A Bradford historian has dedicated his latest book, the story of an inspirational Saltaire poet, to a friend who had been captivated by her before his death in 2007.

Ann Moss, Saltaire Poet, by Roger Clarke, is a biography and collection of works of the deaf single mother who made her living from writing poetry in the 19th century.

Among her fans was mill owner and philanthropist Sir Titus Salt.

Mr Clarke said: “Sir Titus was very struck by Ann and invited her to all the functions he had, which was a big thing for a woman of her station at that time.

“The main thing for me was her fortitude and vigour in confronting adversity. It is an inspirational story.”

Mr Clarke’s historian friend Clive Woods, known affectionately as “Mr Saltaire”, was said to be instrumental in its being named a World Heritage Site in 2001.

He became interested in the poet after speaking to her great-great granddaughter.

“Clive had been researching Ann Moss and was getting quite excited about her and called her the Saltaire Laureate,” said Mr Clarke.

“He had suffered a stroke and was not at all well and he was not pursuing the research, but was talking a lot about her.

“He died in 2007 and I had the job of cataloguing his papers. I was absorbed by the story of this lively lady.

“Clive was a great friend of mine and he’s very much missed in the village as a historian. I wanted it to mark his loss.”

All the profits from the book will go to Saltaire United Reformed Church.

“I am always struck by how the same qualities Ann had are shown with the congregation of the church,” said Mr Clarke.

“They have shown great determination to keep that church working. They have still a huge amount of money they have to find and I am full of admiration for those people and it is a lovely thing to be able to help.”