The biggest change to the village centre arguably came about at the turn of the century, when the White Swan public house was demolished to make way for a whole new Market Place and shopping area.

The site of the inn became the market place and around the edge shops were built.

The work culminated in 1912 with the unveiling of a statue in honour of Birstall's most famous son, scientist and theologian Joseph Priestley.
Priestley had been born at Fieldhead on March 13 1733 but recognition by the people of his birthplace came more than 100 years after his death in 1804.

The statue was sculpted by Miss Francis Darlington of Harrogate and unveiled in 1912 by eminent scientist Sir Edward Thorpe, following a parade.

Birstall townsfolk even managed their own affairs until April 1 1937 when, amid much local opposition, the Urban District of Birstall was incorporated into the Borough of Batley.