The Ropemaker, Hawes

Description

The Ropemaker, Hawes MYD36649 (c) YDNPA, 2023

The previous business known as W R Outhwaite & Sons began in the middle of the 19th century with three members of the Wharton family listed as ropemakers in the 1841 census for Hawes. Their business was located at the Old Toll Bar on the road leading to Ingleton out of Hawes, later known as Gate House. The family eventually sold the business and premises to W R Outhwaite in 1905. The ropeworks remained at Gate House until 1922 when the business was moved to its current site at Town Foot near to Hawes Railway Station. In 1975 it was again sold although it retained the Outhwaite name. Its current owners have expanded the business. Additional buildings were added at Town Foot, including a Visitor Centre so that people can see rope and other products being made. Outhwaite’s wooden shed was eventually pulled down in 1981 but its proportions were retained in its replacement. Some of Outhwaite’s original machinery is now on display at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. The Ropemakers is now permanently closed (2023)

Source:

Annison, Ruth & Chapman, Lesley (1983) The Hawes Ropemakers Past and Present. Hawes: The Authors

www.ropemakers.com/history.asp – history of the Hawes Ropemakers. Site accessed 1/3/04