Ilkley Genealogical Records

Ilkley Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

All Saints, Ilkley Baptism Records (1910)

Baptism registers are the primary source for birth documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date a child was baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

St Margaret, Ilkley Baptism Records (1879-1910)

Records of baptism for people born in and around Ilkley between 1879 and 1910. Details include child's name, parents' names and dates of birth and/or baptism.

Ilkley Baptism Records (1813-1910)

Baptism registers are the primary source for birth documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date a child was baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

All Saints, Ilkley Baptism Records (1754-1812)

Baptism records from people born in and around Ilkley between 1754 and 1812. Lists the name of people's parent's and other details.

Ilkley Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

All Saints, Ilkley Marriage Records (1923-1935)

Marriage records from people who married at All Saints, Ilkley between 1923 and 1935. Lists an individual's abode, marital status, father's name, age and signature

Ben Rhydding, St John, Ilkley Marriage Records (1913-1935)

Details on those who married at Ben Rhydding, St John, Ilkley between 1913 and 1935. Information given usually includes abode and marital status. After April 1837 father's names and ages are recorded.

St Margaret, Ilkley Marriage Records (1880-1935)

Details on those who married at St Margaret, Ilkley between 1880 and 1935. Information given usually includes abode and marital status. After April 1837 father's names and ages are recorded.

Ilkley Marriage Records (1813-1923)

Details on those who married at Ilkley between 1813 and 1923. Information given usually includes abode and marital status. After April 1837 father's names and ages are recorded.

Ilkley Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Ilkley Burial Records (1813-1955)

Burial registers are the primary source for death documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date someone was buried, their age & residence. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

All Saints, Ilkley Burial Records (1754-1812)

Records of burial for people buried at All Saints, Ilkley between 1754 and 1812. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Ilkley Burial Records (1597-1812)

Records of burial for people buried at Ilkley between 1597 and 1812. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Burials (1646-1985)

A name index linked to images of burial registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the death and burial of over 170,000 people.

Ilkley Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Yorkshire Electoral Registers (1840-1962)

An index to and images of registers listing over 22.5 million names of those who were registered to vote. The records list name, address and qualification to vote.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

Newspapers Covering Ilkley

Burnley News (1912-1932)

Original images of a regional newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the Burnley area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

Burnley Express (1877-1904)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering local news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Burnley area.

Bradford Daily Telegraph (1868-1870)

A searchable newspaper providing a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Bradford district. Includes obituaries and family announcements.

Burnley Gazette (1863-1875)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering local news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Burnley area.

Burnley Advertiser (1853-1880)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering local news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Burnley area.

Ilkley Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Derbyshire Will Index (1858-1928)

An index to wills, proved by the Derby Probate Registry. Index includes name, residence and year of probate. Contains entries for Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and other counties.

Ilkley Immigration & Travel Records

West Yorkshire Removal & Settlement Records (1689-1866)

An index to and images of over 14,000 records detailing the removal and settlement of people between parishes in West Yorkshire.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Ilkley Military Records

West Riding Yorkshire Territorials in the Great War (1908-1919)

Three books detailing the unit's history from the period before and during WWI. Also contains a list of members, with dates of service and a roll of honours and awards.

West Yorkshire Militia Records (1779-1826)

Digital images of records that record those serving in and assessed for service in the militia and details of payments for the militia. The records can be searched by a name index.

North East War Memorials (1882-1951)

An inventory of memorials commemorating those who served and died in military conflicts.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Roll of Officers of the York and Lancaster Regiment (1756-1884)

Lists of officers by rank, regiment and name.

West Yorkshire Electoral Registers (1840-1962)

An index to and images of registers listing over 22.5 million names of those who were registered to vote. The records list name, address and qualification to vote.

West Yorkshire Prison Records (1801-1914)

Digital images of various documents, searchable by an index of over 335,000 names. The records include registers that record prisoners' names, ages, occupation, crimes, criminal history, education, religion, genealogical information and more.

