Month: May 2023
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The Kildale Spectres
Another one of the old folk tales collected by Richard Blakeborough and published in the Northern Weekly Gazette in July 1901. THE KILDALE SPECTRES. By RICHARD BLAKEBOROUGH. The first part of this story, so far as the source from which it sprang is concerned, has not passed through many lips, seeing that the father of…
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Distress in Scugdale — the consequences of ladder traps
As I was wandering around the head of Scugdale, something caught my attention: a ladder trap filled with birds. Two crows were stuck inside, looking distressed, and my heart sank. Although they had water, shelter, and plenty of food (dead rabbits), they were trapped and unable to escape. Upon closer inspection, I realised that the…
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Birch — a pioneer species in the succession of moorland into woodland
On a dreich morning such as this, I do find the heather moorland to be a rather lacklustre hue of brown, struggling to emerge from its wintry dormancy. But amidst this dullness, here on Hutton Moor, scores of self-seeded birch saplings bursting with fresh green leaves bring colour and vibrancy to the otherwise subdued landscape.…
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Newton Wood’s Bluebells
May is an enchanting month, and one of the most exhilarating things about it is the appearance of bluebells in Newton Wood. These stunning blue flowers are a breathtaking sight and attract photographers from all over Teesside. While the majority of bluebells are blue, this clump of white ones regularly bloom. These may be “albino”…
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The farce is over …
The farce is over — the “idle and useless pageant” has gone by — the doll has been dressed, dizened, and exhibited — a host of gawping idlers have been gratified with a spectacle, while the madness of the moment has been improved by the political beasts of prey to the strengthening of their fangs…
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The forgotten High Dam at Cod Beck
In August 2021, in the aftermath of the Covid rules, I went on a guided walk led by a local historian to explore the history of Scarth Wood Moor. During the walk, the historian mentioned that the High Dam at Cod Beck had burst in 1857. According to my notes, a local farmer noticed the…
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My Tree-mendous adventures on a dendrometric survey in Bransdale
Sorry about the title, but it has been an enjoyable day conducting an ancient and veteran tree survey for the National Trust in Bransdale. Starting downstream from the mill along the Hodge Beck, it was a day exploring the little visited parts of the dale. But perhaps it would have been wiser to begin with…
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“The Three Sisters”
“The Three Sisters,” Ingleby-Greenhow by George Markham Tweddell Three tiny streamlets, on the barren moor, Were glittering ’neath the bright rays of the sun: Pleasant it was to mark, where’er they run Along the summit of the mountain hoar, How beautiful rich mosses mark’d their way! These steams united, and went trickling on To add…
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A trace of the Medieval past of Lonsdale through its field names
Lonsdale, also spelled as ‘Lounsdale‘ in some sources, is believed to have derived its name from an old Scandinavian personal name, possibly ‘Lothaen.’ In a founding charter of Guisborough Priory, Lonsdale was referred to as Golstandale, with the Priory’s lands ‘by Percy Crosse, extending toward the south as far as Golstandale.‘ In addition, the priors…
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Bonnie Prince Charlie’s gold
Out and about on my own stamping grounds this morning, and the bank holiday meant that Roseberry was bustling with activity. So instead of sharing yet another snapshot of the popular hill, I figured I’d post one from my recent Scottish escapade. Loch Arkaig has a fascinating snippet of history just itching to be told.…