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Archaeology of Judy Woods
History of Judy Woods
Events in 2006 by Friends of Judy Woods Group
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History of Judy Woods
Location: Bradford
Judy Woods take their name from Judy North (1793 to 1870), a well known character who sold ginger beer and parkin pigs to visitors to Horse Close Bridge (also known as Judy Brig). She was the second wife of Joseph North whose family had lived in some cottages, now demolished, in the field above the bridge since at least the 1780’s. They had originally been weavers but later opened their garden to the public and by the 1850/60’s were a favourite place of recreation for the locals.
The various woods collectively known as Judy Woods were originally part of the Park belonging to Royds Hall. There has probably been a house on the site since the 14th century, although the current one was begun in the mid 1600’s. Royds Hall belonged to the Rookes who came from nearby Norwood Green. The last member of the family to live at the hall was Edward Rookes Leeds who changed his name in 1740 on his marriage to Mary, the heiress of Robert Leeds of North Milford near Tadcaster. He was declared bankrupt and committed suicide in 1785.
Although he had a colliery in the woods and was aware of the presence of ironstone, Rookes Leeds’ fondness for his racehorse stud probably led to his downfall. It fell to a group of men who bought the estate after his death to take advantage of the minerals on the property. The Low Moor Company they formed became world famous for the quality of its iron and it was specified for railway engine wheels as well as in the making of cannons and other munitions for the Napoleonic Wars.
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