Kildwick Hall. 30 views of Keighley and District (undated)
At a considerable elevation above the church, and commanding a fine view of the surrounding valley, stands Kildwick Hall, the residence of Mr. John Brigg, who holds a long lease from Sir Mathew Wilson, the owner of the property. As already stated, the manor, and with it the old manor-house, passed from the Garforth family to Hugh Currer in 1559. This family were resident at Kildwick half a century before. By a descent of the property through a succession of Currers, of whom the leading descendant was alternately Hugh and Henry, the property came to Henry Currer, barrister, whose daughter Dorothy became the second wife of the celebrated Dr. Richardson, of Bierley Hall. By lineal descent the Richardson property passed to the late Miss Frances Richardson Currer, at whose death in 1861 her half-brother, Sir Mathew Wilson, succeeded, and in whom now vests the Bierley, Gargrave, and Kildwick estates. Kildwick Hall has evidently passed through many stages of construction. Originally a humble structure of two rooms, it has attained its present proportions by a process of development reached by careful thought
on the part of its owners. The most
important extension is attributed to the Henry Currer alluded to,
whose arms, quartered with those of the Fothergills of London, from whom
he obtained a wife and fortune, appear above the principal entrance.
The hall nestles in a bosom of verdure, protected well to the north by
plantations. It is an excellent specimen of the squire-archal residence
of mediaeval times, the more recent additions and alterations being well
in keeping with the whole. In this respect the property has not suffered
while in the hands of its present tenant. Mr. Brigg's occupation only commenced
in 1882, but since then much has been done to restore the character of the building.
The hall contains several good rooms, one of which is heavily panelled and
wainscotted in black oak. Upon Mr. Brigg's entry, however, the room
contained a handsome marble chimneypiece, of modern make, completely
hiding the massive fireplace which formerly existed, and which has now been
opened out, and the massive arch supporting it exposed to view. A
bove it are hung weapons of the chase and implements of ancient
warfare-pikes from Flodden and armour of the Cromwellian period;
beside it stands a more peaceful relic in the shape of a spinning-wheel
of polished oak. The furniture of this room is antique throughout, and
in beautiful condition. The hall is approached through a gateway supported
upon each side by a sculptured lion rampant, and in front is an
old-fashioned garden of great luxuriance. The pleasure of a visit is much
enhanced by the cordial reception the visitors received from the host, Mr.
John Brigg, who is none the less gratified at the appreciation manifested
by visitors. Mr. Brigg, is always pleased to meet with persons of tastes
kindred with his own.
Old Yorkshire
edited by William Wheate, 1885
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