From Warren House to Toft Hill Scout Camp

From the vantage point up Kirby Bank, one’s eyes are drawn across the Vale of Cleveland to the iconic silhouette of Roseberry Topping. Closer though, in this picturesque view, stands the Pybus Scout Camp, its white facade gleaming under the cloudy sky. Adjacent to it lies Ricey Hill, adorned with the mellow yellow flowers of gorse.

Once known as Warren House, this farmhouse has witnessed the passage of time since its construction in the latter half of the 19th century. Once the humble dwelling of Alonzo Barker, a diligent local postman, and his kin at the turn of the 20th century, it later sheltered John and Frances Alder until 1945. With the absence of modern amenities like electricity and mains water, they must have lived a bleak existence within its walls¹Kirby, Great Broughton & Ingleby Greenhow Local History Group. Kirby Bank Heritage Trail.2016. .

Interestingly, the scout camp is colloquially referred to as Toft Hill, a name derived from the farm hidden among the surrounding foliage.

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  Kirby, Great Broughton & Ingleby Greenhow Local History Group. Kirby Bank Heritage Trail.2016.