, Joseph left Shibden Hall. Per Anne Lister:
“Paid George his 3 last weekly accounts up to tonight — He said he had been with me a month since I paid him his wages — yes! said I, and for their own convenience not mine — I told you on the 20th July I would only pay you up to the 20th August and the sooner you got a place the better — Mallinson the joiner would take him if I should not be displeased, and would apply to me about it — no! said I he needs not apply to me — I have nothing to do with it — you are your own master — I hope you will do well — […] told George — he has disappointed me altogether, I had nothing more to do with him — he must do as he thought best — I begged he would not come here — he went away about 9 or after supper” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0110 & SH:7/ML/E/19/0111
Joseph was gone and life went on as usual at Shibden Hall.
Letters to Shibden
In 1837, once out of Anne’s service, she began referring to him as Joseph again, no longer George.
On 19 February 1837, John Booth gave Anne Lister a letter from Joseph. She offered to write a letter of reference if he would like. Per her diary:
“till about 11 when John Booth sent me in a letter 2 pages from his son Joseph begging pity and forgiveness and my thinking no more of the manner in which he had left here and saying Mallinson the joiner obliged to turn him off or he could not get joiners and would lose his job at Northgate and asking me to get him a good place under a good butler as soon as possible! sent for John — told him to say I had already forgiven and thought no more of Joseph or his going away — not in my power to get him a place but if he referred to me I would give him the best character I could — I could say nothing about Mallinson — he (Joseph) of age, and must settle this matter himself — had John long above 1/2 hour“ West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0025
By 29 April, Joseph sounded desperate, sending another letter:
“Letter tonight 3 pages pitiable rigmarole from poor Joseph Booth (John’s son) biting the dust terribly — Would be thankful to come back and serve for nothing setting cards — poor fellow! I am sorry for his folly; but he must now fend for himself”
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0055
A third letter arrived from Joseph on 12 May via his father John. Anne handed it back unopened:
“some time talking to John in the stable — he gave me another letter from his son Joseph saying he hoped I would give him a character — yes! the best I could — but on seeing the letter in the boy’s own hand writing I gave it back unopened saying that the person he was going to live with would write for his character — that I could not do with being pothered with more letters from Joseph himself — this would be the 3rd — no! said John only the 2nd — said I had one the other night by the post which I had burnt — quite determined to have nothing more to do with the boy — poor John, it seems, knew nothing of the letter the other night — I said I would give no advice but were I in the boy’s place or rather young man’s I would enlist for a soldier rather than sit over the fire setting cards at home” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0060
The next day a letter arrived from a Mr Collins asking for a character reference:
“Letter tonight from Mr. Collins Knaresborough inquiring the character of John (Joseph) Booth — Had just written all the above of today at 11 p.m.” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0061, 13 May 1837
Surprisingly, Anne wrote a positive letter of character for Joseph and sent it to Mr Collins.
“wrote answer to Mr. Collins’s letter — Joseph Booth (Mrs. Lister has great pleasure in informing Mr. Collins) during the 2 years here perfectly sober, remarkably steady and trustworthy — I understood he left my service because he did not find his place sufficiently comfortable — a tolerably good footman — I hope Mr. Collins will take him — breakfast at 9 1/4 in 1/2 hour — A- [Ann] and I meaning to stay the sacrament this morning, off at 10 10/.. En passant left my letter to ‘Thomas Collins Esquire Knaresborough’”
West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0061, 14 May 1837
One would think the Joseph drama was over; but no, he again wrote to Anne Lister in September 1837. She would have none of it and gave the letter unopened to his father:
“Letter tonight Post Paid from Joseph Booth! of course I shall give it unopened to his father and beg he will on no account trouble me — I have given him a character to his present place — and shall not give him one again” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/20/0128, 16 September 1837
The Last Trip
Though the end of Joseph’s time at Shibden was a long and disappointing period for Anne Lister, he was on her mind during the last trip to Russia in 1839:
“A [Ann] still seems against sending for Joseph Booth but not against taking the Russian girl what shall we do for a man servant whom we can take home with us? ~ A [Ann] is against Joseph but cannot point a better ~” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/23/0110, 21 October 1839
“making good arrangements as to travelling servants and then pursuing our Russian Travels — Think of taking back Joseph Booth and keeping the Russian girl” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/23/0131, 20 November 1839
Of course, that never came to pass.
Joseph’s Letter to Ann Walker in 1842
The many journal entries cited above are evidence of the time, expense, and affection that Anne Lister gave Joseph Booth over many years. He was also a part of Ann Walker’s life for the first few years of her marriage to Anne.
Here are portions of Joseph’s 4-page letter in 1842 to Ann Walker looking for work. In it he states that he has married. It is poorly written, rambling and incoherent at times. Probably Anne Lister would describe it as a “rigamarole”.
Here are some interesting points to look for:
- He refers to parts of his past with Anne Lister.
- Joseph’s father John Booth was a trustworthy servant to the Ann(e)s.
- Anne Lister gave much advice to him and did initially tell him he could return to Shibden.
- There was an undercurrent of issues among the servants when Joseph was there.
- He did in fact write several letters to Anne Lister after he left Shibden.
Note: Every effort was made to transcribe this letter accurately. Punctuation has not been added and his spelling was left as written except for adding a letter he may have missed.
