SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Remarkably much of the building fabric still survives scattered in nearby woodland with Brian slowly piecing it all together. I wouldn't bet against the Phoenix of Parlington once again rising from the ashes thanks to Brian's hard work.

We had a walk over the lawn to the South side of the estate for a very private view of the dark arch. The Dark arch was built 1813/1814 over Parlington lane so the Gascoigne family could enjoy an unspoilt view of the deer park on land opposite. This was until the Aberford-Garforth colliery railway was built right next to the tunnel in later years.

You can see the Dark arch is actually more of a folly than a neccesity with many walkers choosing to use the path at the side of the tunnel rather than the dark confines within. The Dark arch was built to enable the traffic in the area to go ahead without spoiling the quality lifestyle of the Gascoignes. Most people believe the tunnel carried the Garforth to Aberford 'fly line' coal railway which isn't true as it passed along this embankement at the side and was built much later than the Dark arch.

A public right of way for the walkers & cyclists out & about the countryside in Aberford. The tunnel is relatively short at only 295' it also has the luxury of 4 grated natural light vents in the roof making this one of the shortest, lightest and probably the only tunnel we've ever been allowed in, Despite this many people still choose to opt for the well trod path running adjacent to the tunnel, It did however mean that this would be a difficult tunnel to capture untill Mr Sun saved the day bathing the tunnel with all his early morning blaze of glory.

A bit of torch work to brighten the tunnel up a bit.

Thanks to Brian's knowledge of the Parlington estate we were led to this well hid ice house. After clearing the twigs and autumn leaves away we uncovered the grill to this circular 30' deep ice house built to supply the gentry of Parlington Hall.

Many thanks to Brian for spending his Saturday morning with us, Keep up the good work!Brian has a comprehensive history of Parlington Hall on his website herehttp://www.parlington.co.uk/index_h1.htmlI know he's keen to hear from anyone who has any information or pictures of Parlington hall in it's heyday.. (archive pictures and some text courtesy of Brian's website)

Phill, that is a great set of pics you have there. I have always thought it a shame about this palce going to ruin. I remember once hearing that part of the hall still remins today, not sure if I remembered correctly or if it was a figment of my imagination! Apparently it is a small cottage or something. Did you managed to get any photos of the triumphal arch at all? I have only ever seen it in the dark!

Thanks Ls1. No i didn't bother with the arch.. Take a look at Brian's site there's a load of pics on there. Triumphal arch the lot.. Yes there is still a part of the hall, Take a look at the top picture & it's the square building on the left. It's not very small either. A nice des res it is!

Yeah thats the one. I remember now looking on the site a year or so ago. Mate of mine works inthe old almshouses on the main road in Aberford. I still wonder why it is called Priory Park though...