Local Government

The parochial affairs of the township were, for many generations, vested in a Town's Committee, which I find to have been in existence more than a century ago. The jurisdiction of this body was somewhat extensive, judging from the number and variety of the resolutions which appear in their "minute book." I learn that at a Committee meeting held July 1st, 1771, it was ordered that "the Chapel Wardens and Overseers of the Poor pay to the informer or informers of housebreakers, garden or orchard robbers, gates, and stile breakers, etc., on conviction the sum of two guineas.
The dog fanciers of that day had not much sympathy from the local authority, for at a meeting of the Committee held July 9th, 1792, it was resolved, that "any person having relief from the township of Pudsey, and shall after the date hereof keep a dog, all such person or persons so doing shall be excluded from any relief till such time as the said dog or dogs are put away."
At a meeting of the Committee held March 18th, 1793, it was ordered that "two shillings of each fresh subscriber towards having such persons as are awanting in the Militia." At a meeting held on the 2nd of Dec., 1807, it was resolved that "William Hutchinson (who is balloted for the Militia), be assisted with the requisite sum to hire a substitute, by the Town, provided that the Township have the advantage of receiving the sum of money which is to be returned according to the Provisions of the Militia Act. N.B.---The above Indulgence and Assistance is granted in consequence of his kindness to his father."

PUDSEY MILITIA

The following is a "List of the Militia hired for the Township of Pudsey, 1803," and the substitutes named therein were sworn in for five years, or during His Majesty's pleasure. The amount of bounty given to each is named:

In 1809, a further ballot was necessary, and the following persons formed the "Pudsey Supplementary Militia" for that year:

 

CHURCHWARDENS
The first CHURCHWARDENS for Pudsey township, of whom there is any account, were John Crossley and Thomas Whitley, who, in 1606, held that office. The lists, dating from that time, are far from being complete, as will be seen from the copies in the Appendix. These lists frequently have appended to them the amount of the church rate for the year, the rates varying from 2d. to 9d. and 1s. in the pound. At a meeting of the Town's Committee held June 18th 1824, it was resolved that "the Churchwardens be instructed to engage a proper person to instruct a number of persons to ring, and that they do pay the sum of 10s. 6d. per week to him for his services, and that the Churchwardens have the discretion of continuing him as long as they think proper, and make a selection of proper persons." In the following year it was resolved, that "the ringers have the sum of seventeen pounds given to them, and two shillings per man for hiring money per annum, and the ringers shall have the old ropes and no other perquisities to be allowed by the Township." On the 6th of January, 1826, a rate was laid "for the paying of Mr. Mears his balance for the bells."
In 1826, at a vestry meeting held on the 13th October, it was resolved that "a rate of one shilling and threepence in the pound be granted to the Churchwardens for the current expenses of the year, and out of it they be authorised to lay out L50 in heating the church. Secondly, that in case any dispute should be raised, as to the validity of this rate, the Churchwardens be authorized and required by this meeting to take the necessary legal measures to compel the payment thereof without calling any other meeting." D. Jenkins, chairman, H. Simons, Robt. Parkinson, churchwardens and five others.
In 1836, the Rev. David Jenkins was incumbent, and Messrs. John Farrer and William Beaumont, churchwardens when the celebrated "smiting and brawling" case occurred, which resulted in William Clarkson and Jonas Proctor being cited before the Ecclesiastical Court at York, and sentenced-Mr. Clarkson to seven days' and Mr. Proctor to one month's imprisonment. They endured the penalty rather than acknowledge the justice of the charge brought against them. This event aggravated the feud existing between the Churchpeople and the Dissenters, and yearly contests took place in the election of churchwardens; the township was several times polled and the rate resisted.
In 1845, at a meeting held on the 27th of March, for the election of churchwardens, the incumbent, the Rev. D. Jenkins, having nominated Mr. John Farrer of Grove House, for his warden. Mr. John Baker was then proposed for the people's warden, but as an amendment, Mr. John Parkinson was proposed for the office. The show of hands being declared to be in favour of Mr. Parkinson, a poll was demanded, which was held and continued open nine days. When the votes were counted, the numbers were declared to be, for Mr. John Baker, 553; and for Mr. Parkinson, 488; there being a majority for Mr. Baker of 45, he was declared duly elected.
From a "list of persons who have served as Constables for the township of Pudsey," we learn that the maintenance of the peace from 1771, when the list commences, until 1845, was vested in this officer, a most important public functionary, who was elected annyally, his appointment being subsequently confirmed by the Justices of the Peace. A "Town's Committee" managed the general business of the township, and gave their orders to the constable and other officials. From the old "Town's Book," which was kept by the Committee as a record of their proceedings, we learn that, at a meeting held October 17th, 1791, it was
Resolved that all persons from and after the day above written who shall commit any misdemeanors such as robbery of gardens; hedges, gates, stiles or other fences breaking; potatoes and turnips stealing, etc., which shall be a prejudice to any of the inhabitants of the township of Pudsey; he, she, or they so offending shall be prosecuted by the constable of Pudsey at the expense of the town, provided the person or persons so injured and the evidence to the facts are willing to proceed against the offender or offenders according to law.
Amongst the duties pertaining to the constable was the custody of the village stocks-the old time remedy for reforming swearers, gamblers, drunkards, and desecrators of the Sabbath. This wooden machine stood in Church Lane, and it was no unusual thing, fifty years ago, to see it occupied during the time of service on Sundays, by some refractory member of the community. It is said that the punishment was somewhat severe to the back and ankles, for when prisoners were released they had to rub these parts of their body vigorously before they could hobble away.
The following is as complete a list of the Constables as can be obtained-

