Craiglands Hotel Ltd , hydropathic health establishment

'The Craiglands', Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire was built in 1859 as one of the largest purpose-built hydropathic health establishments in the country. Hydropathy concerns the immersing of the body in cold water or applying wet compresses to affected parts of the body to drive out 'morbid matters'. The first proprietors were the Dobson Brothers, one of the brothers being Dr Henry Dobson, physician, who supervised all the treatments offered to patients. Grounds were laid out to the requirements of invalids together with a large recreational hall for indoor sports, public concerts and theatrical performances. The company was known from at least before 1906 as Craigland's Hydro Limited, and later became Craiglands Hotel Limited. Later acquired by J Lyons and Company Limited. As of 2011 The Craiglands Hotel continued to offer six acres of grounds, 'breathtaking views', accommodation and food.

Main source of information: http://www.craiglands.co.uk/ accessed 15 August 2011.