Roberts Park in Saltaire

A view of the River Aire from Roberts Park

During my exploration of Saltaire village, I encountered numerous examples of finely carved stone that was quarried from the geological formation known as the Rough Rock, which forms the high ground that flanks the River Aire in this part of West Yorkshire. 

A view of the New Mill in Saltaire from Roberts Park

Having seen enough historic architecture at this very impressive World Heritage Site to enable me to get a good idea of the physical characteristics of this durable sandstone, I then set off across the river to look at Roberts Park, which is underlain by younger siltstones and mudstones of the Millstone Grit Group. 

The cricket pitch occupies the floodplain of the River Aire

Looking at the British Geological Survey Map Viewer; however, the whole area is seen to be covered by Quaternary deposits described as either till or diamicton, which are both loosely consolidated glacial deposits, with more recent alluvium forming the floodplain upon which the cricket field has been laid out. 

A view across the cricket field to the Half Moon Café

The upper landscaped part of the park lies on the glacial deposits that have not been eroded away by the River Aire, and the Half Moon Café marks the approximate position of an ancient river bank, with the land rising to the north of this point. 

A shelter in Roberts Park

Quickly walking around the park, the information centre and various shelters make use of the local sandstone, which can also be seen in various planters and plinths – including that of the statue of Sir Titus Salt by Francis Derwent Wood, which is placed outside the bandstand.

The statue of Sir Titus Salt in Roberts Park