A ‘GOLD’ key presented to a former Mayor of Bradford in the 19th century has been donated to a district history group.

The key was given to Briggs Priestley, who was a member of Bradford Council for the Little Horton ward from 1867 until 1880 and was elected Mayor of Bradford in 1877.

One of the principal events of his time as Mayor of Bradford was his opening of Horton Park in 1878.

On this occasion he was presented by Bradford Corporation with a commemorative ‘gold’ key.

The key was among the items donated to Cottingley Village History Society. The group adds it is thanks to the efforts of Briggs Priestley that Bradford has parks in so many areas today.

Briggs Priestley was born in March 1831 at Thornton and was first employed by, then became a partner of, Craven and Harrop. In 1852 he married Grace Crabtree. He started his own business at Shearbridge in 1860 and after a short time took in his brother, Henry.

All the Priestley documents and photographs donated to Cottingley Village History Society will now go on display at the Heritage Centre’s open days from April onwards. Go to history.cottingleyconnect.org.uk for more information.