Bradford Libraries, Archives & Information Service

european merchants

In contrast to most other migrant groups, the European merchants who settled in Bradford in the mid-nineteenth century were from wealthy and cosmopolitan backgrounds. Attracted to Bradford by the booming textile trade, they were on the spot when cloth came to be produced and then to sell it worldwide. This small but influential group of people had a marked impact on the city which is still visible today in areas such as Little Germany.

The European merchants played a vital role in the development of Bradford's textile industry, developing an efficient international marketing system. They helped found the city's Chamber of Commerce and made up a quarter of its members between 1851 and 1881. Sir Jacob Behrens (left) was the first textile export merchant in the city. (You can visit his final resting place in Undercliffe Cemetery.)

In addition they also had an important impact on the political scene; Charles Sermon was Bradford's first foreign-born Mayor in 1864 and Jacob Moser was another in 1910. Jacob Moser was also one of the many who were prominent in their acts of charity. He built and maintained several hospitals, and he and other Europeans supported the building of St. George's Hall, Bradford's premier concert venue.

Many of the European merchants were Jewish, practising Reform Judaism, a more relaxed form than Orthodox. The Jewish Chronicle of 1856 described the community as merchants and professionals who had abandoned Judaism or were very lax in its observance; further, 'they do not wish to pass for Jews, although every child in Bradford knows them to be Jews.' Their synagogue on Bowland Street was consecrated in 1881.

Today the European merchants are remembered for their cultural contribution to the city. The composer Delius, the writer Wolfe, and the artists Sichel and Rothenstein were all born into this community in Bradford. Their distinctive community disintegrated following the tide of anti-German sentiment during World War One. Some changed their names and others left the textile trade altogether.