The first recorded member of the Baildon family was Hugh de Baildon (or Bayldon), who was born mid to end of the 12th century. He became very wealthy and influential. He had land in Stainburn and Castley (both about 6 miles south of Harrogate, North Yorkshire) and Bolton-in-Bolland (Bowland) in Lancashire, in addition to land in Baildon. Baildon Hill gave its name to both the settlement of Baildon and the Baildon family who built their family seat, Baildon Hall, on the edge of the settlement. Baildon Hall is thought to be one of the oldest surviving buildings in Baildon and is believed to have been built towards the end of the 15th century as a timber framed cross wing hall. Around the middle of 17th century it was enclosed in stone. The building is considered to be an outstanding (and rare) example of a medieval Yorkshire manor house. It has been altered over the years but is still worthy of its Grade II* listing designation.

Comments left about this photograph:
From Rev. David Belden at 2008-11-02 21:50:05 : I wish to make contact with other Baildon's or Belden's to establish missing links in the American branch of the family. Thanks! Fr. David Belden 908 Windermere Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6S 3N1 Canada (416) 767-3579