[Retlaw]

Originally Posted by Karateman

Probably, we have been trying to understand what is the oldest habited building in Accy and I think it has been agreed that it is High Riley cottages 1628 ish.

So High Riley cottages is now named Spire Farm is it?????

Phil

Spire Farms correct name is High Riley, the original site was farmed by the Monks of Kirkstall back in the 1200's, when they left Accrington the lands were taken back by the de Lacey family, they appointed a stewrad to oversee their holdings he was called Robert, he took up residence on the site of Riley & on all the accounts he submitted to de Lacey, he signed his name Robert de Ryley. I was re-reading some of those accounts a couple of days ago. The tower or Spire as its called was actually a building on a site to the rear of the High Riley Cottages, the tower was taken down and the stone used in the rebuilding of the barn, that event is dated between 1828 & 1835 in the valuation records. It then became known as New High Riley.
There were several farms in the area with the name Riley attached.
Retlaw.