Sykes Family Papers

A mid-nineteenth century albumen photograph of local Wesleyan Methodist preacher Timothy Sykes (1785-1864) is the gem of a small box of documents recently donated to Barnsley Archives and Local Studies. 

 It’s always rare to find photographs of named individuals from the 1850s and 1860s. Timothy was a preacher and farmer from Shafton, as well as the first constable in the district. Such was his standing in the community, that a memorial plaque was commissioned to take pride of place in Shafton Methodist Chapel following his death.  

We are delighted to have received this donation from a direct descendant of the Sykes family. It includes not only photographs, but legal documents and family books too. The collection also links closely to the records of Shafton Methodist Chapel which are in our care.