Bradley

Bradley is a friendly village in an attractive setting, half a mile off the A629, and a little over two miles south of Skipton. Approached one way by a swing bridge crossing the Leeds- Liverpool canal, you can't be in a hurry, as you may find you have to give way to one or more of the gaily-painted pleasure boats or slow down while some of the resident duck population take a stroll across the road.

Bradley is divided into two parts - High and Low, collectively known as Bradleys Both. Long ago however, it went by the name of Bradleys Ambo. The Bradley section of the Leeds-Liverpool canal was completed in about 1775. A coal business was eventually established on the left of the swing bridge, complete with wharf and weighbridge, while a coal stay and canal wharf occupied a large area to the right. Coal barges pulled by boat were a regular sight.

Quarrying supplied slate and stone for building, but most of the villagers were engaged in hand-loom weaving in their own homes. Some were wool combers. In the mid 1860s, industry came to Bradley in the form of spinning and weaving mills, providing much needed employment. One of the mills, at Cross Lane, is now divided into several small units and craft workshops, but weaving is still carried on at Rose Shed. One of the mills, is now divided into several small units and craft workshops.

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Houses For Sale

The Gentle Giant (nothing to do with the village, but interesting !)

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