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Little is know about the early origins of the Inn, but
it is thought to have been an 18th century farmhouse. We do know however
that it was an inn in 1826 when the innkeeper was Joseph Myers.
In 1899 it was in the hands of Whitaker Brothers, who owned the dye works
next door. They are reputed to have purchased it to control the drinking
of their workforce. Later the sold it to the Bradford Dyers Association.
In 1948 it was bought by Richard Whitaker and sons Brewers and then by
Whitbread who sold it to Enterprise Inns who still own it.
The Inn is in an isolated and picturesque setting between the river Aire
and The Leeds to Liverpool Canal. In the summer it is a popular place for
walkers to stop of for food and liquid refreshment.
The Inn is said to get its name from Kirkstall Abbey and local legend has
it that a tunnel links the building to the Abbey further down the valley.
In the past the Inn was used as a mortuary and customers had to pass the
coffins on the way to the toilets. This perhaps explains the fact that
many people believe the Inn to be Haunted.
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