We recently visited the North Yorkshire town of Thirsk. It lies about 22 miles north of York and 192 Miles north of London in UK. Thirsk is a beautiful market town located in the district of Hambleton in North Yorkshire, England. Thirsk has a rich history that traces back to the 12th century and archeological information indicates there was s settlement there 500 years BC. Its name originates from the old Norse word presk meaning lake or fen and is a very interesting place.
Thirsk is really lovely with a large market square, many independent shops, and great cafes surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. It is located between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, making it an excellent base for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area. This review is about our experience of the town of Thirsk itself.
View from the river walk, Cod Beck, to St Marys Church |
Alf Wight The Vet and James Herriot The Author
It is also the place where James Herriot the writer and Alf Wight the veterinary surgeon lived and worked. He was born Oct 1916 in Sunderland and died 23rd Feb1995. He started working in Thirsk as a vet in 1940 after he graduated from Veterinary College in Glasgow and worked with Donald Sinclair for the next 50 years.
The World of James Herriot, is a museum that honors the life and work of Alf Wight, the author of the books "All Creatures Great and Small". We especially wanted to see the World of James Herriot Museum located in Alf Wight's former veterinary practice, as it showcases his life, the stories behind his books, and the history of veterinary science.
We took a self-guided tour of the house and saw how he lived and worked and it was truly fascinating and quite emotional to experience the life, sights and sounds that inspired the famous books and series.
This is the house where he lived and worked as a vet. The museum itself is in 2 parts, one is the actual house where he lived frozen in time in the 1940s with all the decor of that time.
World Of James Herriot Museum -house on the right. |
The second part is how the series was filmed with the original sets. It is also the only Veterinary museum in the UK showcasing the various remedies and instruments used at that time. There is also a fun section for children or the child in all of us, where you can try out different veterinary activities and fun things.
We were also able to see the wonderful car he used and a short explanatory film about his life and work which was fascinating.
James Herriot The Author
I grew up on the amazing books of James Herriot and the memories of a Vet working in Yorkshire so I was excited to see the place where he practised as a vet and where the stories he later wrote about were born. He started writing relatively late in life. He had the stories in his head for a very long time and meant to write but it wasn't until his wife challenged that he would never do it that he started writing!
I love all of his books and spent many happy hours reading them including he following with their published dates.
If Only They Could Talk 1970
It Shouldn't Happen To A Vet 1972
Merged into one Volume called All Creatures Great and Small when published in the US 1975
Let Sleeping Vets Lie 1973
Vets In Harness 1974
All Things Bright And Beautiful 1977
The Lord God Made Them All 1981
Every Living Thing 1992
The Complete James Herriot Box Set is a wonderful way to start reading these books and a lovely gift idea
Then of course there was the wonderful filmed TV series "All Creatures Great And Small"
We spent about 4 hours there and I would strongly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum if you have any interest in James Herriot. We were able to take photos inside the house but as they are only to be used for personal use I cannot show them on this review.
It should also be noted that James Herriot also wrote wonderful children's books, based on his experiences as a vet all of which had illustrations. These include
Moses The Kitten 1984
Only One Woof 1985
The Christmas Day Kitten 1986
James Herriot Treasury For Children 1982
Bonnie's Big Day 1996
In addition, he wrote some books about his beloved Yorkshire such as James Herriot's Yorkshire
People often wonder why Alf Wight did not use his own name when telling his stories of practicing as a vet in the Yorkshire countryside. The reason was that as a practicing veterinary surgeon, he was not permitted to use his own name as that would have been seen as advertising.
St Marys Church, Thirsk
We also visited the St Marys Church the heart of Thirsk where Alf Wight married his love and it is a truly beautiful church with a lively active congregation. It is over 500 years old and is of Gothic architecture. It was renovated during the Victorian era but retains its original character.
The most notable and imposing feature is its tower which can be seen for 100 miles around and is over 100 feet tall. Inside the Church there are amazing wooden vaulted ceilings and decorated with ornate carvings. The chancel screen is gorgeous with its tracery and stained glass.
