Bramhope – A little piece of Yorkshire
Bramhope is a rural West Yorkshire village that lies approximately 7 miles to the North of the busy city of Leeds.
Commanding views over Wharfedale, it has become the most desirable Leeds suburb, benefiting from high quality homes, a superb location and a selection of chic local boutiques.
A trip down memory lane
Bramhope was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 and evolved over the decades from a small farming village into a vibrant community. It is believed that it takes its name from the old English words of ‘brom’ (broom) and ‘hop’ (a small valley within a larger one).
In 1095 ownership of the village passed to the hands of the Percy Family and then, in 1165, it was sold to Ralph de Bramhope. During the 13th century monasteries owned much of the land and traveled from their outlying granges to the nearby Kirkstall Abbey. Then, when the dissolution of the monasteries took place, the land was given to the Earl of Cumberland by Henry VIII.
It was in the 16th Century that Bramhope Hall was constructed and it became the home of Robery Dyneley, a puritan who also built the Puritan Chapel in the grounds of the hall in 1649. The chapel is still in the village today and opens its doors for visits and carol concerts on a couple of occasions each year. Unfortunately, Bramhope Hall was demolished in the early 1960’s.
One of the most significant construction projects that took place in Bramhope is not visible, but underground. With the advent of the railways, the two-mile-long, Bramhope Tunnel, was constructed between 1845 and 1849. During that time up to 2,300 workers and 400 horses built the tunnel without any modern day equipment and it is still recognised as a feat of engineering in the railway era.
A great location
Since its yester year history, Bramhope has continued to evolve into a village that caters for all the facets of everyday life. With essential shops, independent retailers, a primary school that has an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a village pub or two, residents of Bramhope have great facilities on their doorsteps. For older children, the fee paying Grammar School at Leeds .has recently earned the accolade as the North’s Independent Secondary School of the Year.
On the fringes of the village is Golden Acre Park which is a delight for families – 130 acres to discover which wrap around a large, picturesque central lake and has play areas, café and space to explore.
If you have an avid interest in history then Harewood House is a delightful place to spend the day. Explore the stunning house, equally stunning gardens, enjoy the adventure playground or take a boat trip on the lake. And, you may even spot a place where a scene or two from the iconic TV series, Victoria, was filmed.
Keeping with the Victorian theme, the stunning spa town of Ilkley is just ten miles away and offers individual shops, award winning restaurants and beautiful riverside walks. In the heart of the town is one of three Betty’s tearooms, a Yorkshire institution, and The Box Tree Restaurant where chef, Marco Pierre White, began his illustrious career. For those who love to explore the great outdoors, Otley Chevin Forest Park gives miles of trails and a natural hilly landscape to enjoy.
Or, for those who like to do their exploring on foreign shores Leeds Bradford Airport and its 80 destinations is just two miles away.
They say that finding the perfect place to call home is all about the property and the location – we think that Bramhope is a perfect blend of the two and a recipe for new home success.
For further information about Spring Wood Park, our development in Bramhope, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/yorkshire/spring-wood-park-bramhope.aspx