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18th March 2006

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Updated 7th January 2007

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  Almost 50 years before the Bronte family moved to Haworth in 1820, a chain of sinister events took place in the valley just over the bleak moorland to the south.

The activities of the criminals involved went un-noticed by the authorities initially, but the effect on the local economy slowly drew greater attention, leading eventually to more dramatic events which would grab the attention not only in Yorkshire, but lead to questions being raised in the Houses of Parliament and was even brought to the attention of King George III.

The involvement of my own ancestors as the leaders of the gang of criminals around which these events unfolded, explains my interest in this story. Indeed, the story is well known locally and many of the areas current residents can also trace their own connections back to members of the gang. More details of the history of my family and the links back to the leader of the Yorkshire Coiners can be seen in the Hartley Family History section.

This website has been compiled to tell the story of the Yorkshire (or Cragg Vale) Coiners and provide information on those that played key roles in the events. You may discover that your own ancestors were part of the gang, or maybe one of those that brought the gang to justice and ended their treacherous activities.

I hope you find this website of interest.

Steve Hartley

Maurice Hartley (17th February 1915 - 15th March 2006)

As the preparation of this website was being finalised in readiness for publishing, I received the saddening news that my Grandfather had died suddenly. He was the inspiration behind my interest in the Yorkshire Coiners and completed the work on tracing the family tree initially. No visit to see him went by without discussing the coiners or our family history. My lasting regret is that my wish to help him visit Bell House, home of David Hartley, before he died went unfulfilled.

This website is therefore dedicated to the memory of my grandfather - I will miss him, and I know the rest of the family will too.