The History of Silsden Town Hall

In 2023, the Silsden Local History Group erected the blue plaque on the front of the Town Hall, one of the most iconic buildings in Silsden. The building started life as a mechanics institute. The foundation stone was laid on a wet December afternoon in 1883 by Lord Hothfield alongside local mill owner George Jacques. The building opened to the public a year later. It faces onto Kirkgate and is positioned up against the wall of St. James’ churchyard, where it replaced an old thatched cottage.

The Institute was designed in the Italian Venetian style. It has a spectacular, curvaceous, glass window filling much of the upper floor, overlooking the street. The façade is flamboyantly classical. The design was executed by two Keighley architects, J.B. Bailey and W.H. Sugden. It is without doubt the most arresting and dramatic building on Kirkgate.

The institute opened with a reading room, a conversation room, classrooms, a lecture hall, a shop, an office and a public lavatory – all heated by piped hot water. It quickly became a thriving centre for the community. Villagers – most of whom had never been able to afford such things – were able to borrow books, read an array of newspapers, go to evening classes, take part in noisy public debates and listen to musical concerts. The regular facilities, along with a variety of special events, were instrumental in dramatically opening up opportunities for Silsdeners to improve themselves by becoming better educated.

The Mechanics Institute was initially run by a board of Trustees. In 1909, however, the trustees handed over the management of the building to the Urban District Council and it became officially named the Town Hall. An extension was added at the back and an entertainments license obtained. A sprung dance floor enhanced the upper room, which became known as the ballroom. It is impressive to this day.

The Town Hall remains at the heart of Silsden’s social life. It regularly hosts exhibitions and community events, concerts and gigs, lectures and day classes, craft and table top sales – and also an annual pantomime – as well as being a polling station. It is a venue for many different clubs, groups and organisations offering a variety of activities that local people of all ages can enjoy.

Today, our Town Hall is once again run by a dedicated team of trustees, whose principal purpose remains to keep the building at the heart of our community. Recent 2025 City of Culture funding from Bradford Council has provided impressive upgrading of its internal facilities.