Repairs plan for 'precious' manor house - council

The building dates back to the 1390s

Major repairs are set to be carried out on what has been described as one of Bradford's most "precious heritage assets" in a bid to help secure its future.

The Grade I listed Ilkley Manor House, one of the area's most protected historic buildings, dates back to the 1390s and was built on the site of a Roman fort.

The building is now used as a gallery and museum, but last year a tile fell from its roof, leading to it being listed as a dangerous building.

Following a survey by Ilkley Manor House Trust, which found that repairs costing about £100,000 were needed, a listed building application for the work has been submitted by owners Bradford Council.

The submission detailed the works needed to fix the roof and also outlined the significance of the building to the district's history, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Such a gem'

The submission, to be considered by councillors, explained that the Manor House was a "precious historic asset, built as it is within the footprint of a Roman fort".

"It is highly unusual to have a Grade I listed building on top of a designated Ancient Monument," it stated.

"The presence of the historic All Saints Church next door suggests that Ilkley's civil and religious masters in the early Middle Ages were capitalising on the prestige of Ancient Rome by building on the same site.

"Ilkley Manor House is a textbook illustration of how English houses developed between the Middle Ages and the 'early modern' period.

"Ilkley is considered by historians most fortunate to have such a gem in its midst."

Detailing what was needed to repair the roof, the application stated that the existing tiles and period materials would be reused once the repairs were completed.

"It is recommended that a more comprehensive inspection of the concealed roof timbers is made to assess the timber condition, potential decay, and any hidden issues that may require attention," it said.

"The intention is that the existing features will be retained and there will be no visual change to the building internally or externally."

During the work, roof tiles would be "carefully removed" and stored, the submission added.

A decision on the application is expected next month.

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