A History Of Richmond And Swaledale

Author: R Fieldhouse & B Jennings
Price: £85
Publisher: Phillimore
Edition: 1st edition
Publication Date: 1978
Format: Original cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper

Description:

A detailed and well-illustrated history. Very near fine in near fine, slightly rubbed and price-clipped dustwrapper which has none of the usual fading to the spine. Location: OSR 000569

A History Of Richmond And Swaledale: A Short Review

A History of Richmond and Swaledale offers an insightful and richly observed exploration of one of North Yorkshire’s most captivating regions. Steeped in history, shaped by natural beauty, and characterised by a strong sense of community, this work provides a nuanced portrait of both the ancient market town of Richmond and the wild, pastoral valley of Swaledale.
With the benefit of local knowledge and direct engagement with the landscape, the author presents a vivid account of the area’s development over time. Richmond emerges not only as a military and administrative centre following the Norman Conquest, but also as a place of cultural and economic importance. The town’s enduring character—expressed through its cobbled streets, Georgian architecture, and lively market square—is examined with clarity and care.

Swaledale, stretching westwards into the Pennine uplands, is portrayed as both rugged and richly textured. Its history of upland farming, dry-stone walling, and lead mining is explored in detail, illustrating how the dale’s identity has been forged through centuries of human interaction with a challenging yet beautiful environment. The book captures the rhythms of rural life and the resilience of the communities that have lived and worked here, often in isolation but with deep-rooted ties to land and tradition.

Themes such as land use, architecture, local customs, and environmental conservation are woven into the narrative, reflecting a thoughtful approach to place-based history. Special attention is given to how modern pressures—ranging from tourism to agricultural reform—interact with the area’s heritage, prompting reflection on the balance between preservation and progress.
Written with authority, first-hand experience, and a deep respect for the subject, Richmond and Swaledale stands as an informative and trustworthy resource. It offers readers a layered understanding of how natural and human forces have shaped this corner of the Yorkshire Dales into a region of enduring significance.

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