Talk:Rawdon Billing

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The hill is a popular place for locals to walk dogs or just go for a stroll and take in the natural environment as well as stupendous views down both the Wharfe and Aire Valleys.

The Billing was used as a quarry in 1800’s and was used as a base for carving stone during the building of Leeds Town Hall, which was to be famously opened by Queen Victoria in 1858.

Since the quarry's closure a few years later The Billing lay as we know it today, this was all until the outbreak of war. Newly built Leeds Bradford airport was a prime target, therefore The Billing acted as a very good blockade. Old quarry stones as well as purpose designed concrete blocks were used to hide gun men positioned on the hill to shoot down any suspicious aircraft.

Many of the remains of bunkers from the war can still be seen on The Billing today. We have a hint that the devices were successful as there are reports of a spitfire crash close to BaytonLane during World War two. By the end of the war The Billing became dormant once again and developed into the landmark that we know and love today. With help of thebilling.co.uk and ‘The Billing Conservation Society’ the hill looks to have a bright and illustrious future ahead of it.

Walking on The Billing…

There are many designated footpaths on The Billing and it is a wonder slice of nature in urban surroundings. Please take care when walking on The Billing especially during the summer months when cattle are grazing. Please make sure you keep to the footpaths and take your litter home.

The View from The Billing...

The view from The Billing is one of the best in the area. In one direction you can look down the Aire valley towards Leeds in one direction and Shipley in the other. On a clear day you can see the outline of Ferrybridge and Drax power stations and Emley Mast.

In the other direction, on a crisp day you can spot the small outline of York Minster, but only if you are very luckey. The view down the Wharfe valley towards Ilkley and Beamsley Beacon is also a sight to behold.

It would be a good idea to add some of this information to the article, particularly if there are some references that can be cited.

DaveSumpner 22:32, 24 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]