Visitors book

Have always loved looking at old photos of morley & surrounding areas. What fantastic site the archives are. Discovered when i approached your stall on yorkshire day, & you gave me your website. Am most interested in churwell, as i was brought up there. Daffil House has special significance, as we lived at the farm next door. Sandersons farm

I grew up in India Cottage on Bank Avenue in the 1970s.Does anybody know about the history of the house,ateacher at Peel Street school thought it may have been four weavers cottages that had been converted to one dwelling?Any information about it would be most welcome.Many thanks,Guy OConnell.

Does anyone have any information regarding the HOSPITIUM described on Leodis picture No.2009622_169146?

Trying to research history of the Old Griffin Head public house at Branch End, Gildersome. Have traced it back to 1822 but how much further back does its history go?

I would like to thank Chris Hidle for his response to my enquiry and look forward to his reply. My relatives used to live at no.39 Back Green.

In response to the question from John Broadbent, my mother will probably know the answer to the question about Back Green. I will ask. She doesn't have internet access! My paternal grandfather, Albert Hidle, lived there until the mid 50's. He died whilst I was a pupil at Churwell school, I'm not sure of the year. Mum will know.

Looking at some old photos of Back Green in Churwell on leodis and found that the area around 40-48 was known as 'Rileys Yard' as some of my relatives lived in Back Green is there anybody out there that give me any info on why this area was called 'Rileys Yard'. Thank you

I found this web site on Google and very interesting it is.
I was brought up in Churwell ( Joe Tetley was our milkman!) I married in 1980 and moved all the way to the Barrett estate off Fountain Street Morley. I now live near Cannock, Staffordshire since 2006. I should like find school friends who went to Victoria Road Secondary School in Morley between 1956 and 1959.

Moderator: Any replies to this message will be forwarded direct and not posted on the guestbook.

Hi all,
I am trying to establish if a friend of my Gran's is still alive. Her name is Margaret Thompson (Nee Logan), she was born around 1920 and she married a Louis Thompson in 1945 in St Peters Church Gildersome. I was looking through old photo's with my gran (Nellie Fletcher) who was born in Gildersome and we found some of her old friends. We would be really grateful if anyone could pass on any information.
Many thanks,
Laura

It seems I have made an error concerning my Great Uncle Norrie Ward.
I have been informed by family that Norrie was not nor ever had been a 'natural healer'.
A lifetime vegetarian yes, healer, no.
My apologies to all concerned for my gaff.

Hi Kate, Apologies I would like to make it clear that gravestones and not graves themselves are sited for relocation in the planning application. I do hope I've not caused any distress to your family, it was unclear when we started to look at the plans what they all entailed.

Hi Lou, thanks very much, I've just heard about the planning application and will go on tonight. I had phoned Leeds city council months ago when they had no planning application. When I phoned the council, they said there would have to be a proper consultation because of the history of the site. My entire father's family are buried there. Devastating. My father's greatly upset.

Hello Morley folk,

This is a message for Kate listed below who mentioned her Grandmothers funeral held at St Marys in the Wood, Morley. I'd urge you please to visit Leeds council planning pages and comment on permission being sought to remove gravestones and remains from the church grounds.

Anyone who may have family or knows of anyone living who has relatives buried there, you have a greater say in the future treatment of this site and could be vital in preserving our Town's history. I'd welcome your contact by email.

Please follow link to go directly to planning page to comment:
http://planningapplications.leeds.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KX7XY6JB0FZ00

Many thanks, Lou

Just wanting to know if anyone knows any history about the old post office on Batley Road Tingley, near Hare and Hounds pub?

Norrie Ward was my Great Uncle.
He was married to my maternal grandfathers (Wilfred Newrick Rodgers) sister.
He did write a book, it was his fame in the family but I have not read it.
My parents emigrated to Australia in the '50's where I was born.
I now live in California but met Norrie in 1979 at my Grandparents home in Derby.
He had become a 'natural healer' by then I was told, but I'm not quite sure what that meant.

For Colin Bairstow [12/12/2008]
My father was Deryck Bairstow who grew up in Shaw Cross but had paternal aunts who lived in West Ardsley. I also believe that there is another person with the same name and date of birth as myself who lived in Ardsley

While researching my family history who were from Morley I came across references to "mineral water manufacturers" and I wondered if there are any books or information about this subject anywhere or could anyone help with information.

I am trying to do some research on the Drighlington Tempest Constitutional Club for my grandad. Can anyone help?

I have found your website very interesting. Although I live in the South of the Country I am fortunate enough to have spent a very enjoyable evening with David Atkinson around 12 years ago at his home, where I was privileged to see and go through a very small % of his photograph collection. ( I am very pleased that he left his collection to Morley - it would have been a travesty for the collection to have been lost) The reason for my visit was in relation to my Great Grandfather - Richard Borrough Hopkins, the first Town Clerk of Morley. I do have quite a bit of information about him and his activities on behalf of Morley, but would be interested in any further information that you may have. Do you have either of the paintings - one of him and one of his wife, Elizabeth Alice (Nee Wright)?

