LOVERS of local history and culture have jumped at the rare chance to see inside old buildings which tell the story of Bradford district’s past. Some of the fascinating free events, which are part of the countrywide Heritage Open Days festival, are already fully booked.

History buffs have snapped up tickets for guided tours of Bradford's Bolling Hall, but there are a few tickets left for tours of Cliffe Castle in Keighley this Saturday, which is only bookable in advance. A tour of the former psychiatric hospital, High Royds, in Menston, is also fully booked.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, with more than 5,000 events taking place across the country. Buildings will open their doors to visitors who may not normally get a chance to see inside. 

Bolling Hall in Bradford is taking part in the initiative

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, of Bradford Council, said: “These Heritage Open Days offer lots of opportunities for people to take part in events and activities, exploring behind the scenes and learning about the history and heritage of their area and some of the district’s most fascinating old buildings.”

Two days of 1970s-inspired activities take place at Bradford Industrial Museum next weekend (September 14 and 15 ). The museum, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, will host a DJ playing music from the era, vintage stalls, food and coffee vans and family activities, as well as 1970s Bollywood-style dancing. Visitors can see the 1970s back-to-back house, which has recently received a makeover.

An event entitled Small Business, Big Industry: How Bradford was built, takes place at the museum this Sunday, from 1pm to 3pm, and is aimed at anyone aged 16 to 25 who’s interested in writing poetry and would like an industrial-inspired heritage afternoon. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Over in Shipley this Saturday, Shipley Town Hall will be open for visitors to see the impressive council chamber, view historical memorabilia and find out about the legacy of Sir Norman Rae and Shipley Urban District Council. 

Other activities in the Bradford district include Bradford Cathedral tours on Yorkshire Churches Day, which is September 14. Additional churches taking part in Heritage Open Days include St Mary's Wyke, Bradford Unitarians, Ilkley All Saints Church, Horton Moravian Church, and Bierley St John the Evangelist.

At Ilkley Manor House there is the opportunity to explore Ilkley's Roman history with family activities and tours. Children can create a paper Roman road to take home, transform into a centurion with dress-up fun, and design a Roman shield. Local history expert John Cockshott will lead walks around the Roman fort this weekend and next. Also in Ilkley, the stories behind the town’s blue plaques will be revealed on the Ilkley Blue Plaques Upper Trail - a walk to discover more about some of the commemorative plaques put up by Ilkley Civic Society in south Ilkley in the Wells Road area. 

Hoyle Court Masonic Hall, Baildon, will be open this Sunday from 10.30am to 2pm, with an Egyptian temple talk at 2pm. There will be tours of Undercliffe Cemetery entitled Tales from our Tombs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, September 14.

Meanwhile, at St George’s Hall, there is a guided talk and tour on the history of magic shows and other mysterious events at the hall. The event takes place from 2pm to 3.30pm next Sunday, September 15.

An historic Yorkshire manor, East Riddlesden Hall will be open next Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Ideal for a family day out, children can burn off energy in the Discovery garden and play areas. 

Trainspotters can find out more about the history of rail at the The Engine Shed locomotive museum and Carriage Works carriage museum at Ingrow Station. There is the opportunity to explore both museums and discover how the railway developed during the industrial revolution and beyond. Events take place this weekend and next from 11am to 4pm.

In Saltaire, the cultural signifance of Victoria Hall will be revealed in an event entitled Victoria Hall Saltaire: The Inside Story - Secrets, Gossip and History on Saturday, September 14. There are tours every 30 minutes, from 10.30am to 3pm.

And in Bradford, a guide in costume will lead a walk through Manningham at 2pm this Sunday.

For further information about individual events and to book, see www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

  

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