When was saltaire village built

The booming textile industry took no notice of the needs of its swelling labour force and Bradford itself became a deathtrap. It was in this context that prominent textile manufacturer and industrialist Titus Salt put his plan to build a utopia into action.

In Salt owned five mills in Bradford but, disturbed by the conditions his workers were enduring, he soon decided to move his entire enterprise to a new site: a beautiful plot of countryside just three miles outside Bradford. Nestled in a valley alongside the River Aire, the new township had access to as much water as it needed. Just as importantly, it was close to the Leeds to Liverpool canal and the new Leeds to Skipton railway line.

At first workers came in from Bradford on trains — but Salt wanted more than better working conditions for his staff. He wanted a better life.

In addition, Titus Salt Junior and his wife Catherine strongly advocated education for children aged from under five years, and this resulted in the provision of a new and separate elementary school on Albert Road, Saltaire Albert Road Board School — now Saltaire Primary School for the younger children, opened in February The Saltaire Club and Institute was completed in An extensive park, across the river Aire, was opened on the 25th July The park was designed and laid out by William Gay for Sir Titus Salt who was awarded a baronetcy in The name changed in when Sir James Roberts gifted the park to the local authority.

In an Infirmary and Dispensary with six beds was completed and was sufficiently well equipped to perform surgical operations. As demand for its services grew it began to provide treatment for the local community as well as for mill workers. It provided over years of service before it closed in It is situated at the top of Victoria Road and directly opposite this building are the 45 Alms-houses erected to care for the infirm or aged within the community.

These are fronted by a peaceful area of trees and plants. Occupants of the Alms-houses were personally selected by Salt during his lifetime and subsequently by a board of trustees. Lovely little place. Shipley itself is not up to much but there are some nice areas to the north and west; some of them quite rural. I lived in Baildon for a short while rented then moved back towards Leeds, bought a house in a villagey atmosphere in Rodley, about 6 miles from Shipley and not a bad commute.

It is surrounded not only by attractive countryside, with the moors not too far away, but by substantial stone houses. Now derelict mill buildings are being converted into bijou waterside apartments. Quick links:. Biographies of the women connected with Saltaire who worked in mills. Did he get some things wrong? Who lived in Saltaire houses? Colin Coates discovers the people and families who made their home in Saltaire. First street: Ada St.

Honouring the men and women who lived in Saltaire and served their country in World War Two. The Saltaire Journals publish research relating to Saltaire and its history.

They are available to download on a world-wide basis to non-commercial parties such as local historians, and research and educational bodies.