The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here: Home > Explore your past > England > North Yorkshire > Arkengarthdale
2008 Christmas Gift Guide - great gifts for your family and friends

Arkengarthdale

Arkengarthdale photos (3 available)

Old photo of Arkengarthdale

Arkengarthdale maps (2 available)

Old map of Arkengarthdale

Arkengarthdale books (6 available)

Arkengarthdale memories

All Creatures Great and Small

Arkengarthdale, the Red Lion, Longthwaite c1960

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.)
Contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

eloped with david

Arkengarthdale, the Red Lion, Longthwaite c1960

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 ...read more here
Contributed by Anne Bruce

grouse beating

Arkengarthdale, the Red Lion, Longthwaite c1960

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) ...read more here
Contributed by ROY LOUDON

North Yorkshire memories

All Creatures Great and Small

Arkengarthdale, the Red Lion, Longthwaite c1960

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.)
A memory of Arkengarthdale contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

Extracts From Arkengarthdale & North Yorkshire books

Arkengarthdale, the Red Lion, Longthwaite c1960

Arkengarthdale is a little-visited but very beautiful dale which runs into Swaledale from the north-west at Reeth. It was formed by the Arkle Beck, which rises high on Sleightholme Moor and passes through some lovely hamlets such as Arkle Town, Whaw and Langthwaite, where The Red Lion (centre) is a welcome hostelry in typical Dales countryside.
An extract from from"North Yorkshire Living Memories".

Arkengarthdale, the Bar, Red Lion Hotel c1965

The welcoming though deserted bar inside The Red Lion shows a typical pub interior, decorated with brass tankards, hunting horns and pewter plates.
An extract from from"North Yorkshire Living Memories".

Ilkley, Cow and Calf Rocks 1921

It is well worth the effort to climb up these rocks: you’re on top of the world, if a little weary and overheated. Luckily, just below refreshments are to hand at the Cow and Calf Inn, formerly known as the Highfield.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".

Ilkley, view of Swastika Stone 1914

In this photograph you can see the top of the Semon Convalescent Home just beyond the reservoir. A fair walk westwards then brings you to the Swastika Stone, which is unique in this country. Other examples have been found in Tossene in Sweden and Mycenae in Greece and all depict fertility and religious symbols. The council placed the iron railing around the site in 1913.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".

Ilkley, the Moors 1914

Up above the Cow and Calf rocks is more evidence of quarrying, but in this photograph the heather softens the scene for the Edwardian picnickers taking in the valley view, top right.
An extract from from"Ilkley Town and City Memories".