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
One of the gems of Leeds is most certainly Temple Newsam and one of its most famous residents was Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley who was born at the house in December 1545. His mother was Lady Margaret Douglas, the daughter of Archibald Douglas, sixth Earl of Angus, and Margaret
November 28, 2025 at 1:32 AM
One of the gems of Leeds is most certainly Temple Newsam and one of its most famous residents was Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley who was born at the house in December 1545. His mother was Lady Margaret Douglas, the daughter of Archibald Douglas, sixth Earl of Angus, and Margaret
An evening painting of Whitby, "Baiting the Lines" 1884 by John Atkinson Grimshaw. It was said that he captured the moonlit images of ‘the rain and mist, the puddles and smoky fog of late Victorian England with great poetry’.
November 27, 2025 at 8:42 PM
An evening painting of Whitby, "Baiting the Lines" 1884 by John Atkinson Grimshaw. It was said that he captured the moonlit images of ‘the rain and mist, the puddles and smoky fog of late Victorian England with great poetry’.
From the Marks and Spencer Company Archive at the University of Leeds comes a Christmas 1932 magazine advert showcasing ready-to-wear women’s clothes. Until then, shoppers could buy only stockings, handkerchiefs and hats at M&S — this was the first time complete outfits were on offer.
November 27, 2025 at 1:13 PM
From the Marks and Spencer Company Archive at the University of Leeds comes a Christmas 1932 magazine advert showcasing ready-to-wear women’s clothes. Until then, shoppers could buy only stockings, handkerchiefs and hats at M&S — this was the first time complete outfits were on offer.
Can I wish all those across the border a very happy Lancashire Day. It marks the day in 1295 when Lancashire first sent representatives to Edward I’s Model Parliament — a moment often taken as the county’s earliest voice in national affairs. It was first celebrated in 1996.
November 27, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Can I wish all those across the border a very happy Lancashire Day. It marks the day in 1295 when Lancashire first sent representatives to Edward I’s Model Parliament — a moment often taken as the county’s earliest voice in national affairs. It was first celebrated in 1996.
Bishop Wilton Wold – better after it's highest point Garrowby Hill – is situated in the Yorkshire Wolds, a broad sweep of farmland rising north of Pocklington, with the A166 skimming its crest. But its quiet fields hold a sombre memory. On the morning of
November 27, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Bishop Wilton Wold – better after it's highest point Garrowby Hill – is situated in the Yorkshire Wolds, a broad sweep of farmland rising north of Pocklington, with the A166 skimming its crest. But its quiet fields hold a sombre memory. On the morning of
The shop fronts in Haworth were looking very festive today. I have to admit that I spent much of the time warm in a coffee shop. Thanks to John for taking me.
November 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The shop fronts in Haworth were looking very festive today. I have to admit that I spent much of the time warm in a coffee shop. Thanks to John for taking me.
Both the pulpit and the font on the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Haworth are made of ornately carved alabaster and were installed during the church's rebuilding in the late 19th century, the previous building having been destroyed due to being unsafe.
November 26, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Both the pulpit and the font on the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Haworth are made of ornately carved alabaster and were installed during the church's rebuilding in the late 19th century, the previous building having been destroyed due to being unsafe.
In 1834 the Leeds and Selby Railway opened, running east–west from a terminus station in Marsh Lane, Leeds to a terminus at Selby. The line opened on 22 September 1834, with only one track complete. The main stations were not completed until a few months after the line
November 26, 2025 at 8:29 AM
In 1834 the Leeds and Selby Railway opened, running east–west from a terminus station in Marsh Lane, Leeds to a terminus at Selby. The line opened on 22 September 1834, with only one track complete. The main stations were not completed until a few months after the line
Heptonstall Museum, currently closed for restoration and neighbouring buildings illustrates perfectly the largely untouched nature of the village over centuries, which means that they have been preserved in a way that emphasises their individual historical and architectural styles.
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Heptonstall Museum, currently closed for restoration and neighbouring buildings illustrates perfectly the largely untouched nature of the village over centuries, which means that they have been preserved in a way that emphasises their individual historical and architectural styles.
Just to let everyone know that the December/Christmas newsletter, The Heritage Letter will be out on Sunday. Don't forget it's available absolutely free of charge should you wish or a donation is welcome. A link will be available on Sunday. #Heritage #Christmas #Yorkshire
November 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Just to let everyone know that the December/Christmas newsletter, The Heritage Letter will be out on Sunday. Don't forget it's available absolutely free of charge should you wish or a donation is welcome. A link will be available on Sunday. #Heritage #Christmas #Yorkshire
The fortified manor house that is Spofforth Castle was originally built in the early 14th century on the site of a prior 11th century building. For much of the time it was in in the hands of the Percy Family. During the Civil War, the castle was occupied by
November 25, 2025 at 7:44 AM
The fortified manor house that is Spofforth Castle was originally built in the early 14th century on the site of a prior 11th century building. For much of the time it was in in the hands of the Percy Family. During the Civil War, the castle was occupied by
With all the medical problems I haven't been to Haworth in ages so delighted to be going with my friend John on Wednesday. So looking forward to it. Image Tim Green CC BY-SA 2.0
November 24, 2025 at 12:41 PM
With all the medical problems I haven't been to Haworth in ages so delighted to be going with my friend John on Wednesday. So looking forward to it. Image Tim Green CC BY-SA 2.0
Reposted by History and Heritage Yorkshire
Last pit ponies at Wheldale colliery, Castleford, Yorkshire, 1972, photo by Don McPhee.
November 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Last pit ponies at Wheldale colliery, Castleford, Yorkshire, 1972, photo by Don McPhee.
