Lady Blantyres Rock

St Ives. Estate. Bingley. W.Yorks UK.

(Blip No 100. I am full of admiration for people who get to 1000's......)


The Dowager Lady Blantyre was the mother in law of William Busfeild Ferrand who was the owner of the St Ives Estate from the 1850's. She was accustomed in summer for 30 years to sit under this rock reading and enjoying the scenery.

She died in 1874 and her son in law 'mournfully dedicated this rustic monument to her beloved memory and with confidence requested that the the future owners preserve it as an affectionate Momento of the best of Mothers and Sweetest of women'.

The estate was bought by Bingley council in 1929. It's very popular with walkers and this past week has been heavily populated by families with dogs and small children in the largely very fine weather.

I'm glad this estate now belongs to the people - it's a beautiful place and very well used and cared for.