Reader researches the history of Milner Field mansion

I happen to be quite an enthusiast for the history of Bingley and surrounding areas and, while I am not an expert, I have read books including both editions (1929 and 1979) of A History of Bingley Grammar School, established in 1529, and the Chronicles and Old Stories of Bingley, written in 1899.

Most online sources show that the house was built in 1872 for Sir Titus Salt Jnr. However, before this, another building stood on the site. According to my research, this was built in 1603, and documented to be also called Milner Field. This building, which I believe was a smaller house, was purchased and demolished by the Salt family. It was, according to Chronicles and Stories of Old Bingley, pulled down in 1869 and replaced with the new Milner Field mansion.

I have come across two maps online, the first showing the original building mapped in the 1840s, and the second mapped in the 1890s-1910s. In relation to the main road, you can see that the original buildings were closer to what is now Primrose Road, connected with a small lane; whereas the newer building built by the Salt family is larger, and the lane is now a driveway with a gatehouse which still stands.

Wikipedia states that the name for the manor was established by the first Baronet of Milner Field Sir James Roberts. However, this map shows that at least the land already had this name.

Which brings me to the Milner family. Without the actual copy of A History of Bingley Grammar, I am reduced to what I have remembered and documents that can be found online.

In the 1600s, John Milner and his family owned various properties in Bingley area. The Milner family were widespread in the Bradford and Halifax areas, and a rather powerful family. In particular, his family owned some of the earlier buildings of Bingley Grammar School, located on the south-east side of Bingley church (the building is still there today, it is currently a funeral directors on Old Main Street). He donated that particular building to the schoolmaster and church to be kept in use by them.

The Milner family, according to the Chronicles and Stories of Old Bingley yet again, settled at what would become Milner Field.

The original house was created by the Milners, whose family originated in Pudsey, Leeds, and went on to be owned by various others, such as the Oldfield family which also has ties to Bingley Grammar School.

The reason I refer to Bingley Grammar School is that one of the school’s current four houses, to which students are assigned, is named after John Milner.

The first page referred to below may also be of interest: someone has taken time to document the family of Milner in Yorkshire. It may prove useful.

*themeister.co.uk/hindley/milner_nathaniel.htm

*baildonwiki.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Chronicles_and_stories_of_old_Bingley