A skirmish, between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, took place in Meanwood, during the Civil War. It is said that the “beck ran red”, with the blood of the fallen, hence, the place name “Stainbeck”
The Meanwood Valley was a place of industry as long ago as 1577 and it continued to the 19th century. The Meanwood Beck provided water and power for corn, flax and paper mills, dye works and tanneries. There were numerous quarries
In 1830 a turnpike road was established through the Meanwood Valley to Leeds. Public transport followed from 1850 and electric trams in 1890, meaning that it was practical for people to travel to work from greater distances, encouraging both industrial buildings and housing