Batley

Batley remained a small village until the late 19th century when it rapidly expanded with the development of the textile trade. Now it is home to many architecturally wonderful buildings - often from the Victorian era.

The Market Place in Batley is highly regarded as a fine set piece of Victorian architecture, with many listed buildings surrounding the cobbled market square. Other fine examples of Victorian heritage in Batley include the Carnegie Library and Art Gallery, which incorporate the clock from the old Market Hall.

The former textile mills in Batley have been sympathetically restored for contemporary uses. Alexandra Mills is home to the Skopos Motor Museum, whilst Red Brick Mill and Cheapside Mill (now called Skopos Mills Shopping Village) house a range of shops. These, as well as The Mill Discount Department Store offer a vast range of fabrics, clothing and furnishings at discount prices where available, making Batley a shoppers paradise.

Joseph Priestley, who is credited with the discovery of oxygen in 1774, was born at Fieldhead in Birstall, Batley, and is commemorated with a statue at the cobbled square in Birstall.

Related Links
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/