Early History

Generally we think of the first local inhabitants as Brigantes, which indicates either highlanders or fire worshipers and a hardy fearless race they proved when the Roman legions attacked them. We speak of their religion as druidism, but actually very little is known of the religion, but on the verge of Harden moor is the area know from time immemorial as the Druids Altar.

An archaeological search in an oak tree burnt hollow in the nearby Calder valley in 1818 brought to light traces were found in the gravel deposits, probably of pre-glacial times, of remains of elephant, hippopotamus, bear, small lion, elk and giant deer. Remains of human handiwork of a later date were grouped together under two headings, (weapons), stone hammers, arrow point's axes, spearheads and (domestic utensils) scrapers, saws, hatchets.

The old St. Ives was originally in the valley at Harden and the Estate we now know as St. Ives was originally known Halton Grange then as Harden Grange, but in the 19th Century the two names Harden Grange and St. Ives were interchanged. The word Grange tells us that priestly orders held much of the property in the region, and it is believed that St Ives is named from a holy well dedicated to the 7th Century abbess St. Iva. The original part of the building now known as St Ives mansion was built in 1616, and once housed a table bearing the inscription "This table was at Harden Hall when the troops under General Fairfax were encamped at Harden Moor MDCXLII"

Fairfax wood is popularly contributed to the fact the presence of the Parliamentary General, but the long series of entrenchments between Harden and Harden Moor known as the Fairfax entrenchments are far more ancient than his visit here.

A granite obelisk was erected near the moor and lake to the memory of Mr. Busfield Ferrand (1809-1889) by his widow Fanny Mary Stuart (daughter of Lord Blantyre) recording him being an MP as well as a Magistrate for nearly 50 years, a great proportion of which he resided as Chairman of the Keighley Petty Sessional Division.

During his time as an MP he took an active part in helping to carry the Ten Hours Factory Bill through the House of Commons, vigorously exposed the harsh clauses of the Poor Law until they were removed from the Statute Book, and was a firm denouncer of corruption amongst public men. Close by the monument is an arbour that was the favourite resort of Lady Blantyre, mother of the Hon. Mrs Fanny Ferrand.

St. Ives has for many years been known as a place that would tempt visitors to linger a little longer. The magnificent woods give hours of pleasure to the rambling naturalists, whilst beyond lies an enchanting moor. Racecourse and Racecourse Hill remind us of the site that the once famous Harden races took place.

Do you have special memories of St Ives?

Did you visit the estate as a child? Maybe you met your first love there? Perhaps you knew someone who lived or worked at St Ives? If so, the Friends of St Ives would love to hear from you. We plan to publish a collection of memoirs relating to St Ives. Old photographs are especially welcome.

Please send your memoirs to John Rhodes

Secretary

The Friends of St Ives

49 Dalecroft Rise

Allerton

Bradford

BD15 9AT

For further information, please contact John on 01274 494450.

By supplying any written or photographic material, you are agreeing to its future publication. We regret that submissions cannot be returned. We will, however, return photographs on request - please ensure this is clearly stated and provide a return address.