About Ossett
The West Yorkshire town of Ossett became a borough in 1890. The population at that time was 10,984 and they lived in 2,570 houses. Long before the industrial revolution over 5,431 residents were employed in the textiles industry due to the availability of wool in the area. The local economy was also supported by a number of small coal mines employing 630 miners.
It was not until the 19th century that the Industrial Revolution made its impact on the town. As the number of Mills increased people from the countryside began to move into the town looking for better paid work. The introduction of the steam engine and the development of mechanised machinery resulted in the expansion of the mining industry, with two large pits opening in Shawcross and Roundwood.
Ossett became a centre of shoddy manufacture, making coarse blanket and uniform material using recycled wool. Regrettable there is only one textile mill and the last pit closed in the 80’s In the 1960’s the introduction of manmade fibres in the manufacture of suits and other garments created problems for the rag trade. Whilst cotton could be removed from wool manmade fibres could not be separated. At that time the only section to survive was the manufacture of flock for bedding and wipes for the engineering industry.
The introduction of small industrial estates in the town has attracted light engineering and a variety of other businesses. This diversification helped to provide employment for the workers from the traditional industries.
The town’s water was once attractive due to it being designated as spa town although briefly. Over the years the production of quality beers has established two well known brands. Both Ossett Brewery and Bob’s Brewing Company have also contributed to the local economy.
With the introduction of the Local Government Act of 1972, Ossett lost its Borough status in 1974 and became a ward in the Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield.
