An Encounter in Esk Dale

Another photograph from yesterday, captured during our return journey from Whitby to Grosmont, which we reached by train for the outward leg.

Our route followed the Esk Valley Walk, though much of it traversed the well-preserved flagged paths known as the Monk’s Trod. This path is purportedly the medieval route linking Grosmont Priory and Whitby Abbey. However, as these two monastic houses belonged to different orders, I doubt there was much interaction between them.

Here is Esk Dale, looking south-west. The farmstead is Thistle Grove, Grade II listed and dating from the 18th to early 19th century. It was likely built by a member of the Thistle family. Henry Thistle, master mariner, resided there at the time of his marriage in 1889. I believe it is now converted into two houses¹https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1148953.

Just before I took the photograph, we encountered a gate adorned with an alarming assortment of signs, the most menacing of which declared:

“WARNING: Under the dog act 1953, the farmer has the right to shoot any dog off lead.”

I am rather intrigued by the veracity of this proclamation. I presume the “dog act 1953” alludes to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. I would be fascinated to learn which specific provision within this act endows “the farmer with the right to shoot any dog off lead.” Although I am no legal expert, I fail to unearth any language within the act that bestows upon the farmer such sweeping powers, much less the authority to wield a firearm with the nonchalance of a Western gunslinger.

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  https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1148953