Shelf
Shelf maps (2 available)
Map of West Yorkshire
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
See this old map of West Yorkshire
Personalised maps
Create an historic map centred directly on any postcode!
Shelf books (6 available)
Shelf memories
Read and share memories of Shelf and West Yorkshire inspired by Frith photos
Buttlers' belly bashers, 1963
Yes, that's the name we gave them later on in our youth. No one did fish and chips like Mr Buttler and his wife, only costing a few pence to my knowledge. We used to put loads of salt and vinigar on. Then this loud voice would say 'That's enough lads, off you go' . Buttlers even became a hang-out place for our gang once over. When I look back I think it was his fish and chips why we hung out there. My wife even became a lover of his fish and chips in our courting days. Yes, it was a sad day when he retired, end of another era (long live my thoughts of Buttlers' belly bashers). For those ...read more here
Contributed by steven ambler
Moving house
At the time we lived near Coley church, mum, dad, sister June, brother Paul and me, Steven. I remember moving up to Burnley Hill Terrace near the Duke of York on a horse and cart. I didn't realise then but it was our first house with a bathroom, it must of been heaven for mum and dad not having to get that bath tub out anymore. It was a loving warm house where 3 more brothers came later on. I have fond memories of dad, God rest his soul, washing all Saturday morning with that famous twin tub. The hours we spent down on Houseman's Farm at hay making. Great times at Shelf youth club and round the dam fishing. My ...read more here
Contributed by steven ambler
West Yorkshire memories
Buttlers' belly bashers, 1963
Yes, that's the name we gave them later on in our youth. No one did fish and chips like Mr Buttler and his wife, only costing a few pence to my knowledge. We used to put loads of salt and vinigar on. Then this loud voice would say 'That's enough lads, off you go' . Buttlers even became a hang-out place for our gang once over. When I look back I think it was his fish and chips why we hung out there. My wife even became a lover of his fish and chips in our courting days. Yes, it was a sad day when he retired, end of another era (long live my thoughts of Buttlers' belly bashers). For those ...read more here
A memory of Shelf contributed by steven ambler
Moving house
At the time we lived near Coley church, mum, dad, sister June, brother Paul and me, Steven. I remember moving up to Burnley Hill Terrace near the Duke of York on a horse and cart. I didn't realise then but it was our first house with a bathroom, it must of been heaven for mum and dad not having to get that bath tub out anymore. It was a loving warm house where 3 more brothers came later on. I have fond memories of dad, God rest his soul, washing all Saturday morning with that famous twin tub. The hours we spent down on Houseman's Farm at hay making. Great times at Shelf youth club and round the dam fishing. My ...read more here
A memory of Shelf contributed by steven ambler
Extracts From Shelf & West Yorkshire books
It is well worth the effort to climb up these rocks: you’re on top of the world, if a little weary and overheated. Luckily, just below refreshments are to hand at the Cow and Calf Inn, formerly known as the Highfield.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".
In this photograph you can see the top of the Semon Convalescent Home just beyond the reservoir. A fair walk westwards then brings you to the Swastika Stone, which is unique in this country. Other examples have been found in Tossene in Sweden and Mycenae in Greece and all depict fertility and religious symbols. The council placed the iron railing around the site in 1913.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".
Up above the Cow and Calf rocks is more evidence of quarrying, but in this photograph the heather softens the scene for the Edwardian picnickers taking in the valley view, top right.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".
This young man looks out from between these famous rocks towards the magnificent estate of Denton Park.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".
Behind the Cow and Calf rocks is this desolate valley from where most of the stone to build the town was quarried. Hangingstone Quarry was the site of a huge enterprise that saw the destruction of the giant Bull Rock. The massive rocks were taken down Cowpasture Road to stone breaking yards around Ash Grove.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".