Oulton, with Woodlesford

OULTON, with Woodlesford, a township, in the parish of Rothwell, Lower division of the wapentake of Agbrigg, W. riding of York, 5 miles (S. E. by E.) from Leeds; containing 1789 inhabitants. The township comprises by computation 1240 acres, chiefly the property of John Blayds, Esq., who is lord of the manor; the surface is varied, and the low grounds are watered by a stream that flows into the river Aire. There are several quarries of stone valuable for building purposes. The village, which lies on the road from Leeds to London, is pleasant and healthy. Oulton Hall, the seat of Mr. Blayds, is a handsome mansion, situated in a wellwooded demesne. The church, dedicated to St. John, was founded by the late Mr. Blayds, who in 1827 bequeathed ample funds for its erection, and £4000 three per cent. consols. for its endowment. It is a well-built structure in the early English style, with a square embattled tower crowned with pinnacles, and surmounted by a finely-proportioned spire; the chancel, which is hexagonal, is richly decorated, and the windows are embellished with stained glass. The church, with a house for the minister in a corresponding style, was completed in 1830, at a cost of £12,000; and the living is a donative, in the patronage of Mr. Blayds. There are places of worship for Methodists and Ranters. The vicarial tithes have been commuted for £140, and the impropriate for £51. 14. Dr. Richard Bentley was born here in 1661.