Field of Poppies written by Pam Laking, Friends of St Ives The Friends of St Ives decided earlier this year to plant a field of Poppies to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WW1. With the help of the Turf Institute (STRI,) who are based at St Ives, the ground was prepared, with the creation of a wide grassy path and sweeping earth beds ready for the seeds. The … [Read more...]
“Friller” – The Play – Haworth Festival – Lily Cove
Last month our local historian Alan Cattell wrote an article on Lily Cove the aeronaut buried in 1906 at Haworth. This coincided with a play partly covering Lily's exploits written by locally born journalist Sharon Wright. Alan was curious to see the play and below is his review: "Friller" - The Play - Haworth Festival - Lily Cove Had a magic (or was it ghostly?) night … [Read more...]
The birth of the Friends of St Ives Bingley – Historical Herb Garden
St Ives Bingley - Historical Herb Garden In 2008 it began with the huge task of clearing, not only weeds and scrub, but substantial amounts of rubbish. Sheltered with 350 year old stone walls, the garden stands within the Mansion complex, behind large gates facing towards the Coach House. The initial clearing to allow the beds to be laid out, was carried out by brave … [Read more...]
Mills of the Hewenden Valley (Hewenden Mill) – part 3
Written by Astrid Hansen Downstream from Hallas Bridge, Hewenden Beck undergoes a name change and it is as Hallas Beck that it cascades over the spectacular falls, where the remains of a stone table can still be seen. This was a favourite picnic spot for members of the Ferrand family who owned St. Ives estate, including this valley. Further on still, Cowhouse Beck joins … [Read more...]
Mills of the Hewenden Valley (Hewenden Mill) – part 2
Written by Astrid Hansen In the early years of the 19th century, Hallas Bridge was a prosperous hamlet. Today’s secluded country cottages once housed workers at two more of the valley’s cotton spinning mills, while others would have walked in from surrounding villages. It is hard to say exactly when Bents Mill was built. Some sources date it at 1810 but this is more … [Read more...]
Mills of the Hewenden Valley (Hewenden Mill) – part 1
Written by Astrid Hansen It is hard now to picture the beautiful, peaceful Hewenden valley, with its waterfalls and bluebell woods, as a hive of industry even though fascinating reminders of the past can still be seen. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, textile production in England gradually changed from a hand worked cottage industry, with spinning mechanised some years … [Read more...]
Muriel Aked – From Mill Owners Daughter to Stage Actress and Film Star
Muriel Aked From Mill Owners Daughter to Stage Actress and Film Star In a previous Bingley Hub issue local historian Alan Cattell looked at the history and demise of Bingleys two main cinemas. This month Alan continues the theme by tracing the background to Muriel Aked of Bingley who became a renowned stage and film actress over the period 1916 to 1953. It is entirely … [Read more...]
Lily Cove – Parachute Tragedy at Haworth Gala
Lily Cove Parachute Tragedy at Haworth Gala Lily Cove was a happy go lucky twenty one year old from East London who made a name for herself as a fearless and daredevil parachutist. She travelled the country with Captain Frederick Bidmead a stunt balloonist who was her manager, performing at fetes and gala’s where she jumped from a balloon and parachuted to the ground. … [Read more...]
Milner Field and Titus Salt
Milner Field - Walking in the Footsteps of Titus Junior? In this article our local historian Alan Cattell seeks to add to knowledge of what Milner Field and its grounds may originally have looked like when built 141 years ago. To do so his research has included articles written in the 1870’s, discussion with Roger Clarke the Saltaire historian and identification of maps, … [Read more...]
Mechanics Institute – Old Library Bingley
Mechanics Institute - Old Library Bingley Forgotten Moments also mentioned on our Bingley History Timeline In this article local historian Alan Cattell identifies and explores the many uses of what must surely be one of the oldest buildings on Bingley Main Street. Further Education and a girls’ school In 1864 a Mechanics’ Institute was erected in Main Street, Bingley, … [Read more...]