Addingham, West Yorkshire: Rich in heritage, steeped in history
Addingham, in Lower Wharfedale, proudly wears its past. Walking down Low Mill Lane towards the river, past high stone walls and beneath overhanging beech trees, it’s easy to put yourself in the shoes, or rather clogs, of those who helped establish the village.
Passing the mid-18th century Robinsons Farm and the single cell Crowtrees Cottage to its rear, the well-trodden Smithy Greaves lane widens to reveal rows of 18th century cottages built to house workers at the first worked spinning mill in West Yorkshire, Low Mill, which was built in 1787.
One of the rows of cottages has three storeys, with the top floor providing storage for the mill, which was the first successful worsted spinning plant that later also produced silk and velvet.
After serving to manufacturer of carburettors for Spitfires during the Second World War, Low Mill became the sixth and final textile factory in the village to close in 1976.
Helpfully, outside the mill gatekeeper’s home Addingham Civic Society has placed one of 17 plaques highlighting heritage sites in the village. The gatekeeper was responsible for fining workers a penny for being late. who had to drop one penny into the collecting box if they were late for work, hence the name.
In 1826, Luddites unhappy at the introduction of machinery at the mill, marched on the site, which was put in a state of defence, with firearms and stones gathered in the upper storeys, leading to the many hand-loom weavers and spinners comprising the mob being injured as they tried to set the mill on fire. Authorities drafted in the Yorkshire Hussars from Leeds to restore order.
Spinning specialist High Mill, immortalised in a JMW Turner painting in 1808, on the route of the Dales Way at the north end of the village as well as the site of a medieval corn mill, had been the first plant to close, shortly after the Second World War. It was followed by Barcroft Shed, yarn processors Burnside Mill, Wolseley Shed and Townhead Mill, all in Main Street.
The thoroughfare meanders almost through the entire length of the village and features numerous reminders of Addingham’s textile heritage, including the imposing Piece Hall, built by the Cockshott family for the manufacturing of cotton pieces on hand-looms.
However, it’s thought the grand building was never used for that purpose as the hand-loom industry died away in the 1820s, while nearby terraced properties were built by the entrepreneurial family as well as the large loomshop on Chapel Street, back-to-back cottages to house hand-loom weavers at The Rookery in Bolton Road and Low Mill.
The village boasts a remarkable wealth of other heritage assets, the oldest of which is St Peter’s Church, where Christians have worshipped for more than 1,100 years.
A designated monument on a gravel ridge overlooking the River Wharfe beside the church includes the buried remains of an Anglo Saxon cemetery and a medieval manor, including fishponds and part of an open field system. In the 11th century Symeon of Durham recorded Archbishop Wulfhere of York sought refuge at Addingham’s church in 867, the same year Vikings defeated an Anglo-Saxon attempt to recapture York. The ingham part of the village’s name suggests it was established in the early Anglo Saxon era.
Decorative stone crafted for a Norman church on the site can be seen in the interior of the 15th century church’s tower, alongside a medieval timber roof in the nave and a Tudor north aisle.
Close to the heart of the village, glimpses can be had of a Tudor manor house featuring a towering chimney, behind a high hedge opposite Old Station Way, off which stands Southfield Terrace, which saw 30 of its residents go off to the First World War, seven of whom were killed.
Nearby was Addingham’s stop on the Skipton to Ilkley railway line which closed 60 years ago. The bridge on Back Beck Lane is a reminder of when Midland Railway Company services regularly chugged through the heart of the village, crossing Main Street on a high bridge at Sugar Hill Green.
Partially hidden behind a bus shelter stands the Memorial Hall, a former Primitive Methodist Chapel that was converted to general use in the 1950s, partly with funds raised by Addingham’s knitting circle. Having provided every serviceman during the Second World War with knitted garments such as jumpers and balaclavas, the group went on to provide items for Russian troops.
Meanwhile, The Old School, also on Main Street, which has its 1668 datestone above the small door, hosted pupils for classes from 1805. It has served as the village prison, cottages for the poor, a barber’s and a hardware shop before becoming the village library and Community Hub.
Within a stone’s throw, there are specialist independent traders some medium-sized towns would be proud of, including a women’s clothes boutique, a plastic ball supplier, a traditional ironmongers, H&J Adams, one of several 19th century shop premises in the area built below housing.
Alongside cafes and takeaways, there’s a choice of several pubs in the vibrant centre of the village. There’s The Fleece, a venue with open fires and low ceilings offering gastronomic feasts such as its Seafood Broil, and The Swan, a traditional country pub featuring a Doggie Menu with dishes such as Sir Woofchester’s Sunday Roast Treats. Further along Main Street, there’s also the Lord Addingham, known for its live sport and quizzes, and The Craven Heifer, a 17th century inn and restaurant with rooms.
While the family which built The Swan are interred in Greenwood Mausoleum, a bizarre and elaborate structure in the Methodist cemetery on Chapel Street, the landmark Mount Vernon Chapel on Main Street continues to host Methodist prayer meetings as well as community-minded groups such as Knitting for Armenia.