The reserve collection at the Local Studies Library has many examples of plans originating from land sales prospectuses. Some are still attached to the original printed booklets, although other plans have become detached over the years.

The White Lion, Kirkgate was offered for sale in 1890. From the prospectus it seems to have consisted of a warehouse used in the wines and spirits trade, together with offices. In the basement were ‘large and ample cellars’. The premises, ‘in the best part of Bradford’ came with a dwelling, stables and a small brewery, by then disused.

The accompanying plan shows the location of the White Lion. I was surprised by the number of banks in the area. Things are very different now. As far as I can establish the White Lion was an eighteenth-century building. At the time of the sale, and for many years, the occupiers had been Messrs Reaney and Greaves.

As well as the plan the LSL has a drawing of the White Lion when it was used as a political HQ. As you can see the candidates concerned with John Hardy and William Busfield. The names would fit the 1841 by-election but I am not certain that the two men shared a political party. In a quick search of the Bradford Observer I couldn’t identify a news item describing the election, which is surprising. When not involved in politics I understand that Bradford textile men used to foregather there.

I believe the building survived until the 1960s: I wonder if the vaults are still there?