The now Grade II listed headstone of railway fireman Edward Booth is a reminder of the tragic Ulleskelf accident which occurred OTD 24 November in 1906 when in fog, the train on which he was working missed a red signal and crashed into a coal train killing himself and the driver.
November 24, 2025 at 6:44 AM
The now Grade II listed headstone of railway fireman Edward Booth is a reminder of the tragic Ulleskelf accident which occurred OTD 24 November in 1906 when in fog, the train on which he was working missed a red signal and crashed into a coal train killing himself and the driver.
The Undercroft of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall was never intended for merchants. This vaulted ground-floor chamber served instead as an almshouse for York’s sick and poor. In 1373 Edward III licensed it to care for thirteen “poor and weak persons”, echoing Christ and the apostles. Wall
November 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The Undercroft of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall was never intended for merchants. This vaulted ground-floor chamber served instead as an almshouse for York’s sick and poor. In 1373 Edward III licensed it to care for thirteen “poor and weak persons”, echoing Christ and the apostles. Wall
The almost domestic size St Leonard’s Church at Chapel-le-Dale stands in a quiet Dales churchyard but one with an unexpectedly vast story beneath its turf. Here lie more than two hundred navvies – and their families – who died while carving the Settle–Carlisle line through some of the wildest
November 23, 2025 at 7:52 AM
The almost domestic size St Leonard’s Church at Chapel-le-Dale stands in a quiet Dales churchyard but one with an unexpectedly vast story beneath its turf. Here lie more than two hundred navvies – and their families – who died while carving the Settle–Carlisle line through some of the wildest
I have loved books as Christmas presents ever since I was a small child both giving and receiving. These days bookshops as much as the books are a delight for me from small and intimate to large where I can sit with a coffee like this one. A favourite
November 23, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I have loved books as Christmas presents ever since I was a small child both giving and receiving. These days bookshops as much as the books are a delight for me from small and intimate to large where I can sit with a coffee like this one. A favourite
From the Gott Collection at The Hepworth, Wakefield, an engraving of the Moot Hall in Briggate, Leeds (1816). The Moot Hall was built in 1618, rebuilt in 1710 and finally demolished in 1826. Engraved by Charles Haith, after Thomas Taylor. Image Public Domain
November 22, 2025 at 8:30 PM
From the Gott Collection at The Hepworth, Wakefield, an engraving of the Moot Hall in Briggate, Leeds (1816). The Moot Hall was built in 1618, rebuilt in 1710 and finally demolished in 1826. Engraved by Charles Haith, after Thomas Taylor. Image Public Domain
"Tomorrow is Stir-up Sunday, when the wooden spoons come out,
Fruit and spice are folded in with laughter round about,"
Please enlarge the image below to read the extract from "A Yorkshire Christmas" on the tradition. #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
Fruit and spice are folded in with laughter round about,"
Please enlarge the image below to read the extract from "A Yorkshire Christmas" on the tradition. #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
November 22, 2025 at 2:18 PM
"Tomorrow is Stir-up Sunday, when the wooden spoons come out,
Fruit and spice are folded in with laughter round about,"
Please enlarge the image below to read the extract from "A Yorkshire Christmas" on the tradition. #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
Fruit and spice are folded in with laughter round about,"
Please enlarge the image below to read the extract from "A Yorkshire Christmas" on the tradition. #Christmas #Yorkshire #Heritage
A school facing closure has announced it is auctioning off two 1930s dining tables. Former pupils of Moorlands School in Leeds donated the oak tables and benches crafted by Robert "Mouseman" Thompson and featuring his trademark mice carvings. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leeds school to auction Mouseman furniture after closure
The dining tables donated by ex-pupils in the 1930s could fetch up to £20,000 in the sale.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 11:27 AM
A school facing closure has announced it is auctioning off two 1930s dining tables. Former pupils of Moorlands School in Leeds donated the oak tables and benches crafted by Robert "Mouseman" Thompson and featuring his trademark mice carvings. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I've posted these before around remembrance time before but they are well worth a view at any time of year. Part of the IWM's Women's Work in the War (1914-18) collection, these photograph show female workers at Craddocks Wire Rope Factory in Wakefield. The firm
November 22, 2025 at 8:41 AM
I've posted these before around remembrance time before but they are well worth a view at any time of year. Part of the IWM's Women's Work in the War (1914-18) collection, these photograph show female workers at Craddocks Wire Rope Factory in Wakefield. The firm
Martin Frobisher who died OTD in 1594 was an explorer and privateer from Altofts, near Wakefield. He is best known for his voyages in search of the Northwest Passage to Asia during the late 16th century. Backed by Elizabethan investors, Frobisher embarked on three expeditions to
November 22, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Martin Frobisher who died OTD in 1594 was an explorer and privateer from Altofts, near Wakefield. He is best known for his voyages in search of the Northwest Passage to Asia during the late 16th century. Backed by Elizabethan investors, Frobisher embarked on three expeditions to
Explorer Isabella Bird was born at Boroughbridge Hall in 1831, the home of her grandmother. A precocious but sickly child, doctors prescribed a sea journey and in 1854 her love of travel began with her traveling with her cousins to their home in the US
November 21, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Explorer Isabella Bird was born at Boroughbridge Hall in 1831, the home of her grandmother. A precocious but sickly child, doctors prescribed a sea journey and in 1854 her love of travel began with her traveling with her cousins to their home in the US
The 18th century packhorse bridge located in the shadow of Dent Head Viaduct make a stunning contrast. Construction of the viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle route began in 1869, and was completed in 1875. The viaduct is 596 feet (182 m) long, 100 feet (30 m) high.
November 21, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The 18th century packhorse bridge located in the shadow of Dent Head Viaduct make a stunning contrast. Construction of the viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle route began in 1869, and was completed in 1875. The viaduct is 596 feet (182 m) long, 100 feet (30 m) high.