If I was to be critical (but I am biased) I was disappointed not see some information on the site about the efforts he undertook to obtain Morley's Charter.

Hi
Just wondered if anybody remembered my Grandad Willie Nichols who had a shoe shop on Fountain Street until around 1972. Would love to hear from anyone
Thanks

My great-grandfather, John Addison, was killed in the Morley Main Pit Disaster. He wasn't a Morley man but had left his home town of Clayton-le-Moors in Lancashire to look for work. The family returned there after the disaster. I have just read Jim Thorp's book about mining in Morley and found out more information. I intend to visit Morley sometime - I don't think any family member has ever been over.

My mother knew Norrie Ward. She tells me he wrote a book called Morley's Mine and thinks she has a copy

Can anyone tell me whether they know or knew of a Robert (Bob) Jackson that died in the Morley Mine disaster in 1949. Thanks

My grandmother was born in Morley. Her father, Joseph Smith, owned a butcher shop on Queen Street. Joseph Smith and his wife, Sarah Sykes, were married at the Rehoboth Independent Chapel on Dawson Hill.

I visited Morley a few years back and found the graveyard near the site of the Rehoboth Independent Chapel. It was competely over grown. I found later that many of my ancestors are buried there. Is anything being done to preserve this graveyard?

Hi, I grew up in the 60s and 70s, in Bruntcliffe, Parklands Ave when it was newly built. I attended Cross Hall Junior/Infants and Morley Grammar school when it still had a lawn in front of the old building, it was lovely! Also does anyone remember Norrie Ward who owned the sweet shop on the corner at top end of Fountain St opposite the off licence which is still there? I believe he was quite well known locally!

I am trying to trace any living relatives of John James "Jack" Foster who was 16 at the time of the 1911 Census (so born 1894/5) and living at 1 Scarths Square, Morley. He and his sister Elsie May (aged 17) were born in Worcestershire, and were step-children of the head of the 1911 household, George Ellis, as George and his wife Annie had 4 other (younger) children too by 1911, all named Ellis - Millicent (10), Harold (8), Norman (5) & George Jnr (2). Jack Foster's trade in 1911 is recorded as "piecener" at a woollen mill; George Ellis, his step father, was a coal miner ("hewer"). I have been unable as yet to trace any marriage of Jack's or any children, nieces or nephews. I believe that by 1928 he was living in/near Dewsbury as he became a family friend of my grandparents, John & Irene Sykes of 50 Willans Rd. It is possible that he met my grandfather through his work as Jon Sykes also worked in a mill. Can anyone help me find either Foster or Ellis families? Thanks in advance regards Melanie Herman

The old house near to Harthill was Harthill Farm. It was part of Gilead Farm,then farmed by Willie Verity. It was a tied house and an employee of his lived there in the late 1960`s

Visiting the site after being at open day delighted to find out about my gg grandfather who was the landlord of the Brunswick Arms in 1877 tried to find out about his tenure of the pub but only details were from 1881 census, thanks.Would love to hear from anyone who has any info about the Broadbent,Turton or Riley families,also to the people who have posted regarding the Buttrey/Buttery family are any related to Eunice who married Thomas Proctor.
Great site

We are hoping to do a community group project and were surprised to see the name Morley, as lo and behold it is the family name of someone on the photo, from years gone by, which acted as a catalyst to do the project..a bit odd! Do you know why folk were called e.g Morley? Did they originate from there?

Further to Sue Briggs' post: The London Gazette of August 16th 1889 (page 4485) shows legal notices for William and Emma Wass. William is described as a Joiner / Beerhouse Keeper, died 18th July 1876. Emma, Widow died 5th Feb 1889.

Re: the Sycamore; Henry Hartley was my Great, Great Grandfather so that would make Emma and William Wass my 3G Grandparents, and Sue and I potential relations! Henry and Annie named their son John William Wass Hartley; he became a stonemason in Morley and died in Huddersfield in the 1940s, any knowledge of the location of his grave would be gratefully appreciated.

I could be wrong but off the top of my head I think the datestone above the door of the Sycamore post-dates 1871; does this mean an older Sycamore Inn originally stood?

While working on my family tree, I've found some more details for the Sycamore Inn, High Street, Morley. In 1871 William Wass was the publican. After his death his wife Emma Wass took over - 1881 census. By 1891 Emma's son in law Henry Hartley was the publican. From Sue

Would Mr A Killingsworth please contact us again via the Enquiries page, giving us his email address as we may be able to help him.

Does anyone know anything about the old farmhouse at the foot of the hill on Harthill Lane (Gildersome). This was also known as the 'old house'. It was pretty decrepit in the late '70's but I believe people were living there in the '60's.

I’m looking after a 88 year old lady, who lived on Rein Road, Morley in the 1920s. They lived at Rising Holme, there was no door number. Anybody got any pics please? Many thanks. Lynn

I am researching my family Kelletts from Gildersome and Morley. Anyone anyone connection? Also anyone know how I can find a photo of my parents' shop which was Moorhead Gildersome in the 1960s? Thanks Jane

Just found this site while looking for somewhere to find any class fotos of Victoria Infant School 1948/49. Seen the foto gallery, I was very impressed and hoped that someone may know the answer.
Re Anne Jones and the Co-op, I've got a foto of some of the painters taken before WWII, my dad and grandad plus two others if it is of any interest.