“August 29th 1842
Madam
I hope you will excuse me for taking the liberty to write to you but it is circumstances that obliges me so to do. I wrote to my Father about it week or 10 days ago wishing him to tell you that I had got married and as he is a very old servant, yes the oldest servant you have got about the house and not so able to work at hard labour as he was formerly and as he is a trustworthy servant you perhaps would wish him to look over after thing[s] more than to work so much and he can not keep accounts very well perhaps you would allow me to keep them for him and then if any thing should happen when life is so uncertain I should be able to take [h]is place […] I remember as if it was last night been in Shib the study of Shibden Hall and you was in the blue room she said to me George if you ever mean to marry marry when you are young and not when you are old for if you marry when you are young and happen’s to have any family you very likely will live to see them up in the world and perhaps to comfort you in your old age. But if on the other hand you get married when you are forty or fifty years old and [h]as children afterwards you are obliged to leave them young and unprotected to the mercy of the world and I believe the last words she said to me in the small dining room before I left what a comfort and a pleasure it will be for you to return back to the Hall when the alteration’s get finished and she said that as true as I wish to meet her in heaven with God to sing praises at his right hand for ever more I went to live with Mr Collins of Knaresbro’ [Knaresborough] with full confidence and hope that if I kept as good character there I should return back again to the Hall But was very sorry indeed to be informed by my Father that there was things told by the servants to my Mr’s [Mrs'] after I left the Hall which I can truly say I was never guilty of […] for when my Father told me what had been said about me I went to live at sneaton castle and I took it so much to heart that I was obliged to be blooded for I study’d so much about it that I did not know what I was doing and it came on [s]everal times before I got my last place and I was better there then I have been ever since I left you and I sincerely wish my poor Master had been living yet and his Housekeeper with him for when we was staying at Leamington last years it came on in my head and I explained every thing to her what was the cause of it and she pitied me and was kind to me and did not let neither Mistress or Master know But when I was at sneaton castle when it came on I told my Master and he said he would write to you about it If I wished him But I thought he had better not I have told you the truth and that is the reason why I have not kept my place’s well and why I wrote to the Hall so often’s But I hopes and trust you will forgive what is past as we hope all to be forgiven when we meet together in heaven before our God […] if you would allow us and if ever you wanted to go away from home if you was to take me with you, you would find me to be faithfull and one that you could put sure confidence in yes both home and abroad as well as you can in my Father for I have learnt a lesson since I left you by what I have suffered and I hope you will let me know as soon as you possibly can for my present Master is a very odd man and he does not know that I am married and if did and allowed me to stay with him I could not for I shall never be comfortable he his so very odd and he [h]as no regularity in the house I hope you will please do let me know by the end of the week or the begin[n]ing of next week so that I shall know what to do please to direct for me Joseph Booth – Arthur Saltmarshe Esqr, Hooton Pagnell near Doncaster I remain your obedient & Humble Servant and there is nothing left for me to do know only to hope that you will consider to take me and do pray unto God that it may be so” West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/LL/409
To date, there is no evidence that Ann Walker hired Joseph. As for what became of him, there’s no way to be certain at this time. There are so many Booths in the archival records that it’s not yet clear which, if any, are connected to Joseph.
This Blog
Reading Joseph’s 1842 letter confirms some of Anne Lister’s diary entries which is always a great find. In reading the multitude of entries regarding Joseph a softer side of Anne Lister can be seen. She had a good heart toward John Booth and his family, particularly Joseph.
Though Ann Walker isn’t featured heavily in this blog, she did live with Anne at Shibden during Joseph’s time there and this letter was written to her. He was a faithful servant, often walking beside Ann as she rode her horse to Cliff Hill, he witnessed several legal documents for her, made many deliveries in Halifax and of course he accompanied them on their honeymoon. It does make one wonder if having him with them during the last trip might have brought a familiar comfort to Ann after Anne Lister’s death.
Perhaps one day it will be discovered if Ann Walker ever hired Joseph back in any capacity at Shibden Hall. In any event this blog gives more of Joseph’s story with the Ann(e)s, through Anne Lister’s diary, Anne Walker’s diary and from his 1842 letter to Ann, in his own words.
Sources
Early Years
- West Yorkshire Archive Service; Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Yorkshire Parish Records; New Reference Number: WDP53/1/2/1
- The Borthwick Institute; Yorkshire, England; Bishop’s Transcripts; Reference: PRT/COLEY.1813
Education
Knight’s Sunday School
1.West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/7/0130 3 May 1824
Leyland School
- Transactions of the Halifax Antiquarian Society 1954, The Leyland Family by Miss Mary Leyland, 6th April 1954
- 13 April 1826 Leeds Intelligencer Newspaper
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/12/0059 20 July 1829
Mr Scott’s Racing Stables
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/14/0110 5 September 1831
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0107, 18 August 1832
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0103, 6 August 1832
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/15/0136 30 October 1832
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/16/0176, 5 March 1834
Life at Shibden
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0103, 7 November 1834
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0121, 5 December 1834
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0136, 2 January 1835
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/17/0172, 27 February 1835
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/18/0040, 23 May 1835
- West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale SH:7/ML/E/19/0023, 6 April 1836
Thank you
Diane Halford – archival research
Caroline Maillard – Joseph Booth Letter Transcriptions & Editing
Martin Walker – Joseph Booth Letter Transcriptions
Trish Rafa – Editing & Research
Sarah, Local Studies & Information Team, Central Library and Archives
David Glover, President, Halifax Antiquarian Society
Anne Lister Diary Transcriptions – West Yorkshire Archive, Calderdale
Ann Walker Diary Transcriptions – ISAW Team – Leila Straub, Ivana Nika, Dorjana Širola, Diane Halford and Alexa Tansley
Deb Woolson (2026) “Joseph “George” Booth” In Search of Ann Walker [Accessed “add date”]
Deb Woolson
I'm semi-retired and live in the US. Between researching for ISAW and dabbling in politics, my time is well spent. I watched GJ S1 and was overwhelmed by the beauty of Yorkshire and the amazing story of these two women. (Months later I learned my ancestors came from Yorkshire!) I have such admiration for Ann Walker and am honored to work with the talented ISAW team to bring her story to the forefront.
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