THE BRAVERY of Harden people during the First World War is highlighted on a new website.

Harden Parish Council has launched an online archive for people interested in the village’s history including those their ancestors’ activities during the war years.

Cllr Zafar Ali, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, visited Harden Walker memorial last week to learn more about the archive and see the recently-restored war memorial.

The idea for the digital archive came in 2014 during the run up to the centenary of the start of the First World War.

It is based on a research project and exhibition on ‘Harden in the Great War’, which was completed by Cllr Kay Kirkham and the then Clerk, Eve Haskins. It has now been digitized by web provider Digital Nomads at no cost.

There are future plans to expand the project to include more detail of others involved in the First World war, and also to undertake research into those involved in the Second World War.

Visit hardenparishcouncil.gov.uk/war-history to see the archive.

Cllr Ali said: “This special new online archive is fascinating, offering an insight into the real, local people who served during the First World War.

“The team at Harden have done some remarkable work to set this up and I would encourage everyone to have a look, especially if you’re local or have family history in the area.”

Cllr Gerwyn Bryan, chairman of Harden Parish Council, said: “The Lord Mayor’s visit was a useful reminder of just how much hard work has gone into maintaining and renovating the war memorial, in researching Harden’s war history, and in subsequently digitising records for access by a wider audience.

“The parish council has been delighted to facilitate these works and is grateful to all involved.”

In 2017, Harden Parish Council commissioned restoration of the village’s war memorial, successfully securing a grant from the War Memorials Trust.

At that time a brass plaque was provided with a QR code linking to the website, with information about the memorial.

The Parish Council had previously applied to Historic England, and after examining records and other relevant information and considering the architectural and historic interest, the memorial was listed at Grade II.