History & Landscape
This section of my blog will provide information and stories about Yorkshire's extensive history and heritage. From Jurassic fossils, bronze age stone circles and roman remains, through to the Normans, Tudors, Georgians & Victorians as well as more modern day industrial archaeology - there are so many tales to tell.
We also have many historic houses and gardens, towns and cities. The Queen's father George VI once said "The history of York is the history of England" - so we will also be featuring many blogs about this historic city.
As well as history I also wanted to cover Yorkshire's heritage from traditions, past industries and folklore. With Yorkshire fondly known as "God's own county" due to its heavenly landscape, we will also cover the stunning scenery and Yorkshire's many beautiful locations, exploring how the geology, geographical events and mans influence has helped shape the landscape.
There are lots of articles about Landscape & History below. I hope you find them interesting and please feel free to leave your feedback or share them on social media.


A Brief history of Clifford's Tower in York

Kilnsey Crag - an iconic Yorkshire landmark popular with climbers, fell runners and tourists

The ancient tradition of Whitby’s Penny Hedge

York’s Ingram Hospital – a 17th century almshouse with a Norman doorway


When the Golf’s Ryder Cup came to Leeds…(the first ever tournament on British soil held in 1929!)

Fossil Footprints found at Hardraw Force turned out to be the oldest tracks from an amphibian ever found in the UK

Adam Sedgwick Memorial Dent – a fitting tribute to the “founder of modern geology”

Hard to believe that Hippo’s once roamed around Leeds…

St. James Church in Nunburnholme with its ancient stone cross carved by Anglo Saxon and Viking sculptors


Selby Abbey’s - its Links to George Washington and the Stars & Stripes Flag

Aysgarth’s Edwardian Rock Garden – a hidden gem in the Dales

The Lilla Cross – the oldest Christian memorial in the North

Wakefield’s Chantry Chapel - one of only 5 surviving bridge chantries in England

The Yorkshire Medieval Priory and its part in the WW2 D-Day Landings…


Goodmanham – a sacred religious site in Pagan times and a turning point in Yorkshire’s spiritual & political history

5 Rise Locks - one of the wonders of the waterways on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Bingley

The Great Survivor! - Ripon Cathedral’s Ancient Saxon Crypt founded in 672

Janet’s Foss – one of the prettiest waterfalls in Yorkshire & often used as a screen location


Wakefield Cathedral’s unique Choir Stalls & Misericords

The Marmion Tower in West Tanfield

The mystery surrounding the wreck of The Admiral Van Tromp at Saltwick Bay

The Battle of Stamford Bridge – the end of the Viking era & its impact on the Norman Conquest

A walk past Danby Castle and up and over Danby Rigg with standing stones and heather in bloom

Cawthorn Roman Camp - remnants from the Roman Expire outside Pickering

Hubberholme Church and its rare monastic Rood Loft

The Wagoners’ Memorial near Sledmere House - a monument to the local men who lost their lives in WW1

Brimham Rocks – man made or natural - how this iconic rock formation came to be?

Beggars Bridge – a labour of love (literally) in the North York Moors

St.Gregory’s Minster – and its unique Anglo-Saxon Sundial

Prince William of Hatfield – York Minster’s only Royal tomb

Castle Hill near Huddersfield – a scheduled monument with over 4000 years history

The Cutlers Hall in Sheffield & discovering the 400 year history of The Company of Cutlers

Cartimandua - Queen of the Brigantes - a powerful Briton in Roman times

The Rudston Monolith – did you know the tallest ancient megalith in the UK is in Yorkshire?

Saltaire United Reformed Church – a Cathedral of Congregationalism

The Original Oak & The Skyrack pubs in Headingley and their Viking origins!

Yockenthwaite Stone Circle – ceremonial site, burial mound or medieval sheep pen?


York Minster's Bell Founders Window - a blatant medieval advertisement

Ever wondered why is there a Polar Bear sitting above Holland & Barrett near the bridge in Whitby?

The Gibbet - Halifax's violent execution machine

York Minster's Sinister Doomstone

The Treasurers House, York – Frank Green’s palace of entertainment

Lastingham Church and its ancient Crypt

Sir Thomas Fairfax – an Ilkley man bringing discipline and integrity to the English Civil War

Barker Tower – a little tower with a big history

Swaledale’s beautiful wildflower meadows

The Medieval Frescoes in St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church in Pickering

The Black Prince in Leeds City Square

What is a Minster?
