There was a real feeling of spring in the air on Sunday, when we moved on to Keighley to visit East Riddlesden Hall and Cliffe Castle. A complete contrast to the weather conditions on Saturday.
East Riddlesden Hall
East Riddlesden Hall is a very old house, the site of which has had a manor on it since the 7th century. Parts of the present house dates from around 1466, but since then it has had many changes.
The house was transformed into a comfortable manor house int he 17th century by the very wealthy James Murgatroyd, who displayed his wealth by fitting two rose windows, at a time when any glass was an expensive luxury.
There are also examples of fine plaster work and ornate wood paneling.
I do not know from what period it dates, but the outside toilet at the back of the formal garden, seems a friendly sort of place to go!
Cliffe Castle
Built by a very wealthy Victorian, Cliffe Castle is now a very impressive museum standing in a large park, which is run by Bradford City Council. Many of the house’s original features are still present.
The ornate lamp in front of the entrance is one of a series made to light the Victoria Embankment, alongside the River Thames in London. It is thought this one was obtained from the contractors completing this work at the time.
As you enter the castle, the overwhleming air is one of extreme opulence. The owner of this house was ashonishingly wealthy and clearly wanted to impress any visitors. The entrance hall houses a clock whose pendulum moves in a circular motion, once every two seconds.
The rare, Russian Malachite chimneypiece was installed in 1880. Apparently you would have to go the The Kremlin to find another one. It was made as the one of the centrepieces of the Russian exhibit in the Great Exhibition, 1851 (in the Crystal Palace, London). It took teams of craftsmen over a year to make and was for decoration only, as a fire would have damaged it.
Since it came into the hands of Bradford City Council, there have been extensions to the building and it now also houses an excellent museum and art gallery.
"See-u-Later" 