Ghostly visitation the root of popular saying
SIR – Re Alan Holdsworths letter (July 28), the saying “Pity poor Bradford” comes from 1643 when the Earl Of Newcastle (Black Tom) was at Bolling Hall holding Bradford under siege.
He was, it is reported, visited during the night by a ghostly figure who asked him to “Pity poor Bradford”. Whether he did or didn’t is unclear.
The story was reported by Joseph Lister, a local author, now buried in the Old Bell Chapel, Thornton.
Lord Fairfax, who was trapped in Bradford, finally escaped via Barkerend and later took arms against the Earl Of Newcastle at Adwalton Moor.
Steve Stanworth, Canford Road, Allerton
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