Impression of Dickensian times (From Keighley News)

Impression of Dickensian times

7:36am Thursday 14th May 2009

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This atmospheric view, dating well back into the Victorian era, gives a good impression of what High Street — one of Keighley’s main traditional thoroughfares — looked like in Dickensian times.

The premises on the right, replaced in the later 19th century, were possibly being photographed on the point of their redevelopment.

The prominent building towards the left, on the corner with Temple Street, was occupied by Simon Billows, printer, bookbinder, newsagent and stationer.

Next door but one was another printer and stationer, Abel Hey. Even at the time of an 1884 trades directory the premises on the extreme right had been replaced by the Exchange Vaults, where victualler John Gill advertised “a Free and Easy Every Saturday Evening”. When some 30 years ago the shop seen dimly on the farther side of Temple Street was internally refurbished, a beam comprising a complete tree-trunk was taken out of a ceiling.

The photograph has been supplied by Mr Kevin Seaton, of Shann Lane, Keighley.

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