Steeton High Hall, when under the gentlemanly ownership of the world - famous photographer Alex Keighley (1861--1947), was one of the first homes in Yorkshire to participate in the Open Garden movement - now the National Gardens Scheme - founded in 1927 to raise funds for worthy causes by allowing the public into private grounds.

At Steeton High Hall Alex Keighley created a notable old--world garden with such features as a lily-pond, topiary, an L-shaped lawn and a huge beech encircled by seats. In 1928 he added a dovecot, and in 1934 two mill-stones utilised respectively as a giant sundial and a compass.

Open Garden Sunday at Steeton included a chance to visit Mr Keighley's studio to see his latest photographs and pastels, and a concert given usually by a local choir, whose members were customarily treated to tea. Collections were in aid of Keighley Victoria Hospital. When blessed with fine weather, attendances during the Second World War reached around 1,500.

A local correspondent in June, 1940, described "the pleasure of sitting on the shaded lawns and viewing the charms of the well-kept old-world garden in its full summer glory of flowers", noting particularly the lily-pond seen here, "where the goldfish are ever a source of attraction to young people."