Holbeck - The Beck
The origins of the name ‘Holbeck’ are thought to derive from the Norse words for ‘a hollow’ and ‘a beck’ (stream). Although Holbeck was once known for its spa water this became difficult to procure with the advent of industrialisation in the area and instead water was needed to power the machinery of the many mills. In time then the beck became polluted by the chemicals and colourants of the tanneries and dye works scattered on the banks of the River Aire and it is only in recent years that the water has become clean enough for fish to return to the beck.