Yorkshire History
Discover the rich heritage, archaeology, and historical stories that shaped Yorkshire.
A look at the history of St John's Church, East Witton, with Dr Emma Wells
Discover the fascinating history of East Witton’s two churches, from the overgrown remains of medieval St Martin’s at Low Thorpe to the striking St John’s Church.
Castleford Roman Festival Offers Free Family Activities on 30 May 2026
Join the Castleford Roman Festival this May Half-Term to explore the town's rich Roman heritage through engaging activities, performances, and crafts for all ages.
A look at the history of Thruscross Reservoir, with Dr Emma Wells
Thruscross Reservoir in the Washburn Valley hides the haunting remains of the lost village of West End beneath its waters. Built in the 1950s and completed in 1966 to supply growing Yorkshire cities with water, the reservoir transformed the landscape forever, displacing farms, homes, and even a churchyard. During dry summers, traces of the submerged settlement still emerge from the receding water, offering a glimpse into a vanished Yorkshire community.
A look at the history of Leighton Reservoir and Roundhill Reservoir, with Dr Emma Wells
Leighton and Roundhill Reservoirs in Colsterdale were built in the early 20th century as part of efforts to supply water to growing Yorkshire towns and cities. Their construction was shaped by political disputes, opposition from influential landowners, and rivalry between Leeds and Harrogate councils, but the reservoirs ultimately became impressive examples of Victorian-era engineering in the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
Wentworth Woodhouse Volunteers Restore Historic Windows, Saving £20,000 for Preservation Trust
As National Volunteers Week approaches, discover how six dedicated volunteers restored Georgian windows at Wentworth Woodhouse, saving £20,000 and preserving lo
A look at the history of St Chad’s Church, Hutton-le-Hole, with Dr Emma Wells
Discover St Chad’s Church in Hutton-le-Hole, a charming 1930s village church with deep links to Yorkshire’s early Christian history. Learn about its connection to St Chad and Lastingham, unique architecture, Mouseman furnishings, historic stained glass, and peaceful setting in the heart of the North York Moors.
Brontë Birthplace Prepares for First Anniversary Celebrations on May 15, 2026
The Brontë Birthplace in Thornton celebrates its first anniversary on May 15, 2026, with special exhibitions and events, highlighting its significance in litera
Burton Constable Hall to Host 1940s Weekend in September 2026
Join the 1940s Weekend at Burton Constable Hall in September 2026 for a nostalgic journey through wartime Britain, featuring live entertainment and historical re-enactments.
When and Where the Annual Air Raid Service to Take Place in Hull
Join the annual Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service in Hull to mark the 85th anniversary of the 1941 Blitz. Find out how to attend this free event.
A look at the history of Town Head Barn, Malham, with Dr Emma Wells
Town Head Barn in Malhamdale is a restored 18th-century field barn in the Yorkshire Dales, built from local limestone to withstand harsh conditions. Now cared for by the National Trust, it offers insight into traditional farming and rural heritage.
New blue plaque installed today marks innovating factory in York
The York Civic Trust has unveiled a distinctive blue plaque at the Cocoa Works. Inspired by Kit Kat wrappers, it honours the Rowntree factory's sweet legacy.
A look at the history of Holy Wells, Lastingham, with Dr Emma Wells
Lastingham in the North York Moors is a historic village known for its sacred springs and 7th-century monastery founded by Saint Cedd, with lasting religious heritage still visible at St Mary’s Church.
A look at the history of Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications, with Dr Emma Wells
Stanwick Iron Age fortifications near Richmond are among Britain’s largest prehistoric earthworks, spanning over 766 acres and linked to the Brigantes tribe, offering key insights into Iron Age society and early Roman Britain.
Discover the Story of the Flower-Obsessed Aristocrat at Brodsworth Hall
Visit Brodsworth Hall for 'A Season of Flowers', a new exhibition on Sylvia Grant-Dalton's passion for flowers that even blocked the pipes! See treasures & displays.
