Henry Wilks

Henry Wilks was born on 2 December 1921. Henry was a retired Bradford wool merchant. He had brought his business acumen to Beckindale, and consequently became a director of Emmerdale Farm - when it became a limited company. He also became a joint owner of the local village pub 'The Woolpack'. The pipe-smoking character became a favourite amongst viewers and the relationship with his business partner, Amos Brearly (Ronald Magill), brought a humorous dimension to the more serious topics depicted in the programme. Henry was also a great friend of the long-running character Annie Sugden (Sheila Mercier).

Henry and Amos were on tap behind the bar at The Woolpack from 1973 to 1991. Amos retired to Spain in January 1991 and the pub was bought by former NY Estates manager Alan Turner (Richard Thorp). Henry stayed on at the pub and became irritated by Alan's ways. Henry died suddenly of a heart attack on 3 October 1991. This was due to the real life death of actor Arthur Pentelow also from a heart attack.