St Marys Church, Thirsk |
St Marys Church Timber Roof |
Thirsk Blue Plaque Trail.
We finished our time in Thirsk by following the Blue Plaque Trail which highlights many and various interesting and important landmarks throughout the town. The walk around took us about two to three hours so there were many places of interest but here are just a few highlights for you.
We visited the grand Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden. Thirsk Hall is owned by Bell family who are opening their 20 acres of gardens and parklands to exhibit culture from different artists. The artists' work is changed on a regular basis and it was a very interesting walk around the grounds seeking out the various beautiful sculptures and talented artists work. It was a wonderful way to spend two or three hours. Again photos can be taken but are restricted to personal use only. It is a family home and the family do live there.
The Ritz Cinema was an amazing experience. We arrived about 30 mins before the film was due to start and were lucky enough to get talking to one of the volunteers there who kindly showed us around. It dates back to the early 20th century and as first established as a music hall venue. It has been entertaining the locals for over a hundred years.
There have been many changes of use over the years including a Bingo Hall before it was once again converted back to a Cinema in the early 1980s. It has been modernised and has comfortable seating but has a most beautiful art deco interior. It is now run by enthusiastic volunteers and screens current and classic films.
The Three Tuns Pub is three hundred years old dating back to the 18th century and is located in the market square in Thirsk.
It is a beloved building and over the years has been a meeting point for travelers, local businesses and farmers. Now it is a public House serving local ales and beer and food. It has a large beer garden at the back enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The Golden Fleece Old Coaching house dates back to the 16th century and was a coaching inn stage for Royal Mail Edinburgh to London.
One of its most famous guests was Captain James Cook who used to drink there. It is very popular with people who go to the Thirsk races such as Jockeys, Trainers and racing enthusiasts. It is now a large central Hotel well situated in the market square in Thirsk.
Thirsk is home to the Thirsk Racecourse, which is a major attraction for horse racing enthusiasts. Although we did not visit the racecourse. It hosts a range of races throughout the year, including the annual Thirsk Hunt Cup, one of the country's top flat races.
All in all it was a really wonderful visit to the town of Thirsk and would appeal to anyone with a love of the beautiful quite stunning scenery which surrounds the town, a love of James Herriot books and TV series, a slice of British history and culture at its best and just embrace a part of the world that is a joy to experience.
Excellent review brought back happy memories of the old country.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful memory. I am a huge James Herriot fan, even went to college for pre vet. Read all of the original books at LEAST 6 times each. Was in the UK for a veterinary conference (not as a vet) and it was like walking thru a storybook. The fish and chip shop, the bakery, the clock tower, the church. Even stayed at the Golden Fleece.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating tour through Thirsk through your wonderful photos and words. As many are, I also am a fan of the James Herriot books and the TV stories. Loved them all. Thanks so much for taking me along virtually on your holiday in Thirsk and the world of James Herriot.
ReplyDeletePS: I had no idea that the author, Alf Wight, wrote under a different name. Interesting.
Fabulous! We have been to London several times and we love it, but I have never had the pleasure of venturing to Thirsk. It sounds like a lovely place and one we would greatly enjoy visiting. I am certain we could spend hours immersed in the history and resent ever having to leave. Thank you for the virtual tour of Thirsk. I am putting it on my "must visit" list now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this splendid tour of Thirsk! We adore the series “All Creatures Great and Small” and had no idea that James Herriot was a nom de plume. I would love to have a chance to spend time in Thirsk. In the meantime, I’m extremely grateful to be able to visit it vicariously through your wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to visit Thirsk - sounds quaint, and of course, filled with interesting history. Walking through any town or city that features museums and places where those who walked 100s of years before us fascinates me to my core - I often enter a space thinking about the souls long before me, placing their feet in the same space, on the same ground that I am - what a lovely town
ReplyDeleteHow very interesting. Sounds like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteLooks like somewhere I would love to go. Future plans for travel will have to include this place for sure. I can hardly wait to start travelling again.
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