Healaugh, Lock Heather Guest House c1955

Draycott Hall

Draycott Hall was the home of the Denys family.  Sir George Deny wrote in his 1836 journal in Spain.
“To my Uncle, whose Heir I am…Dear Uncle, I’ve waited to hear, of your death so, alas! very long, That, despairing, I yield to the fear, that you must be undieably strong. Besides your unlimited wealth - How can you all decency brave? You’re enjoying the best of good health, When you ought to go into your grave!…”
Denys family had a great deal to do with the mining in the Swaledale.

All Creatures Great and Small

This is the inn that was used in the popular BBC TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small', which was based on the books by the vet James Heriot. (From information sent in to the Frith Memory Archivist.)

eloped with david

Sometime in 1961/1962 I was courting David who was a chef in Newcastle upon Tyne.  I was a student nurse aged 16 he was I think 17.  He left his apprenticeship to work in a Wimpy bar to earn money to buy a ring.  He did buy me a ring and gave it to me on the seat at Greys monument.  We decided to elope but made the mistake of going to his parents pub The Red Lion at Arkengarthdale.  Unbeknown to us they rang my parents who turned up and took me home to Wallsend.  I wasn't allowed to see David again and even though I have been happily married for 43 years often wonder what happened to him and if he too found another love.  I thought his surname was Clarke but my family all say no it wasn't but haven't been able to remember what it was.  I would still love to hear from him if he sees this.  Annie

grouse beating

As a student I spent 3 seasons working as a beater on Lord Sopwiths estate.
I first worked a few days during a holiday with family friends called Rita and Albert Sparks who had holidayed in Arkengarthdale for many years. The following seasons I camped with a friend getting washed out one year and spending the rest of our stay in a loaned bed set up in an out building of a cottage.
Mr Mare was the head gamekeeper and Ramsey was the assistant. He had a beautiful dog. Many many happy memories even though it was hard work. Planning a visit soon. Avril Carter whose parents ran the post office I remember. Marilyn Mare (daughter of the gamekeeper)
Twins (boys) from shop overlooking the green - tried to teach me how to tickle trout.We were a bit young at the time to drink in the pub but we were ok if we took it outside!!