History and Heritage Yorkshire
@handhyorkshire.bsky.social
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
Step into Yorkshire Christmases Past at York Castle Museum. From tomorrow you can explore over 200 years of festive traditions as Kirkgate, the museum’s Victorian street, is dressed with period decorations and Christmas trees. Before the red-suited figure popularised 1/4
November 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Step into Yorkshire Christmases Past at York Castle Museum. From tomorrow you can explore over 200 years of festive traditions as Kirkgate, the museum’s Victorian street, is dressed with period decorations and Christmas trees. Before the red-suited figure popularised 1/4
Earlier this morning someone was telling me that they have a long family history connection with a certain church. Greater mobility however, is reshaping our sense of place, and it’s already changed how families think about their roots. As people move more often, and far from
November 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Earlier this morning someone was telling me that they have a long family history connection with a certain church. Greater mobility however, is reshaping our sense of place, and it’s already changed how families think about their roots. As people move more often, and far from
St. Peter's Church, Sowerby Bridge has a history dating back to at least 1592, with the current building being the third on the site, constructed between 1763 and 1766. The current Georgian structure, built by stonemason John Wilson and based on Holy
November 14, 2025 at 7:15 AM
St. Peter's Church, Sowerby Bridge has a history dating back to at least 1592, with the current building being the third on the site, constructed between 1763 and 1766. The current Georgian structure, built by stonemason John Wilson and based on Holy
Situated in what was the former hamlet of Norton Lees, a tiny village surrounded by the fields of the Derbyshire countryside, with Sheffield a small town some two miles away is the Bishops House. Dating to around the mid 16th century with later rebuilding and extensions, the
November 14, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Situated in what was the former hamlet of Norton Lees, a tiny village surrounded by the fields of the Derbyshire countryside, with Sheffield a small town some two miles away is the Bishops House. Dating to around the mid 16th century with later rebuilding and extensions, the
Following on from this morning's post. The Citadel Watchtower, Hull is a 17th-century remnant of the Citadel (1681–90). The tower eventually served as a folly in East Park’s “Khyber Pass” gardens before being restored to its present site. Paul Glazzard / Citadel watchtower, Hull / CC BY-SA 2.0
November 13, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Following on from this morning's post. The Citadel Watchtower, Hull is a 17th-century remnant of the Citadel (1681–90). The tower eventually served as a folly in East Park’s “Khyber Pass” gardens before being restored to its present site. Paul Glazzard / Citadel watchtower, Hull / CC BY-SA 2.0
Yorkshire will sparkle this Christmas, from Harewood’s handmade Regency wonderland to Harlow Carr’s glowing winter gardens see my piece from October at yorkshirebylines.co.uk/region/craft... #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
Craft, colour and light: festive traditions in Yorkshire
Yorkshire will sparkle this Christmas, from Harewood’s handmade Regency wonderland to Harlow Carr’s glowing winter gardens
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Yorkshire will sparkle this Christmas, from Harewood’s handmade Regency wonderland to Harlow Carr’s glowing winter gardens see my piece from October at yorkshirebylines.co.uk/region/craft... #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
Reposted by History and Heritage Yorkshire
"Reader, I married him"
- Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Reading Jane Eyre again reminded me of the day we visited #WycollerHall, said to have inspired #FerndeanManor, the secluded house where Jane and Rochester finally find peace. Standing among the ruins felt truly magical.✨
#Brontë #JaneEyre
- Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Reading Jane Eyre again reminded me of the day we visited #WycollerHall, said to have inspired #FerndeanManor, the secluded house where Jane and Rochester finally find peace. Standing among the ruins felt truly magical.✨
#Brontë #JaneEyre
November 11, 2025 at 3:33 PM
"Reader, I married him"
- Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Reading Jane Eyre again reminded me of the day we visited #WycollerHall, said to have inspired #FerndeanManor, the secluded house where Jane and Rochester finally find peace. Standing among the ruins felt truly magical.✨
#Brontë #JaneEyre
- Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Reading Jane Eyre again reminded me of the day we visited #WycollerHall, said to have inspired #FerndeanManor, the secluded house where Jane and Rochester finally find peace. Standing among the ruins felt truly magical.✨
#Brontë #JaneEyre
Hull Castle was an artillery fort in Kingston upon Hull together with two supporting blockhouses. It defended the eastern side of the River Hull, and was constructed by King Henry VIII to protect against attack from France. It was heavily redesigned in the 17th
November 13, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Hull Castle was an artillery fort in Kingston upon Hull together with two supporting blockhouses. It defended the eastern side of the River Hull, and was constructed by King Henry VIII to protect against attack from France. It was heavily redesigned in the 17th
The grade I listed Garforth House stands at 54 Micklegate in York’s city centre. It has recently gone on the market at some £3.5m. The site once held two early 18th-century tenements, bought by William Garforth and his nephew Edmund, who cleared them in the 1750s to
November 13, 2025 at 1:57 AM
The grade I listed Garforth House stands at 54 Micklegate in York’s city centre. It has recently gone on the market at some £3.5m. The site once held two early 18th-century tenements, bought by William Garforth and his nephew Edmund, who cleared them in the 1750s to
Dancing, Marie Hartley
The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate Marie Hartley MBE (1905 – 2006) was a writer/co-writer often with Ella Pontefract) and illustrator of some 40 books on the social history of Yorkshire and especially of the Dales.
