White Wells
'The foundations of modern Ilkley'
We have in Ilkley an historic building in dire
need of urgent TLC.
Tender Loving Care.
Unfortunately the 'White' parts of White Wells are
becoming grubby, decayed in parts and growing moss and lichen. As
a landmark White Wells are known world wide, even to parts of
Russia and China. They are the 'Foundation Stone' of Ilkley as
you see the town today.
For over 250 years The Spaw Baths known today as White Wells have
looked down onto Ilkley from another world famous landmark Ilkley
Moor. They are Britain's first Hydropathic Spa for the Cold Water
Cure our Victorian forebears took in quantity. In 1859, one
Charles Darwin took the waters at these very buildings while his
epic book 'Origin of the Species' was being published.
The buildings are owned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council
and are regularly featured in/on Local, National and
International media. Also White Wells have live-in tenents who
run them as a small museum and tea shop. Money raised from the
plunge bath goes for charitable purposes. Their position makes
them ideal for the start/finish of many activities in Yorkshire,
Wharfedale and Ilkley throughout the year. Also there are the
thousands of visitors who pass by while visiting Ilkley, it's
Moor, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
Bradford Metropolitan District Council spent £20+K in the early
nineties bringing the buildings into the modern era with
telephone, electricity and gas, shortage of funding precludes
further major work to the outside walls i.e., cleaning,
re-pointing, sealing and re-painting. Known internationally as
Ilkley's Most Outspoken Resident I could see an exceptional site
awaiting a company with foresight to advertise their products. A
hands on as it were example of their products and services which
could only lead to a steady rise in sales. Especially compared to
mail shots.
Ilkley as a town is undergoing extensive housing development.
Three such developments border the Moor below White Wells. Two of
which Wells House and Hillside Court ( the latter formerly Wells
Terrace - North View House ), featured in Darwin's stay in the
town and command special attention to visitors to Ilkley Moor.
More so in the new millennium when, along with White Wells, the
area will be visited by hundreds to the Darwin Gardens Millennium
Green on the edge of Ilkley Moor.
Residents, visitors and business people from neighbouring
connabations to Ilkley, the Yorkshire Dales or just passing
through cannot fail to miss White Wells from the A65, or would
not if the Wells had a decent coat of paint. Nor for that matter
the thousands who pass overhead while flying into Leeds-Bradford
Airport. One could say, "A gift from god," if you'll
pardon the expression.
If I were in the position of Chairman/Managing Director of a
company who specialised in masonry paints/coverings, I would be
giving very serious thought to the above. This is too good a
chance to miss and would give as suggested before, a window on
the world for your products. I look forward with interest to your
replies and should they prove favourable, will pass on your
details to the appropriate Departments. Thank you.
The outside walls of White Wells have not been completely
stripped of white paint/whitewash for over a century. Given the
buildings are between three and five hundred feet above sea level
and in a very exposed position on Ilkley Moor, I am looking for a
company (s) specialising in masonary coverings - paints and
sealers coupled with one having the expertise of working with old
buildings for the re-pointing etc. In view of White Wells
prestigious position and lack of future funding from local
government resources, I am also looking for a 5 - 10 year
guarantee on the finished product, though the latter will be
negotiable with the relative Department.