This week we are taking a trip down memory lane to Shipley Glen, thanks to local historian Alan Cattell who has just written his third local history book “Shipley Glen – The History and Development of Victorian Playground.

Through extensive research - (particularly using contemporary newspaper articles) Alan charts the social and commercial changes which has influenced the popularity of this area. In doing so he has woven together the various strands of the Glen’s history from its early days to the present, covering topics on the ownership of the Glen, farms and farmhouse teas, to the Saltaire’s Exhibition and the rise and demise of Fairs and permanent rides on the Glen plateau.

A Missed Opportunity?

On June 5th 1908 the Observer reported on a major political event

held on the Glen:

“There have been many monster holiday crowds at Shipley Glen but in the

opinion of most people all records were broken on Sunday last when an open-air

demonstration was held at the popular resort by the National Women’s

Social and Political Union.”

Shipley Glen – The History and Development of Victorian Playground, is available from: Woodbank Nurseries - Harden, The Little Yorkshire Giftshop - Bingley, Card Emporium, Bingley, Shipley Glen Tramway, The Old Glen House - Shipley Glen, Old Glen Tearooms, Shipley Glen, Brackenhall Luxury Bed and Breakfast - Shipley Glen, and Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Shipley Glen, Salts Bookshop with some of the proceeds being donated to Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope.