Allerton Bywater, Duck Island
- Michael Palmer
- Jun 13, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Allerton Bywater – From Colliery Village to Green Community
Early Origins & Name
Allerton Bywater is a semi-rural village in the south-east of the City of Leeds metropolitan borough, West Yorkshire.The name “Allerton” comes from Old English alra tūn meaning “farmstead of the alder trees”, while “Bywater” refers to its historic situation by the River Aire (“Allerton next to water” first appeared in records in 1258).
Coal Mining Heritage
Coal mining was central to Allerton Bywater’s development. Records trace mining activity back to the 15th century, with deeper collieries opening in the 18th and 19th centuries. The main colliery in the village operated from 1875 until its closure in 1992, after which the area faced the challenge of regeneration. Mining carried a human cost: over sixty men lost their lives in the local collieries between 1856 and 1991.
Regeneration & Nature
Following the colliery closure, Allerton Bywater became one of Britain’s Millennium Communities, transforming former mining land into homes and green space. The village also lies adjacent to the large wetland area of St Aidan’s Nature Park, making it a destination for walkers, wildlife and countryside lovers alike.
Village Life Today
Today, Allerton Bywater balances its industrial past with a growing green and residential community. Its position offers proximity to larger towns yet a countryside feel, making it appealing to families and walkers alike.
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