Public Houses and Hostelries of Elland
The earliest recorded date of any hoselry in Elland dates from the 15th century. There were probably hostelries in the town earlier than this date but no evidence has yet been found. The Red Lion, as this house was called, was originally a timber framed building which had its gable end to Church Street. The timbers of this building were of a considerable size, in some places being upto one foot square. During the coaching days this house was the coaching station for the town and was its only source of contact with the outside world. With no other form of public transport, the Red Lion would be the centre from which people could travel all over the country. At some time during the 17th centurymany alterations were made to the original structure. It was at this time that the external walls were encased in stone. The date when the building ceased to be an hostelry is not known but in the year 1902 the premises were occupied by a Mr. Hodson who was the chemist and druggist of the town. He used the premises as a warehouse and in the Halifax Antiquarians Paper of 1902 on 'The Antiquities of Elland' states that Mr. Hodson had in his possession a letter head for the Red Lion dated 1751, when the proprietor was a Mr. John Dyson.
The other hostlry in Elland dating from the sixteenth century was the 'Olde Castle Inn' which was situated at the bottom of Church Street on the same side as the church. The building was mainly of single storey construction with a second floor and cellar towards the gable end, this being due to the fall of the land. The house was of a timber construction as were many of the other buildings of this period. At some point during its history the name of the house was changed from 'The Old Castle Inn' to the 'Ring of Bells'. The house was rumoured to be haunted and thus may account for the change of name. The house was encased in stone during the 17th century and changed very litle until it was demolished in 1835 to make way for extensions to the grave yard of the Parish Church.
There have been many public houses in Elland during its history and a brief description of some of then is given below.
Rose and Crown
This house was built in 1689 in North Street opposite the north entrance to the Parish Church. This is a late example of a U-shaped plan without a cross passage. The house has been altered during its history. Its main architectural features being the four centred fireplace and the stepped window in the gable of the building. The building still exists and can still be seen. Though now bricked up and used as a warehouse the distinctive 17th century architecture features can still be seen.
Horse and Jockey
Built in the 17th century, it was originally a two roomed building with a projecting parlour wing. A third room was later added. The building had no great historical interest and was demolished in 1962.
Spring Gardens
This is a stone built structure built in the year 1770. It has two rooms on each floor with a projecting wing thought to have been a service wing. Main architectural is the barrel vaulted cellar which is still in existence. The house has been altered to quite a large extent during its history but still retains its 18th century character.
The Golden Fleece
This was originally a 16th century manor house with adjoining stables. The house stands in its own grounds with its front facing towards Blackley. The house retains much of its 16th century character but modern amenities have had to be built onto the original house. These extensions have in some ways been blended in with the original style of the house, but flat roofed buildings were not to be seen in the 16th century. The stables adjoining the house were demolished in the nineteen sixties to make way for a car park, and the old dairy has now been converted into a second bar. The interior design of the bottom bar, as it is known, is kept in character with the house but is probably for commercial reasons rather than historic.
Savile Arms
Built in 1748 in the classical style of that period. It is of stone construction with modern extensions to the rear.