In 1863 the Leeds accepted an invitation to open a branch in Sheffield but the history does not indicate any other branches in its early years. Figures given for membership were 6370 in 1868 and a big jump to more than 16,000 in 1878, by which time assets had reached £1.2m.
In 1863, the Leeds agreed to establish a subsidiary in Sheffield but records do not show any other branches during its initial years. Membership numbers rose from 6370 in 1868 to over 16,000 by 1878, coinciding with assets reaching £1.2m.