6 replies to this topic

[catbazza]

Click on this link to see a photo of the Toll Bridge at Ben Rhydding virtually submerged in the river.
I do remember this or a similar picture pinned up in the toll booth when it was in existence.

Link courtesy of magooman.

http://www.ilkley.or...de/picstoll.htm

[autuam]

When was this picture taken, as it is a black and white photo, and the river never gets that high now, even after a full day of rain!

[catbazza]

I don't exactly know when it was taken but that picture or one very similar was pinned up in the toll booth, at an educated guess it was taken in the late thirties or early forties, more than likely the latter.

You must remember that in those days the weir at Burley in Wharfedale was still in existence & the level of the river Wharfe was much higher, I stand to be shot down on this but I seem to recall that this happened twice.

[autuam]

I did not even know there was a weir at Burley-in-Wharfedale...but I have only been living in ilkley for 5 or 6 years!

[Bikerking]

Great photo,

Just goes to show that it was much worse in the old days! What are we all complaining about now for!

BTW there is still a were at Burley or thats what I thought it was at the bottom of Leather Bank unless its called something else

[catbazza]

That is correct, it is situated at the end of Leather Bank, there is a weir or the remains of but it is only available if you go by shanks pony as it is a a bridle path, it is also a private road for residents of Greenholme.
You can park your car just off the bypass western roundabout near to Ghyll Royd school & wander down the private road which I think is one of the most popular short walks in Burley.

[Sebastian-Smythe]

Does anyone know why Leather Bank was so called?

Was there a leather works down there?