West Yorkshire Bastardy Records (1690-1914)

Records of over 14,000 illegitimate births, which will typically name the child's father.

West Yorkshire Coroners Notebooks (1852-1909)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording over 19,000 deaths deemed suspicious or otherwise worth investigating.

West Yorkshire Poor Law Records (1663-1914)

Records details of the distribution of funds to the poor, churchwardens' records, maintenance for illegitimate child and other similar records.

Ilkley Taxation Records

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Riding of Yorkshire Poll Book (1835)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

West Riding of Yorkshire Hearth Tax (1672)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

West Riding of Yorkshire Hearth Tax (1672)

A name index to records recording taxes levied against owners of hearths in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Ilkley Land & Property Records

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Riding of Yorkshire Poll Book (1835)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

West Riding Domesday Extracts (1066)

Extracts for West Riding settlements found in the Domesday book. Includes the modern & 11th century place name, land owners and details of later history.

Poll Book for Yorkshire (1868)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Ilkley Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1927)

A directory of settlements in the riding detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1908)

Descriptions of physical and geological landmarks, a listing of government offices and descriptions of the villages & parishes, including a list of the private Descriptions of physical and geological landmarks, a listing of government offices and descriptions of the villages & parishes, including a list of the private residents..

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1897)

A directory of the riding detailing its history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1893)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding of Yorkshire A-K (1881)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Ilkley Cemeteries

West Riding Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of West Riding's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Yorkshire Graves Index (1408-2003)

An index to close to 150,000 names listed on gravestones in Yorkshire.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Ilkley Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Ilkley Histories & Books

West Riding Domesday Extracts (1066)

Extracts for West Riding settlements found in the Domesday book. Includes the modern & 11th century place name, land owners and details of later history.

Yorkshire Domesday Records (1086)

An English translation of Yorkshire domesday records. This transcripts details the county's landowners in 1086.

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

North Yorkshire Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in North Yorkshire.

Ilkley School & Education Records

West Yorkshire Reformatory School Records (1856-1914)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording admission, residence and discharges for schools that aimed to reform criminal youths. A great deal of detail may be gleaned on over 9,000 individual, including genealogical details, employment record and photographs.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Ilkley Occupation & Business Records

West Yorkshire Police Records (1833-1914)

Digital images of registers recording appointments, promotions, disciplinary actions, transfers, applications, injuries and more. The records can be searched by an index of over 32,000 names.

West Yorkshire Occupation Records (1793-1930)

An index to and images of occupational records. They may list name, residence, age, birth date, occupation, date of employment, employer, and marital status. Certificates of fitness for employment can include parents’ names.

West Yorkshire Alehouse Licences (1771-1962)

An index to and images of over 75,000 alehouse licences, listing name of the person who held the licence, the name and location of the public house, dates the licence was issued and renewed, and whether the licence was transferred.

West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Records (1627-1894)

An index to and images of around 7,000 apprenticeship records. They may list name, age, parents' names, master's name, trade, date, residence, terms of apprenticeship and more.

Collieries of The North (1869-1991)

Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Ilkley

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Ilkley Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

West Riding Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of West Riding's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The Visitation of Yorkshire: 1584-5 (1000-1585)

Pedigrees compiled from a late 16th century heraldic visitation of Yorkshire. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

The Visitation of Yorkshire: 1612 (1000-1612)

Pedigrees compiled from a early 17th century heraldic visitation of Yorkshire. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

Ilkley Church Records

Ilkley Parish Registers (1597-1955)

The parish registers of Ilkley provide details of births, marriages and deaths from 1597 to 1955. Parish registers can assist tracing a family as far back as 1597.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Parish Registers (1656-1985)

A name index linked to images of birth and baptism registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the birth or baptism of over 275,000 people.

Ilkley Parish Registers (1597-1812)

The parish registers of Ilkley are a collection of books documenting baptisms, marriages and burials from 1597 to 1812.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Membership Records (1772-1973)

Tens of thousands of entries from non-conformist records detailing churches' membership. Records can include details such as date & place of birth, residence, familial relations and occupations. Records are indexed by name and connected to original images.

