Knaresborough Heritage Centre has announced it plans to open this month.

The centre, which celebrates and showcases Knaresborough’s rich history, will open on April 27 at 12 High Street.

It will offer gallery exhibitions, heritage information, children’s activities, guided walks, talks and a gift shop.

Visitors will be asked to make a minimum donation of £2. Accompanied under-16s will receive free entry.

The opening will mark the culmination of a long-running campaign to find larger and more suitable premises to the small gallery and office space that previously operated from a converted house at 8 York Place.

The association has spent almost £30,000 on refurbishing the former Printzone premises The site has been repainted and new flooring and bespoke lighting has been installed.

Knaresborough Town Museum Group was set up in 2019 to campaign for a new museum. Plans were first put to Harrogate Borough Council in 2020 to create the space. The museum group was renamed Knaresborough Museum Association and registered as a charity in 2021.

The centre will be open four days a week, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

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If you’re a Knaresborough resident, you’ll almost certainly have heard about Blind Jack, but his influence can be felt much further than the small Yorkshire town.

A civil engineer, local guide, horse trader, businessman and a musician, Jack can sometimes be overshadowed by Knaresborough’s other famous figure, Mother Shipton, but he lived an extraordinary – and long – life, especially for the time period.

The early years

Born in 1717 in a cottage connected to the churchyard opposite Knaresborough Castle, John – commonly also known as Jack – Metcalf nearly fell foul of the high infant mortality rate of the era when he was struck down with smallpox aged six.

He recovered but the illness left him permanently blind – earning him his moniker, which would be considered insensitive by many today.

By all accounts, Jack took his new life in his stride, and it’s claimed within three years he could find his way to any part of Knaresborough, unassisted. This intrinsic knowledge of the town became an invaluable tool in one his many jobs as a local guide, showing visitors around the area.

John (Jack) Metcalf was born and raised in a cottage opposite Knaresborough Castle

One of his other talents was for music and at 15 years old he made a name for himself as a fiddler, playing in local pubs, one which was the Queen’s Head in Kettlesing, which still operates today.

Scandal and elopement

Touring as a musician could have been where he met Dorothy Benson, the daughter of the landlord at Granby Inn. However, their love story was far from straightforward – in his twenties, Jack found himself at the centre of a scandal involving another woman.

In his own biography, Jack claimed that the woman – the sister of one of his friends – would often ‘propose such whimsical schemes’ that ‘gave him reason to believe to laugh and be merry was the chief business of her life’.

Detailing his version of events in E&R Pick’s The Life of John Metcalf, Commonly Called Blind Jack of Knaresborough he said:

However, the one evening apprised him of her intention to pay him a visit in the night and desired him to leave his door unlocked.

A knowledge of the woman’s mirthful propensity made him at first consider this as a joke; but, on the other hand he though it possible that a real assignation was intended; and being too gallant to disappoint a lady, he told her he would obey her orders.

Too sure for the future peace of Metcalf, the lady was punctual to her appointment, coming at the dead time of night to his mother’s house. It would be impertinent to detain the reader on the subject of the meeting: suffice it to say, that Metcalf too had unfortunately left his scruples at another house.

When the woman came to Jack to tell him of her pregnancy and ask him to marry her to avoid public shame, he instead told Dorothy, and conspired to neither marry the unnamed woman, nor pay her for her troubles.

He left Yorkshire for seven months to let the furore blow over, and when he returned, Dorothy was engaged to another man. However, Jack convinced her to elope with him, and they married in secret, going on to have four children before Dorothy died in 1778.

A storied career

The latter part of the 18th century was a busy period of Jack’s life, and one where his business credentials came to the fore; in the 1740s he worked as a carrier for goods in the local area, expanding into a stagecoach business by 1754.

During the 1745 Jacobite Uprising he even worked as an assistant to the royal recruiting sergeant in the Knaresborough area, travelling to Scotland with the army.

Jack built some of the routes for roads that are still used today, such as the A59

Due to his successful stagecoach business, he had first-hand perspective into the state of the local roads – and wasn’t particularly impressed. So when the opportunity to win a contract to build part of a road between Harrogate to Boroughbridge arose in 1765, he seized the chance.

He went on to build roads across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire, including between Knaresborough and Wetherby, and Wakefield to Huddersfield.

In 1792 he retired to live with his daughter and her husband in Spofforth – but that wasn’t the end of his adventures. Aged 77, he walked to York to meet with a publisher and discuss his extraordinary life.

