Sheffield family construction firm Henry Boot makes its mark on home city

The company, which was established in 1886, has shared a selection of nostalgic pictures from its past.

The company was founded by Heeley farmer’s son Henry Boot, a joiner who worked in the industry for 20 years before setting up on his own at the age of 35.

His eldest son Charles came into the business and his brother Edward took over when he died in 1945. Other members of the family succeeded him and Jamie Boot, the great grandson of Henry Boot, was appointed chairman in 2016.

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 from 1907 to 1919.

The site was originally a garage and showrooms for the Sheffield Motor Company Ltd, with billiard saloons on the upper floors.

Other developments include Barclays Bank in Fitzalan Square, the Queen Adelaide Hotel in Bramall Lane in 1912 and two cinemas - The Star Picture House on Ecclesall Road, built about 1912-15, and Greystones Picture Palace, opened in 1916.

The firm transformed Barnsley Brewery in 1970, which is located a stone’s throw from one of its newest sites – the forthcoming Barnsley Glass Works retail and leisure project.

For more information on Henry Boot’s history, visit www.henryboot.co.uk