House in heart of textile works
and warehouses

In the heart of the huge works and warehouses of Ripley East, is an old house built in the 18th century. 150 years ago it belonged to Sir Francis Lindley Wood, who owned the Bolling Hall Estate, but he leased it to the Bowling Ironworks Company.

This company mined coal and iron, and one of its wagon roads or railways ran in front of the house, then into the woods. Small arches in the viaduct still show where the railway went.

Delightful scene

It must have been a delightful scene in those days, as there was a stream through the woods, and lots of wildlife, such as partridges and rabbits.

It was this stream, and local springs, that first attracted George Ripley to set up his dyehouses in the 19th century.

George trained his son, Edward, in the dyeing business, when he was in partnership with William Walton. In 1820 he founded the firm of George Ripley and Son, near the old house. A Yorkshire man does not usually destroy what may be of use, so George may have been responsible for taking care of it.

Before this business was set up, Edward had married Anne Murgatroyd, the daughter of a cotton merchant. In 1814 their son, Henry William was born.

When the firm began in 1820, there were only 20 men and boys working there. Mrs Ripley also helped in the work. On Mondays and Thursdays, she collected goods for dyeing, which were then carted up to the works.

George died in 1834. Henry had grown up and was a young man, and so Edward made him his partner, calling the firm Edward Ripley and Son.

Most of the work was dyeing wool pieces, but by 1840 cotton and wool were being weaved together. But everyone thought it was impossible to dye wool and cotton together!

Dyeing experiment

Henry began experiments in chemical processes and colours, which his father thought were a waste of time and money. As a result of his tests, far better effects in dyeing were than anything else that existed.

Henry William Ripley went on to play a leading role in local business. He used his own money to build a convalescent hospital in Rawdon, which is still used by the hospital authority. He also built Ripleyville in 1863. This was a modern village, like Saltaire, with the idea that his workpeople would buy the houses themselves. Only a few people did this, so their money was refunded, and the estate is still owned and cared for by Henry's trustees.

He was elected to parliament in 1868, but lost his place straight away. He was successful again in 1874, but lost in 1880. Soon after that, he was made a baronet, but died in 1882.