Forest History Tours

22/12/2024

Windsor Cottage, in Otley Road, which, once stood on the site of Harrogate Grammar School.

21/12/2024

The Origins of the Yule Log

Around 1725, Henry Bourne explained the Germanic Paganism origins of the Yule log. He states:

Our Ancestors, when the common Devices of Eve were over, and Night was come on, were wont to light up Candles of an uncommon Size, which were called Christmas-Candles, and to lay a Log of Wood upon the Fire, which they termed a Yule-Clog, or Christmas-Block. These were to Illuminate the House, and turn the Night into Day; which custom, in some Measure, is still kept up in the Northern Parts. It hath, in all probability, been derived from the Saxons. For Bede tells us, That [sic] this very Night was observed in this Land before, by the Heathen Saxons. They began, says he, their Year on the Eight of the Calenders of January, which is now our Christmas Party: And the very Night before, which is now Holy to us, was by them called Mædrenack, or the Night of the Mothers … The Yule-Clog therefore hath probably been a Part of those Ceremonies which were perform'd that Night's Ceremonies. It seems to have been used, as an Emblem of the return of the Sun, and the lengthening of the Days. For as both December and January were called Guili or Yule, upon Account of the Sun's Returning, and the Increase of the Days; so, I am apt to believe, the Log has had the Name of the Yule-Log, from its being burnt as an Emblem of the returning Sun, and the Increase of its Light and Heat. This was probably the Reason of the custom among the Heathen Saxons; but I cannot think the Observation of it was continued for the same Reason, after Christianity was embraced.

Mrs. Day, a native of Swaledale recalls:

"The Yule log is generally given, and is at once put on the hearth. It is unlucky to have to light it again after it has once been started, and it ought not go out until it has burned away.
To sit around the Yule log and tell ghost stories is a great thing to do on this night, also card-playing."

"Two large coloured candles are a Christmas present from the grocery. Just before supper on Christmas Eve (where furmety is eaten), while the Yule log is burning, all other lights are put out, and the candles are lit from the Yule log by the youngest person present. While they are lit, all are silent and wish. It is common practice for the wish to be kept a secret. Once the candles are on the table, silence may be broken. They must be allowed to burn themselves out, and no other lights may be lit that night."

H. J. Rose records a similar folk belief from Killinghall, Yorkshire in 1923: "In the last generation the Yule log was still burned, and a piece of it saved to light the next year's log. On Christmas morning something green, a leaf or the like, was brought into the house before anything was taken out.

21/12/2024

THE ORIGINS OF TWELFTH NIGHT
The early Christians quickly realised that if they wanted the populace to adopt their new religion, they needed to give them an incentive. Rather than abolishing pagan festivals, the Christian church often rebranded them as their own. So Saturnalia would eventually morph into Christmas, and the 25th of December, previously honoured as ‘the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun’, was celebrated instead as the birthday of Christ.

Christmas was preceded by a 40 day Advent fast. This would be broken on Christmas Day, when the season’s festivities would begin with a great feast. The celebrations continued in one form or another for a further twelve days, ending with a final feast on ‘Twelfth Night’ – the evening before 6th of January, also known as Epiphany, the day on which the Magi are believed to have visited Jesus..

During this festive period food played an important role. By the medieval era it was common for a celebration bread to be baked, often containing fruit and spices, to be served at the Epiphany or Twelfth Night Feast.

MASTER OF MAYHEM
Part of the fun of the Twelfth Night Feast was the appointment of a Lord of Misrule. As in Roman times, he organised the games and entertainments at the final feast. To select the Lord of Misrule, a bean was baked inside a cake.

Whoever received the slice containing the bean was ‘crowned’ the Lord of Misrule, otherwise known as the King of the Bean. Sometimes a pea was also included, and its discoverer would be declared Queen of the Pea. This practice was particularly popular during the early Tudor period. Henry VII had an Abbot of Unreason – another name for the Lord of Misrule – at his festive gatherings.

English Heritage.

Full article here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/twelfth-night-cake/ #:~:text=To%20select%20the%20Lord%20of,declared%20Queen%20of%20the%20Pea.

