Hi folks Extracts from Histories of Bolton and Bowling by Cudworth Low Fold Bolton / Rose Cottage The remaining family of note at Low Fold is that of the Gants-more correctly Gaunt, if the holders of the name care to preserve its historic association. The property of this family occupied a pleasant position opposite to Peel Park gates, and a cosy residence called “Rose Cottage,” with the maltkiln adjoining, constitute the most prominent objects at Low Fold. The latter was erected by William Tetley, a maltster, about 1795, he having previously lived at Hodgson Fold, where he took up the lease of the maltkiln there belonging to the Hodgsons. William Tetley acquired his property at and adjoining Low Fold, by purchase, one portion in 1789 from Joshua Field, Esq., of Heaton, and the remainder in 1797 from William Pollard, of Scarr Hill, merchant. William Tetley was a prominent man in the affairs of Bolton during his time. He died in 1804 leaving five children surviving him, namely a son James Greaves Tetley, and four daughters, viz., Ann, who married Benjamin Gant, of Bolton; Betty, who married Joseph Parkinson, of Old Market, Bradford, tobacco manufacturer; and Sarah and Grace, both of whom died under age and unmarried, William Tetley by his will gave his Bolton property, which, in addition to the buildings, comprised Upper and Lower Mortimer Field; Upper and Lower Long Close, Crow Croft, and Calf Croft, adjoining Bolton Lane; and Jew Close, Embankment, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Hanging Cliffes (now Hanging Cliffe Quarries) adjoining Bolton Road, to his son, James Greaves Tetley, who in 1816 s! old Long Close, Mortimer Closes, and Calf Croft to Benjamin Gant. James Greaves Tetley, after the death of his father, continued the business of maltster, and was unfortunately drowned at Leeds in 1820, leaving his sisters Ann and Betty co-heiresses-at-law of his estate. After James Greaves Tetley’s death, Benjamin Gant continued the business of maltster and farmer until the year 1853, when e died in the seventy-fourth year of his age. A partition of property took place in 1855, between Ann Gant, the widow of Benjamin Gant, and Joseph and John Parkinson, the widower and the eldest son of Betty Parkinson. Ann Gant took “Rose Cottage,” the maltkiln, and some adjoining land, and Joseph Parkinson the remainder. Benjamin Gant had three sons, viz., Joseph William Tetley, and James Greaves Tetley, solicitor, whose premature death in June 1873, caused general regret. He left two children, a son, Tetley Gant, now in New Zealand, and a daughter, Mary, now the wife of Mr. Jose Reixach, managing director of Lister & Co., Limited. The eldest son Joseph continued the business of maltster until 1862,and still survives. Joseph Parkinson had in addition to John, three other sons, viz., James Greaves Tetley Parkinson, William and Thomas Parkinson, and one daughter, all of whom are now dead. Wm. Parkinson was for many years consulting surgeon to the Bradford Infirmary, and surgeon to the Bradford Borough Police. In1879 the portion of the property belonging to the Gant family was purchased by Mr. James Atkinson Jowett, but the other part of the property is still in the possession of the Parkinson family. An interesting association is connected with “Rose Cottage,” as Gant’s house was called, inasmuch as it was the residence of the Right Hon. W.E. Foster, M.P. for Bradford, when first he came to reside in the town. Staying with his friend, John Hustler, jun., at Bolton House, he one day fixed upon Rose Cottage as the spot just suited to his tastes, and for seven years he resided there and laid the foundation of that vast store of knowledge which in his maturer years stood him in such good stead. Cheers Richard (Yorkshire)