Baildon sprawls its way up the hillside towards Baildon Moor, just to the north-east of Saltaire. Originally a small village with ancient origins as far back as the Bronze Age, it started to grow during the Industrial Revolution and is now designated a small town (since 2013), as the area has been infilled with a vast amount of housing. Having a railway station with links to Bradford and Leeds, it is very much commuter-territory and the house-building continues.
The town centre, towards the top of the hillside, still has some older buildings. The centre is now more or less a huge roundabout but it is here that the 'potted meat stick' is sited. (Its name comes from its mottled pink stone, which resembles that foodstuff - see below.) Given to Baildon in 1862, it was a drinking fountain and memorial to Frances Ferrand, one of the Holdens, a leading Baildon family. Community spirit is still strong here, with several busy cafés, various churches, independent shops, a farmers' market once a month and all sorts of sports and activities.
Very appealing views.
ReplyDeleteIt looks to be a rather charming and attractive place to live. I know little about this area but I’m learning a lot more since finding your blog! Have a happy day 😁
ReplyDeleteThe colorful banners and well planted go-around speak of community interest too! Glad to hea it's thriving.
ReplyDeleteThe colour of the stone buildings gives a nice unity to the scene.
ReplyDeleteYet another wonderful old town.
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