A serious disturbance of the peace of the township occurred in 1753, in connection with the "Toll Bar Riots," which took place in several districts in opposition to the introduction of Toll-bars; at Leeds two or three were killed by the soldiers, and the following refers to events which occurred at Pudsey and Fulneck at that time:--
On June 25th, 1753, between seven and eight o'clock a.m., a woman, who was dignified with the office of Pudsey town-crier, made her appearance in the quiet village of Fulneck, rang her bell vigorously, and then proclaimed that the inhabitants were expected to join the people who had risen for "King and country," adding that if this request were not attended to, a visit would be paid to enforce the behests of King Mob. Accordingly, at nine o'clock a multitude of about a hundred men, women and children poured in, and insisted that the single brethren should at once join them. Armed with clubs and staves, they rushed hither and thither, shouting and blowing lustily on a horn. Brother Benjamin La Trobe went among them, conversed in a friendly way, but quietly informed them they need not expect to find there what they wanted; for, to join them in their present doings would be contrary to the principles of the Brethren. They lingered about the houses for a while, and then one party went up to Tong, and presented themselves before Squire Tempest, who gave them money and refreshments. Ere this party returned, five or six of the leaders came again to the Brethren's house, and repeated their demand. Brother La Trobe intimated that if the Brethren could be helpful to them in any legal way it would gladly be done, but that they could not approve of any such irregular proceedings, nor in any wise abet those who took part therein. On his presenting them with half-a-guinea they went away, pledging themselves that no damage should be done to the settlement or its inhabitants. Soon after their withdrawal, the other party returned from Tong, and when a meeting took place on the Green, near the Low House, they concluded to make another attempt at the Brethren's house, and deliberated also on the steps to be taken in case of a refusal. Brother La Trobe, however, met them at the gate, at the end of the lane, and after a hard talking match, prevailed upon them to withdraw. They rushed off to Lane End, and conducted themselves there in a somewhat rough fashion. At last, finding they could not effect their purpose, they left the neighbourhood, but first compelled those who had accepted any money at Fulneck to return and deliver it up, declaring they had not come for "brass" but only for "t'lads." Still they held out the threat that after joining another body of sympathisers who had been waiting for them beyond Pudsey, they would show their faces again and let the "Fall neckers" see what they would do to them. Thus they withdrew, not the slightest damage having been inflicted, whilst in the settlement every heart and every mouth was filled with praise to the Saviour for His protecting care. When in the evening the poor misguided people reached their homes in Pudsey, some were in a wretched condition, having been wounded in hands, arms, and shoulders, when attacking a gentleman's house, which they intended pulling down. Several of the mob had been prisoners, and were taken off to gaol; of course this cast a gloom over the township, but it proved a wholesome discouragement to the rioters.*
In 1860, Pudsey was included within the County Constabulary jurisdiction; and subsequently the protective vigilance of the new police force was introduced. Sergeant Land, and six officers were stationed in the township.
An important portion of the parochial affairs of the township was formerly vested in the Overseers of the Poor, also annually elected at a town's meeting, and the appointment confirmed by the magistrates. The first item in the "Town's Book" relating to the overseers is to the following effect: --
In the year 1736, Agnes Gibson left £40 for the benefit of the poor of Pudsey, the interest to be given annually by the overseers.
At the Town's Committee Meeting, February 1st, 1766, Mr. Richard Hey, "honest Mr. Hey," as he was called, who was one of the overseers of the poor, was present. Mr. Hey died on the 24th of the same month, aged 63. He was the father of William Hey, Esq., F.R.S., of Leeds; Rev. John Hey, D.D., Norrisian Professor Divinity at Cambridge, etc.; Rev. Samuel Hey, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Magdalen College, Cambridge; and Richard Hey, Esq., L.L.D., barrister, Fellow and Tutor of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
Mr. John Radcliffe, Mr. Hey's son-in-law, attended the next Town's Committee meeting as Mr. Hey's deputy.
About this time-1766-the entries in the book frequently end with-"Notice to be given at both the Chapels." That would be the old Chapel-All Saints"-and the Dissenters' Chapel or Meeting-house, both in Chapeltown.
Previous to the year 1700, poor laws were unknown in Pudsey, and after the Government had passed these measures, Pudsey for more than a century continued to deal with its own poor, and the amount required for their relief was collected in small sums or leys, from the ratepayers in the township. At a meeting of the "Town's Committee," held Feby. 1st 1802, it was resolved to "discontinue the poorhouse, the occupants to be disposed of as soon as possible," and at the next meeting, held Feby. 15th 1802, an agreement was made with John Cooper, the elder, of Littlemoor, "to board the paupers residing in the poorhouse for one year, to commence on the
first day of March, 1802, and likewise to find fire for them at the rate of three shillings per week per head, to have their earnings for his own benefit-the poor to have two meat dinners per week, and likewise to be under the inspection of the Committee to see they be well kept."
The rateable value of the township of Pudsey as rated for the relief of the poor according to a new valuation made in May, 1806, was £4,175 10s. 0d.