Members of Morley History Society, with the help of the people of Morley, are compiling a history of the Morley Co-operative Society from its humble beginnings in 1869 to its eventual demise in June 1982. They are collecting memories of shopping, eating and entertainment, of working in shops both sides of Albion Street, or ‘Co-op’ Street as it was called, and t’ emporium, also the area through the archway where many activities and trades were carried out. There were 19 branches in Morley, East Ardsley, Gildersome, Thorpe, Tingley, Churwell and Troydale - all small ‘empires’ in their own right. If you can contribute any memories to this project, please contact us through the Enquiries page.

To Carol and Joe
Thanks for your replies and also thanks to Brian for his help with Yorkshire Egg Producers, you all are great... Thanks

Tim Bickerdike

In answer to Donna Tobit inquiry concerning Low Fold in Churwell it is now demolished but was situated off Old Road near to Hardy Avenue.Scarth Fold was also near this area . Charles Scarth built Granny Avenue also in Old Road.
Regarding Stanhopes and Coteroyd House This is now demolished and was at the bottom of Back Green. There is an estate of houses on the site, still named the Coteroyds.The building that you refer to is The Stanhope Memorial Hall at the end of William Street off Elland Road opposite The Old Golden Fleece pub. Frank Stanhope gave £15,000 to build this Hall but died whilst negotiations were going on in the early 1970`s. His Trustees built the Hall.It was used by the elderly people of The Village. It is now closed whilst negotiations take place about lifting restriction that these Trustees placed on its use.

In answer to Tim Bickerdike
Joe Kemp was Managing Director of Yorkshire Egg Packers at Drighlington This was a Producer owned Cooperative Company .He lived at Shay Farm and was a Councillor on Morley Borough Council prior to 1974.

I remember a Tom Bickerdike who lived in Manor Road in Churwell in the 1960`s He had a Daughter and worked part time in his retirement at Alec Sanderson`s Daffil Farm in Churwell.

Tim,
Some of my family members worked at the egg producers (I beleive it was called Newfarm and subsequently goldenlay ) in Whitehall Road Drighlington)there were two sites at opposite sides of the road ( now demolished). The names Arther and Joseph sound familiar and I think one of them lived on Bradford ROad Drighlington ( opposite the entrance to the Dean Park Drive). I also went to Brownies with a girl who I believe was related and her mother was Brown Owl.

I have just found this site looked at the old photos which are very interesting to me as I am researching my late fathers side of the family. His name was Jack Speight father Herbert (Donna) Speight mother Annie Senior nee Armitage. Is there anyone who can tell me about them or The Red Lion pub, where my great-grandfather Alfred was publican on 1901 census.

Hi again...
I'm also looking for information on the Kemp family of Shay Farm, Drighlington. Laura Kemp (nee Bickerdike) is my Great Aunt who married Oliver Kemp, they had at least one son, Arthur. Family tales have it that the Kemps had an egg producing business at Shay Farm though so far I have had no luck in finding it other than one mention on this site. I contacted the present owners but they didn't reply. I also noted that a Joseph KEMP MBE was a magistrate here in Morley, his MBE was for services to the Ministry of Food, Maybe he was part of my family so if anyone has any biographical info? So any help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks to Councillors Gareth Beevers and Joe Tetley for organising a behind the scenes photographic visit of Morley town hall for the Leeds Historical Expedition society.
We had a fantastic tour and your kindness and generous offer was much appreciated.
Our pictures from the trip can be seen here

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=265602590&blogID=470247072

Thanks guys!

Peter Ashton is quite correct in naming Clifford Seed as the collector of artifacts/antiques which were stored in a mill at Howden Clough. Clifford was my uncle, who lived in the White House on Bradford Road in Drighlington. A very popular, kind energetic gentleman who would be happy to show people around the mill- perhaps it was this generosity and trust of people that helped lead to the whole floor of antiques suddenly disappearing overnight in what is still to this day an unsolved crime.

Apologies to DH and Simon Parker for not responding to their entries. Been off line for a while.
Simon I am not your David who emigrated but would like to know if your uncle was related to William Parker who took over my great grandfather's business in Morley. DH I would be interested to compare your Hartley data with mine.

Message to Mr. John Neat. If I remember correctly, the man who had the collection of various artifacts at Howden Clough Mills was a Mr. Clifford Seed who lived at the 'White House' in Drighlington.

Hello Everyone
Just wondered if anyone can help, I am looking for a copy of CDs that relate to Morley. I have found a few CDs of Trade and Street Directories of Leeds, but that does not include Morley.
I have seen others for sale at stupid prices £9 to £20 of Yorkshire, Leeds 1924-25 Trade Directory.
When you are wanting to buy quite a few different years it gets expensive. Can anyone help?
Redpizzi(replace with usual)Hotmail.com if you can help...

