Recognise this place, described as "magic, not quite in this world"*, with James Herriot connections, the best kind of church mice, 1000 years of history & a curious candle ceremony?
You might recognise the 12th century church of St. Michael & All Angels in Hubberholme as the interior was used for James' wedding in the TV adaptation of All Creatures Great & Small. St. Oswalds in Arncliffe was used for the exterior shots. You'll see it again soon as it was recently used for the filming of James Herriot's son's christening.
This beautiful church was originally a forest chapel of the Norman Langstrothdale Chase hunting lands. Originally a tiny chapel, it was expanded when the local population increased thanks to the growth of Fountains Abbey. Their monks encouraged more sheep farming in the area. One of the ancient features is the rood loft, thought to have been brought from Coverham Abbey in 1558 for safekeeping during turbulent times for abbeys. Look out for the medieval faces carved on the 15th century font. The feature that many visitors love the most are the carved church mice by Robert Thompson, the "Mouseman" of Kilburn. See how many you can find, especially among the pews.
Writer J.B. Priestley loved Hubberholme so much his ashes are buried in the churchyard. He was also an acclaimed World War II broadcaster and one of his articles drew an enormous response, leading to the creation of the CND. You can really imagine the impact such a beautiful serene place would have had on anyone visiting after the horrors of the war. *He wrote the quote at the start of his blog and also said, Hubberholme is "one of the smallest and most pleasant places in the world".
Hubberholme is on the Dales Way and an important refreshment stop is just across the bridge from the church - The George Inn at Hubberholme. This is where the centuries-old annual (first Monday of the year) land-letting auction takes place. Known as the 'Hubberholme Parliament' it's when local farmers gather to bid for 16 acres of pastureland owned by the church. The vicar oversees the proceedings and sits in the House of Lords (dining room) while the bidding takes place in the House of Commons (the bar). The highest bid made when the candle flickers out wins the auction.
Do you have any photos of Hubberholme, perhaps from above on one of the footpaths?