Saltaire

We’d had three excellent days in Leeds and on leaving the plan was to make Apperley Bridge, moor for the night, and then proceed to Saltaire next day.  Perceived wisdom says that when travelling west from Leeds to complete your journey as early as possible, and not to moor before you have reached Apperley Bridge due to a history of unsociable activity in the area .  Although our experience was  fine, possibly due to the time of day and the help two permanent lock-keepers. 

Saltaire was the brainchild of Sir Titus Salt (1803- 1876).  Salt made his fortune in the Bradford textile industry, manufacturing fine woollen fabrics.  Bradford was a grim, grimy town full of disease and dreadful living and working conditions and Salt believed his workforce deserved better and decided to build a new mill on the River Aire on a greenfield site. The mill, known as Salts Mill was the first building to be completed and opened in 1853, it was the biggest factory in the world and employed 3000 workers.  Eventually housing was completed for his entire workforce and the town of Saltaire was born.

Salt Mill straddling the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Sir Titas Salt

Saltaire church.
Salt also built a town hall, hospital, school and alms houses.

Examples of housing built by Salt.

Next mooring of interest is Keighley, see you then.