For Ramblers and Riders
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For Ramblers and Riders
Barwicker No. 23
June 1994
On Saturday 20 April 1907, the Yorkshire Evening Post printed
an article with the above title. It described "a nice country
ramble" round Barwick and Aberford. It started at Killingbeck tram
terminus and went past "the new clock tower which adorns the Fever
Hospital". It went through Cross Gates and Manston and then along
the side of Cock Beck, with its historic connections.
The walk then proceeded along Barnbow Lane, which is described
as "just the sort of old lane to delight the townsman, for its
seclusion suggests some remote corner". A decade later during
'World 'War I, Barnbow Lane crossed the site of the huge armaments
factory where millions of shells were filled, mainly by women from
many parts of the West Riding, including Barwick. Today it has
thankfully reverted to its peaceful secluded state. The writer
refers to the three Barnbows - Great Barnbow, Barnbow and Little
Barnbow - identifiable now as the three farms but were they ever
called by these names, one wonders?
The walk takes us across the fields into Barwick 'Lane', near
the windmill, "where I had the pleasure of gathering a bunch of
lovely violets". After mentioning the cottage at the corner of
Chapel Lane (Pear Tree Cottage), the writer notes on Hain Street
what we know as 'Ye Attic Abode', "a cottage with shutters covered
with caricatures of famous artists (which) may strike the wanderer
as peculiar. It is the haunt of a Bohemian band."
Sadly he makes no mention of the maypole but describes how
the road to Aberford follows the rectory wall and on until Ass
Bridge is reached. "The delightful walk along the avenue to
Aberford" is noted, as are the old corn mill and wheel race there.
From the main street near the Institute "the waggon road" forms "a
delightful walk of 2½miles through part of Par1ington Park.
Residents are allowed the use of this road, but strangers are
liable to be turned back and this without exception should they
have a dog or dogs with them." From the end of the road, which
the writer fails to point out is the route of the old Fly Line, the
walker can proceed to Garforth station and the train back to Leeds.
The distance travelled was 12 miles. The tram fare from Leeds
to Killingbeck was l½d. and the train fare from Garforth to Leeds
7½d. Cyclists could proceed along the York road to Seacroft and
then along good roads to Barwick and Aberford. Return was by Hook
Moor and the Selby road to Leeds. The article includes a rough
map and pen drawings of Pear Tree Cottage, Barwick Church, Ass
Bridge, the approach to Aberford and the Institute.
ARTHUR BANTOFT
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