Birstall, St Peter's Church c.1950

Photo ref: B337001

I remember the original Co-op. There was the clothing department that was quite grand compared to shops these days. There were beautifully polished wooden counters with cabinets at the back of them that homed wooden drawers with items of clothing in them. I remember my friend being measured up for a bra there as well. What I loved the most was the beautiful glass dome that sat above the ceiling. They don't make shops like that anymore.

My "sixth" great grandparents James Norfolk and Mary Wilson were married in St Peter's Church at Birstall. This was on 3rd September 1690. If any other person following up family history at this parish has a connection with either of these two 6 X great grandparents I would be very pleased to hear from you. I also seek a copy of any painting or print of the church as it may have appeared before modern rebuilding and welcome any suggestions on where to find this please.

My dad was born in Howden Clough but he had a rag warehouse at the Smithies cross roads opposite the Grey hound pub. He used to buy old clothing and rags from people known as 'totters' or from householders who took them to him. The 'totters' used many types of transport to collect and move their old clothing on. Some used horses and carts and others used vans. One man and his mother used an old pram and could be ...see more

My grandma & granddad (Ted & Janet Lambert) used to run a confectioners in the corner building at the top of Bond Street, a steep cobbled road then. They used to bake bread and cakes at their main shop in Drighlington, next to what is now the doctors surgery. I remember him taking me in his Bedford van to stock the Birstall shop, I always thought the van was going to trundle down the ...see more