Thornton, West Yorkshire

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 53.7898
longitude= -1.8504
map_type= West Yorkshire
official_name= Thornton
population=
metropolitan_borough= City of Bradford
metropolitan_county = West Yorkshire
region= Yorkshire and the Humber
constituency_westminster= Bradford West
post_town= BRADFORD
postcode_district = BD13
postcode_area= BD
dial_code= 01274
os_grid_reference= SE098326
static_

static_image_caption = Sapgate Lane from Market Street

Thornton is a village within the metropolitan borough of the City of Bradford, in West Yorkshire, England. It lies to the west of Bradford, and together with neighbouring Allerton, has total resident population of 15,003.ref|pop

The preserved centre of the village retains the character of a typical Pennine village, with stone built houses with stone flagged roofs. The surrounding areas consist of more modern housing, still isolated from the rest of the city by green fields.

Geography and administration

Thornton was incorporated into the city of Bradford around 1899, but was mentioned in the Domesday Book of the 11th century, when it had been laid waste by William the Conqueror's harrying of the North, punishment for an uprising against the Norman invaders of 1066.

Thornton has lain within the boundaries of the City of Bradford metropolitan borough since 1974, in which it comprises part of the Thornton and Allerton ward. It falls within the parliamentary constituency of Bradford West.

Its elevation, poor soils, isolation from major transport routes and rainfall of over 34 inches a year limited farm production, but the presence of coal, iron and sandstone, the development of turnpike roads and the coming of the railways enabled Thornton to share in the prosperity generated by the 19th century wool worsted trade. The increasing use of steam powered mills (at the expense of the former cottage-industry production methods) concentrated production in the valleys of the city centre, and foreign imports, the second world war and closure of the railways eventually relegated Thornton to its present status as a residential suburb of Bradford.

Notable residents

Thornton's most famous residents were the Brontës. The Rev Patrick Brontë became the incumbent of Thornton Chapel in 1815, and Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne Brontë were born at 74, Market Street, Thornton before the family moved to Haworth.

References

# The population figure of 15,004 is for the ward of Thornton and Allerton, rather than for the village of Thornton alone.

External links

* [http://www.lostrailwayswestyorkshire.co.uk/Queensbury%20Keighley.htm Thornton Viaduct]