Bradford author William Cudworth, writing in about 1876, said there were upwards of 30 quarries in Thornton.
That’s a lot of quarries! Where were they all? Where did it all start? What was so special about Thornton’s stone?
A new exhibition opening in July at South Square Centre, Thornton, explores how the underlying geology of Thornton gave rise not just to quarrying but also to coal mining and fireclay industries in Thornton.
“The exhibition is part of a two-year project called Stone which is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund,” said Lorraine Greenald, project organiser.
“It seemed appropriate to put together an exhibition that looks at the importance of stone in the Thornton area.
" It is the material that surrounds you everywhere in the village – in the buildings, pavements, field boundaries, walls and cemeteries – and it was all sourced locally.
"The exhibition is about why it’s here, how it’s been used and the people that made their living from it.”
From the Ground Up runs from July 6 to September 1, in the Community Room at South Square Centre, Thornton, Bradford. Opening times are noon to 3pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free.
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