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May 2021

Last Updated: 30/04/2021

Local historian creates audio walks celebrating Harrogate's glorious past

by Alys Jones

| 01 May, 2021

A much-loved Harrogate historian has joined forces with the Stray Ferret to bring a flavour of Harrogate's rich history online, with the Malcolm Neesam Harrogate History Walks. The project is sponsored by Harrogate BID which aims to encourage people into town and enjoy a day out.

A much-loved Harrogate historian has joined forces with the Stray Ferret to bring Harrogate's rich history alive online. The Malcolm Neesam Harrogate History Walks, sponsored by the Harrogate Improvement District (BID) are launched today.

History enthusiasts can follow two circular walks: the Golden Age of the Victorian Spa and the Heart of Harrogate Town walk.

Malcolm Neesam is a celebrated local historian and Harrogate treasure. His books include Harrogate in Fifty Buildings and A-Z of Harrogate. In 1996 Harrogate Borough Council awarded Malcolm the Freedom of the Borough for his services as the town’s historian. He has also worked extensively to develop an image archive of the town.

As well as devising the routes and penning the script, Malcolm has voiced both walks which can be listened to on mobile phones. Each walk takes in various locations in Harrogate town centre, with a specially recorded audio history at each site.

The Golden Age of the Victorian Spa walk tells the story of how Harrogate’s spa economy boomed in the 19th century. It includes the Royal Baths, Royal Pump Room and Valley Gardens.

The Heart of Harrogate Town walk explains how once open countryside developed into the commercial hub it is today and includes the Stray, railway station and library.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1zEe4Ueqxc

Mr Neesam said:

"When I was asked by the Stray Ferret to work with them to create a series of guided audio walks through the town, I jumped at the chance, as I felt their brilliant idea needed support. The opportunity to provide visitors and residents with an easy to grasp guide to some of Harrogate's most interesting monuments, at the very time the town centre would be opening up, was too attractive to ignore - this launch being the result."

Tamsin O'Brien, editor of the Stray Ferret added:

"These walks are designed to give a deeper appreciation and understanding of Harrogate's rich history.

"We're incredibly lucky to have someone like Malcolm, who has worked so hard to maintain an archive and document the history of this town. We felt that his work should be recognised and brought to a wider digital audience with the Malcolm Neesam Harrogate History Walks.

"The Stray Ferret is here to support the local community and we hope this project will encourage people into the town centre after a year of lockdowns."

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID said:

“We are delighted to be sponsoring these two brilliant walks created by Malcolm Neesam, which brings the history of our town centre to life. And importantly for us, they take those on the tour to different parts of the town, where in addition to learning about Harrogate’s past, they will see Harrogate’s ‘now’ and the fabulous shops, bars attractions that make the town a superb destination to shop, eat and drink."

The history walks can be enjoyed by everyone. Because of the digital format, the audio histories can be used in care homes or schools.