COFFEE MORNING – Samuel Cunliffe Lister
24th Apr 2026 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Chris Cobley is a local historian and author who will present on the topic of his book Samuel Cunliffe Lister: Bradford’s Most Eminent Victorian. Bradford owes to Lister many key landmarks: Cartwright Hall, Manningham Mills and Lister Park. Before this book no one had written the biography of Lister.
Why was Lister the most eminent Victorian in Bradford?
Lister developed the first wool-combing machine to work well in addition to developing and registering no fewer than 150 patents, most relating to the silk and wool-combing and later stages of weaving. Lister made a fortune in wool and built Manningham Mills, the largest silk mill in Europe. It was his wool-combing machine which enabled Bradford to become a world leader in worsted manufacture. He was the opposition in the Manningham Mill strike of 1891. That led to the formation of the Labour Party. His life spanned the entirety of Victoria’s reign.
Arrive at Ilkley Manor House at 10:15am to have time to get a hot drink and biscuit. The talk will start at 10:30am, lasting roughly an hour, with time for questions at the end.
Title: Samuel Cunliffe Lister: Bradford’s Most Eminent Victorian, by Chris Cobley
Date: Friday, 24 April 2026
Time: 10.30-11:30am
Tickets: £5
Tickets can be purchased online via TicketTailor or in person at the Box Office when Ilkley Manor House is open. Tickets may be available on the door but will be subject to availability.
Accessibility Information
Coffee morning talks usually take place on the ground floor in the housebody, however, if numbers require, the event may take place upstairs, accessed via a staircase of 18 steps with no lift. Please let us know beforehand if this would be an issue.