A look at the history of Old Gang Smelt Mill, with Dr Emma Wells
Discover the historic Old Gang Smelt Mill in the North Pennines, a remarkably preserved 18th–19th century lead smelting site above Gunnerside Gill, showcasing early wind-powered industrial technology, Viking heritage origins, and the evolution of mining in northern England.
Your Complete Guide to the Yeadon Aviation 'Bring Annie Home' Event
Join the historic homecoming of "Gentle Annie" (MH120), the world's last airworthy Avro Anson. See the Yeadon-built plane at a 3-day family event in Yorkshire.
A look at the history of Arncliffe Hall, with Dr Emma Wells
Arncliffe Hall near Ingleby Arncliffe, set beneath the North York Moors, is a historic country estate with origins dating back to the Domesday Book. Rebuilt in the mid-18th century by John Carr of York for the Mauleverer family, the hall reflects centuries of architectural evolution, landscaped gardens and estate design, remaining in private ownership since its sale to Sir Lowthian Bell in 1902.
Rewriting 1066: The Research That Shows English History’s Biggest March Is a Myth
Forget the story of King Harold's heroic march to Hastings. New evidence shows the English king used a powerful naval fleet in a clever strategy.
150-Year Old Silver Plate Jugs from Yorkshire Found in New Zealand Charity Shop
John 'Boggy' McDowell QSM discovered a piece of Victorian history at the Queenstown Hospice Shop. See how these 1873 pots travelled from Yorkshire to Queenstown, NZ.
A look at the history of Brough Park, with Dr Emma Wells
Discover Brough Park near Richmond, North Yorkshire, where Brough Hall evolved from a 15th-century tower house into an elegant country estate, set within landscaped parkland of bridges, trees and historic features.
Your Complete Guide to the Malton Museum 2026 Programme
Malton Museum reopens for its 2026 season with new exhibits on Roman mysticism and medieval merchants. Discover ancient magic, monks, and a Victorian pharmacy.
A look at the history of St Mary's Church, Birdforth, with Dr Emma Wells
St Mary’s Church in Birdforth, North Yorkshire, is a small but historically rich Norman-era rural church dating back to the 12th century. This redundant church remains a fascinating heritage site showcasing England’s rural ecclesiastical history.
Mother's Day at the Brontë Birthplace
Treat your mother this Mother's Day at the Brontë Birthplace in Thornton. Enjoy a guided history tour and afternoon tea, or buy a limited edition beam from the house.
South Tower on Wentworth Woodhouse's grand Palladian front to be restored
The Landmark Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to save the decaying South Tower at Wentworth Woodhouse, aiming to restore the 18th-century room from ruin.
A look at the history of York Railway Station, with Dr Emma Wells
Dr Emma Wells traces the transformative railway history of York railway station, from the 1841 Tanner Row terminus designed by George Townsend Andrews to the vast 1877 through-station engineered by Thomas Elliot Harrison. Once the largest station in the world, its soaring iron-and-glass train shed and adjoining Royal Station Hotel symbolised Victorian ambition, firmly positioning York at the heart of Britain’s railway age.
A look at the history of Drake How Cairn, with Dr Emma Wells
In this heritage feature, Dr Emma Wells explores the ancient story of Drake Howe Cairn on Cringle Moor in the Cleveland Hills. Dating to around 2000 BC, this prominent Bronze Age burial mound—also known as Odin’s Grave—reveals evidence of ceremonial cremation and early territorial identity, standing today as a quiet but powerful prehistoric landmark within the North York Moors landscape.
A look at the history of Old Racecourse, Richmond, with Dr Emma Wells
In this heritage feature, Dr Emma Wells explores the fascinating history of Richmond Racecourse near Richmond, tracing its Georgian rise as a leading sporting venue from 1765 to its closure in 1891. Featuring the ruins of a 1770s grandstand attributed to John Carr—recognised as the world’s oldest surviving stone-built public grandstand—the site remains a rare architectural and social legacy of Yorkshire’s equestrian past.
