History of Gledhow Valley Woods
A landscape shaped over centuries
The valley that Gledhow Valley Road traverses is a glacially formed landscape carved by meltwater during the last ice age. Its steep sides and the stream at its floor — Gledhow Beck — gave it a naturally secluded, wooded character that has shaped its history from prehistoric times to the present.
Prehistoric and medieval origins
Archaeological evidence points to human activity in and around the valley since at least 1000 BC, when a late prehistoric enclosed settlement existed in Gipton Wood. The valley and its surrounding lands passed through Norman and monastic ownership following the Conquest: Gledhow Lane, which still crosses Gledhow Valley Road today, was an ancient monastic track between Allerton Grange — Kirkstall Abbey's farm — and Kirkstall itself.
The Gledhow estate
Following the dissolution of Kirkstall Abbey in 1539, the valley lands passed into private hands. In 1601 the Manor of Chapel Allerton was sold by the Crown, with John Thwaites acquiring the Gledhow portion. The most significant improvements to the valley landscape were made by Jeremiah Dixon, who purchased the estate in 1764 and undertook extensive planting across the valley sides that forms the basis of the woodland seen today.
In 1878, the Hall was purchased by James Kitson (later 1st Baron Airedale), who became the first Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1895 and one of the most important figures in Victorian Leeds.
Gift to the city
In 1944, the Hon. Hilda Kitson presented Gledhow Valley Woods to Leeds Corporation — a gift that permanently protected the ancient woodland and guaranteed its future as a public open space. The woods have been accessible to the public ever since.
The Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods
FGVW was founded in March 1996 to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the woods, increase public awareness, support other local groups, and liaise with Leeds City Council and other organisations to achieve our objectives.
- 1995
A concerned local resident approaches Leeds City Council asking for support to improve Gledhow Woods for bird life.
- 1996 — March
A public meeting is held at Gledhow School, attended by over 70 local residents.
- 1996 — October
The first Core Group meeting is held at the Nag's Head, Chapel Allerton.
- 2000
The first Fun Day takes place.
- 2001
The FGVW website is launched, built by Adam Bull.
- 2004
The Bath House is cleaned by FGVW for the first time.
- 2005
The Bath House is opened to the public for the first time.
- 2008–09
The lake landing stage is renewed.
- 2016
Beck Pasture is purchased by FGVW, and FGVW becomes a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) — Charity No. 1169599.
- 2019
FGVW receives a £50,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for the restoration of Gledhow Lake.
For the detailed history of Gledhow Valley Road itself — the road opened in 1926 that runs through the valley — see our separate historical record.