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Barden Tower

Heritage Site in Yorkshire Craven

England

Barden Tower

Barden Bridge
Barden Bridge Credit: David Martin

Barden Tower, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire, England, is a magnificent heritage site that holds great historical significance. This medieval fortified house stands proudly on the banks of the River Wharfe, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, dense woodlands, and rolling hills.

Constructed in the late 15th century, Barden Tower was initially built as a hunting lodge for Henry Clifford, the 10th Lord de Clifford. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fortified residence and played a crucial role in the region's history. The tower witnessed several conflicts and sieges during the English Civil War in the 17th century.

The architecture of Barden Tower showcases a blend of medieval and Tudor styles. The stone structure features a square tower with four stories, each exhibiting distinctive architectural elements. The tower's interior boasts beautiful oak paneling, grand fireplaces, and impressive stone mullioned windows.

Today, Barden Tower stands as a fascinating heritage site open to the public, offering a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the tower's various rooms, including the Great Hall, the Lord's chamber, and the chapel. The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil setting to enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Barden Tower is also closely associated with the nearby ruins of Barden Bridge, Barden Chapel, and Bolton Abbey, all of which contribute to the historical significance and charm of the area. With its rich history and stunning setting, Barden Tower continues to captivate visitors and serves as a testament to Yorkshire's medieval heritage.

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Barden Tower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.013/-1.917 or Grid Reference SE0557. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barden Bridge
Barden Bridge
River Wharfe, looking downstream from Barden Bridge
River Wharfe, looking downstream from Barden Bridge
Barden Tower A ruined hunting lodge on the Bolton Abbey estate.
Barden Tower
A ruined hunting lodge on the Bolton Abbey estate.
Bridge on Stangs Lane The bridge takes the lane over Fir Beck.
Bridge on Stangs Lane
The bridge takes the lane over Fir Beck.
New planting below Knowles Lodge Alongside the public footpath.
New planting below Knowles Lodge
Alongside the public footpath.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [8] The track is now somewhat higher above the water. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [8]
The track is now somewhat higher above the water. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [9] The river makes a bend to the right. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [9]
The river makes a bend to the right. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [10] The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [10]
The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [11] This part of The Strid looks deceptively calm. The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [11]
This part of The Strid looks deceptively calm. The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [12] A view of the top of The Strid as the river narrows. The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [12]
A view of the top of The Strid as the river narrows. The Strid is a 15 foot (4.6 m) deep underwater channel caused by the narrowing of the river from 90 ft (27 m) wide, just to the north, to the width of a long stride less than 300 ft (91 m) later. It is especially dangerous as both banks are undercut. Its name comes from the Old English Stryth, meaning 'turmoil'. This was later corrupted to Strid, referring to 'the possibility of striding across'. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [13] The path continues through calm and peaceful Strid Wood in contrast to the tumult of the river below. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [13]
The path continues through calm and peaceful Strid Wood in contrast to the tumult of the river below. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [14] The river is wider here before it begins to narrow to The Strid. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [14]
The river is wider here before it begins to narrow to The Strid. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [15] The path is carried over Bardon Beck on this footbridge. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [15]
The path is carried over Bardon Beck on this footbridge. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [16] The Barden Aqueduct Bridge carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. The aqueduct carries water from Angram and Scar House reservoirs in upper Nidderdale to Bradford in West Yorkshire. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [16]
The Barden Aqueduct Bridge carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. The aqueduct carries water from Angram and Scar House reservoirs in upper Nidderdale to Bradford in West Yorkshire. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [17] The path across the Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [17]
The path across the Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [18] The view upstream from Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [18]
The view upstream from Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [19] The view downstream from Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [19]
The view downstream from Barden Aqueduct Bridge which carries the Nidd Aqueduct over the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [20] An uncomfortable looking seat alongside the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
A circular walk along the River Wharfe [20]
An uncomfortable looking seat alongside the river. Starting from the Cavendish Pavilion, the walk follows the west bank of the River Wharfe upstream, passing The Strid, to the Barden Aqueduct Bridge. Crossing to the east bank, the walk continues downstream to return to the starting point. Just over 3½ miles.
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Barden Tower is located at Grid Ref: SE0557 (Lat: 54.013, Lng: -1.917)

Division: West Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Craven

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///bucks.downward.diplomats. Near Embsay, North Yorkshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.013,-1.917
Parking
Bolton Abbey - Barden Field
Access: customers
Charge: £15
Description: Fee is linked to Abbey admission. Online pre-booking.
Fee: yes
Parking: surface
Surface: grass
Website: https://boltonabbey.com
Lat/Long: 54.0121873/-1.9210821
OpenStreetMap
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Bench: yes
Covered: no
Source: survey
Table: no
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 54.0120904/-1.922739
OpenStreetMap
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Dales Way
Information: board
Source: survey
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.0127082/-1.9213871
OpenStreetMap
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Barrier: stile
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 54.0126781/-1.9224411
OpenStreetMap
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Wood Spring
Description: Formerly in Stack Wood
Natural: spring
Source: OS 1:25k
Lat/Long: 54.016549/-1.919173
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
lime kiln
Archaeological Site: lime_kiln
Historic: archaeological_site
Mineral: limestone
Output: lime
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0126473/-1.9200217
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Parl Hill
Fixme: Name difficult to read. May be Park or even Parlo
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0097048/-1.9162536
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Brow Close Hill
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0103665/-1.9169295
OpenStreetMap
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Natural: spring
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0095532/-1.9184316
OpenStreetMap
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Low Well
Natural: spring
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0089104/-1.9178308
OpenStreetMap
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Park School
Description: 2 buildings shown on OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Historic: archaeological_site
Source: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Source Name: OS sheet 151,publ. 1853
Lat/Long: 54.0133424/-1.9236729
OpenStreetMap
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Yorkshire Craft Shop
Shop: souvenir
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 54.013273/-1.9239947
OpenStreetMap
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Barrier: stile
Material: stone
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 54.0114626/-1.9239549
OpenStreetMap
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Barden
Place: village
Lat/Long: 54.0126759/-1.9229082
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0097213/-1.9130251
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0097897/-1.9145024
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0098551/-1.9161593
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0098848/-1.9166652
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0105329/-1.9172343
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0111855/-1.9177605
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0117132/-1.918231
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0122275/-1.9186585
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0128652/-1.9192251
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0134062/-1.9191012
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0142074/-1.9189115
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0147083/-1.9187496
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0151854/-1.9186888
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0158958/-1.918527
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.016694/-1.9183448
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0173657/-1.9181779
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0102505/-1.9227767
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0110161/-1.9232598
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0116775/-1.9236291
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0125218/-1.9234369
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0133587/-1.9233534
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0140959/-1.9232016
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.0149104/-1.9230372
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.015768/-1.9228703
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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