He died aged 92 in Spofforth, where he is buried in All Saints churchyard.

A legacy that lives on

The blue plaque dedicated to Blind Jack can be found in Knaresborough, as well as a statue. There’s also a pub named after him in the town, and a section of road bearing his name too.

His legacy also lives on in the contribution he made to the infrastructure of the North’s roads – many of the routes which survive to this day, such as parts of the A59 and A61.

Blind Jack’s on Market Place, Knaresborough

Sources for the article include Historic UK, Knaresborough Civic Society, The University of Michigan website, EnglishHistory.net and The Life of John Metcalf, Commonly Called Blind Jack of Knaresborough at archive.org.

(Lead image Pixabay and Knaresborough Civic Society)

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(Image: Gyles Rocholl)

Taking the local area for granted is something many of us can be guilty of – especially if you’re a North Yorkshire resident.

History can be found round every corner but can often be sidelined as just a small thread within the wider tapestry of a place. Connecting the present and the past is an important part of preserving local history, but it isn’t just reserved for the archives of the local library.

Across the UK, many towns and cities represent this through commemorative plaques. They offer visitors and residents alike a small window into the past, and are a valuable method for displaying history that otherwise might be forgotten.

The intention of the plaques is to mark historical buildings and commemorate individuals or businesses that had a significant impact on the area.

Chris Dicken of the Harrogate Civic Society, explained:

“When people visit places and you a plaque, it can be really interesting, and a good way to demonstrate to visitors and townspeople alike how a town has grown and developed and is still developing.”

How does a person or place qualify for a plaque?

One of Harrogate’s brown plaques

The original blue plaque scheme, run by the English Heritage and Historic England, has previously only operated in London, but announced plans in 2023 to extent the offering nationwide.

Many towns and cities already have their own versions of this scheme, often commissioned and organised by a town or area’s civic society, in conjunction with the local authority.

Harrogate currently hosts 94 plaques, Ripon has around 30 green plaques, and Knaresborough has over 20 – and that’s not to mention outlying villages which can contain their own reminder of bygone years.

But plaques weren’t always such a feature of the local landscape; in 1975, Harrogate only had two until 1983 when the council at the time installed more to celebrate 100 years of being a borough.

It wasn’t until the late Malcom Neesam, a local historian, stepped in that they become more widespread. He was described as a ‘driving force’ behind encapsulating so much of the town’s history.

Today, Harrogate Civic Society has a working group that liaises with the conservation officer at the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, to oversee the installation of new plaques, following a ‘fairly open-ended criteria’.

However, whether it’s a person, building or event that is being marked, there must be significant evidence to suggest a lasting impression upon the town’s heritage.

One of Knaresborough’s blue plaques

Proposals can also be initiated by members of the public, and the whole process can take up to 18 months to complete, dependent on factors such as funding and installation rights.

Chris added:

“Most people are happy for their building to host a plaque because it shows their office or home has played an important part in the town’s history.”

A snapshot of a moment in time

The Stray Ferret has decided to focus on a different plaque from around North Yorkshire each month, and discover more about the individuals, buildings, or organisations they represent.

With this series, we want to celebrate the rich local history of the area – after all, there’s plenty to be found across North Yorkshire.

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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 with chocolate. 

Studying medicine in Grenoble, Jean Neuhaus’ chosen career path was unfortunately not to be – mainly because he could not bear the sight of blood – but all was not lost as he could implement his skills elsewhere.

After moving to Brussels in 1857, he turned his hand to opening a pharmacy in the prestigious Queen’s Gallery where he covered his medicines with a fine layer of chocolate to make them more appealing for the sick to take them.

This method of covering medicine in chocolate is still known, and sometimes still used, in Belgium today.

When visiting the Harrogate store, located at 5 James Street, the knowledgeable store assistant Olivia de Lame recounted tales of her grandma who used to give her a cod liver oil vitamin and covered it in chocolate, calling it ‘the Neuhaus method’ so that she would take it.

She has fond memories of this, and recounts how even though 166 years have passed, this method is still well-known and sometimes used in Belgium today.

(Neuhaus Factory)

Only four people in the world know the recipe and how to make the Manon Sucre.

After a shortage of cocoa beans post-World War II, it was difficult to make chocolate so the ladies who worked in the factory thought about how they could invent an alternative sweet treat.

