OCCUPYING a position at the junction of main roads to Skipton, Keighley and Colne, Cross Hills seems more like a small town rather than a village – although a late-Victorian directory ascribed its growth to “its proximity to the station of the Midland Extension Railway”.
Nevertheless, this view down Keighley Road resembles a quiet Dales community in an age when children could stand in the thoroughfare to watch a postcard photographer setting-up his tripod.
Each September between 1878 and the 1920s, however, the farther end of this view would be busy with the annual Junction sheep fair, regarded as “one of the most important in this part of Yorkshire”, thanks partly to its location “at the confluence of three very busy roads” and the Cross Hills railway station, as many farmers used to come by train. In a good year, thousands of sheep would change hands.
Another sheep fair used to be held on the same day at nearby Malsis, although they complemented rather than rivalled each other, with wagonettes plying between the two.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here