History

The White Lion Hotel was built in 1657, eight years before the Great Plague of London. The only other building of importance at this time in Hebden Bridge was Bannister's Farm on the site of the former White Horse Hotel.

In the early days the White Lion was known as King's Farm due to its occupation by Susan King widow of James King of Willow Hall, Skircoat.

17th Century

Susan's maiden name was Naylor and before her marriage she lived at Sowerby. It is assumed that the Naylor family owned the White Lion earlier in the century. Susan went to live at the White Lion when it was practically new, and stayed there until her death in 1690. She had a large family of eight sons and two daughters.

The stables across the road from the White Lion, together with a 'horse miln' for grinding corn, two packhouses (later converted into cottages and a barn) situated about 100 yards away in Bridge Gate served the main building of the White Lion.

18/19th Century

Since the days of Susan King the White Lion has undergone many changes. The first storey of the building lost its 17th century character due to certain embellishments in the 18th century. The bottom portion and rear of the building however retain the original entrance and mullion windows similar to those of other period farmhouses in the district.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the White Lion became a hostelry of increasing importance primarily because of its location so close to the old bridge across Hebden Water. It became a very convenient and popular place for travellers to break their journeys between Lancaster and Yorkshire.

When the Turn Pike Road was built the importance of the White Lion Hotel increased further as it was now on the regular route for stagecoaches travelling the valley route between Halifax and Rochdale.

20th Century

In 1993 the grade II listed building was extensively refurbished and many of its original features were uncovered and restored. More recently the old coach house was converted to provide additional accommodation.

Photos courtesy of the Hebden Bridge Local History Society
and Mrs Carol Mosley (nee Astin)