Geography CP: Ilkley Place Study

Question 1

When was the Roman fort of Ilkley found?

Answer 1

79 AD

Question 2

How many people lived in Ilkley in 1800?

Answer 2

240 inhabitants

Question 3

When did Ilkley experience the most growth?

Answer 3

Mid - 19th century

Question 4

What was the most significant factor in Ilkley rising in popularity?

Answer 4

Period of ‘taking the Waters’ at the various spa towns in England and Europe become fashionable.

Question 5

When was the extension of the railway to Ilkley from Leeds and Bradford and what impact did this have?

Answer 5

1865 that gained recognition as an attractive place to live.

Question 6

What were the demographics of Ilkley’s new residents in the 19th-20th century?

Answer 6

Businessmen (mainly the Bradford mill owners)

Question 7

What style architecture is prominent in the town centre?

Answer 7

Victorian architecture, Wide streets, a variety of shops and services and floral displays.

Question 8

How has the land use of Brook Street changed over time?

Answer 8

Brook Street has experienced rapid change over the course of 140 years as homogenization and chain brands have replaced the once vibrant and unique sense of place. In 1861, the most frequent shops where those of family businesses such as J C Batty (Chemist and Grocer) and Boocock (Iron moner/bath maker). However as ilkley developed and grew into larger more affluent town the needs of its residents changed resulting in a decline in family own businesses and the introduction of more commercial businesses such as in 1921 Busby’s (Department Store). As commercialism rose and independent shops where replace Ilkleys sense of place also changed with it. Ilkley has developed into a clone town with most shops on Brook street being chain stores such as white stuff and Cafe Nero. Becoming a clone town can negatively affect ilkley as it can lose its sense of place and put self own businesses out of work as they are replaced by commercial shops. It can also negatively impact Ilkley diversity of shops and limiate customers range of choice in shops resulting in them needing to go to different towns/cities to abstain the times they need that reduces the income coming into Ilkley.

Question 9

Who invested in Ilkley in the 19th century and what impact did this have?

Answer 9

In the early 1900s, much of the grand civic development of Ilkley was due to investment from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie whose trust helped build the Town Hall, Kings Hall and the library, all of which are still in use today. Sports and leisure grounds were also formed around this time, including cricket fields, rugby and tennis pitches (still popular and successful activities within the community).

Question 10

Where did most development occur in the 1960s and what type of development was this?

Answer 10

The largest areas of development from this period are found in the western side of Ilkley, primarily consisting of three to four bedroom detached houses. A small number of these period detached and semi-detached properties were built amongst the older Victorian terraced properties in the east. The housing developments from the post 1960s period consisted of modern, low-density, single family units concentrated on the western side of the town. These homogenous high class residential developments established the drives, avenues and cul-de-sacs seen today.

Question 11

How is Ilkley connected to other places today?

Answer 11

The railway from Ilkley to Leeds and Bradford

Question 12

What is the main type of development taking place in Ilkley today? Give an example of this.

Answer 12

Today, development consists of open spaces being infilled with housing. Looking at the Local Development Framework Plan for Ilkley, all proposals are infill developments as Ilkley is restricted due to its topography and location on the Green Belt.

Question 13

Give one source of quantitative data used to investigate the past connections of Ilkley.

Answer 13

The census for example big data ‘Spatial Big Data’ (SBD)

Question 14

Give one source of qualitative data used to investigate the past connections of Ilkley.

Answer 14

Closure of the railway line from Ilkley to Otley and Ilkley to Bolton Abbey in 1965/1966 marks another significant change in connectivity to this town. The bridge which once stood over Brook Street was dismantled in 1966. As focus was made to improve the direct lines to Leeds and Bradford - where commuters could easily connect to national rail lines i.e. London.

Question 15

Give one source of quantitative data used to investigate the changing demographic characteristics of Ilkley.

Answer 15

The 2021 Census data

Question 16

What is the population of Ilkley (2021 census)?

Answer 16

15,040 people

Question 17

What is the majority age group in Ilkley and why?

