Independent researcher/writer/broadcaster in the history, heritage and culture sectors. Editor, History and Heritage Yorkshire Magazine, Also write's on poverty, community and other things. Regular Bylines Network writer. Servant to a Patterdale
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I see that a new energy project is being planned for the Ferrybridge C site. Seemed a good time to post this Tim Hill image of the Ferrybridge flood lock (2018) with the view as it used to be. There were three coal fired stations A, B and C, the first being constructed in the 1920s.
On a completely different subject I have just seen your post on fracking. I thought that had died a death for ever. Scary.
You are the person we needed.
technological progress with elegance as well as power. Images, Bradford Industrial Museum, Storye-Book. CC BT-SA 3.0
Victorian engineers often treated machinery as both functional and beautiful, designing wheels, cogs and fittings with ornate curves and patterns. This reflected pride in craftsmanship, a belief that industry and art should go hand in hand, and a desire to showcase
No longer needed for farming, they remain part of the landscape’s story and, thanks to groups like the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, are being restored as quiet havens for wildlife. Image courtesy of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. See their article at www.ywt.org.uk/wolds-dew-po... 2/2
Dew ponds are a distinctive feature of the Yorkshire Wolds, dug in the 18th and 19th centuries to give livestock precious water where springs and streams were few. Shallow, saucer-shaped and clay-lined, they gathered rain and runoff rather than dew, despite their name. 1/2
Mitchell, and in 1893 Herbert had it enlarged to match his ambitions. He also restored the old watchtower of Mucklaberry Castle. By the turn of the century, more than thirty people lived on the island, most employed by the Andertons. Images: James Allen and Rude Health both CC BY-SA 2.0 3/3
Queensbury, staffed on a grand scale, Herbert turned his attention north. Around 1892 he bought the estates of Melby and Vaila, at first using Vaila Hall/House as a summer retreat before making it his permanent home . Vaila Hall itself dated to 1696 was built by Scalloway merchant James 2/3
What links the tiny, windswept island of Vaila in Shetland with the industrial city of Bradford? The thread is Herbert Anderton Foster known in Scotland as Herbert Foster Anderton—the grandson of John Foster, founder of Black Dyke Mills. Having already built the forty-room Littlemoor mansion at 1/3
Exactly, in the Southern hemisphere it starts on 22 September this year.
tricked into a race by the Abbot of Rievaulx, who revealed himself as the devil and drove horse and rider over the cliff into the waters below. Other stories claim the lake is bottomless and hides a sunken village. Image: Paul Buckingham / Autumn Colours, Gormire Lake / CC BY-SA 2.0
Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills in the North York Moors. The lake was formed over 20,000 years ago by glacial erosion. It is steeped in legend. One tale tells of Sir Harry Scriven,
For many the equinox marks the start of autumn. This year it takes place on 22 September at 19:19 BST. At the equinox, the Earth's axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun, making day and night nearly equal in length. Wherever you are on the planet, the equinox occurs at the same moment.
Very much so.
It is when you think it has probably incurred all those years of weathering.
Images: Book cover, photocredit Comma Press, Sairish Hussain - photocredit Sam Raz, Nick Ahad - photocredit BBC
bring together tales of identity, belonging, migration and connection, offering a vivid portrait of Bradford past and present. The book launches on 20 September at Loading Bay, with copies available there and from 2 October at Waterstones, Grove Bookshop and Comma Press.
The Book of Bradford, created for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture with Comma Press, invites readers into the city through a collection of short stories edited by Saima Mir. Writers such as Malachai Whittaker, Ross Raisin, Sairish Hussain, M.Y. Alam, Abda Khan and Nick Ahad
Created as one volume the Percy Hours and Percy Psalter were reunited in 2019 and are now in the possession of the British Library. They were made in York at the end of the 13th century as a prayer book for a branch of the Percy family. This blog is really worth a read blogs.bl.uk/digitisedman...
Just a reminder that all of 2023s History and Heritage magazines are now available to download from payhip.com/HistoryandHe... either for free (enter 0.00) or for the donation you choose. I am sure you will enjoy them. The perfect autumn reading.
