Bilton, Harrogate
Coordinates: 54°00′36″N 1°32′09″W / 54.0099°N 1.5359°W
Bilton is a suburb of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, situated to the north-east of the town centre.
History
The name suggests that it is Anglo-Saxon, 'ton' meaning house or houses, and 'bill' probably meaning a built-up area.
Bilton played a key role in Harrogate. It had a narrow gauge railway constructed to carry coal to the gas works next to the Little Wonder roundabout. The line was closed in 1953 when North Sea gas was found to be cheaper than coal, and the only remains of the line are some walls and the underground tunnels that carried the trains.
A small museum was opened in the neighbouring New Park School, where the line used to come out above ground. The school has recently created a garden to commemorate the line.
Bilton is one of the oldest areas of Harrogate, many buildings dating from before Harrogate itself. Since its foundation as a number of separate villages, it has grown to an area characterised by a mix of dense terraced housing, semi-detached housing estates from the mid-20th century and larger detached houses on the fringe from the last 20 years.
Bilton Hall, a care home, used to belong William Slingsby (who discovered the first spa well in Harrogate). It lies on a hill facing Knaresborough. It is considered by some to be one of the most historically significant buildings in Harrogate. It is a former hunting lodge and was built on the orders of John Gaunt in 1380.[1]
Community
On the first May Bank Holiday each year the Bilton Gala takes place.[2] The first Gala was held in 1977 and the event, which is attended by local families, raises money for groups and organisations within the local community.
Bilton has five churches, four primary schools and its own library. There are a number of shops, including two convenience stores.
There are two public houses: the Skipton (formerly the Dragon) on Skipton Road and the Gardeners Arms in the Eastern side of the estate. The Oak Beck public house on Woodfield Road has been demolished and is being replaced with eight dwellings. There is a working men's club on Skipton Road. The Red Cat Cottage (formerly Red Cat Inn), a Grade II listed building is located in the area. It is situated close to the Nidd Gorge conservation area.;
Transport
Roads out of Bilton lead to Skipton Road, the major artery across North Harrogate, resulting in very heavy congestion at peak times, and heavy traffic throughout the day.;
The number 2 bus route runs between Bilton and Harrogate bus station. It is split into service 2A and 2B; 2A serving the Knox area of Bilton while 2B runs along Bilton Lane towards Fieldway and Woodfield.
A railway station is proposed on the Harrogate Line at Bilton.
References
External links
Media related to Bilton, Harrogate at Wikimedia Commons- Harrogate district council information on visiting
- Bilton Historical Society
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