Residents View

The smell of strawberry jam was poignant on the top of Hartleys Hill, people would literally stop to inhale deeply, the delicious, mouth watering  aroma.  Beyond was the view of ducklings following in line across the pond, making ripples in the water that gleamed in the sunlight. Chickens walked into the open gates of the cottages and made welcome by the residents, who once lived there. Old pictures reveal their smiling contentment this tranquil scene is no more.  

Historically Liverpool will always be remembered for its huge participation in the slave trade, the events of the civil war, the 1930s  depression when deprivation was rife.  Unemployment and penury hit hard on the people of Liverpool.    

Hartleys Village and its origins are in danger of becoming lost in the mist of time.  This unique village and its pioneer Sir William Hartley will disappear without a trace,  with only the name Hartleys preserved and to act as a reminder of this one time thriving industry.  

Sir William was a deeply religious man who practised his Christian philosophy on a day to day basis. He believed thought, deed, and actions to be the very heart of his faith and lay in the true spirit of Christianity. Time and again he proved actions speak louder than words. William Pickles Hartley was born at Colne, February 23 1846. He was educated at British school and the Grammar school. Colne. His working life began at the age of 14 years and having a natural talent for business it was only a matter of time before jam making developed into a prosperous enterprise.

The secret of his success may also be contributed to his humanitarian approach and his sensitive nature, for Mr Hartley cared about the people who worked for him. He built homes for his workforce. He gave benefits to sick employees, [when doctors were not free] He gave gifts to the children of the village at Christmas time and throughout the year held and maintained a community of fellowship.

Having read the biography of William Hartley I perceive him to have been a man who, had he been offered the choice of either a monument raised in his honour or his village kept and safe guarded for the good of the people who live in the village today I believe I know which one he would have chosen, however, neither has evolved. It is almost as if William Hartley has been forgotten, and yet the name Hartleys jam is renowned the world over.

William Hartleys house [so I am led to believe] was where the bed factory shop now operates at the entrance to the village. Mr Hartleys house was demolished sometime during the late 1960s. In recent times the Aintree Institute, which Mr Hartley also built was also demolished. The loss of this historical architecture is not only missed for its beauty but because it represented recreation and a communal spirit, which Mr Hartley had originally intended it should aspire to,(and let not forget the famous four) the Beatles. Who made their first appearance there, as unknown boys, which in its self would have inspired a tourist attraction? Have we no respect for history or the people who gave so much of themselves? What a soulless inheritance we leave to our children.

Surely, it is therefore, ones duty to pursue the course of conservation. Going backwards is to allow the entrepreneur to wipe out the peace, security and safety and in their apathy and indifference rob us of our human rights. The people of the village will become the forgotten people, crushed more and more into no mans land. Harleys Village is a heritage that should be celebrated for the progress made past and present as a result of positivity, strength, and unity, highlighted by a peoples staying power and above all a respect for history. We will never surrender these famous words of Winston Churchill now take on a new meaning for us today--- here in Hartleys Village.