Answer 17

51.4% aged 16 to 64

Question 18

Ilkley has a high proportion of people aged over 65. How much higher than national average is this?

Answer 18

More than 23.7% of Ilkley population is aged 65 to 84. National average is 20.4%

Question 19

Describe the change in ethnic diversity in Ilkley.

Answer 19

Very little ethnic diversity. From the 2021 census 95.6% of the population of Ilkley consider themselves white British. There has been a greater immigration of Eastern Europeans in recent years but the area is still characterised by limited ethnic variation. 93.7% of the population were born within the British Isles, and only 3.2% were born outside of the EU.

Question 20

Give an example of continuity in Ilkley’s demographic characteristics. What factors have affected this?

Answer 20

The population of White British people living in Ilkley has stayed very constant. Factors such as immigration can effect this but have little effect.

Question 21

Give an example of change in Ilkley’s demographic characteristics. What factors have affected this?

Answer 21

There has been a slight increase in the ethnic groups located in Ilkley such as Asian, Black, Mixed and other ethnic groups. There has also been a 1.8pp decrease in the white population. However white British are still the overwhelming majority of people that live in Ilkley. This is due to immigration and changes in public attitudes.

Question 22

Why is Ilkley classed as an ideal place to live?

Answer 22

It is the topography and the natural beauty of this area that makes people want to live in Ilkley. Ilkley is ranked the 42nd most desired town in the country for millionaires - 112 (plus) millionaires live in Ilkley. This area is clearly still classed as the ideal place to live, relax and treat yourself.

Question 23

Give examples of services and amenities that contribute to the positive cultural characteristics of Ilkley.

Answer 23

The town now houses a variety of excellent restaurants and independent shops selling everything from gifts to vintage clothes and books. Its fame continues with the nationally recognised Betty’s Tea Rooms.

Question 24

Outline the tourist culture in Ilkley.

Answer 24

Ilkley has a very large tourist culture that has driven the economy to be as wealthy as it is today.

Question 25

Give examples of events that contribute to the positive cultural characteristics of Ilkley.

Answer 25

Ilkley is well known on a national (if not global) scale for its artistic and cultural events such as the Ilkley Literature Festival, Ilkley Summer Festival and the Ilkley Film Festival. Furthermore, Ilkley carnival attracts over 20,000 people each year.

Question 26

What is Ilkley’s clone town survey score? How has this affected Ilkley’s cultural characteristics?

Question 26

Give an example of continuity in Ilkley’s cultural characteristics. What factors have affected this?

Answer 26

White Wells is a location commonly used by locals to celebrate the bringing in of the New Year. The use of White Wells dates back to the rise of awareness and fascination with Ilkley as it was a driving factor that attracted Businessmen as a spa town.

Question 27

How have local groups responded to change in the cultural characteristics of Ilkley?

Answer 27

To combat threats to the heritage of Ilkley, groups such as civic societies have fought to protect historic properties, views and facilities, firstly through conservation areas and latterly through village design statements – developers have had to listen to the needs of local people.

Question 28

What occupation is most dominant in Ilkley? Give data.

Answer 28

Professional occupations - 31.5% (17.1% Bradford) Managers,directors and senior officials - 20.1% (10.0%)

Question 29

Give an example of an occupation done by only a small proportion of the population compared to national average.

Answer 29

Process, plant and machine operatives - 2.2% (9.5% Bradford) Sales and customer service occupations - 5.4% (9.1% Bradford)

Question 30

Give an example of continuity in Ilkley’s economic characteristics. What factors have affected this?

Answer 30

In the latest Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019), Ilkley was ranked in the top 10% least deprived in the UK. In comparison to other areas in Bradford, Ilkley is one of the least deprived local authority areas with regards to factors such as employment and income. This has been the case for a long time showing that Ilkley has always been wealthy housing professionals and businessmen

Question 31

What is the average house price in Ilkley? How does this compare to national average?

Answer 31

House Price Rank: 288 out of 1157 Average house price: £446,585

Question 32

Why is the average price of a terraced house in Ilkley much higher than the national average?