* From "The Messenger", a Magazine of the Church of the United Brethren, "May, 1870, pp. 156-8. Editor, Rev. C.E.Sutcliffe, a native of Pudsey.

In consequence of the great distress which existed amongst the labouring poor in the year 1816, it was resolved at a Town's Committee meeting held on Nov. 20th, "that the respective ministers in the place be requested to preach charity sermons for the relief of the poor, in order to enable them to apply to the Society in London for their assistance." Many of the inhabitants were employed in repairing the roads in the township, which were then in a bad state, and a subscription was made also to assist in the relief of the destitute poor. £62 1s. 3d. was collected, the subscription being headed by the Rev. D. Jenkins with £3; the Rev. C.F. Ramitler, £2; Mr. Lawton of Fulneck, £2; children in Fulneck School, £3; Jer. Haley and Co., £2; Rich. Farrer, £2; Mr. John Skelton, £2; Richard Farrer, stapler, £2; Mr. Thackeray, £2; William Ellwand, £1, etc.
At a public meeting of the ratepayers, held June 18th, 1819, it was resolved "that a Select Vestry be appointed for superintending the management of the poor and the Township of Pudsey." Amongst the sixteen persons appointed for the first said vestry were the Rev. D. Jenkins and Thomas Laird, Messrs. John Radcliffe, Lepton Dobson, John Balme, Christian Hanneman, William Ellwand, etc.
As complete a list as possible of the Overseers from 1743 to 1887 is given in the Appendix, and we trust that our readers will not consider this lest as a mere dry catalogue of names, devoid of any interest. It is an enumeration of the oldest families in the township for a period of close upon a century and a half, and as such, is of historic value. By it, many descendants of the persons named, may trace their ancestry back to the middle of the last century, and in the list will be found many of the old names which exist amongst us at present.
In connection with the office of overseer it will be interesting to note that all the respectable inhabitants of Pudsey were, at one time, bound to take apprentices (with whom they received a small premium), or pay a fine of £10.
At a meeting of the Town's Committee, Feb. 18th, 1799, it was "Ordered from and after this day no less than fifteen pounds shall be paid by any person within the township of Pudsey in lieu of taking a parish apprentice."
Amongst the persons who took apprentices we find:--
James Atkinson, Feb. 21st, 1765.
Mr. Dobson, July 4th, 1768.
Mr. Waiblinger*, June 7th, 1788.
David Johnson, Manchester, Feb. 22, 1792.
Christian Hanneman, August 12, 1793.
Christopher Plischke, Feb. 8, 1794.

