This station was on the great Roman Way from Manchester to Aldborough, (near Boroughbridge,) passing to the westward of Halifax. Near this place, another Roman road crossed the above, at nearly a right angle; from Eboracum, (York ;) it proceeded to Calcaria, (or Tadcaster;) and then passing a little to the south of Ilkley, to Skipton. The next village is ADDINGHAM, at which place the road suddenly turns to the right. Continuing to follow the river Wherfe, when at about eleven miles, the traveller will arrive at Bolton Bridge. Here is a decent house of accommodation, the Burlington Arms; but it does not offer the convenience of a carriage. One short mile further is BOLTON PRIORY, CALLED Bolton Priory, in Craven. This building being surrounded by bold and majestic high grounds, is scarcely seen till the traveller arrives on the spot. The ruins, embosomed in trees, stand on the banks of the river Wherfe; on the opposite side of which rises a bold mass of rocks, that, in a general view, adds a dignity to the whole. Though the building is in itself inconsiderable, yet its romantic situation makes ample amends; as it affords several fine subjects for the pencil. The principal remains now standing, were parts of the Priory Church. The The west end of the Church is now used for divine service: this end has been highly enriched, and many of the decorative figures remain; but the sculpture is not to be boasted of. Over the west door are two escutcheons; that on the north displays the Cliffords' arms; the other, on the south side, a Cross-formee. Besides the west end, parts of the nave and choir are yet standing, though much mutilated. The want of the tower detracts much from the beauty of the building. In the year 1120, William Meschines, grandson to the King of Scotland, and Cecilia de Romelli, his wife, Baroness of Skipton, having lost their only son, who was drowned in attempting to lead a greyhound over the Stride, founded a Priory at Emmersey, near Skipton, for Canons regular, of the order of St. Austin, to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Cuthbert. About thirty years afterwards, this establishment was translated to Bolton, by the daughter of the founders, Adeliza or Alice de Romelli. At the Dissolution, in the twenty-sixth of Henry the Eighth, this Priory was valued at 3021. 9s. 3d. per annum, in the whole; and 2121. 3s. 4d. clear. Grose says, "The whole, in rents, mills, and tythes, once amounted to 4441. 17s. 4d. annually. as appears from an account printed by Burton, from Michaelmas, 1324, to the same feast, 1325.” One One of the Gates of the Priory remains; and by stopping up its openings, has been converted into a dwelling, (the ground-floor being one large room,) and is used as an occasional residence by the Duke of Devonshire. The site of this Priory was granted, in the thirty-third of Henry the Eighth, to Henry Clifford, Earl of Cumberland. Elizabeth, daughter of Henry, the last Earl, marrying Richard, the first Earl of Burlington, carried the estate into that family. It is now the property of the Duke of Devonshire, by marriage with Charlotte, heiress of Richard, the last Earl of Burlington. Four miles up the river Wherfe, is the local curiosity called the STRIDE, alluded to in the above account. Here the bed of the river is full of shelving rocks, which, when the water is low in the Summer season, make their appearance; and in one place the stream is contracted so narrowly between two rocks, that a person may step over it. Above this place is seen Barden Tower, crowning the bold banks of the river: it was formerly a hunting residence of the Cliffords, but is now the property of the Duke of Devonshire. In the beautiful and romantic grounds of Bolton Park are many fine woody scenes, admitting occasional peeps at the river, with rich open distances. H From From Bolton Bridge the distance is about five miles of heavy road, but fine country, varied into hill and dale, to SKIPTON. THIS is a genteel town, situated in that part of the country called Craven; an appellation given to it on account of its rocky surface. This word is said to be derived from the British Craig, signifying a rock: but whether this derivation is just or not, others must determine. The name of Craven is applied to all that rocky or mountainous district, chiefly lying in the centre of the West Riding. Skipton is situated in a valley with the hills rising boldly round it, and is chiefly composed of one large street, terminated by the Church, and the Castle on a bold eminence. In the Church is a Library for the use of the Parish; founded by Silvester Petyt, Principal of Bernard's Inn, who was born in this neighbourhood. It consists chiefly of ancient books, that are in terrible bad condition, which arises, according to report, from the salary of 51. per annum, not being paid according to the will of the founder. The The Leeds and Liverpool Canal coming to this town, has contributed greatly to the wealth of the inhabitants; this being now the general market, whence the surrounding country is supplied with coal. At Leeds it joins the river Aire, which, by being navigable to the Humber, forms a communication with the Eastern Sea; and, when it is compleated to Liverpool, as intended, it will form an immediate connection between the Eastern and Western Ocean. This Canal will traverse a track of 107 miles and three quarters, from Leeds to Liverpool; the fall from the central level being reckoned at 525 feet on the Lancashire side, and at 446 on the Yorkshire extremity; its course being as follows: Liverpool, to Ormskirk, Wigan, Blackrod, Chorley, Blackburn, Burnley, Colne, Gargrave, Skipton, Keighley, Bingley, Kirkstall, and Leeds. This great national work is the effect of the perseverance, industry, and wealth, of private individuals. In point of magnitude, and of utility, it equals the greatest public work performed at the expense of the Roman State; and will, when compleated, remain a lasting monument of the skill, perseverance, and opulence of the country. Craven first gave title to William Craven, descended from a family of that name at Appletrewick, so created by Charles the Second, having been previously made Baron of Hempstead Marshall, by Charles the First. He died in 1695, without H 2 |