DURING the demolition of Mantra Mills in 1931, an enterprising photographer climbed up to record this bird’s-eye view along South Street, showing the impending clearance area of Westgate in the background.
In the foreground are good examples of mid-Victorian residential streets; Aireworth Street, Regent Place, Portland Place, Peel Place and Prospect Place. Uniform though these rows were, each represented a community.
Back Aireworth Street enjoyed a reputation for decorations on festive occasions. Such was their fame that at the 1937 Coronation, people came from all over town to see them, contributing a total of £10 for Victoria Hospital. The street won a £3 prize, which residents put towards treating neighbourhood children to a trip to Bridlington.
The last home in Aireworth Street was demolished in 1973, this site now being occupied by Farish House (named incidentally after John Farish, founder of the Keighley Mechanics’ Institute).
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