When Keighley achieved municipal borough status in 1882, its new town council instituted a period of civic improvements, including the provision of public parks – three within six years.

First, opened in 1888, came Devonshire Park, on nine acres presented by the Duke of Devonshire. Its sloping site was crowned by a terrace promenade commanding “a magnificent view of the valley of the Aire, with Rombalds Moor in the distance”. Other features were a bandstand and the “ornamental serpentine lake”, seen here with Cliffe Castle beyond.

Then, 1891 saw the opening of the 15-acre Lund Park, the gift of James Lund of Malsis Hall at Glusburn. Highlight there was a “magnificent” fountain.

Victoria Park, opened in 1893, occupying the grounds of Eastwood House, and was purchased by public subscription, although Henry Isaac Butterfield, of Cliffe Castle, contributed half – £5,250 – in return for the closure of Dark Lane.

A Science and Art Exhibition, in the courtyard of Eastwood House, was to be the basis for Keighley’s original museum.