An 18th-century farmhouse, circled by peacefully grazing sheep, rests comfortably amidst the M62 motorway roadways in West Yorkshire – and the true account is captivating. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments
Journey along the M62 toward Leeds and a striking image manifests itself in the carriageway – an 18th-century farmhouse, with sheep grazing serenely nearby, nestled in a separation between the motorway lanes.
Stott Hall Farm in West Yorkshire, fondly known as the “Little House on the Prairie”, has garnered significant local lore.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Popular belief dictates that this odd landmark came into being when farmer Ken Wild declined to relinquish his property to motorway builders in the 1960s.
Supposedly, after failing to persuade Ken and his wife Beth to relocate, the constructors opted to build the route around them, leaving the farm hemmed in by tarmac, with three bustling lanes running alongside on either flank.
However, the reality is considerably more ordinary. In 1983, Michael Clegg, a Yorkshire reporter intrigued by the edifice, made his way to Stott Hall to interview Ken and Beth for the BBC.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The pair clarified that they had resided at the site since 1934, while the land itself had been cultivated since 1737. As for why they stayed? It wasn’t a decision for them to make.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The farmhouse wasn’t in their ownership at the time – it was the possession of Yorkshire Water.
Michael stated: “A geological anomaly beneath the farmhouse meant it was more feasible for engineers to bypass it rather than excavate through it and ruin it.”
Ultimately, the engineers ascertained that the terrain below the farm was incapable of supporting the mass of the motorway and the 90,000 vehicles traversing it daily.
This fortunate event rescued Stott Hall from inevitable demolition.
Ken recounted: “It appeared we would have to move, but they discovered they couldn’t unite all six lanes together.”
The couple still relinquished roughly 70 acres of farmland owing to the construction. Nonetheless, on the whole, they weren’t especially concerned.
He appended: “Outside the racket is unremitting, but inside it’s as calm and welcoming as any farmhouse.”
However, the peculiar situation did introduce its share of difficulties. One morning, at approximately 4:20am, the couple were startled awake by a thunderous smash beyond their home.
Despite being accustomed to considerable din, the impact spurred them outside, where they discovered a 32-ft, multi-ton truck overturned in their yard. Beth recalled: “The driver emerged through the windscreen. He was entirely unharmed.”
In 2009, the renowned farm was purchased by Jill and Phil Thorp from the couple. The Thorps renovated the residence and occupied it with their son, John-William.
Sadly, Ken has since passed away. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Jill commented: “Traffic is very close. But it’s always breezy here, which carries the pollution away. Students from the University of Huddersfield took soil and air samples and, surprisingly, pollution is actually low.”
Despite conceding she remains “sensitive” to the sound, Jill wouldn’t alter her circumstances.
“Many people say it’s desolate and reminiscent of Wuthering Heights, but I don’t perceive it that way. I think it’s beautiful.”
The M62, a 172km length of motorway in the North of England, links Liverpool and Hull via Manchester, Bradford, and Leeds.
The latest science news from the natural world, health, tech and beyond Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.
Opening in 1960 and finishing in 1976, it’s acknowledged as “the UK’s highest motorway” because it traverses the Pennine Hills between Manchester and Leeds, reaching elevations of 1,221ft above sea level.
When the Queen inaugurated a segment of the motorway in 1971, she was compelled to wear a specifically designed hat to prevent it from being blown off by the wind. Stott Hall Farm is located between junctions 22 and 23 on the motorway.