* Mr. Waiblinger died, in 1817, and the following notice of him appears in the obituary of the Gentleman's Magazine for 1817, p. 187:-- "Feb. 3, Mr. Ignatius Waiblinger, of Pudsey, an eminent surgeon, and a man highly and universally respected." A paragraph in the Leeds Mercury of Feb. 8th, 1817, says:--"On Monday last, Feb. 3, Mr. Ignatius Waiblinger, surgeon, of Pudsey, late of Fulneck. As a surgeon he ranked very high, as those upon whom he has performed operations can bear ample testimony. He was an affectionate husband and a tender parent. His loss is deeply felt by his family and relations, and a numerous circle of friends.

Richd. Birdsall, Yeadon, who took three, Nov. 5, 1794
Mr. John Hird, Masham, who took six, May 2, 1796
Mr. Dawson Humble, Doncaster, who took eleven in 1798
From 1765 to 1802, two hundred and twelve children were put out as town's apprentices, and eighteen persons paid a fine of £10 each in lieu of taking apprentices during the same period.
Amongst the persons who paid in lieu of having an apprentice, I find-
Ignatius Waiblinger, who paid £10 in lieu, July 28th, 1790
The Rev. Thomas Grinfield, paid £10, October 26th, 1795
Mr. Thomas Angell, paid ten pounds, Nov. 10, 1800
Mr. Wideman do. do. do.
The list of Highway Surveyors for Pudsey begins in 1770, when Matthew and John Hutchinson were the officials. Two surveyors continued to serve the township until the year 1815, when a Board was appointed, but it only lasted one year. In 1836, another Board, consisting of ten persons was elected, with George Hepworth as assistant, at £50 per annum, and in the succeeding year the number of members was increased to thirteen, with John Farrer as assistant, at £50 per annum. This Board continued until 1872, the number of members varying from twelve to seventeen, William Walton holding the post of assistant surveyor from the year 1843. A list of the surveyors, from 1770 to 1836, with a few exceptions, will be found in the Appendix.
In 1710, the "Intakes" were enclosed by consent of John Milner, Esq., Walter Calverley, Esq., and the freeholders of Pudsey, the proceeds going towards the augmentation of the living attached to the old Chapel-of-Ease. Tyersal Common was taken in about the year 1758. An act for enclosing the common lands in Pudsey was passed in 1811. The Common lands included about four hundred acres. Charles Milner, Esq., was lord of the manor, and as such was entitled to all the minerals under the waste lands; Thomas Thornhill, Thomas Plumbe, John Radcliffe, and Francis Maude, Esqrs., being owners of estates and entitled to rights of common. The award of the Commissioners is kept at Calverley Church.
In 1813, the Common lands were enclosed, under the Act of Parliament, entitled "An Act for inclosing lands in the manor or Pudsey, in the West Riding of the County of York." The following is a copy of the notice relating to the enclosure-
I, Jonathan Teal, the sole Commissioner appointed in and by the said Act of Parliament, do hereby give notice, that in addition to the Public Carriage Roads and other Roads already by me set out and appointed, I have set out and appointed the following Public Roads, Bridleways, Private Carriage Roads, and Footways, through and over the said Lands, directed by the said Act to be divided, allotted and inclosed, that is to say-
Wood Wells Road-One Private Carriage Road of the width of twelve feet, beginning at Bramley Road on Crimbles Green, and proceed northward over part of Crimbles Green to the Wood-Wells, set but for a public Watering Place:
Dryhouse Road- 18ft. Town End to the Wood-Wells, Private
Langley Road- Crimbles, Private
Balme Road-Crimbles Green, Private
Midley Road-Balme Road and Crimbles Green, Private
Milner Road-20ft. Stanningley Road on Rickardshaw Common [probably Primrose Hill Road].
Mill Road-20ft. Stanningley Road westward, Rickardshaw Common [probably Varley's Road].
Pearson Road-Crimbles Road to westward and southward.
Dyson Road-15ft. Mill Road to northward, bottom Rickardshaw.
Sodom Road-24ft. Workhouse Road to Littlemoor Road.
Mill Stead Road-20ft. Sodom.
Rayner Road-15ft. Beginning in an allotment on Little Moor aforesaid, intended to be awarded to Henry Rayner and proceeding westward over an allotment intended to be awarded to John Bower, Esq., to an ancient inclosure adjoining to the last mentioned allotment belonging to the said Henry Rayner.
Moor Side Road-15ft. Littlemoor Road.
Driver Road-18ft. Littlemoor Road
Farrer Road-12ft. Northend Littlemoor Road, eastward over allotment of Charles Milner, Esq. To dyehouse belonging to Sam. Farrer.
Gawthorpe Road-15ft. beginning at Chapeltown Road, and proceeding westward over part of Littlemoor.
Beaumont Road-15ft. Sodom Road, south-eastward to land belonging to Thomas Richard Beaumont, Esq.
Intack Road-24ft. north end, Alcoats Road, northward.
Delphend Road-24ft. Gibraltar Mill Road to Bradford Road.
Upper Moor Road-24ft. to land to be awarded to Fulneck estate.
Ward Road-15ft. Delfend Road, east, west and south.
Smalewell Road-16ft. Tiersal Road.
Quarry Road-24ft. Tiersal Road, northward to Stone Quarry.
Dobson Road-20ft. Tiersal Road, near Black Heygate [named from Lepton Dobson, Esq.]
Belley Well Syke Road-24ft. Banks Road.
Pinebelly Hill Road-24ft.
Windmill Road-20ft.
Preston Road-18ft. beginning Bradford Road, near Chapeltown.
Clayton Road-15ft. Bankhouse Road.
Upper Greenside Road-20ft. Fartown, westward.
Middle Road-18ft. up Greenside Road to Tiersal Road.
Hinchcliffe Road-16ft. Tiersal Road, northward Greenside.
Sizinghouse Road-14ft. Tiersal Road, Greenside, northward and eastward to Greenside Road.
Jumbleswell Road-20ft. Tiersal Road to Jumbleswell.
