The Stray Ferret goes behind the scenes to discover more about brands and businesses in Harrogate and the surrounding areas. The first insider story is Neuhaus, a chocolatier that’s recently opened...
The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop
The Stray Ferret goes behind the scenes to discover more about brands and businesses in Harrogate and the surrounding areas. The first insider story is Neuhaus, a chocolatier that’s recently opened in Harrogate. Jean Neuhaus was a pharmacist who covered his medicines...
Final Ripon ‘Stonehenge’ site sold to English Heritage
The final henge of a 5,000-year site near Ripon known as the 'Stonehenge of the north' has been sold to English Heritage. The Thornborough Henges complex includes three large circular earthworks each more than 200 metres in diameter dating from 3,000 to 2,500 BC....
Historic Harrogate silverware goes on display at Ogden’s
A historic solid silver model of Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room has gone on display in the town centre. The model, which was created in Ogden of Harrogate jeweller’s workshop in 1927, has been hidden from view, stored as part of the council’s civic collection. But it has...
The Harrogate organ builders preserving an age-old craft
In a modest workshop on a nondescript street in Harrogate, a declining traditional craft is being kept alive. Peter Wood & Son is one of a small number of organ builders still operating in the UK. The company is run by Mark Wood, a fourth generation organ...
Harrogate care home owner “absolutely delighted” after Grove House conversion approved
The owner of Harrogate's Grove House has said he is "absolutely delighted" after planners finally gave the go-ahead to convert the grade two listed building into a luxury care facility. Graeme Lee, chief executive of Springfield Healthcare, bought Grove House for £3...
Wreath laid in Killinghall to honour heroic Harrogate airman
A wreath was laid in a churchyard in Killinghall on Sunday to mark the 80th anniversary of the death of a local RAF pilot in the Second World War. Flying officer Ted Thackway lost his life on Black Thursday — the worst night in British military aviation history. He...
£15m bid to transform Harrogate’s Grove House into care home approved
A £15 million transformation of Harrogate's Grove House into a major new care home and community facility has finally been approved. Grove House, a grade two listed building opposite the fire station on Skipton Road, was the home of Victorian inventor, philanthropist...
Beatles poster at Harrogate’s Royal Hall fetches £3,000 at auction
An original poster for The Beatles when they played at the Royal Hall in Harrogate has fetched £3,000 at auction. The Fab Four performed their only Harrogate gig on March 8, 1963 — just as they were on the cusp of superstardom. They were supported by two local...
Knaresborough Heritage Centre to open next year
A Knaresborough Heritage Centre will open on the town's High Street next year. The centre will include a shop selling Knaresborough books, gifts and cards, an information centre for visitors and a multi-purpose gallery for exhibitions, talks and workshops. Located in...
Archaeology festival brings Knaresborough’s rich story to life
Anyone walking around Knaresborough could hardly fail to notice it's a beautiful and historic place. But trying to find out more about its rich past isn't easy. The town's first community archaeological festival, which begins today (Saturday), aims to shine some light...
Historic Harrogate jewellers to host Egyptology exhibition
One of Harrogate's most famous shops is to host an Egyptology exhibition that highlights its links to Tutankhamun. Ogden of Harrogate's Egyptomania exhibition, which opens on Thursday, celebrates 130 years of the family jewellers and the 100th anniversary of the...
Historic Harrogate district sites offer free access for Heritage Open Days
More than 5,000 historic buildings and cultural sites across the country will be thrown open to the public in the week ahead as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture. Heritage Open Days, from September 8 to 17, will see dozens of venues in our...