Hi, I'm researching my mum's side of the family tree (Stanhope) which from census results leads me to Churwell. Can anyone tell me where abouts Low Fold (1841) and Scarth Fold (1881) were, I have access to old maps but fail to spot it. Also Coteroyd House would be helpful. Also there is a Stanhope memorial on Churwell hill, does anyone know who it is a memorial for or why it's there? Not sure if it would be a link or not! Thanks, Donna

Hi I have just spent a couple of hours looking through this site which is great . I come from a well known family in Morley and my late grandfather was mayor in 1970 George Rogerson, and on my aunt's side Bradleys mill on Bridge Street. I have just passed my grandfather's mayoral books onto an old schoolfriend called Colin Green who owns a photo studio in Morley and his wife puts together a book called The Knowledge on a monthly basis which is all about Morley in the past which is well worth a read. Thanks and Regards Richard Brown

I am trying to locate 'Barons Buildings' where my relatives are listed on the 1901 census, on the census it is listed after houses on Rein Road has anyone any idea where these buildings were ?

Angela

I am the grand-daughter of Thomas Buttery. My mother Clara Buttery married Albert Hartley of Gilroyd Mills. I would be happy to answer any queries about the two families in response to the comments of Andrea Clegg and David Buttery. My mother's sister married Joseph Clegg.

hi everyone
doing my family tree bairstows from west ardsley,grandad was william henry, and grama was grace[nee flemming] from woodkirk,they had a building firm in1900s ,uncle george was owner of the firm any help would be grateful ,cheers colin

Have just discovered this site, and its fascinating. I am sure I will be able to add more photos to this delightful archive of the town, having belonged to churches and various groups throughout the years.

I have just visited your site and found it interesting. I am searching my family history who mostly lived in Gildersome. I am interested in the mill disaster in 1858, a cloth manufacturer, in which 6 people died and many injured.

I was surprised to find Armitage Fozzard was listed after Googling the name. He was my grandfather and is seen playing Knur and Spell in the "Community Archives" section. I noted that he was Secretary of West Ardsley CC (Cricket Club) in 1917. I knew he was a cricket player at one time.
Most of my 75 years has been spent in Toronto, Canada and I worked as an accountant and auditor for the Canada Revenue Agency. Like my granddad I was a secretary too, in my case of the local Mississauga branch of PIPSC . It must be in the blood.
When a young child my granddad used to give me rum in my coffee on Sunday mornings, when I stayed overnight during the Second World War. I have very good memories of my granddad .

While working for the Yorkshire River Authority in the 1960s I visited Howden Clough Mills - which had a flooding problem - and met the owner who collected pianolas and oil paintings. He showed me his collection, housed in the first floor of the mill.

He was a very interesting character - a straight-talking Yorkshireman of the old school. He was dressed in a suit, bowler hat and wellington boots and was a real treat to listen to. He had been very involved in the Morley political scene. But I cannot remember his name.

Can anyone help, please?

Could anyone tell me where Browns Yard was in Morley in the early 1900s please. Also to Kate, my great-grandparent was Emma Hinchcliffe. They lived in and around Morley and then her daughter Doris (my grandma) married my grandad and became Goodall. My great-grandad was Samuel Goodall, he lived at 14 Filey Street in Morley back in 1902.

Hi, I was born in Morley in 1949 and lived in Scatcherd's Buildings, off Victoria Road near "The Prospect", until 1973, when I headed South. I went to St Peters infant School, Churwell Junior School and Morley Grammar School. My mother Mary Hidle is still around, in her 80's now and living in Frinton on Sea, Essex. She doesn't have access to the internet but may be able to answer quite a few of your queries from the 1920's onward. She was school secretary for many years at Victoria Road school, latterly Bruntcliffe lower school and secretary to the Morley Chamber of Trade for a number of years, if anyone remembers her.

I would just like to say how much my family and I enjoyed the recent Bygone Days evening at Morley Town Hall. I loved the songs that were played by Colin Holt, it was lovely to hear songs about my home town, our family particularly enjoyed the song Annual August Bank Trip which brought back alot of happy memories and Howley Hall, which has always been a favourite walk for us. I do hope you will be doing something like that again. Thank you to all concerned.

Hello,
I recently purchased an old photograph album with many different photograph plates all relating to Morley. Was there a photographer living there named J Firth on 44 Queens St in the Victorian era? If anyone knows, please let me know!

We go shopping to Morley. While my wife is spending money I walk round with my dog Toby. He is dressed with a burberry hat and coat. He is made welcome by everybody. He has been called the most famous dog in Morley. I was told there was a photo of him, in friends of Morley. Can anybody tell me where I can see this photo please. Thank you. Sonny

Re: Marc Robinson (Maps)

I am aware that there is available a map of central Morley of 1906 published by Godfry and widely available on eBay for approx. £5 but you can also buy a copy on the Godfry website. It might also be worth knowing that digital images are available of o/s maps of Morley & surrounding areas on www.old-maps.co.uk from 1856. You can view them for free and will also allow you to download printable versions for a fee.