21/12/2024

I have been working today on writing my Forest Folktales creating some entertainment for the curious visitors of Harrogate. This so far has to be a favourite as it encompasses the magic and mystery of the Forest in times gone by.

Hartwith Moor Fairies near Brimham Rocks.

Once upon a Forest time, in the shadowy embrace of Hartwith Moor near Brimham a mysterious tale unfolded—a story whispered by the wind and woven into the fabric of the moors.

At the heart of this enigma was the aged William Darnbrough, the sexton of Hartwith Chapel, whose life spanned a century and bore witness to the mystical dance of the Hartwith Moor Fairies.

In the twilight years of William's life, he regaled the townsfolk with tales that sent shivers down their spines. For forty long years, he tended to the sacred grounds of Hartwith Chapel, but his tales stretched far beyond the earthly realm. With a voice that carried the weight of a century's worth of memories, he spoke of a time when the moors were alive with the ethereal presence of fairies.

In his youth, William boasted, the moors around Hartwith were a realm where fairies frolicked in the moonlit night, casting an otherworldly glow upon the heather-strewn landscape. These fairies, he described, were not mere specks of light but beings of beauty and grace, their laughter echoing through the moorland like the sweetest melody.

On moonlit nights, when the silver orb hung low in the sky, the fairies emerged from the secret folds of the moors. Their delicate wings glistened in the moonlight, and their footsteps left an invisible trail of magic in the heather. William's eyes would light up as he spoke of their dances—a mesmerizing spectacle of elegance that could enchant even the most untutored swain.

As the years passed, however, William lamented the fading of the fairy realm. With a heavy heart, he shared that most of the fairies had disappeared before his very eyes, leaving only the echo of their enchanting laughter in the moorland breeze. The untamed beauty of Hartwith Moor, once a stage for the fairy ballet, was now tinged with a hint of melancholy.

The townsfolk listened, captivated by the mysterious allure of the tale. Whispers of the Hartwith Moor Fairies spread like wildfire, drawing adventurers and dreamers to the moors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive beings that once graced the landscape.

And so, the legend of Hartwith Moor Fairies became a tapestry of mystery, excitement, and a touch of wistful nostalgia. The moors, once a realm where fairies danced with the moon, now held the promise of hidden enchantments, inviting those brave enough to seek the magic that lingered in the shadows of Hartwith Moor.

20/12/2024

15/12/2024

THE SWORD-DANCE Knaresborough.

Is still practiced here, during the Christmas holydays. It is a very ancient custom, and is performed much in the same manner, as described by Olaus Magnus, in his history of the northern nations:

First, with their swords sheathed, and erect in their hands, they dance in a triple round.

Then, with their drawn swords, held erect as before: Afterwards, extending them from hand to hand, they lay hold of each other's hilt, and point, while they are wheeling more moderately round, and changing their order, throw themselves into a figure of a hexagon, which they call a rose —

but, presently raising, and drawing back their swords, they undo that figure, to form (with them) a four-square rose, that may rebound over the head of each. At last, they dance rapidly backwards and, vehemently rattling the sides of their swords together, conclude the sport, which seems to have been the invention of a warlike people, and probably derived from our saxon ancestors.

14/12/2024

William Fisher Gardener in Chief. Born in Knaresborough, the man who Fisher Gardeners was named after.

13/12/2024

https://fb.watch/wssvJFnyIX/

13/12/2024

The original Swarcliffe Hall was built on the site c1800 by the Blessard family, however the current hall which was built by the Greenwood family was completed in 1850. Charlotte Brontë was employed as a governess at the hall in 1839 and it is said her time spent there helped inspire her novel Jane Eyre.
Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale visited the hall in 1888 and again during the following year whilst opening the New Bath Hospital in nearby Harrogate.