Answer 32

Because it is one of the most popular house on the market in Ilkley. Ilkley also has an average higher income resulting in higher house prices.

Question 33

What was the IMD score for Ilkley in 2019 and how does this compare to the local area?

Answer 33

In the latest Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019), Ilkley was ranked in the top 10% least deprived in the UK. In comparison to other areas in Bradford, Ilkley is one of the least deprived local authority areas with regards to factors such as employment and income.

Question 34

What is the most recent Progress 8 score of Ilkley Grammar School? How does this compare to national average?

Answer 34

Above Average Score: 0.38 Confidence interval: 0.21 to 0.54

Question 35

Describe the health and wellbeing of people in Ilkley.

Answer 35

Ilkley has a 1% less rate of long-term illnesses compared to West Yorkshire 18%. This could be because of the wealth imbalance between ilkley and West Yorkshire with Ilkley being one of the wealthiest towns in the country. Ilkley has a 100 recordings which is on the border of higher and lower than expected for all cancer recordings. However Ilkley has a higher than expected rate for Breast cancer at 109 which is 16 above West Yorkshire. Ilkley however has a lower than expected recording of Lung cancer than West Yorkshire at 73 compared to 132. This could be due to the better quality of air because of less air pollution as Ilkley is well connected and residents rely less on their own vehicles and more on public transport.

Question 36

Describe the crime levels in Ilkley.

Answer 36

Bellow average for everything for example Burglary is 0.2 normalized crime rate compared to 0.24 in West Yorkshire. Public order is 0.23 in Ilkley but 0.4 in West Yorkshire. There is an outlier of Shoplifting as Ilkley has an above average score of 0.12 compared to 0.1 West Yorkshire.

Question 36

Why is there very little social inequalities in Ilkley and what factors are affecting this?

Answer 36

The social aspects of the IMD can be looked at in greater detail. Local educational data shows that Ilkley Grammar School is performing in the top 14% of schools in the country. Furthermore, students at IGS are performing significantly higher in English and Maths at GCSE (57%) compared to an average of 35% in the local authority and 45% for England on average.

Question 37

Describe your perception of Ilkley as an insider.

Answer 37

As an insider I see Ilkley as a predominantly affluent area with a high quality of life as the general quality of housing, education and facilities available to the people of Ilkley is a lot higher than the UK on average. Ilkley is ranked 288 out of 1157 on the UK house price ranking scale. Ilkely is represented as a green wealth area and I believe this description is correct and accurate. As someone who walks on Ilkley moor frequently and the natural assets of Ilkley I believe this adds to the value of Ilkley and increases its sense of place as a green area. Ilkley has a largely below crime rating compared to West Yorkshire excluding shoplifting. This suggests that Ilkley is a safe place to live and has a great quality of life compared to the rest of West Yorkshire and the UK.

Question 38

How is Ilkley represented in artistic representations such as songs?

Answer 38

Ilkley Moor, to the south of the town, is the subject of a folk song, often described as the unofficial anthem of Yorkshire, "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at". The song's words are written in Yorkshire dialect, its title translated as "On Ilkley Moor without a hat." The town is famous for its moor and this song is said to have helped put ‘Ilkley on the map’ as a popular tourist attraction with fantastic countryside and walks for all abilities.

Question 39

Describe the representation of Ilkley given by the British Railway posters in the 1950s. What impact did this have on Ilkley’s place characteristics?

Answer 39

Artistic images of Ilkley have, similarly to its anthem, focussed on the attractive scenery and landscape Ilkley sits in. Railway posters from the 1950s were used to great effect in marketing tourism within the area and were used to encourage the public to travel by train to this idyllic sunny countryside holiday location.

Question 40

What is the most significant endogenous factor affecting the character of Ilkley?

Answer 40

Endogenous factors refer to the internal characteristics of a place, such as its physical environment, cultural and historical development, Ilkley, as a spa town, has benefited from its natural environment and historical heritage. The presence of Ilkley Moor, the River Wharfe, and the town’s Victorian architecture have all contributed to ist appeal, especially as a tourist destination

Question 41

What is the most significant exogenous factor affecting the character of Ilkley?

