Wilsden is a
mill village with a population of over 4,000 that is situated 6 miles west of Bradford, West Yorkshire. The village is of ancient origin that was mainly a farming community until the growth of the textile industry in the early 19th century. The village still retains many buildings from this period and the centre of Wilsden was made a Conservation Area in 1977.
Harecroft is smaller village west of Wilsden on the road towards Cullingworth. Wilsden Station was on the outskirts of Harecroft and although the railway closed in 1964 the course of the old track has been redeveloped as the Great Northern Railway Trail for walking, cycling and horse riding. More details can be found at www.thegreatnortherntrail.co.uk
Wilsden is on a north facing slope with lowest point above sea level being 115 m (375 ft) at the boundary with Harden and the highest point being 270 m (885 ft) at the boundary with Thornton. The area includes many excellent walks: see our Walks page for more details.
You can find out more about the history of the village on the parish council website.
Books about Wilsden
- A History of Wilsden by Astrid Hansen, published 2001
- Temples Various – a history of St Matthews Church, Wilsden by Astrid Hansen published 1996
- Wilsden in Times Past by Gary Firth, published 1985
- A Wander Around Wilsden – a video detailing a photographic record of Wilsden’s history. This is available from the local post office
