Exploring the Lives of the Butterfield Women

Uncovering stories behind a prominent local family

The Butterfield family of Keighley is well-known for its historical impact, particularly through the men whose legacies are visible in landmarks like Cliffe Castle. However, recent research by Bradford Museums has begun to shed light on the women of the Butterfield family, revealing their stories and contributions which have often been overlooked. This overview, written by Community Curator Heather Millard for Women’s History Month, offers a glimpse into these remarkable women and encourages readers to explore further.

Sarah Butterfield (née Shackleton)

Born in 1784, Sarah married Isaac Butterfield around 1805 or 1806. She bore seven children, six of whom survived into adulthood. Her father, Richard Shackleton of Greentop, was noted as a pioneer of the cotton industry. A marble memorial stone originally housed in the Temple Street Methodist Chapel in Keighley commemorates her. This stone, depicting a woman with long hair, was rediscovered in 2018 and is now part of the museum’s collection—offering the closest visual representation of Sarah.

Sarah Anna Butterfield

Sarah Anna, born in 1814, was one of Sarah’s children and remained unmarried, dedicating her life to supporting her brothers and wider family. Known for her direct and confident personality, she acted as a maternal figure to nieces and nephews, including Sir Frederick Butterfield. Correspondence reveals her wit and character, such as a letter where she thanks her brother for sending hats while complaining about the postage costs. She travelled widely and died in Palermo in 1872, later being interred in the family mausoleum in Utley.

Marie-Louise Roosevelt-Burke

Marie-Louise, wife of Henry Isaac Butterfield, was born in 1838 to Marie-Angelica Roosevelt and the Hon. Michael Burke. She was well-known in New York and Paris society, serving as Lady-in-Waiting to Empress Eugenie of France. Despite her social success, her life was marked by personal tragedies, including the loss of two young children. She died young at 29 in Paris in 1867. Several portraits of Marie-Louise are displayed at Cliffe Castle, reflecting her prominent social position and connection to European nobility.

Other Butterfield Women

• Jennie Butterfield: Niece of Sarah Anna and Henry Isaac, Jennie was raised by Sarah Anna after her birth in 1850. She later married Charles Antoine Cousin de Montauban, son of a former French Prime Minister, but died in 1878 due to childbirth complications.
• Kitty Butterfield: Daughter of the youngest Butterfield brother, Kitty’s life is better documented through correspondence that reveals her personality and experiences.

These brief profiles only scratch the surface of the Butterfield women’s stories. The museum continues to research and welcomes contributions from the public to enrich this history.

For those interested in learning more about the Butterfield family and the women who shaped its legacy, the Bradford Museums blog offers detailed articles and archival material. Visit their website to explore the full stories and related collections.

Read the full blog on the Butterfield Women by Bradford Museums