Ilkley Parish Registers (1597-1812)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though extremely useful to the present. Their records can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Biographical Directories Covering Ilkley

Yorkshire Who's Who (1912)

A listing of the prominent residents of the county of Yorkshire, giving details on family, education, careers, hobbies, associations and more. Also includes details on the county's government officials, military officers, members of parliament, religious leaders and demographics.

Officers of The Green Howards (1688-1931)

Biographies of hundreds of men who served as officers in The Green Howards, an infant regiment in the King's Division. Details given include parentage, date of birth, military career and later professional career.

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Ilkley Maps

Maps of Yorkshire (1407-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

Collery Maps of The North (1807-1951)

A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Ilkley Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

In different parts of Ilkley churchyard are the remains of three very ancient Saxon crosses, curiously wrought in frets, scrolls, knots, &c.

Ilkley was a Roman station, known to antiquaries by the name of Olicana. Three sides of the ancient encampment are very entire. It was situate on a steep and lofty bank, having the river Wharfe on the north side, and the deep channel of a brook, immediately on the east and west. The southern boundary seems to run in the direction of the present street, and the hall and parish church were evidently included within it. The foundations of the fortress, bedded in indissoluble mortar, are very conspicuous; and remains of Roman brick, glass, and earthenware, every where appear on the edges of the brow, but no inscription, or other considerable remains have been lately discovered.

Ilkley is better known as a bathing place than as a Roman station. The copious spring here has little or no medicinal quality, but its extreme coldness has been found very serviceable in relaxed and scrofulous cases.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