The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate Marie Hartley MBE (1905 – 2006) was a writer/co-writer often with Ella Pontefract) and illustrator of some 40 books on the social history of Yorkshire and especially of the Dales.
November 12, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Dancing, Marie Hartley
The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate Marie Hartley MBE (1905 – 2006) was a writer/co-writer often with Ella Pontefract) and illustrator of some 40 books on the social history of Yorkshire and especially of the Dales.
The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate Marie Hartley MBE (1905 – 2006) was a writer/co-writer often with Ella Pontefract) and illustrator of some 40 books on the social history of Yorkshire and especially of the Dales.
By the late 12th century, Byland Abbey had a grange and iron forge at Bentley Grange near Emley. Records from 1226 suggest both smelting and forging took place, but by the 15th century the site had reverted to farmland. After Byland’s dissolution in 1538, Bentley Grange was
November 12, 2025 at 5:23 PM
By the late 12th century, Byland Abbey had a grange and iron forge at Bentley Grange near Emley. Records from 1226 suggest both smelting and forging took place, but by the 15th century the site had reverted to farmland. After Byland’s dissolution in 1538, Bentley Grange was
19 October 1942 – Inside the South Brook Street wash-house, Hunslet. Rows of shower frames with soap bowls line the room, washing instructions on the wall behind. Such council wash-houses brought hot water and hygiene to crowded homes and became valued community meeting places.
November 12, 2025 at 1:01 PM
19 October 1942 – Inside the South Brook Street wash-house, Hunslet. Rows of shower frames with soap bowls line the room, washing instructions on the wall behind. Such council wash-houses brought hot water and hygiene to crowded homes and became valued community meeting places.
Described by Pevsner as a 'fascinating work marking the ultimate development of (A Randall Wells') individualistic stand of Arts and Crafts architecture' and elsewhere as 'bridging the gap between Arts and Crafts style and modernism,' St Wilfred's, Halton in Leeds
November 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Described by Pevsner as a 'fascinating work marking the ultimate development of (A Randall Wells') individualistic stand of Arts and Crafts architecture' and elsewhere as 'bridging the gap between Arts and Crafts style and modernism,' St Wilfred's, Halton in Leeds
Probably 13th century stonework from the Cistercian Abbey at Rievaulx. It appears to show packhorses and a working mill. The monastery was one of the richest in the country, its wealth built on the mining of lead and iron, and the rearing of sheep and the sale of their wool.
November 11, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Probably 13th century stonework from the Cistercian Abbey at Rievaulx. It appears to show packhorses and a working mill. The monastery was one of the richest in the country, its wealth built on the mining of lead and iron, and the rearing of sheep and the sale of their wool.
At 5am on 11 November 1918, an armistice was signed and hostilities on the Western Front ceased at 11am. Although the peace treaties that would formally end the First World War would not be signed until 1919. Celebrations, that day in the West Riding were often led by the women
November 11, 2025 at 6:20 AM
At 5am on 11 November 1918, an armistice was signed and hostilities on the Western Front ceased at 11am. Although the peace treaties that would formally end the First World War would not be signed until 1919. Celebrations, that day in the West Riding were often led by the women
Nestled between the M18 motorway and the East Coast Mainline railway, Potteric Carr is a 200-hectare nature reserve on the outskirts of Doncaster comprising reedbeds, ponds, woods, and meadow. It is a surviving fragment of the great Humberhead Levels fenland.
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Nestled between the M18 motorway and the East Coast Mainline railway, Potteric Carr is a 200-hectare nature reserve on the outskirts of Doncaster comprising reedbeds, ponds, woods, and meadow. It is a surviving fragment of the great Humberhead Levels fenland.
Moulton Hall near Richmond was rebuilt on the site of a previous building in the mid 17th century for the Smithson family. Perhaps it's most interesting owner though was Sir Ralph Millbanke who sold it when his daughter made a disastrous marriage to Lord Byron.
November 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Moulton Hall near Richmond was rebuilt on the site of a previous building in the mid 17th century for the Smithson family. Perhaps it's most interesting owner though was Sir Ralph Millbanke who sold it when his daughter made a disastrous marriage to Lord Byron.
