Ryley/ Riley `Farmers` of Menston and Clayton, Yorkshire.

Ryley families were farming at Menston near Otley as early as the 16th century, and
consequently were baptised, married and buried at the ancient All Saints church Otley for generations. A Robert Ryley was a Menston farmer born 1584 – died 1629, and in `direct succession` were sons Richard 1626-1693, William 1659-1720, William 1690-1774, a third William christened `Ryley` 1730 and buried- inscribed on his gravestone as `Riley` in 1808. at St Oswald`s church at Guisley, the subsequent family church to All Saints at Otley.

The Ryley`s were prominent educated farmers, and married into historical farming families of Harewood, Menston, Otley, Guisley and Baildon. They were likely connected socially and through business as suppliers of Ale, Grain, Meat & Milk to the Fairfax`s of Menston Old Hall (Fairfax Hall).

William of Menston 1730-1808 was a hard working productive Hawksworth and Menston farmer, and family man as noted in his will. He Married Isabel(la) Myers from a prominent Guisley farming family, and had 4 daughters and three sons. William lived to be 77 years and was buried along with a grandson at St Oswald` s church in March 1808.

William`s eldest son Timothy Riley 1756-1842.
Came to `Clatton` in 1803, as written in his personal farming diary* He left his Menston
farm and pastures in the tenancy of his younger brother John Riley farmer of Menston
(1768-1839) wife Elizabeth and family, whilst establishing himself into Clayton village life.
Timothy bought one close of land called `Milnlands` in Clayton on 28th June 1799 for £211. In 1803 he took/ rented Mr Hirst`s farm of Clayton House & pasture land (alongside what is now the Avenue) at £157 per year, and presumably lived there before buying Broad Fould.