In 1700, most people farmed the land with spinning and weaving being developed as a second income. Then in the latter part of the century, came major improvements in transport. In 1773, the Leeds Liverpool Canal was opened, then in 1786, the Keighley to Kendal Turnpike Road (a toll road) up the Aire Valley. This was followed in 1823 by the Blackburn Addingham Cocking End Road. The effect of these was to bring a large number of people into the area and many more houses and workplaces were built. Six stagecoaches a day took advantage of these new roads. In 1847, Kildwick Railway Station was opened and had perhaps the greatest effect on the village and marked the end of the Stagecoach era.

Then in the early nineteenth century, trade suffered and many people became destitute. The Government passed the Poor Law Act which meant that neighbouring townships must join together to look after the poor. The result was the establishment of the workhouse in Skipton. This later became Raikeswood Hospital.