In the 1790’s Messrs Arthington and Blessard built a cotton mill at Wreaks in Birstwith. The mill was adjacent to an existing corn mill, a common practice that had occurred in West End in 1791. The original corn mill was erected in 1596 at a place originally known as Clynts Wreaks in lieu of an even older one which had stood on Tang Beck near Hampsthwaite. In 1803 the cotton mill had 1400 spindles and employed 150 workers, including 36 on a night shift. The mill was badly run according to John Hannam (who had worked at the mill and gave evidence to 2 parliamentary inquiries into factory conditions in 1832 and 1833) , partly because the overlookers did not understand the work very well. Blessard sold out to a Mr Willett who went bankrupt after a few years. John Greenwood bought the mill in 1805 and ran it in partnership with William Ellis. The mill remained in the Greenwood family for over half a century. The American civil war caused a cotton famine which eventually closed Wreaks Mill. Marston Family Tree.

11/12/2024

As I research more Forest history I continue to open further chapters in the form of extended family trees: the families of the landed gentry: the Strickland's the Redmond's of Thornton in Lonsdale, Gascoignes of Gawthorpe & Harewood, the Plompton's of Plompton. Many of these families were all connected to the Forest through their own ancestral trees. For example: Sir William Gascoigne in the Plompton correspondence addresses Sir Robert Plompton simply as "Uncle Plompton.‟

By the beginning of the fifteenth century, the Plumptons were a well-established, prosperous and well-connected gentry family. Based at Plumpton in the West Riding, the family had occupied this manor for at least two hundred years. They owed their position and prosperity, enhanced by a marriage to the Foljambe heiress* in the mid-fourteenth century and marriage with the daughter of the first Lord Scrope of Masham a few years later, to a long-standing connection with the earls of Northumberland. "To Knowe a Gentilman‟ Men and Gentry Culture in Fifteenth-Century Yorkshire. Alison James PhD, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York.

* Foljambe
In 11 Edward I, 1282-1283, the Pipe Roll records that Thomas Foljambe gave the king 400 marks for the farm of the Castle and the honour of the Peak, to hold for 9 years. The Early Pedigree of Foljambe - Part 1

08/12/2024

New Forest Tours

"When the winter winds have settled and Christmas spirits have returned it will be time to take a walk. Step back through the haunting passages of Harrogate's historic Coldbath Road, once known as Robin Hood’s Lane, a mysterious title echoing past visitations. Discover the fascinating stories hidden in its architecture and landmarks, offering a glimpse into a rich tapestry of time that continues to captivate visitors and locals alike."

https://www.foresthistorytours.com/coldbathroadwalk

06/12/2024

https://www.foresthistorytours.com

William Aislabie (1700–1781): The Steward of Studley Royal.

William Aislabie, a pivotal figure in North Yorkshire’s history, was born in 1700 into a family of wealth and influence. He was the son of John Aislabie, a prominent politician and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is best remembered for his role in the infamous South Sea Bubble financial scandal of 1720. Despite his father’s tarnished reputation, William built a lasting legacy as the custodian and developer of one of England’s most remarkable landscapes: Studley Royal.

A Legacy of Landscape
After inheriting Studley Royal from his father in 1742, William dedicated much of his life to expanding and refining the estate. Building on John Aislabie’s initial vision, William transformed the grounds into a masterpiece of 18th-century garden design. Under his stewardship, Studley Royal became renowned for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and man-made ingenuity.

William’s most celebrated contribution was the acquisition of the ruins of Fountains Abbey in 1767. Recognizing their historical and aesthetic value, he integrated the abbey into the landscape, creating dramatic vistas that seamlessly combined the grandeur of the medieval ruins with the elegance of the Georgian garden. This fusion of natural and architectural elements solidified Studley Royal’s reputation as one of England’s greatest estates.

Political and Personal Life
Like his father, William Aislabie was active in politics. He served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ripon from 1721 until his death in 1781—a remarkable tenure of 60 years. During his time in Parliament, William supported policies that promoted local interests, earning respect from his constituents.

William married Sophia Elizabeth Lawrence in 1729, and together they had several children. The family resided at Studley Royal, where they entertained guests and maintained the estate as a center of culture and refinement.

Lasting Influence
William Aislabie died on 17 May 1781, leaving behind a legacy of visionary stewardship. His work at Studley Royal ensured the estate’s place in history as a paragon of landscape design. Today, the gardens and Fountains Abbey form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world to marvel at the Aislabies' enduring achievement.

