The unexpected connection between a glacier, the Titanic, Crimean War and Glasshouses? The village is on a steep slope of the river Nidd near Pateley Bridge, on rock once pushed aside as a glacier flowed down towards what is now known as Ripley. The fine sandy sediment left by the river was used by the monks at Fountains Abbey to make glass, which many believe, led to the village being called Glasshouses.
There’s a lovely easy walk to Pateley Bridge beginning at the bottom of the village opposite the impressive Glasshouses Mill, which was one of the largest in Nidderdale. In the 1900s, the mill produced rope and twine, including camouflage netting during the Second World War, and, according to some, rope used on the ill-fated Titanic. Originally the mill was built to process corn before it was converted to producing flax when it was bought by the hugely influential local industrialists George and John Metcalfe in the 1820s.
As the mill’s productivity grew, so too did the need for water to power the machinery. In 1850, the Metcalfe’s excavated the land opposite to produce a pond to provide the water. An island was kept in the centre of the pond and was used to stage concerts and firework displays for celebrations including the ending of the Crimean War.
On the other side of the path you’ll notice the mill race which once powered the waterwheel. Walk further beyond the pond and you’ll then see glimpses of the huge gothic manor house called Castlestead which George Metcalfe built, the now restored, folly in the grounds, and the old sluice gear across the dam.
Words & photo by Amanda Brown