The often grisly history of a quaint village square is to be remembered after residents successfully campaigned for its name to be changed in memory of the 19th century medical pioneer, bonesetter Mally Wharton.

The name of Wharton Square was wiped off the map shortly after the Second World War, when it officially became part of East Parade, Baildon.

It was originally named after Mrs Wharton, who lived with her husband in the square at the top of East Parade and became famous for treating poor people from miles around who visited her home to have broken bones re-set.

Painful surgery was carried out in the cottage without anaesthetic and with patients sometimes tied to a post while she manipulated their limbs.

Now, with the help of 87-year-old Betty Leyland, who has lived in the bonesetter's former cottage for more than 60 years, residents have won a campaign for the square to be given back its original name. Mrs Leyland, who moved in with her mother and sister when she was 11 years old, said she was delighted that part of Baildon's village history had been restored.

She said: "The street sign was on the cottage and it was named after her because of the great service she provided for the village. I always wanted the name to be restored and this is a great day in my life.

"I remember when Wharton Square was like a village green and the grass came up to the cottage windows! It is part of the history of the village."

Olwen Vasey, a former Telegraph & Argus reporter and now a magistrate in Bradford, started the campaign to change the name back when she learned about the square's history.

She started the ball rolling four years ago by approaching Baildon ward councillor Roger L'Amie when she moved to East Parade, as it was then known, which is part of the Baildon conservation area.

She said: "I always thought it was a great shame that a person who was famous in the village had been honoured and the name had been removed.

"Everybody sent letters asking the Council to restore the name. The Council said it was an extremely unusual request but it has been very helpful.

She added: "It is a fantastic day for the residents and a boost for the conservation area."

Councillor L'Amie (Con, Baildon), said: "There is nowhere else in Bradford with that name, except a street in Queensbury with no houses on it and, with a bit of negotiation with the residents, we managed to get an agreement and contacted the Council to sanction the change.

"It was very helpful. I think the Council should give itself a pat on the back for this."

e-mail: marc.meneaud @bradford.newsquest.co.uk