William’s story is a testament to the power of vision and resilience, turning the shadows of a family scandal into a legacy of beauty and cultural significance that continues to inspire.

The Ripon Obelisk: A Monument to Aislabie Influence

One of William Aislabie’s notable contributions to his local community was the commissioning of the Ripon Obelisk, a prominent landmark in Ripon’s Market Square. Erected in 1781, the same year as his death, the obelisk stands as a symbol of civic pride and Aislabie’s enduring legacy.

Designed by John Fisher, the 90-foot-high structure reflects the Georgian style and was intended to celebrate Ripon’s prosperity and stature. The obelisk is said to have been inspired by Aislabie’s admiration for classical architecture, echoing the elegance of his work at Studley Royal.

Today, the Ripon Obelisk remains a central feature of the city, linking the urban heart of Ripon with the grandeur of the Aislabie family’s contributions to the surrounding region.

George Romney

Portrait of Sophia Elizabeth Lawrence

Commissioned by the sitter’s father in 1786, this elegant portrait depicts the youthful Miss Sophia Elizabeth Lawrence (1761-1845). It was conceived as the pendant to a portrait of her brother, William, who posed for Romney one year prior and tragically died within weeks of his portraits’s delivery in November 1785.1 Thus, Miss Lawrence is rendered here in mourning with a profound sense of dignity and repose. As remarked by Arthur B. Chamberlain, “...the treatment of the black dress, which, no doubt, she was wearing in memory of her brother, is one of his happiest effects both in design and in the skillful management of a single tint. Both of these portraits bear signs in every touch that the painting of them was a labour of love to the artist.”

The sitter was a great benefactor of charitable causes and wielded remarkable political power for a woman of her day. Upon the death of her aunt, Elizabeth Allanson, Lawrence inherited Studley Royal in Ripon where she lived from 1808 until her death in 1845. Along with the estate she inherited control of Ripon’s elections and effectively determined the city’s mayoral and council appointments. Lawrence is perhaps best remembered for her devoted preservation efforts toward the ruins of Fountains Abbey, a twelfth-century Cistercian monastery located on Studley Royal’s grounds. Under her patronage, the cloister arcade and roof, tower, and nave arches were all conserved and, largely indebted to her efforts, the abbey survives today as a World Heritage site. Her obituary stated: “there was no project that had for its end the spiritual welfare of mankind, or the amelioration of human suffering, that did not find in her a sincere, and zealous, and valuable friend.”

06/12/2024

A few old Harrogate photos

04/12/2024

Anglo Saxon church by Ripley Beck.

Originally the beck was a much more powerful stream than at present, and on the promontory formed by its junction with the Nidd, stood the original parish church of Ripley

There is a tradition that it was swallowed up in some mysterious manner and that the site was ever afterwards known as Kirk Sink. There can, however, be no doubt that the church stood on the elevated tongue of land called Chapel Flat at some little distance from the union of the two streams, and that the undermining action and gradual widening of the waters at this point, aided by frequent floods, led to the destruction of the protruding land and consequent collapse of the church, hence the name:

The Sinking Chapel

The grave-yard adjoining the building seems to have partly subsided too, and fragments of bone and portions of coffin-wood have been, I am told, often found in the disintegrated gravel and broken sides of the bank. Some of the old grave-slabs, stone coffins, sepulchral monuments, and other relics belonging to the old fabric were removed to the present church, where they are still kept. Many, doubtless, have been lost or destroyed, but from those that remain the inference may be drawn that Ripley was the centre of a Christian community at a very early period.
Speight Henry.

"There is also a more provocative possibility for it has been suggested that this (The Sinking Chapel) might have been the site of the synod of Nidd recorded by the Venerable Bede. Richard Muir, Landscape Detective, p33

https://www.foresthistorytours.com/ripley-village-walk?pgid=lgzfp0fr6-7a6b33df-d095-4294-b18b-9f45145b9786

03/12/2024

More Pateley Bridge old photos

02/12/2024

Sportsman’s Arms & Ramsgill.