Continued from last month ...

It seems that Universal Fabrics Ltd of Linthwaite, Huddersfield sold land, but not actually Middle Royd, to Arthur Waite & Son Ltd, a local builder, who then built houses in Northfield Grove and Northfield Gardens.

Acre mill, however, continued to operate in one way or another. As previously, a number of smaller businesses established themselves in Acre mill including a firm of printers. Unfortunately this firm went bankrupt and in 1985 there was a sale of the printing machinery. Subsequently and to the present time an Asian bakery has been based at the mill.

During its lifetime of over 100 years the mill has housed all kinds of enterprises, some more successful than others. The building itself appears to have been extended, altered and reduced in size but it has continued to provide a good base for a variety of trades, which in turn provide work for people of Wibsey and Bradford in general.

Acre is a frequent place, field or street name especially in rural areas. Acre Lane in Wibsey has existed for well over two centuries. Before Northfield Road was constructed, probably around the time the primary school was built early in the 20th century, there was a large house standing in its own grounds which was approached from Acre Lane. On maps issued in the 1890's and 1920's the house is named Acre House, and is just about where Northfield Grove now is.

Stella H Carpenter

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