ILKLEY is a parish and township and a polling place for the Eastern division of the Riding, 5 ½ miles west from Otley, 9 south-east from Skipton, 14 north from Bradford and 201 ½ from London, and is the terminus of the Otley and Ilkley railway of the Midland and North Eastern Companies, is in the upper division of Skyrack wapentake, union of Wharfedale, petty sessional division and county court district of Otley, rural deanery of south Craven, archdeaconry of Craven and diocese of Ripon, situated on the south of the river Wharfe, across which is a bridge. A Local Board was established here in 1869, and consists of eighteen members; the office is in Brook street. Waterworks were established here in 1852 by a private company, and have since been transferred to the Local Board, by whom they have been greatly extended; the system now consists of three reservoirs-the Weary Hill reservoir, the Hill Top reservoir, and the Old reservoir; these are at different elevations and are so arranged that the surplus water of each supplies the one next below; the water from various springs in the hills is conducted to these reservoirs, which afford an ample supply to the town. The church of All saints is in the Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles and tower with 8 bells, 5 cast in 1845, and the remainder in 1873: the east and west windows are stained, and two others have been erected as memorials: there are brasses, bearing date 1650, of the Heber and Watkinson families; also an effigy to Sir Adam de Middleton, who died in 1315: in a recess in the north wall there is what is said to be an old Roman altar, and in the churchyard are three ancient crosses, supposed to be Saxon: the church has two piscinae. The register dates from 1592, and is in good condition. The living is a vicarage, yearly value about £350 with residence, in the gift of Leonard Laurie Hartley esq. and held by the Rev. Arthur Cleveland Downer M.A. of Brasenose College, Oxford. St. Margaret’s church, opened in 1879, is a stone building in the Perpendicular style, and consists of chancel, nave and aisles with bell turret and two bells, and will seat 1,000 persons, the seats being all free and unappropriated: this church was erected at a cost of £12,500, on a site given by William Middelton esq. the fittings are temporary: the great feature of the interior is the breadth of the nave (28 feet), with arches having a span of 25 feet; the south transept has been converted into an organ chamber. The living is a vicarage, formed from the parish of All saints, the patronage being vested in five trustees, viz. The Right Hon. Lord Cranbrook, William Fison esq. Alfred Harris esq. F. S. Powell esq. and F. W. Fison esq.: it is endowed to the extent of £33 a year: the offertories in the first year (1879—80) amounted to about £800, of which £300 was apportioned for the vicar’s stipend; the incumbent is the Rev. Henry Bickersteth Ottley M.A. late scholar of St. John’s College, Oxford. The Catholic church of the sacred Heart, situate in the Stockeld road, on a site given by William Middelton esq. was opened in 1879: it is a stone building with bell turret. There are chapels for Wesleyans, Primitive Methodists and Congregationalists; here is also a Friends’ Meeting House. Ilkley Congregational church was founded in the year 1868, and is in the Decorated Gothic style, in the form of a parallelogram, with vestries and a school in the rear; an organ and pulpit of Caen stone were added in 1874 at a cost of £1,000: this church will seat about 700 persons. The Wesleyan chapel, situate in Wells road, was partially built in 1870, a spire and buttresses were added in 1876; it is a Gothic stone building with residence for the minister, vestries, and class-rooms, and has sittings for 700 persons; the total cost was about £6,800. The cemetery is on the north side of the town, and is about 10 acres in extent, with two mortuary chapels. The charities of the parish, available for distribution, amount to about £5 yearly, the remainder having been appropriated for educational purposes. Sedbergh school also has estates here, some of which have been lately sold by the Charity Commissioners. Ilkley College is situated in a commanding situation on the south side of Queen’s road, near to Ilkley Wells House; it is one of the prettiest buildings in Ilkley, picturesque in outline, and effectively broken by gables and dormers, with a castellated tower of five storeys commanding a view of one hundred square miles of the most beautiful scenery to be found in England: the College is at present untenanted. The Ilkley Working Men’s Hall Company Limited have a spacious stone building in Weston road, erected in 1876, at a cost of £2,200, with a public assembly hall capable of containing 450 persons, and reading, billiard, lecture, coffee, smoking and committee rooms. Ilkley was formerly a Roman station, and at Nessfield, a township in this parish, there was also a camp connected with this station. Amongst the many noted dales of Yorkshire the valley of the Wharfe stands pre-eminent for the beauty of its scenery, especially in the wild grandeur of its upper course and the extended and fertile vale into which it gradually expands; after passing under the lofty crags of Kilnsay, skirting Barden Tower, forcing its impetuous way through the rude and massive rocks which form the barrier of Bolton Strid, and winding amidst the luxuriant woods and fields where stand the ruins of the celebrated Bolton Priory, the river at length reaches the picturesque town of Ilkley (the Olicana of the Romans); the Southern side of the valley being here bounded by the lofty range of rocky hills called Rombalds