Wibsey Parks

After the passing of the North Bierley Inclosure Act of 1881, numerous and various meetings of officials (local and national) and of local residents took place.

There were discussions about interpretations of the implications of enclosure to the more practical about who or which body should eventually have responsibility for the maintenance and running of the new park. Not surprisingly, not everybody was pleased with everything.

Reports of meetings appeared in the Bradford Observer, which also reported, on 8th October 1881, that Wibsey Fair was held on the Slack, which would be enclosed by the date for the next Fair. Where, wondered the paper, would that Fair be held? Unfortunately the North Bierley Local Board minute book covering this period is missing so the exact result of discussions at this time is not clear.

In the ultimate sale of the enclosed lands, the portion on which the Fair is now held was bought by Walter Bateman of Folly Hall Mills for £275. 1s 3d. Walter Bateman also bought the land adjacent to Reevy Road, which had formerly been the Cock Pit pond (to the rear of the Conservative Club, which building was formerly the Buttershaw and Wibsey Co-operative Society).

Joseph Smith of Smith Gotthardt, surveyors, of Bradford was the valuer who acted on behalf of the Commissioners responsible for the Inclosure procedure. He had to ensure all the claims were properly examined, that proper measurements were taken and recorded, and that all aspects were carried out according to law. The first meeting was held on 23rd September 1881 at the Kings Head inn and the final one in January 1882 at the Alexandre hotel, Bradford. This hotel no longer exists but was near the bottom of Great Horton Road, approximately opposite the former public baths.

Information extracted from Wibsey Parkers, published in 1985

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