Low Moor, Bradford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Low Moor |
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 New Works Road |
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 Low Moor
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| OS grid reference | SE155285 |
| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRADFORD |
| Postcode district | BD12 |
| Dialling code | 01274 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Low Moor is a village in West Yorkshire, England. It is part of the City of Bradford. This area has a rich history, especially known for its important ironworks.
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History of Low Moor
Before 1790, Low Moor was a very small village. Only a few cottages were here. People living here were mostly handloom weavers. They made cloth by hand and sold it in nearby towns.
Around 1790, everything changed. The Low Moor Ironworks was built and grew very fast. This ironworks became famous worldwide. Many new jobs were created, and more people moved to Low Moor.
The village needed more houses, shops, and churches. This growth completely changed how Low Moor looked. In the 1960s and 1970s, the area was updated again.
Low Moor was also home to the Transperience museum. It opened in 1995 but closed just two years later in 1997.
The 1916 Low Moor Explosion
On August 21, 1916, a huge industrial disaster happened in Low Moor. This was during World War I, when many people were focused on the war. The event took place at the Low Moor Munitions Company. This company made picric acid, which is used to create powerful explosives.
A fire started at the factory. The factory's own fire brigade tried to put it out, but they couldn't. Firefighters from Bradford arrived to help. Soon after they got there, a massive explosion occurred. This blast was so strong it threw the firefighters off their engine.
Many more explosions, big and small, followed. They scattered burning pieces everywhere. The entire factory was destroyed. A large gas tank nearby was also damaged. Escaping gas caught fire, and the heat could be felt almost a mile away.
The explosions caused a lot of damage to the surrounding area. Nearly 30 railway carriages were destroyed. Windows in houses and shops up to two miles away were broken. Roofs were damaged, and ceilings fell. Many people could not stay in their homes. They had to camp in fields or stay with relatives. Some houses were completely flattened. New houses were built in 1919 to replace them.
Official records show that 34 people died at the factory. Another 60 were injured. Many more people outside the factory were hurt by flying glass and debris.
The 1992 Fire Incident
On July 21, 1992, another fire broke out in Low Moor. This happened at the Allied Colloids site. A series of explosions led to a large fire in a warehouse.
Geography of Low Moor
Low Moor is located within a specific area. To the north, it is near Odsal village green. Wilson Road is to the south. The Calder Valley Line and Low Moor railway station are to the east. Huddersfield Road (B6379) forms part of its western border. Other important roads in the area include Cleckheaton Road and Brighouse Road.
Key Landmarks in Low Moor
The most important landmark in Low Moor is the Low Moor Iron Works. This large industrial site stands in the center of the village. Today, it is known as Solenis.
Royds Hall is another significant building. It is west of Low Moor. This building is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is very important historically. It was started in 1640 and made much larger in 1770. The Rookes family lived there until 1788. Then, Joseph Dawson, a key person at the ironworks, bought it.
