Young members of the Brighouse Salvation Army -
Prize winners showing off their shield inside the Bethel Street citadel in 1977
Other than the Poor Relief, an act of Parliament enacted in 1834, there were no state benefits during the nineteenth century. A situation that continued through to the early twentieth century, when Lloyd George introduced the Old Age Pension Act of 1908.
As Brighouse grew and the town became more prosperous, particularly within the business community. The need for an efficient banking service quickly became apparent.
Back in 1960 / 61 you could still get a three-day laundry service at the Rastrick Laundry, when all missing buttons would be replaced free of charge. Or get your new carpet from Direct Carpet Company, when the businesss was still at 36, Briggate. A lot has happened in the last 57 years. This featured photograph dates back to the mid 1950s..
