Nostalgic memories of Ilkley's local history
Share your own memories of Ilkley and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 27 in total
I'm researching my family tree which has in turn led me to 1 Valley Road, Ilkley from 1939 onwards. Is there anyone that has ever heard of or even has memories of a Frederick Wood and Ophelia Wood who lived at number 1. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hello, this is not a memory but a chance to connect with someone who might have known a Joan Millicent Knox in 1944, she had a daughter who was born in the home and put her up for adoption and at 6 weeks of age she was adopted by a couple from Bradford. Joan lived and worked in Bradford as a worsted spinner. I'm asking for help as through DNA matching she is somewhere related to my husbands fathers side ...see more
I moved to Ben Rhydding at a year old and grew up there with my brother and sister. We loved living there, exploring the river and the moors. I distinctly remember the large detached house Thornycroft when it was still owned by a wealthy family. I visited them frequently to walk their two dogs, Puffin and Brandy. They still had their croquet lawn,
a very large, exotic greenhouse and the old servants' quarters. We ...see more
I also was born there in April 1943. I have memories of my father telling me of him walking along a canal bank so he could visit my mother, when he was on leave!
Would like to know exactly where it was siituated, so I could visit the area. Always tell my family I was born on Ilkey moors!
My Great Grandfather was Manager of Ilkley Brewery. He went on to be Mayor of Ilkley and opened the New Bridge. on 2June 1906. Further research is needed after which I will present more to this site. Rosie Barnard.
Oh my word, I was so happy to see this photo. I 'helped' out here when i was 13 or 14. It was a small hotel/guest house. Me and my friend were 'servants' and lived in the lovely room at the top of the house. We worked here weekends for £1.50 and tips in 1973. The end came when i realised at 14 I didn't want to spend Christmas here. I cannot remember the owners/managers names but they were not that friendly. :-) I had ...see more
Wells house,my Nan was a retired midwife, and we used to go to Wells house, for short holidays,
it was for retired nursing staff, and at Christmas, the domestic staff, where young ladies from
Germany,who made wonderful Xmas wreaths, and trimmings.I don't know if they over here, to learn
nursing or English, has anyone else any more information, the period would be late1940s early 50s
like you my sister was born at Semen's, in May 1944 with our family living in Bradford at the time. I was born in 1942, but on Killinghall Road Bradford and like you we have often wondered why Mum went to Ilkley for the birth of her second baby.
Ilkley became a place with lots of happy memories, Cow & Calf Rocks, Ilkley Lido, the riverside and in later years the shops and cafes.
Pauline nee Coomber
I first got to know Hollybrook in November 1961 at a Methodist Youth Weekend. I attended, eventually leading, such weekends until the house closed. I also worked as a member of staff during summer holidays and at weekends. There was a Friends of Hollybrook group: I was Youth Rep. on the committee. Jenny Titchmarsh, who worked at the Guest House, was the mother of an Alan Titchmarsh but not the TV ...see more
I was at Hilltop from 1958 to 1961...I remember walter and Rose Hall who ran the place and their daughter Pamela...also the guesthouse which was run by mr & mrs Spiers...walking to yhe school at Ben Rhydding...happy days indeed