Answer 41

Exogenous factors refer to influences from outside the area that affect its development. Migration from urban areas, especially from nearby cities like Leeds and Bradford, has been a key external factor. Ilkely’s proximity to these cities along with its status as a desirable residential location due to its affluent demographic, has attracted professionals and retirees, significantly altering the twins population structure.What is the most significant exogenous factor affecting the character of Ilkley?

Question 42

Give two agents of change in Ilkley and explain how they have impacted Ilkley’s place identity.

Answer 42

One of the main agents of change to Ilkley is the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. In June 2022 Bradford council announced they will adopt The Ilkley Neighbourhood Development Plan. ‘The Ilkley Neighbourhood Development Plan forms part of the development plan for Bradford district and will be used to help determine planning applications within the neighbourhood area.’ This has created significant change in Ilkley as by 2030 1,000 new houses are set to be built. This will have a large impact on the local sense of place for Ilkley as the new houses are set to eat into the green belt of Ilkley which will likely change natural topography. This could result in a reduction in tourism and an increase in Ilkley’s developing status as a commuter settlement. Other smaller, more local groups have also had a large impact on Ilkley, for example Ilkley Clean River Group. As a group there 2 main aims are to ‘1. To stop storm overflows of sewage into the river outside of exceptional circumstances to be compliant with the law. 2. To upgrade the sewage treatment works and infrastructure so that both treated and untreated sewage do not pollute our river to protect people and wildlife.’ Their efforts have resulted in the maintenance of Ilkley’s river system making it an attractive place to live and visit. As Ilkley river is a large aspect of Ilkley’s topography without the ICRG the river would be swamped with sewage making it an undesirable place to visit. Ilkley’s economy relies greatly on the tourism its natural beauty brings in, without this Ilkelys economy would not be as wealth as it is today making ICRG’s work imperative.

Question 43

Give an example of globalisation in Ilkley.

Answer 43

I believe to a moderate extent Ilkley has been affected by Globalisation and external factors. Ilkleys sense of place has declined since the 1900’s when the majority of shops that were found on Brook Street were local family owned businesses such as Joseph Moon - Butchers which was found here from 1884 to 1907. However with the increase in globalisation globally with connections such as Ilkley Railways improving, Ilkley has attracted many chain businesses. Costa, Cafe Nero, Tesco and Fat Face are all examples of large multinational businesses that have colonised Ilkely replacing many local businesses. This not only erodes Ilkleys sense of place as an individual tourist spot but also pushes its ever growing image as a clone town and a commuter settlement.

Question 44

Give an example of localisation in Ilkley.

Answer 44

The flow of people and migration has also affected Ilkley’s sense of place. In 2011 Ilkley had a less diverse ethnic population with the overwhelming majority being white british. However, due to the migration of people into Ilkley due the town's attractive nature and appeal this figure has seen change. There has been a slight increase in the ethnic groups located in Ilkley such as Asian, Black, Mixed and other ethnic groups according to the 2021 census. There has also been a 1.8pp decrease in the white population. However white British are still the overwhelming majority of people that live in Ilkley. This has affected people's perception of Ilkley as other cultures, festivals and practices have been introduced. This also results in the introduction of other religions to the area. There has been an overwhelming decrease of the people who identify as Chrstian in Ilkley by 10.6pp. There has also been an 0.1 increase in the number of people who identify themselves as Buddhist in Ilkley. Also Ilkleys migration has had a smaller impact on the ethnicity of the population of Ilkley it has had a large impact on Ilkleys religious population. This can result in the shaping of people’s views on Ilkley and also affect the residents of Ilkley’s insider perception of the place.

Question 45

Give an example of glocalisation in Ilkley.

Answer 45

The introduction of chain brands into likely such as Coast and Go OutDoors that have impacted Ilkley resulting in it becoming more of a clone town and losing its sense of place.