The Old Manor House

The Old Manor House is a fine example of a West Riding Hall, resembling the manor houses found in Halifax. Built by the Empsall family, who were yeomen in Wyke for over three centuries, the oldest section at the rear dates back to 1614 and was constructed by E Empsall. In 1694, J A Empsall significantly expanded the house towards the road, nearly doubling its size. The building has two storeys and an irregular L-shaped plan, featuring large coursed blocks of gritstone and stone slate roofs with saddlestones at the gables and large kneelers on the 1614 section. The 1694 addition is adorned with decorated finials on its gables.

The house showcases chamfered mullion windows with deep splayed reveals and drip moulds above, with configurations of 3, 5, 6, and 7 lights in the 1694 section. The south front features double gables, and a two-light stair window retains its original leaded glazing, alongside a round-headed window dated 1687. The entrance includes a four-centred arch doorway, with a blocked oval window above the eastern doorway. An external chimney stack with offsets is located at the west end, and there are large corniced chimneys from the 17th and 18th centuries, one of which has round-headed panels on its shaft.

Inside, the house retains exposed chamfered ceiling beams and joists, with oak stud partitions in the north side rooms on the ground floor. A massive arched fireplace is situated next to the 1687 window, and some stud partitioning remains on the first floor. The roof features a massive collar truss, partly boxed in. In the early 21st century, careful restoration work was undertaken, particularly on the eastern part of the house.