The LIfe & Work of Edward Crossley - History Talk

Bryan Harkness joins us to share the fascinating story of Edward Crossley.

Crossley became the managing director of Crossley Carpets at the young age of 23. His newfound status allowed him to build Bermerside House at Skircoat in Halifax.

Since his early teens, he had been interested in astronomy and built a large observatory at Bermerside. He became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1867. He purchased two telescopes, one of which became known as the Crossley reflector and was used for research in California to discover two moons of Jupiter.

About our speaker

Bryan Harkness was born 81 years ago and educated in Halifax, where he has lived nearly all his life. After obtaining an MBA in Business Studies from Bradford University, he moved into the Engineering Sector before running his successful business in Financial Services. He has been retired for 21 years. A Rotarian for 26 years, he is president of Stafford Bowling Club.