York's Clifford’s Tower is to be given a new setting. York Council approved plans for a £10 million redevelopment of the surrounding area, replacing the Castle car park with green parkland, walkways and "spaces for reflection." The mound beneath the tower was the site of the 1190
November 10, 2025 at 8:43 AM
York's Clifford’s Tower is to be given a new setting. York Council approved plans for a £10 million redevelopment of the surrounding area, replacing the Castle car park with green parkland, walkways and "spaces for reflection." The mound beneath the tower was the site of the 1190
This Frank Meadow Sutcliffe photograph taken in Whitby brings back memories. My mother, a regular knitter used to buy her knitting wool in hanks. It was then my job to hold out the wool whilst it was wound into balls. It resembled a giants cats cradle.
November 10, 2025 at 7:28 AM
This Frank Meadow Sutcliffe photograph taken in Whitby brings back memories. My mother, a regular knitter used to buy her knitting wool in hanks. It was then my job to hold out the wool whilst it was wound into balls. It resembled a giants cats cradle.
Last one for today. Private Ernest Taylor 1896 - 1916, Service: 15 March 1915 – 1 October 1916 - York and Lancaster Regiment 6th Battalion. On his death a letter was sent from the Rev Rees, Army Chaplain to the Rev Elford, the Vicar of Horbury Junction: 1/4
November 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Last one for today. Private Ernest Taylor 1896 - 1916, Service: 15 March 1915 – 1 October 1916 - York and Lancaster Regiment 6th Battalion. On his death a letter was sent from the Rev Rees, Army Chaplain to the Rev Elford, the Vicar of Horbury Junction: 1/4
Step inside the old prison walls at York and you’re suddenly walking through history: past shop windows trimmed with holly, the scent of baking mince pies in the air, and a sense that Dickens himself might be just around the corner. I have been invited to travel back in time
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Step inside the old prison walls at York and you’re suddenly walking through history: past shop windows trimmed with holly, the scent of baking mince pies in the air, and a sense that Dickens himself might be just around the corner. I have been invited to travel back in time
The Featherstone War Horse officially titled A Place of Peace to be Together stands in Mill Pond Meadow as a powerful tribute to the 353 local men who died in the First World War. Inspired by the research of local historian Tony Lumb, the memorial grew from a community project that saw 353 trees
November 9, 2025 at 9:36 AM
The Featherstone War Horse officially titled A Place of Peace to be Together stands in Mill Pond Meadow as a powerful tribute to the 353 local men who died in the First World War. Inspired by the research of local historian Tony Lumb, the memorial grew from a community project that saw 353 trees
Across the quiet fields the poppies burn,
Their crimson glow where lost hearts turn;
Each bloom a name the wind recalls,
Whispered softly through autumn’s halls.
Beneath this sky, so still, so wide,
The past walks gently by our side.
'The Poppy Fields - Ackworth' Courtesy of Tim Hill #Remembrance
Their crimson glow where lost hearts turn;
Each bloom a name the wind recalls,
Whispered softly through autumn’s halls.
Beneath this sky, so still, so wide,
The past walks gently by our side.
'The Poppy Fields - Ackworth' Courtesy of Tim Hill #Remembrance
November 9, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Across the quiet fields the poppies burn,
Their crimson glow where lost hearts turn;
Each bloom a name the wind recalls,
Whispered softly through autumn’s halls.
Beneath this sky, so still, so wide,
The past walks gently by our side.
'The Poppy Fields - Ackworth' Courtesy of Tim Hill #Remembrance
Their crimson glow where lost hearts turn;
Each bloom a name the wind recalls,
Whispered softly through autumn’s halls.
Beneath this sky, so still, so wide,
The past walks gently by our side.
'The Poppy Fields - Ackworth' Courtesy of Tim Hill #Remembrance
The manor of Steeton, once known as Stiveton, was held by the Reygate family from the mid-13th century. Its striking two-storey gateway, built around the 1360s or 1370s by William de Reygate, a royal escheator for Yorkshire, once controlled entry to the family’s fortified
November 8, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The manor of Steeton, once known as Stiveton, was held by the Reygate family from the mid-13th century. Its striking two-storey gateway, built around the 1360s or 1370s by William de Reygate, a royal escheator for Yorkshire, once controlled entry to the family’s fortified
You never quite know what you will find when renovating buildings. Sometime it is bad and costly news but in this case it was interesting. While restoring the 19th-century University of Huddersfield's Ramsden building Henry Boot Construction uncovered some hand-painted Victorian wallpaper hidden
November 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
You never quite know what you will find when renovating buildings. Sometime it is bad and costly news but in this case it was interesting. While restoring the 19th-century University of Huddersfield's Ramsden building Henry Boot Construction uncovered some hand-painted Victorian wallpaper hidden