Call for Ilkley to twin with Cranbook (From Ilkley Gazette)

Historian wants to establish On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At link

10:00am Thursday 24th November 2011 in News

A historian is calling for Ilkley to be twinned with Cranbook in Kent to recognise the southern town’s role in creating a historic Yorkshire anthem.

Frazer Irwin, 64, believes links between the two towns should be established to highlight the origins of On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At, which is set to the tune of the old Methodist hymn Cranbook.

The hymn is thought to have been composed in the early 19th century by Thomas Clark, a cobbler from Canterbury, who was believed to have been inspired to write it after regular visits to Cranbrook.

Mr Irwin, an Ilkley resident, has approached the parish councils for both towns with the idea but says he was told it would be too costly by Ilkley. He has also mentioned the proposal to pubs and schools in the area.

He said: “Yorkshire folk should thank people in Kent for all the good will that has come from the song. We get a lot of people coming to Ilkley purely for the song and I thought why not have a plaque or establish a friendship with Cranbrook? Apart from Happy Birthday, it is the most sung song in Yorkshire.

“Yorkshire folk are known for their friendship but there’s not a great deal of friendship in Ilkley. People seem to think it’s going to cost a lot of money. All it will be is a little brass plaque.”

The words On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At were not believed to have been published until 1877, with the recommendation the lyrics be sung along to the tune of Cranbrook.

Song tradition says the words were composed by members of a Halifax church choir during an outing to Ilkley Moor.

Heathcliffe Bown, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, said: “Normally the twinning process is between towns in different countries. If there was a formal approach by Cranbrook Parish Council to ourselves we would happily look at that, but I’m not aware of formal twinning between towns in this country. It’s an interesting thought.”

Mr Irwin’s proposal follows the launch of a campaign by Gordon Eddison, musical director of Otley Brass Band, to help safeguard the future of On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At.

The 55-year-old says fewer young people than ever know the song and he fears it being forgotten forever.