I was very taken with this "fragment of a gravestone in a very wet Batley churchyard" (I believe All Saints) caught by Tim Green. I have seen an image of very similar full stone at the graveyard of the former St Mary's in the Wood Church, Morley which dates to 1689. Tim Green CC BY 2.0
You could take the abbey away and there would still be enough to explore for years.
Cistercian mill in Britain, Grade I listed and a scheduled monument. Images Fountains Mill by Trevor Littlewood CC BY-SA 2.0
the Dissolution, becoming a sawmill in 1840 and generating electricity from 1928 until closing in 1937. Over the years it also housed refugees and a stonemason’s workshop, before being restored in 1993 as a museum and exhibition space. Today it stands as the most substantial
Fountains Mill, or Abbey Mill, was built in the 1130s–40s to grind corn for Fountains Abbey, and is among the oldest Cistercian mills to survive. Rebuilt in the 1150s with twin wheels and later extended with an upper-storey granary, it continued working after
Thank you for sharing
Thank you.
SCARBOROUGH. TO-NIGHT (THURSDAY), 29 September 1881 - , ENGAGEMENT FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, Mr. DOYLY CARTE'S OPERA COMPANY. When will be produced the Nautical Opera H.M.S. PINAFORE. by GILBERT and SULLIVAN
The Yorkshire Gazette dated 17 September 1884 reported that 'Mrs Langtry' (Lily) opened for six nights at the theatre. 'The house was not only crowded at extra prices, but hundreds were unable to gain admission...The orchestra and boxes presented a brilliant scene.
A long lost building from Scarborough. The Londesborough Rooms, a multi use venue, opened in 1871 before being altered several times eventually becoming a 2000 seat theatre/cinema. It became a full time cinema in 1925. It showed its final films in 1959.
been reinstated and the spectacular Butterfield stained-glass on the Grand Staircase restored. Image. Exterior Tim Green CC BY-SA 2.0, Interior Michael D Beckwith Public Domain.
transformed it with towers and elegant rooms. In 1949 the house and grounds were purchased by Keighley Corporation with help from local benefactor Sir Bracewell Smith, who funded its conversion for public use in 1955. More recently, Victorian features in the park have
The third of Bradford Council's grand museum buildings is Cliffe Castle in Keighley. It began life as Cliffe Hall, built between 1828 and 1833 by Christopher Netherwood to designs by George Webster in the Gothic Revival style. Textile magnate Henry Isaac Butterfield later
Now that's a really good idea. It should have been shown live on TV though. 😂
🤣😂 that must have been the worst excuse in existence. I would have prosecuted him for dangerous driving if he did the driving - defective eyesight 🤣
That is a real shame Vivienne it really is.
remained in use until 1999 when Leeds City Council took over a former shop on to convert into a new one. Image courtesy of Leeds Libraries.
Libraries have come in all shapes and sizes. I came across this image couple of years ago. The former Holbeck Branch Library in as temporary premises for the library in the 1960s when the old library closed, but
I’ve added six more editions of the magazine (July–December 2023) to the shop page: payhip.com/HistoryandHe... As always, they’re available on a pay-what-you-can basis, with no minimum, and feature excellent articles by Colin Speakman, Chris Nickson, Dr Rachel Wicaksono, Dr Jon Kenny and many others
You see I've got psychic powers as well 😂I think the doctor said psychic!
It is just in County Durham but prior to 1974 it was in Yorkshire so I'm claiming it. 😂 It is a long time since I have been but well worth it.
in the church crossing (below). I believe there have been some questions as to whether the mullions in the eastern window are original! The mullions though would have been the cheaper original option for the canons for whom finances were always extremely tight. Image details in alt.
into a mansion, and later passed to the Morritt family of Rokeby Hall. Among the ruins, the great eastern window, fairly unique in its design remains a striking feature, and in 1925 the site was placed in state care, with notable stonework such as the tomb of Sir Ralph Bowes (d.1482) re-erected
Egglestone Abbey, near Barnard Castle was founded between 1195 and 1198 by the de Moulton family for Premonstratensian canons, who endured centuries of poverty and hardship, particularly during the Scottish raids of 1315. After the Dissolution it was granted to Robert Strelley, who converted parts
Philanthropist and wife of Andrew, Louise appears to have been a fascinating and powerful figure in her own right. An influential member of the board of The Carnegie Corporation until her death she played a leading role in the establishing of over 2500 libraries. This looks really interesting.
