Yorke's Folly

This Nidderdale landmark stands high above Pateley Bridge.
It's a nice spot to have your sandwiches when walking in the area.

It was built in the late 18th century as a grand folly, originally having towers and arch formations which were supposed to look like the ruins of a large church.

It is known locally as Two Stoops, although originally there were three 'stoops' or towers, the third having collapsed during a storm in 1893.

It is said that work was scarce in the area at the time, so this was a project to keep the local stonemasons' and builders' skills fresh. I suspect it was also to appeal to the vanity of the wealthy Yorke family who commissioned it.