Queenshead
QUEENSHEAD, an ecclesiastical parish, partly in the parish and union of Bradford, but chiefly in the parish and union of Halifax, wapentake of Morley, W. riding of York, 3½ miles (N. by E.) from Halifax, on the road to Bradford; containing upwards of 4000 inhabitants. This parish, which was constituted in June 1845, under the act 6th and 7th Victoria, cap. 37, extends about a mile in every direction from its church; and occupies a very lofty situation, being almost the highest ground in this part of Yorkshire. The surface consists of hill, dale, and plain, and is intersected by a deep valley called Shibdendale, which almost approaches the nature of a ravine, and is covered with wood: there is otherwise a great deficiency of wood, as well as of water, in the landscape. The climate is very cold, so much so, that no wheat is grown, and very little oats; grass and potatoes are the main produce. The population is employed chiefly in the manufacture of worsted, and in coal-mining: the mines mostly belong to Joseph Stocks, Esq., to whom the vale of Shibdendale also belongs; and to John Foster, Esq., who is the principal manufacturer. There are likewise quarries, the property of various individuals. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Crown and the Bishop of Ripon, alternately; net income, £150: the church, built at a cost of £2700, was opened for divine service in August 1845. Here are places of worship for Independents, General Baptists, Wesleyans, and the New Connexion of Methodists.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.