or Rumbles Moor, 1,300 feet in height, from which gushes, in never-failing force, the spring of pure cold water for which Ilkley has been so long famed. Ilkley Wells House hydropathic establishment, situated betwixt the town and the moor, and conducted by Dr. Joseph Frederick Leeson, is a very large and beautiful structure, from a design by Mr. Brodrick of Leeds, in the Italian Palazzo style, and calculated to hold more than a hundred patients and visitors; within the extensive grounds are a gymnasium, bowling green and skating rink; the new baths comprising Turkish and compressed air baths, attached to this establishment, are very complete, and the house affords every home comfort. A mile and a half east is the hydropathic establishment of Ben Rhydding, a spacious building in the Scottish baronial style, and situated 500 feet above the sea; it was built in 1844, and was for nearly 30 years under the care of Dr. Macleod, at whose death it passed into the hands of a limited company, who have considerably in creased the grounds and renovated the house; large additions have been made to the baths; a Russian bath added and the Turkish bath remodelled; at a short distance from the house is the skating rink and racquet court; the estate consists of 78 acres, 20 of which are covered by the pleasure grounds, and extends to the open moors above, which crown the hills and stretch away for many miles on both sides of the valley of the Wharfe; the abundant supply of water furnished to the house is drawn from the estate itself. Craiglands is a large hydropathic establishment conducted by Messrs, Dobson Brothers, and is built on an eminence in a sheltered situation on the south-east side of Ilkley: the house will hold 170 patients and visitors, and is fitted up with every modern appliance conducive to comfort and health. The medical arrangements include Turkish, Russian, electrochemical and other baths: the pleasure grounds are five acres in extent and include summer and winter promenades, croquet and tennis lawns. Near to the above is Troutbeck hydropathic establishment, conducted by Mr. John Dobson, consisting of a pretty Elizabethan building adjoining Rombalds Moor, and about two minutes’ walk from the tarn; it is 600 feet above the sea level, but well sheltered by the hills; the house has every accommodation for patients and visitors; the baths include everything required to carry out the hydropathic system in its most effective form: the grounds comprise tennis and croquet lawns and an American bowling alley. Rockwood house, another establishment of the same kind, situate on the Southern slope of the hill about half a mile south-east from Ilkley, has been recently enlarged on an extensive scale, introducing all the latest improvements for the comfort both of invalids and visitors: the bathing arrangements are complete with conveniences for every kind of hydropathic treatment: the house is sheltered by and adjoins the heights of Rombalds moor: the proprietor and manager is Mr. James Lister. The Police station is a stone building, situate in Riddings road. A handsome fountain was erected in 1875, in the centre of the town, at a cost of £130. The Semon Convalescent Home, erected in 1874, at the expense of the late Charles Semon, a Bradford merchant, is a building in the early Gothic style, consisting of three storeys and basement, and is built of grey sandstone, situated in an elevated and commanding situation on the edge of Rombalds Moor, about a mile from the Railway station: the shape of the building is somewhat that of the letter “T,” the top of the letter being represented by the main front; the Home contains 65 beds, and is used exclusively for persons of slender means who are in a weak state of health or who, having been ill, are slowly recovering, and require change of air, good food, rest and kind treatment, together with medical supervision: the total cost of the Home and surrounding grounds (which cover nearly six acres), including furniture and fittings, was £12,000; it is now the property of and under the control of the Corporation of Bradford. The Ilkley Hospital (late Ilkley Bath Charitable Institution, established in 1829), is intended for the reception of poor persons requiring the benefits of Ilkley air and water, who have been recommended by a subscriber and approved by the medical officer; the hospital is ordinarily opened for the admission of patients the first week in April in each year, and continues open until the last week in October; every patient admitted is entitled to remain for a period of three weeks, enjoying lodging, board, medical attendance and baths; but after the expiration of that period, should any patients wish to remain longer, and the medical officer consider it requisite, such patients may remain for three weeks longer, but the sum of seven shillings per week must be paid by the patients or their friends for such extended stay. The Fire Brigade is under the supervision of the Local Board. Two, weekly papers are published here, viz.:-The” Ilkley Gazette” on Thursday, and the” Ilkley Free Press,” on Saturday. Ilkley feast is held on the first Sunday after the 14th of September. The principal hotels and posting houses are the “Middelton,” “Crescent,” “Midland,” Royal,” “Star,” and “Wheatley,” where every accommodation is afforded to visitors to the Wells. William Middelton esq. is lord of the manor and principal landowner. The soil is loamy; subsoil clay. The chief crops are wheat, oats and turnips. The population of the township in 1871 was 2,511; of the parish, 2,805; the area of the township is 3,961 acres; rateable value, £28,880; area of the parish, 8,405 acres.

Ben Rhydding and Wheatley are places in the east end of the township.

Insurance Agents

Lion Fire, C. W. Shepherd, Brook street.

Liverpool Globe Fire Life, J. Shuttleworth.

London Staffordshire Fire, T.R. Vickers, 6 Crescent ter.

Phoenix Fire, H. Strachan.

Royal, T. J. Critchley, Brook street & A. S. Press, Parish Gill road.

Scottish Equitable Life, W. Wedgwood, Gas works.

Scottish Widows’ Fund, J. Oldfield.

Sun Fire, W. Margerison & C. J. Mitton.

Yorkshire Fire & Life, J. Whitaker, Glendair.

Schools: —

The National school (mixed), near the Leeds road, was erected in 1872, at a cost of £3,500, and will hold 427 children; William Child, master; Misses Eliza Jowett & Mary Dunn, mistresses (girls’ & infants’.)

The Grammar school is still in abeyance, until the new scheme provided can be brought into operation.

The Catholic school, in Stoclkeld road, is available for 100 children; Miss Carter, mistress.

Kelly's Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire (1881)

Most Common Surnames in Ilkley

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Claro Wapentake
1Robinson971:520.48%4
2Smith911:560.20%1
3Hudson731:691.01%44
4Lister571:891.25%80
5Dobson521:971.31%95
6Kendall401:1272.78%345
7Brown361:1410.21%7
7Thompson361:1410.23%9
9Wood321:1580.17%6
9Jackson321:1580.20%8
11Williams301:1690.78%98
12Clarkson291:1741.08%156
13Green281:1810.31%26
13Dean281:1811.06%160
15Hall261:1950.24%17
15Hodgson261:1950.33%37
15Rhodes261:1950.41%52
15Ramsden261:1950.77%116
19Taylor251:2020.11%2
19Walker251:2020.13%5
19Denby251:2024.01%783
22Scott241:2110.34%47
22Bell241:2110.35%49
22Dove241:2113.82%777
25Clarke231:2200.60%100
25Emmott231:2202.85%606
27Gill221:2300.35%54
27Sykes221:2300.23%22
27Thackray221:2301.97%449
27Kettlewell221:2303.52%782
31Johnson211:2410.15%12
31Barker211:2410.20%19
31Holmes211:2410.23%25
31Horner211:2410.84%176
31Pullan211:2412.05%487
31Brogden211:2415.68%1,258
37Harrison201:2530.15%10
37Stephenson201:2530.35%58
39Watson191:2660.18%18
39Lambert191:2660.62%131
39Dickinson191:2660.55%113
42Ellis181:2810.23%33
42Graham181:2810.68%159
42Dale181:2810.82%212
42Thorpe181:2810.66%152
42Whitaker181:2810.38%73
42Reynard181:2815.13%1,305
48Wright171:2980.14%14
48Lee171:2980.21%31
48Harper171:2980.83%231
48Wall171:2982.80%806
48Prest171:2983.09%890
53Hill161:3160.21%41
53Ward161:3160.15%15
53Bradley161:3160.33%68
53Todd161:3160.66%185
53Gale161:3162.80%857
53Metcalfe161:3160.42%97
53Woodhead161:3160.46%112
53Keighley161:3161.37%438
61Mason151:3370.35%88
61Hartley151:3370.21%45
61Blackburn151:3370.34%83
61Batty151:3370.64%190
65Simpson141:3610.16%27
65Richardson141:3610.17%30
65Shepherd141:3610.51%149
65Preston141:3610.51%153
65Calvert141:3610.49%144
65Shoesmith141:3615.11%1,617
71Thomas131:3890.34%101
71Edwards131:3890.68%261
71Turner131:3890.13%20
71Hirst131:3890.17%34
71Myers131:3890.38%114
71Moon131:3892.98%1,098
71Stead131:3890.30%84
71Illingworth131:3890.47%150
71Critchley131:38914.94%3,620
71Burnell131:3893.94%1,382
71Tillotson131:3891.63%613
82Cook121:4220.28%86
82Atkinson121:4220.12%21
82Burton121:4220.36%120
