This email was sent to Roger from Zofia Berkieta on Monday 26 March 2007

Hi, We have recently moved into George Street and are undergoing a few renovations to the property. We were just wondering if you or any of your collegues could give us any information on our property. Who lived here? What the inside of the property looked like in a typical end house? Thank you in advance. Zofia and Mike

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From: Roger Clarke
Sent: 26 March 2007 14:32
To: Zofia Berkieta
Subject: Re: Saltaire Village - message for Roger Clarke

Thanks for your enquiry, Zofia. Welcome to you both.
I'll start off your search for you by looking up the Census details for 1861, 71 and 81 and even 1901, which are readily available at Shipley Library.
I don't have details of a typical end house, but there are details available about restoration of original external features from the Council's Conservation Dept.
I can say that the houses were originally 3 bedroomed, and in 1933 one bedroom was taken away to create a bathroom before the houses were sold off to private buyers. This is probably the time that your stained glass windows were installed.
There are examples of workers cottages at the Industrial Museum on Moorside Rd in Bradford.
Your house was designed as an overlooker's house, significantly different from the worker's houses eg Ada St, and the manager's houses on Albert Rd.
Opposite you across Titus St is the house witth a tower which was the home of the head of security for the Village, and is the exact centre of the Village.
You'll have to come on one of our tours to get the rest of the story. Just contact Maria on mariaglot@googlemail.com . It's a good value introduction to the Village and its history.
I'll come back to you soon with the Census details.
Roger

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From: Roger Clarke
To: Zofia Berkieta
Sent: Tuesday, 27 March, 2007 9:34:22 AM
Subject: Census

Hi Zofia and Michael.
Here are some Census details for you.

In 1871, the following people occupied your house:-
William Kellett, aged 68 years, Widower. Spinning overlooker
Jane Humphries, aged 38 years. Daughter. Housekeeper
Elizabeth, aged 13 years. Grand daughter. Spinner.
John William, aged 6 years. Grand son. Scholar.
Martha, aged 4 years. Grand daughter.

In 1881, they're still there! But this time the Head of Household is
Jane Humphries, aged 48 years. Housekeeper.
Elizabeth, aged 23 years. Daughter. Worsted cotton weaver.
John William, aged 16 years. Son. Woolsorter.
Martha, aged 14 years. Daughter. Worsted twister.
William Kellett, aged 78 years. Grandfather. Widower. Invalid.

But by 1901, the house has changed hands and it's now:-
William Stubbs, aged 35 years. Warp maker.
Mary, aged 30 years. Wife.
Sarah, aged 12 years. Daughter. Spinner
Margaret, aged 10 years. Daughter. Spinner
Herbert, aged 5 years. Son. Scholar.

If you want a more complete picture, you could have a look at your deeds to see who previous tenants were. Or you could talk with Maria Glot, (email: saltswalks@saltairevillage.info) who has the most comprehensive record derived from the Census. As part of her business she has put many hours of her time into studying the Census records, and you can purchase from her certificates about your house occupants (complete with seals). Just contact Maria if this appeals to you.

I always think that it's a bit spooky, knowing about Victorian residents of your house. It gets your imagination going, wondering who slept where and what their lives must have been like. Especially if you have a snapshot of the same family over 10 years.

You may see me (in a top hat) with tours of children and adults outside your house from time to time. I'm meant to be the Rev. Cowan from the Church in 1877!! I hope that we don't disturb you. Smile and give me a wave!

Best wishes,
Roger