BY the 1890s Shipley Glen had developed from providing Temperance House teas for those visiting only the Glen, and pub catering at Eldwick for the many thousands of visitors walking over the moors to Ilkley.
Whilst the Glen, Acorn and Dick Hudsons pubs had become established haunts for walkers, providing them with food and drink, some visitors sought non alcoholic alternatives
From 1888, several local farmhouses began to provide refreshments and afternoon teas on or near the Glen
This article describes their development..
* Crook Farm
The Lancaster family started advertising teas to walkers on a small scale in 1888 and by 1901 were advertising “Parties catered for and Teas provided.” Picnics and teas at the farm were advertised again from 1906 onwards. The business was put up for sale in 1911 and in 1913 as “A Well Known Refreshment House which is a considerable business providing refreshments.”
The farm then had three different families living there in the period until 1935. Lancaster family members again lived there from 1936. From 1946 the farm developed camping (initially for Scouts) and in 1947 sought permission from Baildon Urban District Council for weekend huts and summer bungalows. Planning permission for a caravan park was granted in1961. The site is now run as Crook Farm Holiday Park.
* Golcar Farm
James Steel and his wife Lily moved to Golcar Farm around 1898. By 1900 they were advertising New Special Accommodation for visitors. From 1902 to 1906 they developed “Apartments in a Farmhouse Near to the Glen and the Moors”, and by 1906 their advertisements had added Golf Links and Bath to the statement. In the same year they advertised for an Assistant to help with the business.
By 1914 they had further added Refreshment Rooms and Afternoon Teas as well as Board and Residence and were still advertising as such in 1927. James put the business including the farm, stock and catering equipment up for sale in 1935. Both he and Lily died in 1946.
* Coopers Tea Gardens
Whilst not a farm, Coopers Tea Gardens on Prod Lane were developed after the Old Cruck House/ Temperance Hotel was demolished by the Lord of the Manor. These were run by Mary Ann Cooper. Coopers Tea Gardens, Board, Residence and Apartments were all advertised locally between 1913 and 1916.
* Lucy Hall Farm
The farm was owned by the Lord of the Manor. In 1901 the farm was let and tenanted by Henry Ackroyd. Included in the letting information was a statement that “Shipley Glen visitors are good customers for dairy produce.” During 1905 the farm frequently advertised: “Lucy Hall Farm - Teas Provided, Small Parties Catered For - Splendid Situation. H. Ackroyd, Shipley Glen.” No further advertising followed.
* Brackenhall Farm
The farm was also owned by Colonel Maude the Lord of the Manor and up until 1901 had been tenanted and farmed by the Walker family. Walter Major Marsden, the new tenant, was Honorary Bailiff and Steward to the Lord of the Manor and eventually also became Bailiff of Crook Farm.
In 1902 he began offering afternoon tea at weekends and Bank holidays at Bracken Hall Farm and also developed cricket and football competitions in the grounds of the farm.
Perhaps his most ambitious venture was in 1906 when he organised a series of Summer Concerts which was the first time such entertainment had been offered on the Glen. These were advertised and run in May, June and July 1906 and were in effect variety shows:
* Shipley Glen Open-Air Concerts
During Summer Months In the Field near The Switchback The First Concert will be on Whit Saturday June 2, 1906,
A Refined Programme of Songs, Duets, Jokes Featuring: “The Three Periwinks.” Living Liliputians, Paper Manipulators and Burlesque Conjurors On Whit Monday.
The International Dancers - Joe and Nellie Rhodes - Skipping Rope Dancers On Whit Sunday - Grand Sacred Concerts at 3pm and 7pm.
Having previously been known as Brackenhall, the name has at some period been changed and is now known as Bracken Hall. Several families lived at Bracken Hall Farm or in its cottages between 1932 and 1946. Frank Thompson Ackroyd lived at Bracken Hall from 1947.
The Illingworth family have now farmed there for over 50 years and today Bracken Hall House provides Luxury Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Bracken Hall Countryside Centre runs at weekends beside the Farm.
* Still Providing Accommodation
One hundred and twenty-plus years after opening, Bracken Hall Farm and Crook Farm Holiday Park still provide holiday accommodation to visitors.
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