Kirklees Hall

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Coordinates: 53°41′46″N, 1°44′34″W

Kirklees Hall is a 16th century Grade I listed^[1] Jacobean hall, close to the English village of Clifton, West Yorkshire in Calderdale. The hall and grounds are now a collection of luxury residences. The previous owner, Lady Armytage, sold the property in 1983 but still lives within the grounds of the estate. In the 12th century, the Cistercian monks built Kirklea Priory. The former gatehouse can still be seen, though the site is on private land.

[edit] Robin Hood associations

Main article: Kirklea Priory

Kirklees is connected to Robin Hood as it is said to be his final resting place. In the folklore song Geste it is said that Robin Hood was the nephew of the prioress, who sheltered him when he was fleeing from the Sheriff of Nottingham.^[2]

She drained his blood (as was a common medicinal practice in those days). She drained too much and he died. Though one can't be certain of her intentions, local folklore tells us that it was murder. There is still a site for Robin Hood's Grave on the local Ordnance Survey map.^[3]

The grave is located a short distance from the building where Robin Hood died, easily an arrow shot away. The grave is clearly marked as belonging to Robin Hood. Because the gatehouse and grave are both located on private land, the truth about Robin Hood's final moments and resting place have remained a mystery for much of time.

For further information see www.robinhoodyorkshire.co.uk

[edit] Notes