100 years

A LETTER to the Craven Herald cast doubt on the belief that Oliver Cromwell had spent time in Kirkby Malham and had signed his name in the church register. The year 1899 was the 300th anniversary of Cromwell's birth and a reader and historian from Bingley, H Speight, had written to the paper saying he doubted whether the signatures were genuine. He said even dispensing with affairs of State and retiring for a brief respite to a remote dale in the depths of winter, he felt he would not have signed his name Oliver Cromwell regd (registered), but Oliver P (Protectorate) which was his usual way.

Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle also refused to accept the local legend on the grounds that the signatures did not resemble Cromwell's handwriting. He added it was inconceivable that the protector of England would occupy himself with registering the marriages of peasants while the weight of three kingdoms and even the destinies of Europe lay upon him. But Mr Henley, the vicar of Kirkby Malham 100 years ago, said he believed in the tale.

Skipton's landlords were bitter about the imminent loss of the cattle market in the town's streets. The close proximity of the dealers and buyers to the pubs meant the beer flowed constantly and they felt the market's removal would rob them of their valuable trade. Magistrates had said the town would benefit from the re-siting of the market, however, and that it was only the publicans who would lose out.

50 years

EMBSAY batsman Alec Hodgson scored his third successive century during a Wynn Cup match against J Nelson SC. It paved the way to a substantial victory for his side. That same season saw Mr Hodgson become the first man to score 1,000 runs during a season, a record which lasted for 48 years.

Many Skiptonians were illegally using their wireless receiving sets (that's radios to you and I) without holding a proper broadcasting receiving licence, reported the Herald. The head postmaster was about to arrange an intensive check to detect the licence dodgers. He urged people to buy one quickly or face a fine of between £1 and £10.

25 years

GIGGLESWICK woman Miss HE Percival, who had been connected with the Settle St John Ambulance Brigade for more than 50 years, was presented with the Serving Sister award. This was one of the greatest honours to be bestowed by the Association and was sanctioned by the Queen. In 1960 when the Settle brigade was being threatened with closure, Miss Percival was made superintendent of the division after her help in keeping it open.

Cawder Ghyll Maternity Hospital in Skipton had been approved for closure by the Secretary of State for Social Services. Maternity services were to be concentrated at the modern Airedale General Hospital at Steeton. Cawder Ghyll had been a former isolation hospital and had housed 20 maternity beds, though fewer than a quarter of them were in use at any one time. The cost of running the unit, which was staffed by family doctors, amounted to £192 per patient per week - more than double the regional average of £83. The hospital was due to close the following June.

10 years

THERE had been an outcry over plans to demolish one of only two surviving mill chimneys in Skipton, and Craven District Council responded by overwhelmingly voting to refuse permission. The chimney adjoined the canal at Victoria Mills, Belmont Wharfe, and owners Raven Development, who already had permission to convert the redundant mill into 31 luxury flats, felt the chimney was an insurance and maintenance liability.

Skipton Chamber of Trade met in the Black Horse Hotel to discuss the town's car parking problems, said to be reaching crisis point. A survey was being carried out by the council with the help of Craven College, the results of which would help to build up a parking strategy and identify potential car parks. Craven District Council's principal planning officer, David Pinner, said the only way was up in the air. But he pointed out that each space in a decked car park would cost £6,000.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.