The book covers the history of the park from its early days in the 1860s, when it was known as Bogs Field, to the fight to save a deteriorating Sun Pavilion in the 1980s and 90s, and the restoration of the Japanese Garden in 2016.
Lifestyle History
Authors celebrate Valley Gardens’ journey from springs to scenic spot
A guide book that celebrates the rich history of Harrogate's Valley Gardens is now on sale. The book covers the history of the park from its early days in the 1860s, when it was known as Bogs Field, to the fight to save a deteriorating Sun Pavilion in the 1980s and...
When will the Ripon hornblower return?
The nightly tradition has taken place for 1135 years but for the last 13 months has occurred behind closed doors due to covid. So when will the hornblower’s blast be heard again on Market Square?
Free walking tours back with new focus on Harrogate people
Besides the usual tour, Harry Satloka will also offer a new ‘locals tour’, which examines the lives of Harrogate people. His tours will resume on Wednesday with a six-person limit.
History: Where’s the vision, where’s the hope?
As we ease out of the global pandemic and debate rages about the best way to boost Harrogate town centre, historian Malcolm Neesam looks back at previous attempts to reshape the town after catastrophic world events…
Knaresborough museum project launches £35,000 crowdfunder
The Knaresborough Museum has launched the crowdfunding page to allow it to undertake the necessary renovations to open this year.
Harrogate’s pioneering woman doctor nominated for county award
Dr Laura Sobey Veale was North Yorkshire’s first female doctor and spent much of her professional career in Harrogate developing local services for women and infants. This nomination honours her impact on the town and as an important figure in medicine and feminism.
Plans for Knaresborough heritage hub underway
The Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA) has sent its plans to the council to open a heritage hub to be used to hold historical exhibitions and as an education space for the community.
16 historic Harrogate district sites on ‘at risk’ list
Historic England’s heritage at risk register, published today, identifies sites most at risk of ‘being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development’.
History: The story behind Harrogate’s Spitfire plaque
Historian Malcolm Neesam tells of how a talk he gave led to the blue plaque, which recognises Harrogate’s role in supporting the Battle of Britain, being restored.
Harrogate History: does Harrogate have connections to slavery?
Historian Malcolm Neesam explores the possibility that Alexander Wedderburn (1733-1805), who rebuilt the Pump Rooms, may have benefitted from slavery — his wife, Charlotte, is pictured here in Harrogate with a black page boy.
Harrogate History: VE day 1945 – a day of rejoicing after the dark years of war
Burning effigies of Hitler on the Stray and numerous street parties marked the end of wartime Harrogate. Harrogate Historian, Malcolm Neesam, writes for The Stray Ferret about a day of celebration
Harrogate History: The harsh reality of life in Harrogate during the war and the people’s resilience
The Stray was used to cultivate crops, residents saw a huge increase in evacuees and Harrogate experienced a bombing raid. Read Harrogate Historian, Malcolm Neesam’s account of the harsh years of war