I've just discovered a relative, George Riley, who in 1881 was a Beer House Keeper on Victoria Road. Does anyone know where it might be possible to find out which pub he was running at the time please? In 1891 he reverted back to his former trade of Woolen Dyer.
Thanks
John Hindmarsh

Re: David Parker

I do know of my dad's uncle Ronald Parker who I think had a Drapers shop in Lightcliffe near Morley. He had a son : David who emigrated. Is that you?

Hi, I've lots of old photos of people from Morley and am also trying to find out more about all my father's side of the family - Scotts, Crowthers (not the ones on this site!), Hinchliff/Hinchcliffe, Stockdill/Stockdale, from Morley where I was brought up. Have so many questions that should have asked family when I was younger, but no idea now who to ask!!! Am also gutted about St Marys in the Wood position as all my family used to go there and my grandmother's funeral took place there many many years ago.

Hi,
Just discovered this site and felt I had to write a little note.
I worked in Morley at Greenside Electrical from 1978 for over 10 years and well remember David Atkinson as one of the nicest customers you could wish to meet. A delivery to his home would always take a good hour because he always had so many interesting things to tell you about.
I wish the creators of this website every sucess for the future.

In response to Andrew Brown's query, I have a picture of the mysterious concrete dome at Tingley

Thanks to Joe Tetley for the Heritage Trail today. We really enjoyed it - full of fascinating stories and hitherto unknown history.
Regards,
John James Allen and Sue Hindmarsh

Hiya Guys - Great Site.
Like many others I am looking into the history of Morley.
I have the Ordnance Survey Map for Morley 1916 - is this the only one available? I bought it from Borders for £2, but I would love some from early and later.

Also anyone who is doing their family tree, in my family I have the Kitchins, the Nicholsons and the Luptons.

David Buttery. I am also trying to trace my family tree and Thomas Buttery (Mayor 1927) was my Great Granddad. His daughter was my father's mother.

I have been searching the web for Morley sporting events history as my grandfather Samuel Barnaby, a local miner, at one time may have been mentioned or pictured in a boxing article. I am not sure of the time period but think maybe 1950 onwards

Hi again...
I'm also looking for information on the Kemp family of Shay Farm, Drighlington. Laura Kemp (nee. Bickerdike) is my Great Aunt who married Oliver Kemp, they had at least one son, Arthur,. Family tales have it that the Kemps had an egg producing business at Shay Farm though so far I have had no luck in finding it other than one mention on this site. I contacted the present owners but they didn't reply. So any help would be much appreciated.

Hello all...
Great site you have here.
I was hoping to find out if anyone remembers anything of my Bickerdike family who lived in and around Morley and Churwell in the first half of the 20th Century. My GG Grandfather William Bickerdike was a small holder at Lin(g)coft Farm at the bottom of Churwell Hill, next to the railway lines. His family including my G Grandfather Early Bickerdike moved into Morley itself and lived at 82 Albion Street until at least 1900. Obviously I am not expecting anyone to remember him but if there are any Bickerdike descendents reading this I would love to hear from them.

I am doing a family tree and need more info into the history of my family, can anybody help? I know that one of my relatives was Mayor of Morley in 1927.

This site is fantastic, I have a house on Great Northern Street...Some of the photos brought tears to my eyes. Well done! :)

Re Filey Street. My Granddad George Askey was born there in 1881. The streets were alphabetically listed from Annie St. to Johnson Terrace. I think Filey St. would have been where Lewisham Court flats now stand as Annie Street and Hull Street are at either end of the flats

Great site. I used to live in Morley from the early 50s till 1960 initially at Fairfield House (if it is still called that) on East Park St. I then moved to Scotchman Lane. I attended Cross Hall Primary and have many fond memories of those times. I have lived in Australia since 1962 and have always wished to return to Morley,but with age catching up I fear I never will. This site has been a godsend to me allowing me to view old and cherished places I thought I would never see again. Thank you for your effort and dedication to this archive.

I have been researching my family history for some time now and have established that my Grandfather originated from Morley. There are two addresses that I am curious about. In the 1881 census he is listed as staying at '8 Sims House' and in the 1891 census at 12 Filey St. Do these addresses still exist?

Researching my family I have found on the 1901 census that my great grandparents George and Emma Varley lived at 12 Oldroyd Building, Morley, she is listed as a shopkeeper. I can find no record of this building, hope someone on this site could help me, as I would love to know where or what this was. As a child George lived in Mill Street which I have been able to locate although sadly no longer houses . He is listed aged 15 as rag sorter as is his mother. Any help on what they were doing, apart from the obvious ! Many thanks

I'm a member of Morley Community Archives and President of Morley Local History Society. I was very interested in Gillian Rimmer's comments about Thomas Arthur Buttery. He was, indeed, a well known architect in Morley, designing a number of chapels, including the Ebenezer (Fountain Street: now flats) but not the architect of Morley Town Hall. This was G.A. Fox of Dewsbury and there is a memorial window for this man near the hallway of the Town Hall.
However, Thomas Buttery was Mayor of Morley in 1926-27 and there is, actually, a photo of him on this site. We do have other photos of Mr Buttery in our archive and would welcome more.

