THIS building, formerly known as the Mansion House in Victoria Park, started life in 1819 as Eastwood House – the home of manufacturer William Sugden, of Fleece Mill.

When house and grounds – much more extensive than they are now – came on the market in 1889, they were bought for the town by public subscription, with Henry Isaac Butterfield of Cliffe Castle contributing half the cost.

The Eastwood House grounds opened as Victoria Park on July 4, 1893, a half-holiday in honour of a royal wedding.

Sir Isaac Holden performed the requisite ceremony and Henry Isaac Butterfield provided tea for 12,000 Sunday School children.

Mr Butterfield is sometimes criticised because he made his donation in return for the closure of Dark Lane, a right of way across his Cliffe Castle estate, but in truth he was a generous benefactor.

This tranquil Edwardian view includes one of two bandstands he paid for, described at the time as “striking objects amongst the well-grown foliage”.

Made of cast-iron, they were both designed by Keighley iron merchant John W Laycock.

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