They had plenty of fresh cream, sugar and pecan nuts at their disposal, so after many attempts, they settled on a recipe named the Manon Sucre, which has never disappeared from Neuhaus’ offering since, even after cocoa beans came back into circulation. There are two varieties: the Manon Sucre Vanilla and Manon Sucre Café.

Neuhaus has impressive chocolate installations.

If you’ve walked past the Harrogate store, you might have already seen the giant chocolate egg gracing its windows ahead of Easter.

This was made in Belgium using the company’s 3D chocolate printer, then carefully transported to Harrogate, and put in place by the store’s staff.

(Will Claydon, Neuhaus)

The installations will change every couple of months – keep your eyes peeled for next one. And if you’re travelling down to London any time soon, pay a visit to the Covent Garden store that features a huge Big Ben chocolate statue.

Some of the chocolates are named after members of the Belgium royal family.

Neuhaus is a Belgian Royal Warrant Holder and has created two chocolates to honour the King and Queen of Belgium, Philippe and Mathilde.

Neuhaus offers an ‘Insider Club’.

This gives people the opportunity to sample the latest chocolates and new collections each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of chocolates on your birthday – all you need to do is sign up in store or online.

5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS, click here for more stories.

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Fundraisers launch campaign to renovate Newby church

Fundraisers have launched a campaign to renovate an historic Victorian church on the Newby Hall estate between Ripon and Boroughbridge.

The church of Christ the Consoler is at the centre of a renovation project organised by the estate and local villagers. The ‘Friends of Christ the Consoler’ are on a mission to bring life to the church through events while at the same time raising funds to deliver renovation projects.

Priorities include reinstating the church’s boiler and heating system, which has not worked for 30 years. This will help preserve the church’s stained glass, some of which has deteriorated over the years due to humidity levels.

The church was built in the early 1870s with unpaid ransom money in memory of the son of Lady Mary Vyner of Newby Hall who was killed during his attempted rescue from kidnappers in Greece.

She commissioned British architect William Burges to design the church, now an example of Victorian gothic revival architecture. Craftsmen created a rich and colourful interior of fine marble, stained glass, gilded mosaics and exquisite carvings on the organ case.

Burges also designed St Mary’s Church at the nearby Studley Royal estate for Frederick’s sister and her husband, the Marquess and Marchioness of Ripon. Christ the Consoler was the parish church of Skelton cum Newby until 1991 and is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The Friends of Christ the Consoler also want to restore the church’s grade one Thomas C Lewis organ. Lewis was one of the leading organ builders of the late 19th century, his works include the one at Ripon Cathedral.

The campaign group is made up of representatives from the Newby Hall estate and Skelton cum Newby Parish Council. The church’s single bell has already been restored and re-strung and now rings for the first time in over 20 years. The group now needs to raise more than £15,000 to reinstate the church’s heating system.

Parish Council chairman Guy Critchlow in the Church

Parish Council chairman Guy Critchlow said:

“The church is in a beautiful location and has some of the finest stained glass in the country. Recommissioning the heating system is the first step to help stabilise the stained glass. Our aim is to bring life to the church through events and raise much needed funds for its restoration and conservation.”

Stuart Gill, commercial director at Newby Hall, said:

“We are delighted to collaborate with the parish council to breathe new life into the church and create an environment that visitors and the local community can share and enjoy.”

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Knaresborough’s fascinating past is to be brought to life at the town’s first community archaeology festival this month.

Visitors will see hundreds of local artefacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, including a 4,000-year-old ceremonial hand axe.

They are also invited to bring along any artefacts they have found and a team of experts will answer questions about them.

Knaresborough Museum Association is hosting the free to enter festival over the two half-term weekends of October 28 and 29 and November 4 and 5 from 10am to 4pm at Centre-on-Gracious Street.

Kathy Allday, chair of the association, said:

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for visitors to look at a wide range of archaeological finds from the local area and find out what these tell us about the people who have lived in this area for generations.

“We can learn about the first inhabitants who came to hunt, live and farm in Knaresborough, and see what they left behind.”

“The displays also tell us what the Romans, Vikings and Saxons got up to in Knaresborough, as well as shining a light on the town’s amazing medieval history.”

Association vice-chair Malcolm Hay inspects a find.

A £10,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to the association funded the festival and also paid for a geophysical survey of Priory Cottage Orchards on Abbey Road, where the Trinitarian Priory precinct once stood.

Some of the objects on display will be used in a quiz for adults and a game for children at the festival.