I have just started work in Morley and it is the first time I have ever set foot in the town, although I was aware that my grandma was born there, Her maiden name was Clegg, and I believe her grandfather was called Thomas Buttery. I was always told that he was the architect of the Town Hall. Does anyone know anything about him?

Yes I remember the dome as I used to live on Westerton Road and used to walk around the fields up that way.

The Dome, Tingley

Does anyone remember the concrete dome in Tingley ? It was an experimental structure built by Norwest Holst, it was demolished around 1989. If anyone has any photos they could send me via email I would be grateful.

Re: David Parkers post -
There were many Hartleys in Morley and the surrounding area; some of my research may be useful to you. Anybody researching Hartleys in Morley, Rothwell etc are welcome to email me and compare notes. I'm also interested in Buttery's, Stogdales and Wass's.

Morley was home to my great grandfather John Parker who had a draper's shop on Queen Street at the turn of the last century and my grandmother's family, the Hartley's. Her father David was was a mill owner, the address was Daisy Hill, Morley.
John Parker's wife was Priscilla Rhodes daughter of Cornelius Rhodes also of Morley.
All this is to seek advice as an exiled Yorkshire man living in South Africa. I am keen to learn more of the Hartley family as it seems that both my grandmothers parents died relatively young and she was brought up by older sisters. Also I believe that the Drapers shop was handed on to my grandfather's elder brother William of whom I have no information

My partner is from Morley, he doesn't use the internet himself but has asked me if I could find out about an accident in Morley tunnel. Thanks, Yvonne.


There have been many accidents, could you be more specific, maybe a date or someone involved? Moderator.

Re Nikki Vine about Walter B.Stockwell,Enjoyed the item as I was given my first job on leaving school in 1952 by Mr Aikman (referred to as Stan) who was then Managing Director.The young Walter Stockwell then took over around 1960 I think,after being in the forces.I worked there for 10 Years during which time I met and married my sweet wife Jean of 48 years and was also fortunate in being taught to drive at the expense of the company. All in all a time of very happy memories.

Wonderful site. I would be interested to learn about any historic community events or traditions that went on in Morley throughout the years. Now that Morley is coming into its own again maybe we could consider recreating any of the events of days gone by!!??

Enjoyed the pictures and information. Was there to visit St. Mary's Church Woodkirk last year. I have several family members christened, married, and buried at the church, including my grandmother Ada Saville Osborne. She died in 1908. I was disappointed as I could not get to the grave due to overgrown bushes, blackberry vines etc. I enjoyed looking around the church, and talking to Mr. Haigh who was very nice to open the church for me.

With reference to 'Thorpe', My 3xGreats Grandfather, Andrew Hartley, worked at Thorpe Quarry and died young, possibly from a work related illness. I too would be interested to hear about anyone's knowledge of Thorpe.

Hi, I have recently found that family on my mums side moved to Morley in the 1800's and they seem to have worked in the mill industry. Their surname was THORPE. Anyone heard of them at all??

My parents Tom & Lilian Wales owned the fish & chip shop at 5, High Street Morley until 1965.
I was a pupil at Peel Street Primary School until that year and remember walking past the mills, inhaling the smell of wet wool as I went to & from school, water and various colours of woollen dye spilling out into the street. Does anyone remember the paper mill fire - I remember watching the flames and burning paper burned my arm, I still have the scars to this day. Our G.P was Dr De Keyser and our dentist was a Scottish gentleman whose name escapes me. I remember my father taking me to the Pavillion cinema to watch Norman Wisdom films, and my aunt taking me to Bradford by steam train, as the steam era was coming to an end. Although I only lived in Morley during my formative years, I am very interested in your site, having discovered it by chance.

I was born at Morley Hall in 1959, lived in Howden Clough for 30 years.
My Grandfather was steward at the working mens club by the old baths, his name was James Brown. My other Grandfather was Alfred Rowsby who passed away in 2001 just 4 days before his 100th birthday.
My Mum & Dad now live on Fountain Street.
I now live in Nottingham.
If anyone would like to contact me feel free to do so.
Good site and some fine pictures.
All the best.

Just read John Cooper's message to my grandma (Betty Pickles-nee Large). Remembers you- her mother and John Cooper's grandma were sisters. However the whereabouts of photo remains a mystery. Betty does however have a picture of the opening of the THORNHILL POWER STATION when Morley councillors were present.

Re my previous post;

I refer to the Sycamore. The 1891 census entry is written in such a way that it looks more like 'Seafarers Inn'. Owing to the date stone over the door and my great great grandfather's tenure, it's probable that he was the Sycamore's first Landlord. I'd be very interested to hear about any knowledge, pictures or documents anybody may have of the Sycamore around that time or indeed Henry Hartley/Annie Wass.

I just discovered this website while researching my grandfather's notes. He was born in Morley in 1898; looks like there is a lot of useful information here. So far the street names of 1905 has been very helpful.

Great site. I have discovered today that my great great grandfather ran or owned a pub on High St in the 1880s. If anyone is interested in further detail for updating the site, feel free to give me a call on 07948 072586.

