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Stories of the Past

6000 years of sheep: influencing our language and law
Records show that wool was bought and sold in Babylon as early as 4000 BC. Babylon actually means “land of…Read more
Mysteries of the Knights Templar
Heard of the powerful & mysterious Knights Templar? Between Swinithwaite & Aysgarth on the A684 is a little known site, whic…Read more
Nine Standards Rigg
Your theories on this curious landmark? It's Nine Standards Rigg, an odd and distinctive landmark overlooking Kirkby Stephen on the edge of…Read more
Old drovers routes
Walk along a green lane in the Yorkshire Dales and tread in the footsteps of Romans, drovers and ancient traders. Read more
Village greens - at the heart of quintessential Dales' villages
When I say 'village green', does a children's fairy story picture-book image pop into your head? Perhaps you have a favourite village green somewher…Read more
Ghostly goings-on in the Yorkshire Dales
How do you feel about ghosts and shadows of the past? Have you heard of witches' marks or apotropaic marks? We didn't realise it when we bought our …Read more
Visit a hidden gem: Markenfield Hall
One of my favourite hidden gems to visit is Markenfield Hall, a very special, beautiful Grade I listed Markenfield Hall with a moa…Read more
Spinsters and spinning a yarn
Know any spinsters? Ever told a story or ‘spun a yarn’? The 7th January is St. Distaff’s day, traditionally the day after Christmas when…Read more
Have you done your stint?
"I've done my stint" is an old fashioned expression that used to be much more common. Now the trees are nearly bare, it's easier to see the regul…Read more