Masham, The Druids Temple c.1960

Photo ref: M45054

We have run Bank Villa as a comfortable and relaxing B&B since 2002. Dr Dodd's son has stayed with us and shared his memories. The property is listed so looks very much the same today. Guests love exploring the nooks and crannies of the interior. Many of features can be dated back to the days when there was live in staff.

In the 1950's and 60's, Bank Villa belonged to Dr Dodds, in partnership with Dr Holroyd whose surgery was in Kirkby Malzeard. Dr Dodds' surgery was within Bank Villa. Dr Dodds was invalided out of the Royal Navy having served on the Russian convoy routes, which is why his wife Anne, who herself was the daughter of a senior Navy man, was always very supportive of the Lifeboat Service and fundraising in Masham. ...see more

This photo, looking West South West shows the weir across the River Ure which serviced the former corn/flax(?) mill just downstream and on the far bank of the river. In the 1892 ordnance survey map, The Grotto described the wood named Grotto Plantation. At some stage in the 1920's a house was built there adjacent to the road, and named The Greens, and occupied by the Burrill family. In the 1930's, the weir was ...see more

The Bay Horse Inn would then likely belong to T & R Theakston Ltd, which became a limited company in 1905. Now, 2012, the pub belongs to Greene King plc. The chimney in the background belongs to Lightfoot's Brewery, Wellgarth Masham. The same scene today still has the chimney, but reduced by the top section, taken down before the 39/45 War. Halfway along Silver Street to the left, obscured by buildings, ...see more