Complete with a small garden what more could you want?
You are going to have a shock if the good doctor replies yes 😂
ownership of ironmaster Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell, it became an important showcase of the Arts and Crafts movement, with the manor house richly decorated in that style. Image: Paul Buckingham CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Grace Priory was once a monastery of the Carthusian order. After the Dissolution, its guest-house was transformed into Mount Grace House, a seventeenth-century manor built by Thomas Lascelles. a rare survival from the Commonwealth period. Later, under the
Interesting days 😊
That sounds really interesting.
It is possible that commercial arrangements are now in place that I am not aware of.
for industries in the valley, The aqueduct begins just downstream of Scar House Reservoir, near the screening chamber east of the dam. From there it runs beneath Rain Stang hill for 2,486 yards (2,273 m), re-emerging at Armathwaite Gill,
To the best of my knowledge Scarhouse Reservoir is not just a compensation reservoir; I think it was built primarily to supply fresh drinking water to the city of Bradford. Gouthwaite Reservoir, which is lower down the Nidd Valley, serves as a compensation reservoir to maintain water flow
known for it's workers housing and yards was, for the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries renowned for its horticulture. As always, the magazine is available on a pay what you can basis — with no minimum amount. Visit payhip.com/HistoryandHe...
Just to let people know that I will be popping another six back editions of the magazine on to the shop tomorrow. The problem is I am reading them as I do it! There was a fascinating piece from archaeologist Dr Jon Kenny (August 2023)"Horticulture: From Hungate to Cawood. Hungate in York which was
of free thought and social justice in Wakefield, carrying forward a tradition rooted in the sixteenth-century. Like their ancestors, they embrace liberal religious ideas, welcoming diversity of belief both Christian and non-Christian. Images Alan Murray-Rust and Philip Medhurst, Both CC BY-SA 2.0
the earliest in the country opened for public burials—where industrialists, innovators, MPs, and radicals were laid to rest. Open days and special events offer the chance to explore both chapel and catacombs. Since 1752, Westgate Unitarians have been champions
Westgate Chapel in Wakefield, where I’ve attended several history related events is a Unitarian chapel rich in character. Its pulpit, first built in 1737 for an earlier chapel, still commands the space, while the 1847 organ and bell tower add to its heritage .Beneath lie catacombs—thought to be
It really is and when you think it was basically a local corporation project it is an amazing piece of civil engineering.
The image shows the aqueduct over the River Wharfe. Image courtesy of Pam Fray.
The construction of the aqueduct was carried out by Morrison & Mason Ltd. A temporary railway line, the Nidd Valley Light Railway, was built to transport materials and workers to the remote reservoir sites.
Built by Bradford City Waterworks and completed in 1899, the Nidd Aqueduct it feeds water from Angram and Scar House reservoirs in upper Nidderdale, thirty two miles to Chellow Heights water treatment works Bradford. It supplied its growing industrial needs and population.
comprises the derelict remains of the forge complex, including a puddling furnace. The still-occupied house, and a former workshop was converted to homes in 2020. This online site is worth a view. rivelinvalley.org.uk/trail/mouseh... Image Henry Armitage Mouse Hole Anvil, johnny CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
anvils for export, particularly to the USA. For over a century, perhaps two it was the only works of its kind in the world, pioneering both the craft and the standardisation of anvil shapes for different trades. In private hands since the 1980s the main Mousehole Forge site
Mousehole Forge, Rivelin Valley Sheffield with its ingenious water management system, dated back to the 1620s and was regarded as the birthplace of anvil making. Originally two lead mill and a cutlery workshop, it was converted to an iron forge by 1664 and by the late 18th century was producing
You are very welcome. It sounds like a really enjoyable day.
