The Local Studies Library reserve collection contains many planning maps. In the mid-nineteenth century the Borough of Bradford had clearly embarked on a series of projects to widen its stock of roads, and to create pavements or causeways. This involved the compulsory purchase of land with subsequent compensation to the landowner.

It would appear that the precise amount of compensation often became an issue between the Council and the landowners. In cases of unbridgeable disagreement, I understand that the arguments on both sides, which would include the provision of plans, were rehearsed before a commissioner for a final determination. These plans often show small areas of the town, but in very considerable detail. In this 1865 example, surveyed by Dixon and Hart, you can see that the amount of land at issue was very small indeed. The plan reveals how the ‘court’ concerned was divided into a court, shops and warehouses. Even where the privies were sited!

Conveniently placed opposite was the Sun Inn. Bradford pubs and inns are one of the most popular topics among on-line local history groups and now that I am more familiar with the Local Studies Library’s collection of photographs and drawings I can normally find a suitable illustration. In this case I can also show you the Bowling Green Hotel, nearby but actually in Bridge Street, although the images are not exactly contemporary.

The next map detail shows a wider view with the Sun and Bowling Green visible in the middle left.

About 5-6 doors up Ivegate, on the same side of the road as the Sun, is the unnamed Old Crown Inn. We have lovely photograph of this building.

At the bottom of Ivegate was the Roebuck which is shown in another piece of art-work; it was once managed by the Chartist, Peter Bussey.

In the picture at the top of Ivegate you may just be able to make out a roof surmounted by an odd-looking pyramidal structure. This marked the end of the first aqueduct to supply Bradford with water, which ended in Westgate. It is more clearly seen in this photograph:

Mind you, considering the state of the water it was probably safer to drink beer at the Crown or Sun, or even the Roebuck if you kept off politics.