Editorial

Dr Maureen Ellis has stepped down from the editorship and it is most unlikely that anyone will be able to emulate such a long period of very active service to the North Craven Heritage Trust. The first Journal in much the same format as is used today was produced by her in 1992. That is 26 years at the helm! Others of course have been involved along the way for various periods of time. Modern printing technology has made the Journal easier to produce in an attractive colourful style, but otherwise the content and the editorial policy and practice is similar in most respects. It is instructive to read the 1992 and the 1993 Journals on-line on the NCHT website. Today’s problems appear essentially the same as those of today. Maureen will continue to support the journal in the normal practice of encouraging and seeking out contributors. But please help by suggesting sources of information and potential contributors, or contributing yourself, to keep the Journal going. Editorial help is always on offer.

The current contents of this edition are a mixed bag — it is only by accident that we end up with some theme. Looking into the nooks and crannies of North Craven’s past continues to be rewarding. Articles range over topics of pre-historic days in caves, late medieval days (ancient carvings), women’s lives in Tudor times, Victorian days of transport and transportation, congregational worship and social behaviour, the education of 20th century girls, and bluebells seen in a wonderful spring. All this in North Craven.

As it happens, two more studies on wills are presented — one by Charlotte Moody, recipient of an NCHT Bursary at Lancaster University, a second by Nick Verrill requested by the editor on seeing his published work on the wills of the religious in North Yorkshire since local wills are more secular in nature and show a different side to life here. In addition to wills there is much to learn about the history of our area locked up in manorial records, yet to be revealed. Other contributions have been generated by events such as the closing of Zion Chapel and the finding of a curious glass panel showing St Alkelda. An effort is being made to publish the histories of old houses in our area, as opportunity arises — Grain House is very well documented but The Green in Langcliffe less so and requiring detective work in the property, graciously made possible by the owners. More houses are in the pipeline.

The 50th Anniversary of NCHT was a notable event in 2018 and the remarks made by James Innerdale and Anne Read are most important and relevant to the continuing work of NCHT. Keeping the Journal supported with interesting articles is part of this work — reminiscences are particularly valuable since such local knowledge is easily lost and are enjoyable to read for many of us, whether locals or incomers.

So much to do — so little time!