Photo: Brian Chandler

Colin McMillan has provided the following:

George Dennis Brotherton was born in Hull, Yorkshire in or about 1881. By 1891 the family had moved to Morpeth and were living at 118 Newgate Street. The head of the household was George’s father, 35 year old William Brotherton, a chimney sweep born in Berwick who was married to Christiana, (33) born in London. George was 10 and the oldest child. His siblings were: Mary G Brotherton (9) who was also born in Hull); Christiana junior, (4); Amy (2) and 7month old John. The last three were all born in Morpeth. 24 year old Laura Wright, William’s Hull born sister-in-law was also living there.

In 1901 the family were still at 118 Newgate Street but several changes had taken place. 41 year old Christiana was widowed and was now the head of the household. George was 20 and described as a chimney sweep working on “own account” presumably having taken over his father’s business. All his siblings were still there. His oldest sister, now known as Gertrude, was a general servant, domestic. Also living with the family was 39 year old William Wright, Christiana’s brother. He too was a chimney sweep working on “own account” and presumably sharing George’s business.

By 1911 George and his uncle William Wright were still chimney sweeps. Gertrude was no longer with them and the family had been joined by 5 year old Dennis Brotherton, Christiana’s grandson.

George Dennis Brotherton died of wounds at 1st Eastern Hospital, Cambridge.

He is remembered in Morpeth on M17.01, M17.02, M17.09, M17.21 and M17.29

The CWGC entry for Private Brotherton