Heritage Open Days are returning to Harrogate and the district, giving residents a chance to explore some of the most historically significant sites in the area for free.

Between September 6-15, England’s ‘largest festival of history and culture’ will return, with many buildings not often open to the public welcoming curious visitors in.

Over the 10-day period, visitors can explore a range of tours, talks, walks, exhibitions and buildings.

The Stray Ferret has collated a full list of participating venues, but to give you a flavour of the wealth of history contained in some of the district’s buildings, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the most iconic – and mysterious. 

Masonic Hall, Station Avenue

On Sunday September 8, the Masonic Hall on Station Avenue will be running 40-minute guided tours between 10am – 4pm, delving into the history of Freemasonry, and shedding some light on its symbolism, practices and principles.

The Freemasons is one of the oldest fraternal organisations in the world, able to trace its origins back as far as the Middle Ages.

While it is not a religious group, it does share similar characteristics to other ancient spiritual orders, teaching morality, charity and respect as fundamental principles. It also requires members to acknowledge the existence of a God-like superior being.

Historically a male-only organisation, there are now female members, but groups are still segregated by sex.

The first Grand Lodge – a collection of smaller groups – was established in England in 1717, and Harrogate’s first Masonic lodge, Harrogate and Claro Lodge (Number 1001), was founded and first consecrated in 1864.

But why would a society that has kept certain rituals and traditions such a closely guarded secret now welcome non-members with open arms?

David Fishkin, director of the Harrogate and Claro Masonic Lodge explained: 

Did you know? – Famous faces that were rumoured to be Freemasons over the years include Harry Houdini, Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, George Washington and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to name a few.

Grove Road Cemetery, Harrogate

There are a number of events taking place at Grove Road Cemetery over the 10-day Heritage Open Days festival.

Formerly known just as Harrogate Cemetery, it is a veritable treasure trove of the region’s history, containing over thirty military graves, memorials to victims of the 1918 influenza outbreak, and the final resting place of many notable Yorkshire figures.

In 1861, Harrogate was a growing town, in dire need of expanded services for the increasing population, one of which – morbidly – was a cemetery, in addition to the one attached to Christ Church. 

Grove Road Cemetery was established in 1864, and many of its gothic Victorian architecture remains to this day, although the two twin chapels were sadly demolished in 1958.

Some of the historical highlights include the graves of Sergeant Major Robert Johnston, who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade, Robert Ackrill the former owner of the Harrogate Herald newspaper, long-distance kayaker Fridel Dalling-Hay, and many more.

There’s also the ‘Bilton Boys’ monument, dedicated to 11 soldiers from Bilton and High Harrogate who died in WWI. This was rediscovered in undergrowth by Cllr Paul Haslam, who successfully campaigned to raise £25,000 to restore and reinstate it fully in the cemetery.

The first Heritage Open Day event planned is a tour of the Commonwealth War Graves, on September 6 and 8. Visitors will learn the history of the military personnel buried there.

On September 14 at 2pm, there will be a guided walk to explore some of the impressive Victorian monuments in the cemetery. Anyone wishing to participate in any of these events is urged to book ahead, to avoid disappointment.

Did you know? – Another person of historical importance buried at Grove Road Cemetery is Thomas Rutling. A formerly enslaved US citzen, he was an original member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a famous choral group that toured throughout the United States and Europe in the 19th century. 

Knaresborough Castle

Visitors to Knaresborough will have no doubt spotted the impressive ruins of the castle, overlooking the breathtaking view of the viaduct and the River Nidd below.

What many might not know, however, is that underneath the castle lies one of the town’s best kept secrets – the 13th century ‘sallyport’ tunnels.

The castle is believed to be over 900 years old and was both a royal residence and the prison of Richard II in its extensive lifespan. 

In 1644 it was held by Royalists in the English Civil War, for six months and after it was seized by parliamentary forces, many of its fortifications were dismantled, becoming the town's prison for many years.

It has belonged to the monarchy, by way of the Duchy of Lancaster since 1372, but is managed today by North Yorkshire Council.

The tunnels were a later addition, linking to two sallyports, which are a secure way to enter a fortified building. These hidden exits could be used to either slip in and out of the castle undetected, on private business, or defend the castle against an attack.

The tunnels are open for a limited time in spring and summer and are only available to explore via guided tour.

As part of the Heritage Open Days festival, the tunnels will open for free to the public throughout the day on September 11. Pre-booking is essential.

Did you know? – The word sallyport is purported to come from two Latin words; portus, meaning door and salire, a military manoeuvre used to attack an isolated or vulnerable part of an opposing army.