Twelve public foot-paths are also mentioned.
And I do hereby give further Notice,
That all the said Roads and Public Footways are set out, and that I have prepared a map, signed by me, in which such Roads and Public Footways are accurately laid down and described and deposited the same with Messrs. Hailstone and Bentley, at Bradford; for the inspection of all Persons concerned.
And I do hereby appoint a meeting, to be held at the House of Mrs. Walesby, the Fulneck Inn, on Monday the 5th day of April next, at which meeting any Person who may be injured or aggrieved by the setting out of such Roads and Public Footways, may attend and make his or her objections thereto. Dated this 23rd day of Feb., 1813.
In 1872, the supervision of the highways, along with other responsible duties connected with the general management of the town's affairs, were vested in a Board formed under the Local Government Act. Previous to that, in July, 1868, a Lighting Board was formed, and soon after, the streets, the darkness of which had been a reproach to the town, were lighted with gas. At a meeting of the ratepayers, held on the 24th day of April, 1872, it was resolved that the Local Board should consist of fifteen members, and the voting papers containing the names of 105 ratepayers, who had been proposed as fit and proper persons for members of the Board, were distributed on the 27th day of May, and collected on the 31st. They were then cast up, and the following persons were afterwards declared duly elected as members of the first Board: -- Mr. William Huggan, Robert Dalby, Thomas Goodall, John Blackburn, John Whitfield, Phineas Craven, Fred. Cooper, Robert Salter, John Whitehead, William Dibb Scales, John Procter, Benjamin Elsworth, Thomas Wright, Benjamin Crowther, and George A. Jones. Mr. W.D. Scales was elected chairman, Mr. W. Craven, treasurer, and Mr. John Baker, clerk, highway surveyor, lamp and nuisance inspector and rate collector, at a salary of £90 per annum.
The proceedings of the Board from its formation to the present time, have been watched with much interest by the ratepayers, and their public acts have undergone much criticism, but, after being in operation fifteen years, it may safely be said that the step taken in 1872, was wise and proper.
In February, 1882, the Local Board passed a resolution authorising the surveyor to proceed with the building of offices suitable for the work of the Board. In the following October possession was taken of the new offices, which are situate in Crawshaw-field. They are two storeys in height, and are entered by a capacious doorway, over which is a semi-circular headstone, on which is carved "Local Board Offices, 1882". At the entrance is a hall from which the stairs ascend into the upper storey. On the ground floor, next to the entrance hall, is the office for the use of the clerk and collector, etc. This is a very roomy and well lighted place, and is well adapted for its purpose. Along one side is a counter, with mahogany top, at the furthest end of which is a desk for the use of the collector. In the centre of the room is a table for the clerk's use, and along one entire side of the room are cupboards and drawers, in the centre of which is fixed a large safe. A fire-place with dark marble mantel, and gas brackets, together with the usual office furniture and requisites, complete this office. It measures 15 by 20 feet. The next room on the ground floor is the committee room, which is also 15 by 20 feet, and is furnished with large centre tables and chairs, etc., and is a well lighted apartment. This room has a doorway and light into the large store yard adjoining. Along the northern side of the yard are premises for the safe keeping of the tools belonging to the Board, and in the yard is also erected a substantial engine house, in which to stable the steam roller, with working shed in the rear, the whole covering an area of 50 by 30 yards, and having a fence wall on the south side. The upper storey of the offices is reached by a good winding stone staircase, having three short flights of steps, at the top of which is a landing, from which entrance is obtained into a large room, which is used for the meetings of the full Board. This is a well proportioned and capitally lighted place, having an area of 52 by 22 feet. In addition to a centre table for the clerk's use, there are three long tables of pitch-pine arranged around the room on the outer sides of which sit the members, all facing the inner table and the chairman, who occupies a slightly elevated position. This room is also furnished with arm chairs, and is lighted by three windows, four-light centre chandelier and eight side gas brackets. There is also a substantial dark marble mantelpiece and open fire-grate in this room, in addition to other suitable fittings. Every room is warmed by a heating apparatus. Altogether the building is a roomy and substantial one, well adapted for its purposes, which it will serve for many years to come.
The present members of the Local Board (1887-8) are, Messrs. R. Womersley (chairman), John Brayshaw, Matthew Walker, John Halliday, J.E. Hinings, John Milner, George Clough, Isaac Waterhouse, Joseph Webster, Christopher Wilson, Simeon Carr, J.E. Goodall, William Nichols, Robert Smith, and Benjamin Verity. Mr. Benjamin Dufton is Clerk to the Board; Dr. John Wilson, medical officer; Mr. Joseph Town, inspector of nuisances; Mr. John Baker, collector and lighting inspector; and Mr. Isaac Wood, highway surveyor, building inspector, and superintendent of fire brigade.
