A BATTERED old book has provided a fascinating glimpse into life in Holmfirth in the 19th century.

It was found in a shop previously known to be the Holmfirth Express Offices, a building dating back to the late 19th century.

The book appears to be a ledger of grocery items for Holmfirth residents and carries dates between July and September 1893.

It was discovered when the new owners were clearing out the premises for their new shop, Harrisons Interiors in Holmfirth

Avelynne and Nige Harrison, the new owners said: “When we saw how old it was we thought we couldn’t just bin it.

“Someone in the local history group might be interested in looking at it.”

Avelynne added: “Deborah Wyles recently did some research on old papers which were found in another shop in Holmfirth, namely Arthur Charlesworth the newsagent, so we gave the book to her to look at.”

Deborah said: “Not only is this an interesting find historically, it also tells us what people were buying over 100 years ago.

“There’s the usual flour, sugar and tea, but what on earth is Kiel, Danish, Xcelsior, Moist and Thirds?”

She added: “If a grocery ledger was found in a former printing shop and newspaper office, what treasures lie in other basements?”

Anyone who does have items like this would be welcome at the Civic Society meetings (held every third Thursday evening in Holmfirth Civic Hall).