THIS RATHER unusual building in North Street, demolished in 1970, will be remembered in its latter days as the former Yorkshire Penny Bank, but it had been the original home of the Keighley Mechanics’ Institute, which, after nine years of holding lectures and classes in borrowed rooms, moved here in 1834.
Here its members lectured on their special interest: the Rev Theodore Dury on zoology, John Bradley on the steam engine, David Dewhirst on the properties of bodies.
Notwithstanding, a visiting “Mr Adams’ Lectures On Acoustics” lost money, more popular attractions being the visit of a New Zealand chief and “Mrs Crowther’s Performance on Musical Glasses”.
By 1835 the Institute’s library numbered more than 800 volumes. Its librarian got £5 a year, and had the option of the two rooms under the library and reading room at £5 rent.
He was also expected to erect the stage and attend at the door for lectures.
The photograph has been supplied by Kevin Seaton, of Shann Lane, Keighley.
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