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Many of you will already know and love Linton, perhaps being most familiar with images of the Fountaine Inn or the three bridges over the beck. For me, Linton's real delights are the extra details that you only spot when you wander slowly. I’m not alone in appreciating the beauty of Linton. There's a sundial monument on the green that proudly declares it to be (in 1949) the loveliest village in the North of England. Imagine the sense of peace the judges must have felt when they visited Linton, just a few years after the horrors of the war.
You’ll immediately notice the three bridges over the beck: children particularly love the ancient clapper bridge and the tiny archway in the packhorse bridge. Close to the clapper bridge you'll see a building in a combination of Palladian and Georgian styles that seems a little grand for a Dales hamlet.
You’ll immediately notice the three bridges over the beck: children particularly love the ancient clapper bridge and the tiny archway in the packhorse bridge. Close to the clapper bridge you'll see a building in a combination of Palladian and Georgian styles that seems a little grand for a Dales hamlet.
This is Fountaine Hospital, named after its founder Richard Fountaine. Fountaine was born in 1639 and left his home in Linton for London. When he died at the age of 81 he was a millionaire. As a timber merchant, he apparently made his fortune supplying the wood for the coffins during the Great Plague and then for rebuilding London after the Great Fire.
Fountaine left money in his will to built the almshouses and chapel in 1721. He left an explicit request for Fountaine's Hospital to be built to house the local poor, and made plans far into the future – his funds were also to be used to buy and let agricultural land, using the income to finance the running of the hospital (hospital then meant more of a refuge). The almshouses are still inhabited by locals and prayers still said in the tiny chapel, which is generally open to visitors during daylight hours.
Fountaine left money in his will to built the almshouses and chapel in 1721. He left an explicit request for Fountaine's Hospital to be built to house the local poor, and made plans far into the future – his funds were also to be used to buy and let agricultural land, using the income to finance the running of the hospital (hospital then meant more of a refuge). The almshouses are still inhabited by locals and prayers still said in the tiny chapel, which is generally open to visitors during daylight hours.
The buildings are said to have been designed by John Vanbrugh, who was also architect of Castle Howard. One resident of the almshouses designed it wonderfully: “"It's paradise wi t'door locked."
The other cottages feel more agricultural and in keeping with the scale of the village, where flax was once an important crop.
The other cottages feel more agricultural and in keeping with the scale of the village, where flax was once an important crop.
Nearby are more treasures: Linton Falls which really thunder after rain – stand safely on the bridge to appreciate them.
When the water isn’t too high, you can use the ancient stepping stones further across the beck to the 12th century church. I wonder how many feet have crossed over the centuries to visit the beautiful church?
You may also spot the restored hydro-electic plant.
When the water isn’t too high, you can use the ancient stepping stones further across the beck to the 12th century church. I wonder how many feet have crossed over the centuries to visit the beautiful church?
You may also spot the restored hydro-electic plant.
When you’ve finished wandering around Linton and the neighbouring area, the Fountaine Inn offers a warm welcome and good food.
They recently created a room ‘Sheila Bownas Studio’ to celebrate the work of this Linton artist who created patterns for Liberty and Marks and Spencer, often inspired by the views from her window in Linton.
Please note: there is very little parking in Linton so it's best to park by the National Park offices in Grassington and to enjoy the very pleasant walk to Linton and back.
They recently created a room ‘Sheila Bownas Studio’ to celebrate the work of this Linton artist who created patterns for Liberty and Marks and Spencer, often inspired by the views from her window in Linton.
Please note: there is very little parking in Linton so it's best to park by the National Park offices in Grassington and to enjoy the very pleasant walk to Linton and back.
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