Morley has been a settlement for over a thousand years, although its greatest development occurred as a result of the Industrial Revolution, when the town spread southwards and upwards from the Bottoms. Morley became a mill town which formed a part of the West Riding's Heavy Woollen District. Textile mills and rows of workers' houses started to dominate the landscape, while Queen Street and the surrounding roads became the main shopping areas. Gaining a town hall, electricity works, library, public baths, grammar school and leisure parks, Morley began to display an aura of importance.Morley absorbed many settlements in the surrounding area, including Drighlington, Gildersome and the two Ardsleys. All of these were places influenced by industry, particularly East Ardsley with its iron works and railway depot. Most of the traditional industries, which are depicted here, have disappeared during the last half-century and much new, residential building has taken place. In addition, the many illustrations show the transport of years ago, the people of the area and the events that took place. Through its tribulations and successes, Morley has emerged as a town with a strong local identity.In this book, Norman Ellis uses old postcards and other ephemera to provide an insight into Morley and district during the early part of the twentieth century. The 200 illustrations, mainly from the author's personal collection, are complemented by his informed and entertaining captions.
