Arthington

Arthington was part of the estate of Aluuard of Northumbria, along with Adel, Burdon, Cookridge and Eccup, up until the Norman conquest of England. It was then given to the Count of Mortain (half brother of William the Conqueror). However, it had greatly reduced in value during the Conquest, falling from 30 shillings to 5, and much of the area was described as waste. It was in the 12th century that Arthington (or Ardington) as a family name was established, as vassals to the tenant in chief, the Paynel and later the Luterel family. Peter de Arthington donated lands at Arthington to Kirkstall Abbey which led to the establishment of a nunnery known as Arthington Priory. The site is now…

The village mainly extends from the Wharfedale pub at the western end to the former parish church of St Peter on the eastern end. This dates from 1864 It serves a congregation living in West, North and East Yorkshire. Arthington Hall was the home of the Arthington family from Norman times till the 18th century when it was taken over by the Sheepshank family who rebuilt in Italianate style and also paid for the church. To the west of the village is Creskeld Hall, a former Manor house, The village was the site of Arthington Priory, one of only two Cluniac nunneries in England - the other being at Delapré Abbey in Northampton. The site is now believed to be occupied by Nunnery Farm, with the…