New light shed on family that lived at East Riddlesden Hall

The Bailey family lived at East Riddlesden Hall from 1887 to 1935.

Family members were the last tenants to reside at the property, and became its sole occupants after many decades of shared tenancy.

Now an exhibition at the 17th-century hall is paying tribute to the Baileys.

The Baileys were the last tenants to live at East Riddlesden Hall (Image: National Trust)

The kitchen chamber, and one-time bedroom of Christopher and Gertrude Bailey, is being redisplayed to the public.

And a selection of items – including photographs, agricultural books and artwork – donated by descendants, is being exhibited.

A spokesperson for the hall, now run by the National Trust, says: "This is a significant step forward in an ongoing reinterpretation project at the property.

"In a creative reimagining of what life would have been like for the Baileys during their time at East Riddlesden, we have curated a selection of generously-donated items. Visitors can now gain a glimpse into the family’s daily lives and its connection to the hall.

"The kitchen chamber has been transformed into an evocative 20th-century-inspired bedroom, allowing guests to step back in time and experience the hall as it might have been during the early 1900s. This reinterpretation brings to life an important chapter in the hall’s history, offering a rich new perspective on its multi-faceted past."

The kitchen chamber has been transformed into a bedroom (Image: National Trust)

The trust says the initiative is part of a wider, three-year project which is seeking to expand the "historical narrative" of the hall beyond its origins in the 1600s.

The spokesperson adds: "By introducing a wider range of stories, the National Trust is shifting the focus to reflect the long and diverse history of this cherished property. Throughout this project, new panels, information sheets and interactive elements will be introduced to engage visitors in the hall’s evolving story.

An atmospheric image of East Riddlesden Hall (Image: Vivienne Hills: T&A Camera Club)

"Looking ahead, the next phase will focus on the hall’s tenant period and the remarkable efforts of the Brigg brothers, who dedicated over two decades to preserving East Riddlesden. The new displays in these spaces are expected to be completed by next spring, providing yet another layer to the hall’s fascinating history.

"Every visit people make to East Riddlesden Hall supports the preservation of this special place, from caring for our collections and nurturing the gardens to creating a new wet woodland area in the lower fields."

For more about the hall and opening times, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall