York has recently built a timeline into the city’s pavement. Celebrated local historian, Malcolm Neesam, thinks creating one for Harrogate in a public space would be a good idea.
Malcolm Neesam History: Historic storms of past centuries
Recent stormy weather has prompted Harrogate Historian, Malcolm Neesam, to recall past howlers, some lucky escapes and a gruesome story dating back to the winter of 1799.
Malcolm Neesam History: the colourful past of what could become Harrogate’s first mosque
Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam reveals how the ramshackle exterior of the building on Tower Street, which could become a mosque, belies a rich history that has seen it be a hospital, home for the Masons and a Home Guard club.
Opinion: The big lie
In a strongly-worded opinion piece, Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam argues that people have been hoodwinked by the idea that bigger is better and gives local government, gas, electricity and water as examples of how Harrogate achieved more when it was governed locally.
How I’d develop the Royal Baths and Prospect Square
In the final part of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he considers the future of the Royal Baths and Prospect Square.
My radical blueprint for Station Parade and Cambridge Street
In the second of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he suggests radical changes for Station Parade, smartening up Cambridge Street and improvements to Library Gardens and Princes Square.
How I’d unlock the potential of Crescent Gardens
In the first of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he looks at improving Crescent Gardens, replacing the ‘piecemeal bungling’ of the Island site and creating stunning fountains on Prospect Place.
Malcolm Neesam History: Harrogate’s Victorian Christmas
Victorian Harrogate may not have had bright Christmas lights but the shops and market were brimming with food and the town was filled with festive music..
Malcolm Neesam History: The Sun Pavilion and Colonnade, Valley Gardens
The Sun Colonnade has been fitted with new lights as part of a plan to improve Valley Gardens. Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam welcomes the move and looks back at its heyday and more recent deterioration.
Why are Harrogate’s historic monuments neglected?
Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam bemoans the state of Harrogate’s historic monuments. He asks why, at a time when the town is trying to promote tourism, do the authorities neglect such treasures?
Malcolm Neesam History: Harrogate’s thriving working men’s clubs
This week marked the end of an era with the closure of The National Reserve Club, on East Parade near the town centre. Harrogate historian, Malcolm Neesam, looks back at the town’s once thriving working men’s clubs.