Farnley Hall (West Yorkshire)

This article discusses Farnley Hall, a stately home in Old Farnley, south west of Leeds, in West Yorkshire. See also Farnley Hall, in North Yorkshire.

Farnley Hall in west Leeds was built in Elizabethan times by the Danbys who owned part of the manor and the hall until 1800 when it was sold to the Armitages. Thomas Danby was first Lord Mayor of Leeds, and Thomas Danby College in Leeds, is named after him. The Hall was acquired by the Leeds City Council and its grounds are now a public park, Farnley Hall Park.

Part of the 16th century house, built by the Danbys still exists including a much eroded Danby arms. The house was drastically rebuilt in the 18th century, when much of the 16th century house was demolished and replaced with an architecturally dull building. In the early 19th century a classical front was added. The 18th century church was by Carr, but it is not known which part of the house this was.

There are fairly intact remains in the parkland at Farnley, although the current layout is early 19th century. 16th and 17th century maps show a deer park and the 1985 West Yorkshire Archaeological Survey says that the boundaries of the medieval deer park can be traced on the ground. However, it is unclear where these earthworks or ditches may be.