The Grassington Fairy Hole Cave – rediscovered
The few modern references to Fairy Hole Cave list it as an alternative name for the Cove Hole Cave, located in the limestone scar, half a mile to the north of Grassington, in the Yorkshire Dales. Older references however, indicate that the Fairy Hole was actually a separate cave, with Bailey John Harker […]
Saint Wilfrid’s Needle – Ripon
“And Saint Wilfred’s bone of Ripon to keep cattle from pain,And his needle which sinners can not pass the eye” (Holme 1537) Ripon cathedral is built on the site of an early church established by saint Wilfrid in 672 AD. The small crypt beneath the cathedral is believed to be part of this church, […]
Pratting about at Gormire Lake
Gormire lake is located at the foot of Sutton Bank, 5 miles to the east of Thirsk. On previous visits to Gormire, an almost uncanny silence was noticed around the lake when there was no one else about. The enclosing low ridge and high cliff face seems to shield the lake from external […]
Megaliths Exhibition 2023 – Kirkleatham
An exhibition of photographs and paintings by local artists Gavin Parry and Tony Galuidi.
The 100 ton Rocking Stone
The Rocking Stone, on lofty column poised,Yields to my touch, and at terrific height,In mid air vibrates. (James Holme, 1835) The Victorian guide books to Brimham Rocks mentions a 100 ton rocking stone sitting on top of a high crag, which was said to be visible from Harrogate, 8 miles away to south-east. “Elevated […]
In search of Saint Winifrid’s Needle
Even a brief look into the history and folklore of Roseberry Topping reveals a fascinating picture of this impressive local landmark. One interesting source of information is the ‘Chaloner letter’ written in early 1660’s, which mentions Roseberry Topping, and noted that … “it hath somtymes had an hermitage on it, and a small smith’s […]