Bentley Royd, Sowerby

The sketch and description were originally published in The Halifax Courier in 1912-1913. Formerly approached through a dignified gateway, now demolished. The property, now divided into six cottages, has over its old doorway the initials of John and Ellena Dickson and date 1636. The history of the Bentley Royd estate has been traced to 1275, the Dicksons being associated with it from 1482 for some four centuries. At one period the building was used as the Sowerby Poor House, the old folks being put to hand combing and spinning. Fine features have been removed. Leyland has a drawing which shows most elaborate plasterwork and in other rooms there was similar decoration. A few occasional decorative pieces alone remain. PH/28.