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Sunday 8 August 2010

Helen Street

I think this is one of my favourite houses in Saltaire village. (I have several favourites actually). It's the end terrace on the corner of Helen Street and Caroline Street, right at the heart of the village. (To see a street plan of Saltaire, click here.) I like its proportions and the fact that, being on the end of the row, it has rooms with double-aspect windows. It must be much lighter and brighter inside than some of the mid-terrace houses. It has also retained the original windows and doors (or perhaps had faithful copies made). It was built in 1857. Later, the wash-house and public baths opened almost opposite - but because these were not well-used, they were soon closed. Eventually that building was demolished, leaving an open square, which means the area feels quite spacious.

I have said before that the streets in Saltaire are mostly named after family members of Sir Titus Salt (the village's founder). Helen (1852-1924) was his fourth daughter, born - to her father's joy - the year after two of his young children had died. She became her father's secretary for the last three years of his life, when Amelia (his first daughter and private secretary) got married. It was the custom in those days that, once married, women did not work (well, did not have paid employment; I bet they still worked jolly hard!). Helen never married.

12 comments:

  1. I feel that I am getting to know your historical village .

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  2. Lovely building and thanks for the bit of Saltaire history.
    My village began in 1832.I must get some photos up of some of the original houses for you to compare and see how very different they are.

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  3. There is such a solid, almost geometric, look about it. A place for living a regular life.

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  4. Another fabulous post. Very interesting to discover the origins of these street names.

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  5. I'm certain they worked jolly hard

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  6. My parents had streets named after them by a friend buiding a subdivision and I always thought it would be fun to live where the two come together.

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  7. When I see the outside of a house like that I try to imagine the inside. I would love to see that. Very interesting and lovely little home for some family. I also loved the numbers collage in yesterday's post. Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  8. A charming building! The word 'foursquare' comes to mind.

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  9. I have a close up photograph of that cobalt blue Helen Street sign :)

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  10. It's beautiful! I love the old brick and rounded windows!

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  11. f interesant blog,felicitari

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