The Sir Norman Rae

The name of this Wetherspoon pub commemorates Sir Norman Rae, who was a local benefactor and former MP for the town.

Sir Norman Rae is something of an unsung hero in Shipley. He made his fortune from the woollen trade, and was elected the town's MP (1918-1923). His wealth enabled him to purchase a large area of land which he presented to Shipley Council as playing fields (Northcliffe Park). He also encouraged university study by providing scholarships, and established Shipley Nursing Home. On his death, in 1928, it was reported, in the Shipley Council minutes, that he was the greatest benefactor to the district since Sir Titus Salt.