THE scene in Cavendish Street by the 1920s shows that Keighley had achieved its aim to make the street “a close rival to North Street for architectural effect, width and symmetry”.

Thirty-six of the handsome shops under the stylish glass canopy had been built by Sir Prince Smith, a leading Keighley industrialist and director of the Bradford District Bank.

Twentieth-century Cavendish Street was intended to impress visitors emerging from the railway station, with the Victoria Hotel at the bottom catering primarily for commercial travellers. Among its earlier novelties were a hydraulic lift, electric lights “most artistically arranged” and a grand restaurant and buffet. It could also stage balls and public banquets.

Notice here on the left the door on the corner of the Cavendish Hotel, which has since been filled in. The upper floors of the shop beyond the Cavendish served as the Imperial Temperance Hotel.

This is another photograph from the collection of Kevin Seaton, of Bradford Road, Riddlesden.