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SLATER'S DIRECTORY 1847

Transcript of the entry of "professions and trades"
for KNOTTINGLEY in Slater's Directory of 1847

KNOTTINGLEY

Knottingley is a populous and flourishing chapelry in the parish of Pontefract, 3 miles E. from that town, and 17 W. from the port of Goole; situated on the banks of the river Aire, and on the line of the Wakefield, Pontefract & Goole Railway - which passes through the chapelry; the Askern branch opens to it a communication with the London, York and Doncaster line - while a branch to Leeds effects a means of swift conveyance to that town and Manchester, Liverpool etc. Besides these lines, another is projected to the North Midland Railway from Burton-Salmon - this when opened will give to Knottingley a direct railway communication with almost every part of the kingdom, and open its valuable and extensive lime works to new and distant markets. In addition to the manifest advantages derived by Knottingley from the 'Rail', it had previously enjoyed facilities of water conveyance by canal to the port of Goole. This combination of conveniences in the way of transit, places Knottingley in a proud and enviable seat for the establishment of manufactures and the employment of capital. The locality has long been noted for its great production of excellent lime. The Building of vessels for coasting and other trades is carried on extensively, and many captains and owners of vessels reside in Knottingley and at Brotherton. In 1826 an association was formed by owners of vessels, called the 'Knottingley Insurance Society,' for mutual benefit in case of loss or damage to vessels at sea or otherwise - the business of the society is transacted at the Commercial Inn, a most respectable establishment. Malting is carried on here to some extent, and there are several breweries - that belonging to Messrs Gaggs, Carter & Co. is famed for its produce. On the banks of the Goole canal are extensive brick and tile works belonging to Mr. R. Twaites and to Mr. J. Fenton, which are well recognised for the excellence of the articles manufactured. The corn mills, of which there are several in the town and its vicinity are of some considerable power and magnitude - the 'Kings Mill' particularly, is a large establishment. In 1814, Mr. Thomas Bell, chemist of this town, first introduced gas here, and the principal places of business are now lighted by this means.

The places of worship are the chapel of ease of St. Botolph, and one each for Independents and Methodists. A new church is now (1847) being erected, to be called Christ Church - the minister appointed to which is Rev. John Walker. The living of Knottingley is a perpetual curacy in the presentation of the vicar of Pontefract; the Rev. A.R.V. Hamilton is the present incumbent. A school, in which thirty girls are instructed, is supported by means of bequests made by two ladies named Banks and Brown, and a British school and a national school have been established - the latter in February 1842, was partly built bu subscription and partly by endowment, Faires for cattle 7th April and in Autumn, and a statute for hiring servants the first week in November. The population of the chapelry, in 1831 was 3,666 and in 1841, 4,780.