A NEW 250-page book detailing the people, their way of life and how they made a living in days gone by in the Craven parish of Bolton-by-Bowland has been written and published by historian and chartered surveyor John Pallister.

John, himself a resident of Bolton by Bowland, has compiled a written documentary of life in the parish from ancient to more modern times; detailing the work people did and the places they lived; many within a stone's throw of the former stately home, Bolton Hall, which was demolished many decades ago.

The book covers 33 topics ranging from the Pudsey family, its heirs and the Bolton Estate, pubs, the workforce at the time, the arrival of electricity and leisure pastimes which parishioners enjoyed.

"It is more than a reference book, although it is crammed with historical facts and events along with a conclusion and appendices. I think it is really vibrant and of interest to anyone living in Craven," said John.

He states in his introduction that it was in 1981 that he first had any interest in Bolton by Bowland. In the 1960s he had attended a few dances in the school organised by the Young Farmers, as well as several business meetings about the ICI pipeline project which ran between Middlesbrough and Preston. The meetings were in the Coach and Horses Inn where the land agent for ICI was in temporary lodgings.

John added: "It was in 1981 that the Bolton Hall Estate, which had obtained planning consent for the conversion of the barn at Howgills, placed it on the market and open to offers. Mine was at the top of the pile.

"Forty two years later we live at Howgills and have a daughter returned to her own home in the village as well as two granddaughters schooled at the village school.

"This book is not the first and almost certainly not the last review of our village past. However, I remain hopeful that my efforts will broaden and expand upon what has gone before and perhaps make some information more accessible."

Our Craven Parish Bolton by Bowland is priced at £12.50 and can be bought subject to availability at Tim's Tea Room, in Bolton-by-Bowland, at Holden Clough Nursery which is sponsoring the book, and from the author by emailing: info@pallisters.co.uk for pre-arranged pickup at Skipton or Clitheroe.

Proceeds are being donated to the repair and upkeep of St Peter and Paul's Church, Bolton-by-Bowland.