Wander through an unimposing archway in Church Street close by All Saints Church and you will discover Ilkley's most treasured building: The Manor House. Although it has undergone many alterations since the 13th century when it was first built it remains an attractive and wonderful place.
The Manor House is an attractive Art Gallery and Museum situated in the pretty former Spa Town of Ilkley, benefiting from a picturesque riverside location. It offers the visitor exciting glimpses into the past and insight into the work of some of the best artists and crafts people in the locality.
The Manor House is one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley and stands in the Roman Fort of Olicana, which was abandoned about 400 AD. Although the fort fell into ruins it occupied an important site that also became the focus of Medieval Ilkley and it is to this period of history that the earliest parts of the Manor House have been dated. Situated in the grounds to the north of the Manor House is a small section of ruined walling that was once part of the Western defensive wall of the Roman Fort Olicana. In order to identify the position of the fort, four plaques have been put up to mark the approximate positions of the gateways into the fort.
Alan Titchmarsh, patron of the Ilkley Manor House Trust, will visit the Manor House on April 5. During the visit, Alan will be invited to cut the ribbon to open the Manor House as a new heritage, arts and community venue.
Percy Dalton bequeathed the Manor House and cottages to Ilkley Urban District Council in 1959. It was later transferred to Bradford Council, and was open to the public as the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery – housing local artefacts dating back centuries – until closed due to council cutbacks in 2015.
Chairman of the Trust Sir Rodney Brooke, said: “Once more the building will be able to be used by the local community and visitors to the town.
“We plan to open up the building progressively. We will seek money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources to enable us to create a heritage trail which will be a major tourist attraction. It will also be a great educational resource for local children. The Manor House is remarkable - going back to the 14th century - and it sits on top of an ancient monument, the Roman Fort.”
He added: "We were delighted when Mr Titchmarsh agreed to become Patron of the Ilkley Manor House Trust. As Ilkley’s most famous son his support in helping develop the Manor House as a vibrant community space is very much appreciated.”
Dr Edward Impey, an expert on medieval manor houses, added: “Thanks to its excellent preservation and the clear distinction between its three main building periods, the Manor House is a text-book illustration of how English Houses developed between the Middle Ages and ‘early modern’ period. How fortunate we are to have such a gem in our midst.”
