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Duncan Johnstone
Literary Correspondent
4:31 AM 4th March 2020
arts

Book Review: Memories Of Upper Wharfedale

 
We may have varying views on the wisdom of spending vast sums of money on HS2, but I believe that most people, most of the time, would just like to be able to travel locally with good transport facilities. Had you lived in the early 1900's you would, for example, have been able to travel all the way from Skipton to Grassington by train (page 62-3)!

Grassington Square
Grassington Square
If you know Grassington, or one of the other small communities portrayed in this book of black and white photos, either as a resident or a visitor, you will find some pictures here familiar, and others very different. The central square in Grassington was very much quieter in those early days (page 4). Indeed, as I looked through this collection of photos stemming from before the First World War I saw only one car (page 9), and a couple of bikes - although one is a tricycle (page 19). There is also transport by horse and cart (page 28).

You can see children playing by the river - as they have always done (page 30); and in the middle of the road - not advisable today! You will note how people used to dress (no miniskirts in those days), and you will see characters such as the Fagan-like clergyman on page 20.

The Reverend Bailey J. Harker
The Reverend Bailey J. Harker
There are pictures not only of old houses and streets and a few crowds - some on Royal occasions (pages 22-24), but also some beautiful scenes of the countryside (pages 29,20,45 and others). The photographs are in fact taken from original late Victorian and Edwardian glass slides now conserved at the Grassington Museum.

Low Mill on the river Wharfe
Low Mill on the river Wharfe
If you have ever wondered how your grandparents or great grandparents lived and dressed; if you enjoy looking at beautiful photographs; or if you would just like to support the Grassington Museum - then this book is for you. I suggest that you leave it handy on a table in your sitting room for visitors to browse through.

Highly recommended.

Memories Of Upper Wharfedale by David Joy
The book is available for sale at The Stripey Badger Bookshop and the Dales Toffee Shop and Newsagents in Grassington.
For mail order purchases contact:
The Stripey Badger Bookshop
7 The Square
Grassington BD23 5AQ
Tel: 01756 753583
www.thestripeybadger.co.uk
Email: info@thestripeybadger.co.uk