Kilnsey Crag - an iconic Yorkshire landmark popular with climbers, fell runners and tourists
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.
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?
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag - a hidden gem in Knaresborough
York’s Anglian Tower – Top of Historic-UK’s most interesting historical sites in England