His mill, on the left of the above picture, brought together all 13 of the processes to convert wool into cloth. But, of more importance was the town that he built for his workers, a town built of stone houses.
These houses were a far cry from the back to back slums in Leeds.
He did not build any pubs in Saltaire but he built a social club where people could meet to play billiards or learn a new skill.
He also provided a school and a bath house which also had provision for washing clothes.
Unlike other mill owners he also built alms houses for retired employees and provided a basic pension for his workers.
A shopping parade was also included in the overall scheme.
And a Congregational church which, although not C of E, has a ring of 6 bells.
The mill has been through good and bad times but today had retail outlets and galleries throughout.
There is also a close association with David Hockney with an exhibition of his work.
In December 2001, Saltaire was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and every house in the village is Grade 1 listed. Saltaire is now 'the place' to live and, being close to Leeds, the railway station has been reopened. Unfortunately, all the Victorian station buildings were pulled down when it was first closed.
Saltaire owes its revival to Jonathan Silver who bought the mill in February 1986 and turned it into the business venture it is today.
Wow, another outstanding day out in Yorkshire.
Tomorrow we press on closer to Leeds.
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