HISTORY

The building of the house is thought to have started in 1891. The decorative plasterwork in the restaurant, main staircase banister and door timbers are all believed to be Mr Baxter’s original specification. He is believed to have seen the stained glass window over the main staircase in a Victorian church that was due to be demolished. He acquired the window and had it installed in the 1930’s.

Mr Baxter owned a road-building equipment firm in Leeds. His wealth derived particularly from a patent he owned on a “Knapping Machine”, used to break stones to make hardcore for roads. He owned the first electric car in Harrogate and was probably amongst the earliest commuters to Leeds. There are photos of this firm in the Ascot Lounge.

It is believed he financed the widening of the road at Almsford Bank (where the Leeds Road enters Harrogate) and Walker Road, which was subsequently renamed King’s Road (see the maps dated 1859 and 1909 in reception).

Mr Baxter later built himself another house (he owned extensive grounds) and moved away from King’s Road. It is said he decided to move because he was displeased by a sharp increase in his rates bill.

We have recently discovered that he bequeathed a church organ from the church of St Margaret, Westminster, London next to Westminster Abbey to the re-building of St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. Mr Baxter had extensive business interests in South Africa and this was a thank you.