One of the treasures of Roman Ilkley is finally set to return to Wharfedale after ten years locked away in church storage.
The Romano-Celtic altar stone, believed to be dedicated to river goddess Verbeia, is expected to go on public display at Ilkley’s Manor House Museum, in a long-term loan from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds.
Heritage lovers in Ilkley have long been calling for the return of the stone to the town.
It once stood at Myddelton Lodge, on the north side of Ilkley, along with a 17th-century replica, said to have been commissioned by local landowner William Middleton.
The Diocese put the stones into safe storage before it sold the property, used as a retreat centre, into private hands as a family home.
Talks between local history experts and the Diocese about the stones have been going on since the year 2000.
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