title: Jacob Behrens
text: # Jacob Behrens
  
  Sir Jacob Behrens (13 November 1806 – 22 April 1889) was an Anglo–German textile merchant. His company, Sir Jacob Behrens & Son Ltd., was established in 1834 and still operates today. Behrens was Jewish and was a prominent member of the Anglo-Jewish Association.
  
  ## Biography
  
  ### Early life
  
  Born in Bad Pyrmont, Germany, into a family of merchants, Sir Jacob Behrens settled in Leeds in 1834, establishing his business there. He then moved to Bradford in 1838, opening a factory in Thornton Road.
  
  ### The businessman
  
  Behrens helped to establish the Bradford chamber of commerce. Behrens was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1882 for his work in strengthening trade relations between Britain and France.
  
  ### The educator
  
  Behrens helped to reorganise Bradford Grammar School in 1871, and he helped establish the Great Horton Road Technical College in 1882.
  
  ### The philanthropist
  
  Behrens was a prominent member of the Bradford Philosophical Society, and founded the Eye and Ear Hospital in Bradford.
  
  