SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

In an 'At Home in Chapel Allerton & Moortown' feature on pages 18 to 19 in today's YEP (May 15 2012) it states "In 1849, Gledhow Valley Road was not even marked on the Ordnance Survey map of Leeds. When it was created in the 1920s, however, some of the cottages which lined the bottom of the valley were used for its foundations - only their roofs and walls to bedroom level were demolished - perhaps they will be excavated by some future archeologist?"I wonder if there are any remains still visible?

LeoSome interesting archive shots at http://www.fgvw.co.uk/html/woods/photohistory.htm

Thanks for that link Jogon.Perhaps there are still some readily visible remains of the cottages.

Leodian wrote: Thanks for that link Jogon.Perhaps there are still some readily visible remains of the cottages. I've pointed out on S.L this almost hidden track leading off Gledhow Valley Road beforehttp://g.co/maps/ajcn2Although for it to be anything to do with the cottages they still had to be there in the 1920's when Gledhow Valley Road was built. It's the first time I've heard of such cottages down there, and I guess if anyone would know about them it would be these guys herehttp://www.fgvw.co.uk/They've covered every inch of that wood other the years, building paths and steps, littler clearing, pruning and planting e.t.c.I've seen no mention on there either.    

I've googled cottages and Gledhow Valley Road and found this16th October 1925. Site of Gledhow Valley Road, showing row of cottages called Moor Allerton Bottoms,with woman and children. Perambulator in background; outhouses opposite cottages. The cottages were demolished around 1925 to make way for the construction of Gledhow Valley Road.Do you think that's one and the same Leodian?The one thing that strikes me is if it is the cottages is they have to be more at the side of Harrogate Road, you can see tram poles, and I'll show you exactly where I think they were, infact with that big retaining wall it can only be here.http://g.co/maps/m849bThe other side of that wall now allotments.I seem to remember those allotments being on a t.v series too a few years ago.        

Not about the possible cottages but I thought I would mention that in the 'At home in Chapel Allerton & Moortown' article it states about two demolished mansions "One was Potternewton Mansion, among the oldest brickbuilt houses in north Leeds and, of course, it was said to have a secret subterranean tunnel leading to Kirkstall Abbey". I like the "of course" bit. Oh, and can a tunnel be other than subterranean even if it is very short? Edit added moments after posting. I've just seen your last post Phil. Thanks for that interesting post and photo. They could well be the cottages.

Leodian wrote: Edit added moments after posting. I've just seen your last post Phil. Thanks for that interesting post and photo. They could well be the cottages. Through this gate are some old steps, you can bet they led to the cottageshttp://g.co/maps/j6fafI've waited at that bus stop a few times and sat on that wall (mind not to lean back...whoosh..wallop) I'm sure there are stone abutments on the other side like remains of buildings, that adds up with where the outbuildings are on the archive photo too.    

Always been interested in these cottages too. I thought they were more in front of where the shops are now at the top of Gledhow Valley Rd, so sort of where the road/ the triangle of grass is that is bounded by Gledhow Valley Rd and Harrogate Rd and the slip road to take you from Harrogate Road back south east along Gleadhow Valley Rd.

LS1 wrote: Always been interested in these cottages too. I thought they were more in front of where the shops are now at the top of Gledhow Valley Rd, so sort of where the road/ the triangle of grass is that is bounded by Gledhow Valley Rd and Harrogate Rd and the slip road to take you from Harrogate Road back south east along Gleadhow Valley Rd. Yes the cottages stood where the grass triangle is now. There looked to be only 6 cottages on all maps.    

Do you think the steps then that you point out led to them?It makes sense doesnt it?