Alfred Lindley was born in Barnsley (the Census suggests between about 1850 and 1860). He was the son of Joseph Lindley, a currier, and his wife Ann. By 1861, Ann was a widow (and ‘proprietor of houses’), living with her family in Oxford Street, Sheffield. In 1871, Ann and Alfred were living in Fir Street. Alfred was a 22-year-old silversmith. By 1881, Alfred was a silver plate manager. In the early 1880s, he launched his own business in Eldon Street, but soon moved to Richmond Plate Works, Napier Street. The Ironmonger (12 November 1887), extolled Lindley’s spoons, forks, plated cutlery, and ‘new registered’ teapot. By 1891, he was living in Albert Road, Heeley, with his brother Henry (also an electro-plate manufacturer). The business address was 27 Eyre Street. In about 1897, Lindley moved to London. By 1901, he was living with Henry and his sister in Tottenham, north London. He had become a provision traveller; Henry was a chemist and druggist.