Bradford Mechanics Institute Library
01274 722 857, 76 Kirkgate BD1 1SZ
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Gerard Benson
Betty Thornton
Bradford in the Great War
The biography of Alfred John Brown
The coats of arms in City Hall are described in Janet Senior's book.
Books by Library members Gerard Benson, Betty Thornton, Janet Senior and John White are available to purchase at the Library counter. 

Gerard Benson was the City of Bradford’s Poet Laureate.  Until his death in 2014, Gerard was an inspirational leader of our Poetry Group.  Twenty five years ago he helped launch Poems on the Underground. The latest collection of these was published by Penguin Classics in October 2012 and there is also a more recent paper back edition published 26 Mar 2015.

Betty Thornton’s memoir "Meet me in the Kitchen" includes a lively account of her preparing and serving supper to Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their wedding night at Broadlands but this is just one story from a fascinating life!

The World War 1 Group has been responsible for Messages, a transcription of the diary kept by a signaller in the Bradford Territorials, and Bradford in the Great War.  This was published by Suttons and has enjoyed healthy world-wide sales (copies have even reached Australia!) and is available to buy in the Library.

First-time biographer John White is an old boy of St Bede's Grammar School and a Library member.  He regularly attends our Bradford and World War 1 Groups.  Alfred John Brown, also a St Bede's boy, was best known for his classic topographical books about walking in the Yorkshire Dales. He also wrote semi-autobiographical novels, personal stories and a book of verse.  John White's biography tells the fascinating story of this prodigious walker, prolific writer and passionate Yorkshireman, who became a cult figure with iconic status in his day.  This limited-edition book is illustrated with many photographs and maps and is available at the Library counter. It is distributed by Smith Settle Printing and Bookbinding Ltd., Yeadon. 

Janet Senior has researched each of the coats of arms depicted in the windows of the Lord Mayor's banqueting parlour in City Hall.  There are nearly 100 individuals and families depicted.  Each shield was hand-painted by the stained glass relief artist Henry Gustave Hiller, at different points in the early 20th century. Steve Reeder's photographs enhance the fascinating stories which Janet has uncovered. 

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