Keighley
History of Keighley
Keighley was a modest medieval town in the Aire Valley in the 14th century. The essential shape of the early town is still recognisable, based on High Street, Low Street and Church Green.
Keighley's development was most notable in the 18th century. In 1780 the power potential of the North Beck and the River Wharfe ensured Keighley's entry into the Industrial Revolution. Its closeness to Lancashire meant that the town's Low Mill became the first cotton mill in Yorkshire.
As cotton gave way to worsted woollen cloth Keighley grew, with engineering emerging as another important industry. The new industries attracted workers who settled in the developing town. By 1878 there were 70 mills in Keighley but as late as 1847 Hope and Cabbage Mills were still spinning cotton.
Things to do in Keighley
Keighley is the perfect place for a short break or day visit. Situated in Brontë Country, Keighley has many visitor attractions and a packed events calendar.
Get round Brontë Country on a steam train on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway which begins in Keighley and ends in Oxenhope. This popular railway has featured in many films and was the setting in the famous film, The Railway Children. The railway hosts many events throughout the year including a popular Beer Festival and Santa Train Specials.
Other transport museums in Keighley include the Musuem of Rail Travel and the Keighley Bus Museum. Both are excellent museums with excellent exhibitions including trains and buses from many different eras.
Also not to be missed is Cliffe Castle Museum situated in the pretty surroundings of Cliffe Castle Park. Perfect for a family day out this interesting museum has a changing programme of exhibitions, family activities and a cafe and play area. Nearby is East Riddlesden Hall a 17th-century West Riding manor house with formal and wild gardens, duckpond and grounds. It's ideal for a family day out with its celebrated Airedale Heiffer Playground, gardens, grass maze and duck pond.
More information on attractions in Keighley and the surrounding area
Events in Keighley
Keighley has a packed events calendar throughout the year with something for everyone. Visit during the summer for the popular Keighley Festival. Two weeks of live music, food, guided walks, community and family events.
The Keighely & Worth Valley Railway also has an interesting events programme from Santa Trains during the run-up to Christmas to the Beer and Music Festival in October. Also not to be missed is the Keighley Festival of Transport.
There are also lots of family events throughout the year at Cliffe Castle Museum and East Riddlesden Hall. Both of these stately homes have a changing programme of exhibitions and provide hands-on activities for children particulalry during the school holidays.
More on events in Keighley and the surrounding area.