In search of Yorkshire’s oldest building

by Jonathan Rudd Have you ever wondered what the oldest building in Yorkshire is? Find out below as we take a journey through the county’s historic buildings. To qualify at least some of the original building must exist, even if there have been more modern additions. Secondly ruins are counted, even if only fragments of

5 Lost Yorkshire Stately Homes

They were once magnificent residencies built in an age of British wealth and prosperity, but for varying reasons were abandoned and destroyed, permanently erased from the Yorkshire landscape. 1. Howley Hall This once magnificent house, located between Morley and Batley in West Yorkshire, was once one of the area’s most elegant stately homes. Boasting panoramic

5 Yorkshire Christmas Customs

The re-invention of Christmas in the 19th Century also started some rather curious customs in Yorkshire, some of which still continue to this day, or are still within living memory. 1. Poor Old Hoss The bizarre “Poor old Hoss” ritual takes place every Christmas Eve in Richmond’s marketplace. A person wearing a horse’s head made of

A Very Yorkshire Christmas

 “Nowhere are the traditions of Christmas kept up with such splendour as in Yorkshire.” (Visitor to the county 1812) Yorkshire is a fantastic place to be all year round, but at Christmas it is extra special. It has always been an area full of tradition, none more so than over the festive period. Throughout history

Yorkshire Folk Part 13 – George Hudson

Have you ever wondered why railways and the City of York go hand in hand? It is largely down to the work of George Hudson, the Railway King. Early Life George Hudson was born in the small village of Howsham, just twelve miles north of York in 1800. He had a tragic childhood when both

5 Great Yorkshire estate Villages

An estate village is a settlement which is part of a larger tract of land, which is owned by an individual wealthy family, often through several generations. Once commonplace throughout Yorkshire, these villages have since dwindled to only a few which still remain to this day.  1. Londesborough In the heart of the East Riding and at the

5 Lost Sports Stadia in Yorkshire

They were once cathedrals of sporting entertainment, but are now lost and forgotten. Here are 5 Yorkshire sporting venues which have long since seen their last goal, run, or try. 1. Park Avenue- Bradford The Park Avenue stadium in Bradford was opened in 1880 as a multi-sport venue, boasting both a football and cricket pitch adjacent

5 Yorkshire Myths and Legends

by Jonathan Rudd There’s a lot of mysterious going’s on in Yorkshire! From werewolves near the coast to fairies down the bottom of the garden, our great county has many a strange tale to tell! 1. The Wold Newton Triangle The mysterious Wold Newton triangle is an area of special paranormal interest, from Bridlington in the South, to

A Portrait of Kirkstall Abbey and Its Changing Landscape

by Jonathan Rudd Background of the Painting Thomas Girtin was an artist from London, who during his tragically short life produced an amazing body of work. As a teenager he became friends with JMW Turner and they inspired each other to master the art of water colour. Girtin had already painted several other structures, including Guisborough

Yorkshire Folk Part 10 – Ernie Wise

Ernie Wise was a famous Yorkshire comedian, who formed one half of the best known double acts to ever grace British television. Along with his on-stage partner, Eric Morecambe he became a national institution with the Morecambe and Wise show, which ran from 1968 to 1983. Throughout this period their Christmas specials became essential peak