mother's death and her husband's infidelity, to amnesia and publicity. Image Graham Hogg CC BY-SA 2.0
she was located at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, then the Swan Hydropathic Hotel where she had checked in as "Mrs. Teresa Neele," a guest from Cape Town. Christie never fully explained her actions, and theories ranged from a mental breakdown exacerbated by her
OTD 15 September 1890, the novelist Agatha Christie was born. Famous for her mystery novels she is forever linked with the town of Harrogate. Christie disappeared from her home in December 1926, sparking a nationwide search and media frenzy. After 11 days,
days on the island, walking and enjoying it's very special spirituality and atmosphere. I would love to go back. Image Chris Combe CC BY 2.0
I've been thinking about places that given the chance I would love to go back to. For many years we would stop at the Lindisfarne Inn, just of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on our way to North Berwick. We would just have a half day on the island. One year though we had 5
Need something to read over the weekend when the wind and rain arrives, I have also dug into the archives and the first six editions of the magazine Jan-June 2023) are also available. Ideal partnered with good coffee and an interest in Yorkshire and it's heritage. Visit payhip.com/HistoryandHe...
on the power loom. Cartwright was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield. Image courtesy of Tim Green.
Yesterday it was Bolling Hall today it is Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford. It was built on the former site of Manningham Hall using a gift donated by Samuel Lister. It is named after Edmund Cartwright, a Nottinghamshire born clergyman and inventor remembered for his work
Sounds an all to familiar a story sadly.
Thank you.
country's Revolution. Images The Great Church, Byland Abbey, Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 Stanbrook Abbey Church, Wass, Yorkshire - Feilden Clegg and Bradley Studios ® Tim Crocker via The National Churches Trust.
much more modern but also stunning - Stanbrook Abbey Church. The Benedictine nuns moved from Worcestershire to Wass in May 2009. It was designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The house was originally founded by French nuns who had been imprisoned during the
The North York Moors Village of Wass is home to not one but two wonderful abbey buildings. Byland Abbey, is one of the great ruined monasteries of the North, its rose window and soaring arches still commanding awe despite centuries of decay. The other is
needs, grinding wheat into flour for human consumption, and oats and barley into meal to feed livestock.' Image 'Raindale Mill from above (2014) Photo © Keith Edkins (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Raindale Mill, a Victorian watermill was moved to York Castle Museum in the 1960s from the Raindale Valley on the North York Moors. The wheel is powered by a mill pond which uses water from the river below. In its original situation it 'provided for purely small scale local
Thank you for sharing that is really interesting.
🤣That has resulted in an early morning chuckle.
What a superb piece of writing. So honest and from the heart. Some buildings and more importantly the people who occupy them and have occupied them in the past have all left something of themselves in it. Thank you so much for sharing.
I've only just moved to the town so I am still exploring 😊
and some eighteen miles further on from Sowerby Bridge flows through my home village of Horbury on the way to Wakefield.
There are some wonderful canal walks around Calderdale.
the interiors are by Michael D Beckwith, Public Domain.
Tomorrow Bolling Hall, Bradford celebrates 110 years since it opened as a museum in September 1915. Parts of the building date back to the 14th century. It was the home of the Bolling and Tempest families for many years. The external image is courtesy of Tim Green CC BY 2.0 whilst
Ifamilies, the Bollings and the Tempests. mages: external Tim Green CC BY 2.0 Internal Michael D Beckwith, Public Domain
Tomorrow Bolling Hall in Bradford celebrates 110 years of being a museum (September 1915). It was purchased by Bradford Corporation. It is thought parts of the building date back to the 14th century. For many years it was the seat of two major land-owning
I agree totally. At Studley though, they did have the largest folly in the world to work with. 😂
Thank you so much for sharing. That is really interesting.
walk to the towpath, yet stepping onto it felt as though I had crossed miles into another world. Reminders of its working past though still remain. All the images were taken by me March-June 2020.
and cities, they can feel like worlds apart. During those early days of the pandemic, when movement was narrowed and horizons shrank, they became sanctuaries. From the post-industrial town of Castleford where I lived and worked at the time, it was only a short
Our inland waterways are green and blue corridors, winding quietly often through industrial and urban landscapes. Once the very arteries of the Industrial Revolution, they now offer something gentler: an escape. Just a stone’s throw from bustling towns
Thank you so much. I am so pleased you enjoy the magazine and social media posts. I am hoping to produce a little booklet in early October with details of what some of the country houses and museums in Yorkshire etc are offering for Christmas.
Need something to read over the weekend when the wind and rain arrives, I have also dug into the archives and the first six editions of the magazine Jan-June 2023) are also available. Ideal partnered with good coffee and an interest in Yorkshire and it's heritage. Visit payhip.com/HistoryandHe...