[Lardman]

I can't tell if they're purple leaves or flowers    It's been lollipoped so growing habit it's much help either. It's stuffed up a North corner with some forsythia , skimmia and a rhododendron (and plenty of weeds).

[madcat]

It looks like a purple burberis to me - Newshoot will probably know the variety.  Tough beasts (the police include it in the list of plants for under windows to deter burglars) but really pretty yellow flowers on the purple foliage.  See here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/plants/8877381/Berberis-A-weed-in-need-of-love.html - explains why it copes with neglect.

[Lardman]

Looks about right - I don't recall any thorns though 

Good news if it can take a pruning, cos it's going to get one.    I hate lollipoped shrubs they've done it to the camellia too and taken all but 1 flower bud off