The Dalesman History in Clapham
The Dalesman or the Yorkshire Dalesman was founded in March 1939 by the Leeds journalist Harry Scott. It was produced in his home until 1955 when it finally outgrew his home, at Fellside, Clapham. New offices were opened elsewhere in the village where it remained until 2000. Now a thriving publisher it is operating from Broughton Hall in nearby Skipton.
Clapham Gateway to the North
Peter Sellers had an amusing song ‘Balham Gateway to the South’. One line spoken in his bluebottle voice said ‘ hon my porch I carve the holes in the top of toothbrushes manually or every year’.
Peter Sellers would not have suffered from his angst if he had spent more time in the Yorkshire Dales. Clapham claims to be the ‘Doorway to the Dales’ and I am not going to argue.
What has Clapham got to Offer
- Well unlike the man on the Clapham omnibus there are no buses.
- The Old Manor House a fabulous historic mullioned farmhouse built in 1640 is now a bunkbarn
- There is a stream or beck, Clapham Beck running through the middle of this dales village.
- Brokken bridge and Mafeking bridge straddle the beck which enters the village via a waterfall.
- St James’ church is at the head of the village with a complex millennium stone display.
- The Bethel chapel is across Cross Haw Lane.
- Reginald Farrer who introduced Viburnum, Gentian, Buddleia and Geranium species to the UK & the Ingleborough estate.
- There is a bee bole alongside the beck. This is a cavity or alcove in a wall in which to put Skeps or bee hives.
- A nature trail, Trow Gill, Gaping Gill and the paths to the top if Ingleborough.
- Green lane down to the old railway station.
Places to stay include;
- New Inn Hotel 18th Century Coaching Inn, with 18 bedrooms, restaurant and 2 bars with open fires.
- Primrose Cottage Cosy well appointed cottage, traditional features with log burning stove & private patio area with barbeque. Self catering. Country walks straight from the door.
- Brook House Guest House & Restaurant Clapham’s little secret! Open all year round. Restaurant saturday evenings. Local produce, booking advisable.
- Old Manor House Spacious and homely 18th Century self-catering cottage – 4 bedrooms sleeps up to 9 people. Open fires, lounge, dining room, garden room and secluded garden
Croft Café Delightful setting overlooking river, - Dalesbridge Centre Outdoor accommodation base, eight bunkhouses, campsite, B&B, s/c house, function bar & event rooms. Outdoor activity instruction can be arranged.
- Halsteads Barn Accommodation
- Witherspoons Home of Witherspoon’s Emporium and Bunkhouse Accommodation. A kaleidoscope of original locally made arts & crafts including local wines, preserves etc.
Sources
Welcome to Clapham North Yorkshire