On the 13th day of March, 1870, a Burial Board was formed at a meeting of the ratepayers held in the Public Hall, and a resolution was also passed to the effect "that a new burial ground shall be provided for the township of Pudsey under the various Burial Acts passed for that purpose up to the present time." The following ratepayers were elected to form the first Board:-- Messrs. R. Womersley, William D. Scales, Joseph Town, J.S. Jones, J. Asquith Hinings; Robert Salter, W.H. Greaves, James Banks, and George Armitage. The resolutions of the meeting having received the approval of the Secretary of State, at the first meeting of the Board, Mr. Richard Womersley was elected chairman, and Mr. Joseph Town, secretary pro. tem.
The question of a site for the proposed cemetery formed a bone of contention for some years, and much bitter feeling was aroused on this serious question of a quiet resting-place for the dead. The Burial Board, after casting about for a site, thought the present one in Back Lane very suitable, and called a meeting on the 7th May, 1870, at which the site was submitted to the ratepayers. It was, however, rejected on sanitary grounds, and a poll was demanded by the Burial Board, which resulted in 998 ratepayers voting for the adoption of the side and 1,197 against it. Two cemeteries were then suggested by the Burial Board, one at Back Lane and the other at Quarry Gap. A site at Plantation, Gibraltar, was, however, started in opposition, as being more central both for Pudsey and Tyersal, and another poll took place on the 21st June in the same year, resulting as follows: -- For the Back Lane and Tyersal sites, 978; for Plantation, 1,083. The latter site was, however, disapproved at a town's meeting held on the 12th October, 1871; and in December the Back Lane site was again put forward by the Burial Board, to be in turn rejected. Upon this the Board demanded another poll, which was taken in March, 1872; the numbers being---For Back Lane, 980; against it 954. The site was thus carried by 26 votes, a decision which remained unchallenged. The site was finally approved by the Home Secretary in June 1872. It was purchased from Messrs. Farrer, of Pudsey, and contains nearly twelve acres.
The Cemetery occupies a commanding position, and from it a very extensive prospect is obtained. The Local Board have doubled the width of Back Lane up to the Cemetery; the surface of the ground is more or less regular, having a fall of forth-five feet to Back Lane, and the Cemetery is laid out in an attractive and suitable manner, befitting a place of sepulture. The area of the consecrated side is 21.633 square yards, and of the unconsecrated portion 24,054 yards, while 8,277 yards of the front to Back Lane is unappropriated. The design is simple, but effective. A roadway, 21 feet wide, leads from the entrance in Back Lane to an oval flat in the centre of the grounds, and winds round each side of the oval with a width of 30 feet, to the chapels, the road being continued forward to the southern extremity of the cemetery, but is here on 18 feet in width. The walks branching off from the road are respectively 9 feet and 12 feet wide. A deep drain is carried underneath the central road, communicating with three cross drains, which effectually drain the place. The cemetery is surrounded with a stone wall. On the inner side are plantations, at the angles of the walks are shrubberies and flower beds, and the central road is planted with forest trees to form an avenue. Back Lane has been widened, and the cemetery wall fronting it will be finished with a hedge inside the grounds. The entrance gates are depressed, and are flanked with dwarf walls and palisadings, the piers of the gates being substantial. The Registrar's house and Board room are on the west side; the design is in the Gothic style. The same style is adopted in the chapels, which are coupled together by a massive tower and spire, surmounted by a vane; the total height of this conspicuous object is 110 feet, the extreme length of the chapels and tower is 116 feet, and they form an imposing block of buildings set upon a terrace 8 feet in height, and on the highest part of the grounds. The two chapels are of the same size. A neat doorway gives access to the interior; on each side of the entrance is a one-light window, with a circular window in the gable, the latter topped with a stone cross. The tower base is pierced with a lofty archway, 26 feet in height by 13 feet wide. Over this is a belfry and the spire. The hearse can be driven under the archway, and the body is taken into a mortuary, separated from the chapels by a glass screen. Both chapels and mortuaries are well lighted with windows in the sides, and the chapels have large three-light windows in the south gables, each chapel having chancels and vestries. The work throughout is of a substantial character. Mr. John Senior, of Harlow Heath, near Harrogate, laid out the grounds under Mr. Gay's (the architect) superintendence, and the latter gentleman has also superintended the planting, the work throughout being creditable to all concerned. The ground is well adapted for burial purposed and Pudsey may be congratulated upon having got rid of a difficulty and secured one of the most compact cemeteries in the district. The cost was about £10,000. The east side of the cemetery is set apart for burial purposes in connection with the Church of England, and this portion was consecrated on the 8th day of June, 1875, by the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, representing the Lord Bishop of Ripon.
The first interment took place on June 9th, 1873, when a child aged about two years, the daughter of Mr. G.V. Bannister, of Lowtown, was interred in the unconsecrated portion.