Moderator:
Presumably this would have been the Hembrigg/Morley Dashers or the Sycamore. Coming soon, picture gallery of the Morley pubs.

From Adwalton, spent much time in East Ardsley, grandad's farm. But one of my favourite spots in Morley was a butcher's shop which had the best pork pies I have ever had, forget the name of the shop.
It was where we got off the bus from Drighlington.

Churwell Hospital. I have been searching the web regarding this hospital as I believe my mother was acting as the matron there about 1940. I have come across two references to the hospital; one is a photo on the Leeds Library site ( Leodis.net). The other is a sighting of a map which shows the hospital stood about 500 meters south of Elland Rd, and 200 metres west of the railway line, near to Coteroyd Dri. I hope this is of some use to your society.

I was born Morley Hall 1953 and lived at Blind Lane farm with my family who rented the farm house. We left to buy a house in Leeds, we were three brothers of which I am the youngest. The farmer's name was Angus, does anyone remember us?

I have discovered a cousin in England also related to Samuel Stead who is a whiz at geneology and has copious records. Please let me know if you're interested and I'll have him contact you.

Well done Morley! What an amazing site. I found it by accident during a search for David Dickinson, Mayor. I suppose no-one knows what his father's name was, do they?

I have just found this fantastic website. It has been a great help to my son who is doing a project at school on Morley.

My great-grandfather was Thomas Stephenson, who owned Bruntcliffe Mill. His daughter, my grandmother, Annie, had a sister, Laura. Annie married Fred Carr and they lived at Moor Grange, Rein Road, Tingley, West Ardsley. (Moor Grange now demolished and 6 new homes built on the grounds - 1970s?). It was a lovely stately house. The Carrs had 6 children - Wilfred, Arthur, Cecilia Faith, Dorothea, Edward, and Annie Margaret (my mother). Fred was a music teacher, and also a haulage contractor - W Carr and Son. Faith (married to Joe Bromley) lived opposite at Hylands. Fred's unmarried sisters - Lily and Theresa lived at Moor Grange - Lily was a teacher in Morley.

To Susan Wintrop re her February 2007 posting.

I am related to Samuel Stead (my grandmother was Jessie Stead) and I have a fairly complete family tree.

(To contact Bill, please use the enquiry form and your message will be forwarded. MCA Moderator)

My great grandfather was Samuel Stead who began the newspaper in Morley in the 1800's. His son, my grandfather Laurence, emigrated to Canada in the early 1900's. I have been looking for English relatives and history for years and hope someone may respond to my enquiry. I have the Canadian story should anyone be interested. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely.
Susan Wintrop

I have just purchased your latest set of postcards, again another brilliant set. I will be using these in my family history scrap book to illustrate Morley area in the past. Well done keep up the good work.

I have just begun ancestral research, a g.g.g.g/mother of mine was from Morley, convicted in 1840 of stealing from her employer (Mr. Mallinson grocer of Dewsbury) transported to Australia. Info from witness statements at her trial mentioned Scotchman Lane. Her name was Ruth Banks, had a sister Sarah, father Thomas. Do not live in the UK so actually visiting Morley would be difficult although on my list if any info came up. Are there old graveyards in Morley?

I have just finished a year of family research. I knew nothing about my family then. I have now found and visited Morley which was where we came from. We owned the coal mines and I have found out about the mine disaster. I also now have met cousins that I did not know existed. What came over very strongly on my very short visit was the history of the town everywhere. I live in the South of the UK so I can not really visit to find out a lot more, but I will check out your web site to keep up.

Have just found this delightful site with the help of a friend. Although I now live in Lincolnshire, Morley will always be close to my heart and I'm especially proud of the fact that David Atkinson was my Geography teacher in 1975/76 at Woodkirk School. I was sad to read that he's passed away. But what an amazing collection this is! Am especially looking forwards to the mining section getting up and running. Thank you so much!
Very best wishes,
Linda Mellows

Born West Ardsley 1940. Then lived flat roof houses Gildersome. Then Vicarage Avenue Gildersome. Afterwards Scarborough and back to Morley at Ingle Grove where mother was midwife. 1947 back to Scarborough.

Went to three primary schools in Gildersome including the Church School and in Morley, Victoria Road and Peel Street.

Had relatives in Driglington,[ who didn`t know of Clifford Seed?] ,in Gildersome, Coopers and Seeds, in Morley ,Schofields and Lileys,in Tingley, Baileys, Schofields, Tates and in Midleton, Crawfords.

My ancestors were miners,farriers, weavers and labourers on the whole. I have spent my life mostly as a university academic in Scotland and France. Such is life!

But I did enjoy Morley-----Lea Fair every year, the Whitsuntide parades, the VE parade in the main street,Cockersdale Woods, Betty Grable at the Picture House and Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan at the Pavillion, trips on the bus to Dewsbury, Batley and Leeds for shopping ,the Wings demonstration in Leeds and family occasions in and about Woodkirk Church-------------. Now I have but one distant relative in Morley!

