Bailiff Bridge

[1778-1847]

Bailiff Bridge – also recorded as Bailiffe Bridge – is a district on the eastern boundary of Calderdale to the north of Brighouse at the junction of the Huddersfield to Bradford and the Halifax to Wakefield turnpike roads.

It was a part of North Bierley District Council until 1899, when the boundaries were altered and it came within Hipperholme District Council and a part of the township of Hipperholme-cum-Brighouse.

The name Bailiff is said to come from that of the bailiff, William Bailiff or William Templer, and from the bridge over Clifton Brook there, although the area is mentioned – as Bailibrigge – in 1374.

The names Belly Bridge and Belly Brig are also recorded.

The bridge carried the old Wakefield Gate route across Bailiff Bridge Beck.