ов, An Historical, Topographical, AND Descriptive Sketch OF THE VALLEY OF THE NIDD, INCLUDING PATELEY BRIDGE, BISHOPSIDE, DACRE BANKS, HARTWITH, BRIMHAM ROCKS, STONEBECK DOWN, BY WILLIAM GRAINGE, Author of "The Battles and Battle Fields of Yorkshire,” “ Castles PATELEY BRIDGE: T. T. LEMARE, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1863. PREFACE. LITTLE preface is required to introduce this small book to the notice of the public, the title alone sufficiently explains its aim and objects; that something of the kind was needed is obvious, from the fact that there is no other work in existence descriptive of the district of which this volume treats; nor, ever has been, with the exception of a small tract by the late William Weatherhead, published in 1839; and which for many years has been entirely out of print. The notices of Nidderdale also in general topographical works are of the most meagre and unsatisfactory kind. "It lay like some unkenn'd-of-isle Beside New Holland." The beautiful scenery and general importance of "the valley of the Nidd," are certainly deserving of a more minute and extended description than has ever yet been given of them, alike for the satisfaction of the inhabitants, as a guide to the pleasure-seeking tourist, and also as a means of making its beauties and capabilities more known to the world. This want, the publisher has undertaken to supply, at a considerable cost and risk to himself, trusting that a generous public will so far appreciate his endeavours as not to allow him to be a loser by the undertaking. It is also with feelings of satisfaction and something of pride, that he would point to this History and Description of his native valley, as the first book ever printed in Nidderdale. To the friends who have assisted his labours, and aided his subscription for the illustrated edition, his best thanks are due. Errors and imperfections of necessity the book will contain, as those are inseparable from all human productions. "Of old, those met rewards who could excel, And those were praised who but endeavoured well." Whether he may deserve the first of these the public must decide, but he certainly does feel that he has some claim to the latter. To the tourist and occasional visitor, it is only necessary to say that the matter of this book is arranged in such a manner as to suppose the whole valley to be seen in four days, making excursions from Pateley Bridge as a centre ;the first, to be devoted to Pateley Bridge, Bishopside, Bewerley, Bewerley Hall, and the beauties of Ravensgill and Guy's-cliffe; the second, to Dacre, Hartwith, and Brimham Rocks; the third, to the upper part of the valley, including Ramsgill, Middlesmoor, Stean-beck, Goyden Pot, and the scenery in their respective neighbourhoods: the fourth, would be fully occupied in visiting and exploring the mining ground around Greenhow-hill, and the yet untarnished beauties of the Stump Cross Caverns. The mineral productions and manufacturing industry of the valley have long been known, but that, the more ready access given to the "great world" by the recently opened railway, will give an impetus to the latter; and encourage the more ample developement of the former cannot be doubted. The Geology and Botany of the valley are but slightly touched upon, and in these departments an ample field remains for further research and enquiry, which it is to be hoped this book will be the means of stimulating and directing. With these few remarks, this (the first book issued from the Nidderdale press) is consigned into the hands of the public. |