But it is reasuring to find that the archives are being kept------ incidentally do you know the whereabouts of a framed picture of the council on the occasion of the opening of the Town Hall that my grandfather gave to the town [late 50`s?]. His father was on the Council and I would like to see the image.

I have recently been looking into my late husband's family tree. His family live at Elm Villa Farm, Carr Gate, and I wondered if you have any information on the old rhubarb sheds that are still on the property. My husband's family didn't move there till the sixties and I would just like to know more about it. Thank you.

Chanced upon the open day at The Town Hall - fantastic experience. My mum was a Stockdale, was she distantly related to the mayor of the same name? I must find out. My daughter wears her Morley coat of arms badge with pride. Thanks guys.

REPLY
Spetch Fold was off Old Lane.

I enjoyed the site, and will visit again. Looking at the picture of Dr McCutcheon's car reminded me that you may be interested in my family, William and William Norman Fenton who grew Fenton's Special rhubarb in those fields on Tingley Common in the 1930's. Raynham House [no longer there] was built by my Father in 1933. I have a picture of this if you are interested. Barbara.

The following entries have been transferred from our old Guestbook and were originally submitted on the date given at the start of each message.

12.06.2006
I have been looking through the Morley Archives site with great pleasure, I have contributed some photos of my family and I am very pleased by the way they have been portrayed. The hard work that has been put in has been well worth it, well done.

9.04.2006
Congratulations on a great site.
My g Grandfather Walter B Stockwell was the owner of Alexandra Mill as mentioned in this site. He lived at 30 Troy Road in Morley. He married Alice Holliday also from the Morley district. Their daughter Constance (Connie) who was born in Morley in Barfield Terrace married James (Stanley) Aikman. I think James may have run the mill for a while as well. I have found a picture of Walter B Stockwell with his lorry on the internet - I have no pictures myself although I think my mother has a few - I must ask her.

13.03.2006
I am like many people tracing my ancestors in Morley, myself born 1965 in Morley. I visit the town weekly and was very pleased that many local buildings are being preserved, if not for their original use, but a practical use gives me a satisfying feeling. My family like many were mill workers. I am very interested in the daily routine these ancestors would have had to endure. Luckily I have photographs of my grandmother working in the 1950's in one of the local mills and I shall research into which mill buildings are still standing. The post cards I obtained are wonderful. I think a guided walk around Morley to compare the changed and original sights would be something a lot of people of all ages could appreciate if anyone felt qualified to undertake. Keep up the good work, I for one am very proud of my home town.
T. Crossley formerly Askins

20.02.2006
During the night of April 23 1944, I watched a burning plane fall down on our farm property in southeastern Holland. I even saw 2 figures bail out in the glare of the searchlight cone. Nothing was ever learned of the fate of its crew. I was 13 years old at that time. Now, at 75 years of age, I have finally discovered through Internet searches that all 7 crew members survived with 3 evading capture. One of them, James William Firth, lived in your community and passed away there in 1991. His wife, Margaret still lives there. I wrote her a letter in hopes of learning more of his escape and later life in your community. She was unable to help me, however. I would very much like to include excerpts of his life and that of others involved in that particular mission in a true story I hope to write about the downing of their R.A.F. Halifax bomber of 578 Squadron. Any help in this endeavour would be greatly appreciated.
Hugh Timmerman - Canada.

17.02.2006
This site is very interesting, I have only recently discovered that my great grandfather, William Mallender, lived in Morley for a few years during the 1880s, his parents & several siblings stayed in the area when William returned to Sheffield. Keep up the good work, sites like this help to bring our history to life and I hope it goes from strength to strength.

12.02.2006
I have just been looking at your website and found it very interesting. I myself was born in Bradford but my husband was born and brought up in Bruntcliffe and has lived there for all of his 62 years, so any memorabilia about the old Bruntcliffe we both find very interesting. Also we live near the chapel and the Shoulder of Mutton, which I believe is over a hundred years old.

29.1.2006
What a superb DVD. Full of nostalgia and interest. Congratulations to all concerned

28.1.2006
I have read Ms Joan Wrigleys comments and in particular her remarks about her family living in Churwell. I can`t sort out where Spetch Fold is. I only know of Low Fold which is now no more. It was demolished in the sixties. Perhaps I can be enlightened

28.1.2006
Very interesting site. I look forward to it's expansion and hope the group can get more help from the people of Morley so our history can be saved for the future.

5.1.2006
Reading the article in Family History I am hoping someone in your group may have some information to help me in my researches. I know that my ancestors, Kell Bros. Railway Engineers of Leeds, were involved in some work in Morley . They may have built the station or some engine sheds if anyone in your group as any info relating to them,I would be very pleased for any help.I live in Dorset and don't get to Yorkshire very often. I will acknowledge any replies.
Malcolm Kell

31.12.2005
An excellent site, just looked at the postcards in the "shop", alas didn't find anything of interest but will browse again, interested in Spetch Fold, Back Green and Elland Road, Churwell where my husband's ancestors the "Mitchells" and "Wilshers" lived.

17.11.2005
Breath-takingly splendid! I've just looked at the postcards in the "shop" and seen details in the enlarged pictures which are excellent to see.