Residents and visitors can share their memories of Ilkley Manor House this weekend for a time capsule that could stay hidden in its roof for up to 100 years.
Anyone with a favourite memory, an anecdote or a prediction about Ilkley’s future can drop in to the Manor House between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th November.
The project team will seal selected contributions beneath the stone slates as repairs to the Grade I listed building near completion in December.
The capsule will also contain photographs of Ilkley and Bradford, details and photographs of the people who worked on the roof, and copies of current newspapers.
Roger Tilbrook, acting joint chair of Ilkley Manor House Trust, said:
“The capsule is a fantastic idea. We plan to include information to entertain and inform whoever discovers it, and we would love for the local community to be at the heart of what we leave behind.
"Whether it is a personal memory of visiting the house or a thought on what Ilkley might look like a century from now, we encourage everyone to come along this weekend and take part.”
Built around 1390 on the remains of a Roman fort, Ilkley Manor House is the oldest property owned by Bradford Council.
It now serves as a museum, art gallery and community venue.
Jennings Roofing has been working with the council to assess and re-lay the original stone slates with their weathered sides facing upwards.
Around 20 per cent of the slates are being replaced.
Councillor Andrew Judson, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said:
“Some lovely historic architectural detailing in the roof timbers have been uncovered during the work, connecting us to the craftspeople who worked on this building centuries ago.
"Adding a time capsule as these latest vital repairs near completion is a wonderful way to celebrate the building's living history and involve the community in its ongoing story.”
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