A look at the history of St Mary’s Church, Leake, with Dr Emma Wells
In this Yorkshire.com history and heritage feature, Dr Emma Wells uncovers the remarkable story of St Mary’s Church, Leake near Thirsk and Northallerton, a Grade I listed medieval parish church with Norman origins dating to c.1100. From its Saxon cross and 13th-century piscina to later Gothic additions and Jacobean furnishings, the church stands as a rare architectural palimpsest, preserving nearly 1,000 years of religious, social and manorial history in rural North Yorkshire.
A look at the history of Eshton Hall with Dr Emma Wells
In this Yorkshire.com heritage feature, Dr Emma Wells explores the rich architectural evolution of Eshton Hall near Malham, tracing its origins from a possible 12th-century hall to its bold 1825–27 Elizabethan Revival transformation by George Webster for MP and cloth merchant Matthew Wilson.
A look at the history of St Peter and St Felix’s Church, Kirby Hill with Dr Emma Wells
St Peter and St Felix’s Church in Kirby Hill is a remarkable North Yorkshire parish church showcasing continuous architectural development from the 12th to the 19th century. Featuring a 1397 Perpendicular west tower, Romanesque chancel, medieval nave arcades and significant monuments to figures such as Dr John Dakyn and Thomas Wycliffe.
A look at the history of St Mary’s Church, Beverley, with Dr Emma Wells
St Mary’s Church in Beverley is a masterpiece shaped by the hands and generosity of local people rather than bishops or monastic orders. Founded around 1120 as a chapel to Beverley Minster, it grew alongside the town’s prosperous medieval merchant community.
A look at the history of Grantley Hall, with Dr Emma Wells
Explore the rich history of Grantley Hall, Ripon, from its origins as part of the medieval Fountains Abbey estate to its transformation into a luxurious modern wellness retreat, tracing centuries of architectural evolution, private ownership, and landscaped innovation in the heart of the River Skell valley.
A Complete Guide to the Heritage Project "Our Place": Acomb and Westfield
York Civic Trust invites Acomb & Westfield residents to share stories about local places for a new community-led heritage project. Get involved this spring!
Your Guide to the Free to Visit Huge Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition to Take Place in Barnsley
Visit Barnsley for the free Yorkshire Heritage Summit & Exhibition. This public event showcases the region's culture with diverse activities and demonstrations.
A look at the history of Thorp Perrow Hall, with Dr Emma Wells
Thorp Perrow Hall near Bedale is an elegant 18th-century country house set within a remarkable North Yorkshire estate. Surrounded by landscaped lakes and terraces, it is also home to a nationally significant 100-acre arboretum planted in the 20th century, now showcasing more than 2,500 tree species and open seasonally to visitors.
Everything You Need to Know About the Historic Cannon Unearthed During Queen’s Gardens Transformation Works
An incredible discovery in Hull! A historic 18th-century cannon was found during excavation work. Learn about its link to the city's maritime military past.
First Piece of Hull’s Maritime Resurgence Reopens Is a Landmark Moment for the City
Hull's iconic Spurn Lightship reopens after a major restoration. Discover the city's rich maritime heritage aboard this floating museum, a key Hull Maritime project.
Find England's Finest View In Yorkshire At Sutton Bank
Is this England's finest view? Author James Herriot thought so. Discover the breathtaking panorama from Sutton Bank in the North York Moors, a historic cliff-edge with a quirky village.
A look at the history of Old Pasture Lime Kiln, with Dr Emma Wells
What is The York Mystery Plays Festival 2026?
A look at the history of Swinner Gill Lead Mines, with Dr Emma Wells
A look at the history of Greygarth Monument, Dallowgill, with Dr Emma Wells
A look at the history of Fort Gregory, Grassington, with Dr Emma Wells
A look at the history of The Old Jail, Ripon, with Dr Emma Wells
What Is The Mystical Wold Newton Triangle In East Yorkshire
Uncover the secrets of the Wold Newton Triangle. From werewolves and fairies to a screaming skull and a mysterious monolith, find out why this area is so mystical.
What Is The Pontefract Hermitage And Dispensary Digital Project In West Yorkshire?
Archive Service Award for Hull History Centre
What Are the Best Rainy Day Activities for Families With an English Heritage Membership
A look at the history of Nunnington Hall, with Dr Emma Wells
