Hector Christie, mill owner of Langcliffe Place and Jervaulx Abbey had the Institute built in 1899, according to the title deed

'for the benefit of the inhabitants of Langcliffe, Stainforth and the Locks and to be known as Langcliffe Institute.  To the intent that it be used as an Institute for the men and youths resident in the parish of Langcliffe for reading, writing and recreation....'

An arrangement was made for a continuous supply of books which could be loaned out at 1d for 14 days.  The last recorded entry for a book loan was in 1949.  The committee room still contains a large selection of old books in a large bookcase but the lending of books no longer takes place.  Daily newspapers were also available.  The Institute was open on Sundays for the reading of papers and periodicals and other pastimes.

The large main hall originally divided by a folding screen making room for a billiard table and a separate room for functions.  But by 1923 it was decided that a larger room was needed for functions so funds were raised and another room (to accommodate the billiard table) kitchen and WC were built in 1931 and remained unchanged until the 1990's.

To raise funds for the Institute from the 40's onwards, events were held such as dances, concerts, whist drives and bring and buy sales.  

In 1980 the old coke boiler which supplied the heating for the institute was replaced with a new more efficient gas boiler.

In the 1990's a new committee was in place and plans were in place to build a new extension to house a new kitchen and toilets. Many years of hard work to raise funds and apply for grants followed, serving teas on Sunday afternoons during summer along with many other fundraising events but finally funds were in place and the refurbishment was completed.

The original spire of the Institute was recently badly damaged during winter storms and so it was dismantled and replaced with a shorter spire but still in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the building.

The Institute continues to be in daily use for fitness classes, dog training, musical events, table tennis, bowls and the Sunday afternoon teas continue to be a popular event run by the Trustees committee and local charities.