82Whitehead121:4220.27%81
82Thornton121:4220.23%65
82Nelson121:4220.51%196
82Hargreaves121:4220.35%115
82Waters121:4222.44%993
82Vickers121:4221.12%465
82Wharton121:4221.26%521
82Dalby121:4221.22%502
82Forest121:42213.64%3,590
94Walton111:4600.25%85
94Tomlinson111:4600.43%170
94Armitage111:4600.20%60
94Humphries111:4604.85%1,886
94Butterfield111:4600.50%215
94Light111:4605.31%2,023
94Rushworth111:4600.59%271
94Pawson111:4601.43%636
94Parratt111:4606.63%2,347
103Wilson101:5060.05%3
103Anderson101:5060.33%133
103Parker101:5060.13%39
103Knight101:5060.74%366
103Barnes101:5060.44%202
103Henderson101:5060.97%482
103Nicholson101:5060.21%71
103Douglas101:5061.22%594
103Firth101:5060.13%36
103Hutton101:5060.74%368
103Ogden101:5060.60%306
103Lund101:5060.58%295
103Cowling101:5061.10%543
103Cliff101:5061.94%946
103Hird101:5060.86%439
103Thwaites101:5062.46%1,164
103Pedley101:5064.07%1,764
103Horsman101:5062.09%1,012
103Chippendale101:5064.42%1,892
103Rickwood101:50633.33%7,151
103Sunley101:5063.18%1,448
103Plows101:5064.78%2,010
103Hepton101:5066.45%2,478
103Beanlands101:50641.67%8,268
127White91:5620.12%43
127Martin91:5620.30%136
127Schofield91:5620.16%57
127Peacock91:5620.39%198
127Pollard91:5620.40%206
127Greaves91:5620.32%146
127Lancaster91:5620.65%358
127Senior91:5620.17%62
127Craven91:5620.27%117
127Whalley91:5622.66%1,348
127Clifton91:5624.62%2,118
127Braithwaite91:5620.75%425
127Usher91:5622.18%1,142
127Joy91:5621.84%996
127Lupton91:5620.90%492
127Cowen91:5623.33%1,646
127Pell91:5623.53%1,706
127Umpleby91:5621.97%1,058
127Poulden91:562100.00%15,484
146Campbell81:6330.81%497
146Dixon81:6330.13%56
146Walsh81:6330.38%224
146Wilkins81:6333.25%1,764
146Mercer81:6331.24%756
146Binns81:6330.23%109
146Millington81:6332.31%1,317
146Radford81:6332.37%1,355
146Davy81:6331.09%665
146Pickard81:6330.42%265
146Shuttleworth81:6330.84%523
146Hampshire81:6330.90%553
146Barley81:6332.64%1,496
146Cull81:63316.00%5,135
146Hick81:6331.05%642
146Beecroft81:6331.43%879
146Redshaw81:6333.01%1,657
146Wardman81:6331.62%984
146Grunwell81:6337.55%3,191
165Clark71:7230.09%40
165Young71:7230.21%125
165Moore71:7230.11%53
165Shaw71:7230.05%11
165Miller71:7230.34%234
165Carter71:7230.13%63
165Stewart71:7230.67%478
165Bailey71:7230.15%72
165Foster71:7230.09%35
165Russell71:7230.36%258
165Kelly71:7230.28%179
165Fox71:7230.15%70
165Marsh71:7230.44%318
165Coates71:7230.19%103
165Ingham71:7230.24%143
165Milner71:7230.19%107
165Fawcett71:7230.23%132
165Denton71:7230.36%259
165Whiteley71:7230.17%92
165Hardwick71:7230.60%434
165Moorhouse71:7230.32%209
165Mumford71:72312.28%4,711
165Hey71:7230.36%250
165Hillman71:72310.29%4,221
165Crew71:7235.88%2,986
165Tunstall71:7235.07%2,710
165Legge71:72312.07%4,668
165Derry71:72312.50%4,766
165Verity71:7230.72%515
165Downer71:72358.33%12,789
165Earp71:72314.89%5,342
165Press71:72311.67%4,566
165Cawood71:7231.25%877
165Rooks71:7233.03%1,861
165Margerison71:7233.95%2,255
165Busfield71:7231.42%990
165Thackeray71:7233.45%2,050
165Muff71:7232.09%1,367
165Fido71:723100.00%18,720
165Sergant71:72324.14%7,307
165Posnett71:723100.00%18,720
165Moeller71:72387.50%16,907