Craven Herald | Craven History

Glusburn Institute still going strong after 120 years

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Glusburn Institute has just changed its name to Glusburn Community and Arts Centre. The move comes after ownership of the 19th century building moved from the parish council to a trust set up by the institute’s management committee. “It will always be known as the institute locally,” said chairman of the board of directors Gill Birks. Deputy editor Lindsey Moore looks at its history.

Driving gales that could stop a steam train in its tracks

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:50:00 +0000

At Ribblehead, the weather often comes sideways. A west wind, funnelled by the Lune Valley, then by the deep trough of Chapel-le-Dale, gives a banshee-type wail as it meets its first real obstruction – the celebrated viaduct. Dr Bill Mitchell, of Giggleswick, has been fascinated by the breezy aspect of Ribblehead for more than 60 years. He records some local experiences of grim weather.

A rambler’s tale of things that go bump in the night

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:10:00 +0000

There is nothing better during the cold, dark winter nights than huddling round an open fire to be regaled with tales of ghosts and ghouls haunting crumbling old houses.

Victorian horror at murder of baby for money

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:50:00 +0000

Almost 170 years ago, in one of Craven’s most shocking crimes – described as “unusual and repugnant” – John Rodda used sulphuric acid to murder his baby daughter. Editor Adrian Braddy finds out more.

The time when smallpox was a big problem

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:10:00 +0000

Fifty years ago, Craven was hit by a smallpox scare, causing widespread concern. Reporter Lesley Tate looks back on how the outbreak started and what steps were taken to contain the disease. He was just nine when, 50 years ago, Clive White was taken by his mother to be vaccinated against smallpox.

Hardy Dales revellers who danced the night away

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

At new year time, old folk in rural Craven are inclined to suffer from twitching feet when recalling tunes from their dancing days of long ago. Festive-season dances were something special. Space was needed for the band and to ensure that none of the dancers became leg-locked. At one “village hop”, the floor being rough, a packet of Lux was scattered to make it slippery. It also led to some prolonged sneezing. Dr Bill Mitchell, of Giggleswick, recalls days when dancing was a prime entertainment and men like Harry Cockerill provided lively music.

How we went a-wassailing to bring in new year cheer

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:50:00 +0000

A history of Skipton, published more than 130 years ago, shows that New Year was once as popular as Christmas and reveals the death of festive traditions has been happening for some time. Adrian Braddy delved further to find out how Yuletide has changed in Craven since Victorian times.

Snow brought the longest ever night for old Dolly Gill

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Craven has experienced its share of white Christmases down the years, but the history books show that the snowstorms of bygone times were far worse than anything experienced more recently. Adrian Braddy found out about two winters when conditions were particularly bad.

How the Prince brought cheer after outbreak

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:21:52 +0000

Ten years ago, Craven was just beginning to recover from the devastating foot and mouth outbreak. It had brought the district to a virtual standstill and had claimed the lives of nearly 300,000 animals, mainly sheep and cattle. Farmers had lost their livelihoods, businesses had seen trade plummet and numerous events had to be cancelled. During the crisis, the Prince of Wales had sent a letter to Craven District Council chairman, Councillor Stephen Butcher, pledging his support for the area. In it, he said he had a special affection for the people and landscape of this remarkable and unique part of England. And, to underline his commitment, he visited Craven in the run-up to Christmas. Here deputy editor Lindsey Moore looks back on how his visit helped to dispel the gloom.

Is industrial unrest just a case of history repeating

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:01:56 +0000

To raucous applause, Mr Snell of the Skipton and District Weavers’ Association, sat down after his speech during the workers’ meeting in Caroline Square. As the Herald reported on July 28 1911, “he had heard it said that Skipton weavers were ‘sloppy’ but if they went into Lancashire, and asked about the matter there, they would find that Skipton weavers were looked upon as quite as good as Lancashire weavers, and in many cases better.”