Nun Tabbetha will be making an appearance, writing exquisitely illustrated medieval pardons for anyone who needs forgiveness for being naughty.

Audio visual recordings from conservationist Keith Wilkinson on the archaeology of Nidd Gorge, and mudlarker Steve Mycroft will be available and local history books and Knaresborough Christmas cards will be on sale to raise funds for the association.

The association is commissioning a 3D model of the Gates Hill Iron Age fort.

The association plans to take its displays to outlying villages, libraries and community centres, expanding its outreach work with community groups and schools.

It also had plans to organise more exhibitions, research projects and further archaeological survey work.

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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 district take part, offering free admittance to anyone curious about their heritage, community and history. 

In Harrogate, the opportunities include a trip up the observation tower on Harlow Hill, a tour of the town’s brown heritage plaques, guided walks around Grove Road cemetery and the 1,000 Commonwealth War Graves at Stonefall Cemetery, as well as heritage tours of Pannal, Ripley, the Valley Gardens and the Duchy Estate. 

In Ripon, the events include separate tours of the city’s canal, railway and industrial heritage, as well as a look behind the scenes at the late-Elizabethan Fountains Hall. 

A little further north, there will be a tour of the neolithic Thornborough Henges, and in Nidderdale, How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale Museum and Pateley Playhouse will also be taking part. 

Details of all these and many other events, including booking information, can be found through the searchable database on the Heritage Open Days website.

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The festival, which runs from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 17, is organised by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers. This year’s theme is Creativity Unwrapped. 

Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days’ marketing and projects manager, said:  

“Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture. This year, organisers have once again come up trumps and created a stellar programme of events which put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festival-goers to engage with thousands of years of creativity.”

Churches taking part

Run in conjunction with the Heritage Open Days, Yorkshire Churches Day (YCD) will see hundreds of churches across North Yorkshire welcome visitors on Saturday, September 16. 

Organised by the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT), YCD is a day where the public is encouraged to visit their local place of worship even if they have never set foot inside a church before.  

Among those opening their doors will be St Wilfrid’s, the only Grade I listed building in Harrogate, St Mary Magdalen’s Leper Chapel in Ripon, and St Andrew’s church at Aldborough, a Grade I listed church founded in the 14th century and built on the site of the Roman forum of Isurium. 

The Grade I listed St Andrew’s church at Aldborough was built on the site of the Roman forum of Isurium.

Welcoming the initiative, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and president of the YHCT, said: 

“Yorkshire Churches Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our county’s churches. At the heart of nearly every one of our communities is a church. They are there to serve and welcome everyone. However you choose to engage with these wonderful buildings, remember, they are not merely places of heritage and history, but vibrant centres of worship and community serving Yorkshire today.” 

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days, an initiative launched in 1991 by the Council of Europe and the European Commission to foster public appreciation of Europe’s cultural assets and raise awareness of the need for their care and protection. They are now held annually in September in 50 signatory states to the European Cultural Convention. 

The Skell Valley Project is embarking on a new oral history venture featuring the experiences of people living and working in the Skell Valley.

The four-year project, led by the National Trust and Nidderdale AONB, aims to conserve, enhance and celebrate the 12 miles of the River Skell from the moorlands of Dallowgill into Ripon.

A spokesperson for the project said:

“We are looking for people to share their stories of everyday life here, whether it’s about farming or working in the valley, growing up and childhood days, memories of past generations, local characters, and some of the amazing wartime history too.

“Oral history is exactly that – talking about the past. Participants will have an informal chat with a couple of volunteers who will record stories in the comfort of their home or another convenient place.”

The £2.5 million Skell Valley Project is using funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to connect local communities with unexplored heritage on their doorstep.

The oral history is just one part of the overall project, which began in 2019 and is set to run for five years.

The spokesperson added:

“At present, we don’t have a great deal of archive information about twentieth century life in the Skell Valley which runs along the 12-mile length of the Skell River, from Dallowgill, through busy rural villages and into the city of Ripon.

“We hope that by speaking to members of the community about their lives here, we’ll be able to make sure that the rich local history of the last century is documented and can brought to life for future generations.

“We’re also looking for volunteers to help carry out oral history interviews to collect these new stories and will provide full training for anyone who is interested in taking part. If you have a passion for history and would like to help, then we’d love to hear from you.”

Anybody wanting to share their story or interested in volunteering with the project, is asked to contact Karen Collins, Skell Valley Heritage Officer, on 07816 204585, karen.collins@nationaltrust.org.uk.