There is evidence of human settlement at Ilkley in prehistoric and Roman times but the town grew rapidly in the 19th century when it became well known as a fashionable spa town, accessible to visitors by the new railway system. Famous visitors to the hydropathic baths included Charles Darwin and Madame Tussaud and the towns Victorian legacy is still in evidence in many of its buildings, including its shopping arcade from the period, enhanced by its wide streets and floral displays. The town lies in Wharfedale in Yorkshire, adjacent to Ilkley Moor, subject of the song On Ilkla Moor Baht at. The scenic landscape and roads around Ilkley, including the steep climb to the Cow and Calf Rocks, have became well known internationally through the staging of the Tour de France through Ilkley and the annual Tour de Yorkshire. The town is also home to the oldest literary festival in the North of England.This fascinating A-Z tour of Ilkley, its interesting people, places and historic events, is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this Yorkshire spa town.
