A new book released on Sunday explores Ilkley’s history during the twentieth century.
Mark Hunnebell is a local historian and author of 'That Place on Ilkley Moor', his new book is The A-Z of Ilkley, Places-People-History. Mark has hosted fringe events with the Ilkley literature festival about the book at his home, White Wells.
There is evidence of human settlement at Ilkley in prehistoric and Roman times but the town grew rapidly in the nineteenth century when it became well known as a fashionable spa town, accessible to visitors by the new railway system. The town’s Victorian legacy is still in evidence in many of its buildings, enhanced by its wide streets and floral displays.
The town lies in Wharfedale in Yorkshire, adjacent to the moor, subject of the song: ‘On Ilkla Moor bah’t ‘at’. The scenic landscape and roads around Ilkley and the steep climb to the Cow and Calf Rocks have become well known internationally through the staging of the Tour de France passing through Ilkley and the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race. The town is also home to the oldest Literature Festival in the north of England.
Published by Amberley Publishing, this fascinating A to Z tour focuses largely, but not exclusively, on Ilkley’s history during the twentieth century; its interesting people, places and events. It is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in this Yorkshire spa town.
The A-Z of Ilkley, Places-People-History is released on 15 October 2023 and will also be available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.
