49. Sutton in the 19th Century

During the early part of the nineteenth century Sutton consisted of the old village and the rapidly growing part which is called Sutton Mill. Many new houses were built during this period, and the to the end of the century.

According to modern standards they are not ideal, but they are a decided improvement on the small, crowded houses in old Sutton. Towards the end of the century several blocks of larger houses were built, chiefly by individual owners.

The village of Sutton Mill would begin with the erection of the Corn Mill. It did not grow through the middle ages at all, but was developed in the 19th century by Messrs T & M Bairstow until it is now larger than the old village. This firm also started an entirely new part of the village. This from its position is called Holme Bridge. It is on the opposite side of the stream from the older villages, and consists of nine rows of small houses, which are, with very few exceptions, rented to workpeople at the Mills.

In the early part of the century there was no water laid on to the houses. There are several wells in Sutton. Sutton Mill was supplied from what is known simply as "t'well". This comes from a spring in the hillside and has never been known to run dry, even in the hottest weather.

In 1860 leave was given by the ratepayers for the construction "of a cistern in the field occupied by Mr Thomas Ramsden, and also to convey water down the road in pipes".

Houses built after this date would have water laid on. Later a second Water Company was formed. This was a private company and supplied many houses in Sutton Mill.

For the greater part of the century there was no gas with which to light the village. It was not until 1884 that a meeting was held to consider the lighting of the streets. At this meeting it was proposed by James Bairstow and seconded by William Deickenson "that Sutton and Sutton Mill be lighted with gas". There was opposition, the entry in the record is "proposed by Abraham Dixon, seconded by Albert Spencer that we keep as we are".

The position of Sutton away from the main roads has been mentioned. Thus the growing road traffic would leave the village undisturbed, except as regards the factories. Carriers went every week to Keighley, Bradford, Skipton and Manchester. There would be wagons coming and going to and from the mills, but otherwise there would be little connection with the outside world.

There were two schools in Sutton. One had existed from 1767 and was paid for by the money given by people in return for land encroachments. This continued for many years, but in the 19th century was replaced by a school built by the National School Society. This was held in a house in Low Fold. Later the present National School was built.

At a meeting on 17th December 1870 it was decided to apply "for power to appoint a School Board to carry on the Education Act of 1870". This was done and the Board School was built.