GAS COMPANY--- The Act for lighting Pudsey with gas was obtained in 1844, on the representation that it would be of great advantage to the inhabitants of the township, if a constant and ample supply of gas was obtainable for lighting mills, manufactories, shops, houses, and other buildings, and it would also be of advantage to them and to the public resorting to Pudsey if a sufficient supply of gas were provided for lighting the streets, roads, highways, and public passages within the township. Nearly a quarter of a century elapsed before any steps were taken to carry out the lighting of the streets. In June, 1868, a meeting was held in the Public Room, when it was resolved to apply the powers of the Act, so far as it applied to lighting up the streets with gas of that portion of the township, which was separate and apart from the hamlet of Tyersall. A Lighting Board was appointed, consisting of nine persons, Mr. Joseph Newell being appointed secretary to the Board, and Samuel Varley, Esq., the treasurer. The streets were lighted in October of the same year. The original subscribed capital of the Gas Company was £16,000, increased in 1856 to £58,000, including borrowing powers to extent of £10,000.

WATERWORKS COMPANY. --- In 1865, the Calverley District Waterworks Company was formed for the purpose of supplying Pudsey and four other townships with water to be obtained from the Bradford Corporation. Samuel Varley, Esq., was appointed chairman of the company, and George Hinings, Esq., deputy-chairman. The first pipe of the high level scheme was laid by Mr. E. Sewell, of Fulneck, on Monday, June 12th, 1865. The share capital of the company was £20,000, in 4,000 shares of £5 each. The company has had a prosperous career.