Tom Pridmore

Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year.

Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War. View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower.

Imagine what life was like when Skipton Castle provided protection and security from invaders. Relax in the picnic area or in the new tea room or visit the shop for more information.

Even now more historic finds are being discovered. Recently an ancient well was uncovered, helping to explain how the castle garrison survived the siege of 1643-5.

Address: Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW

Website: www.skiptoncastle.co.uk

Telephone: 01756 792442

Email: info@skiptoncastle.co.uk

The idea of a museum in Ribchester was conceived by Margaret Greenall, originally from Warrington and a member of the famous brewing family, in the early years of the twentieth century. Her objective was to stem the flow of artefacts out of the village that had occurred ever since Ribchester was first recognised as a site of special historic interest. Ribchester Museum of Roman Antiquities was thus opened under Miss Greenall’s direction in 1915.

The original museum building comprised one room, which was added to in the 1960s by a temporary prefabricated extension. This annexe increased the Museum’s storage and display areas and sufficed until the 1980s by which time its condition had seriously deteriorated. A plan to rectify this situation was hatched and by 1990 the Museum had been completely revamped. A new two-storey extension to the rear of the original building was constructed, connecting the Museum to the adjoining cottage. The cottage, previously the incumbent curator’s residence, was incorporated into the Museum. These developments were undertaken under the auspices of Ribchester Museum Trust, which had been formed from the museum committee following the National Trust’s decision to relinquish the property after almost seventy years of ownership.

In 2001 the Museum reopened after the most ambitious redevelopment scheme in its history. Making use of the Heritage Lottery Fund, European funding and grants and assistance from other supportive organisations, it was once more extended to incorporate the adjacent vacant building, and a new wing was built opposite the original Museum. The permanent exhibition was replaced completely by striking, informative and modern displays and for the first time the most interesting objects from the 1989 excavation in St Wilfrid’s Graveyard were put on show. Behind the scenes facilities were improved and issues such as access and education were addressed.

In 2014 the future for the Museum has never been brighter. This, our Centenary year will see the return of the Ribchester Helmet on loan from the British Museum and the unveiling of a new interactive 3D model of the fort and vicus which will allow visitors to explore a reconstructed fort, bathhouse and neighbouring settlement using state of the art computer gaming technology.

Address: Ribchester Roman Museum, Riverside, Ribchester, Preston, Lancashire PR3 3XS

Website: www.ribchesterromanmuseum.org

PRECIOUS is a small independent boutique shop, situated in the picturesque Ribble Valley town of Whalley, Lancashire. Handpicked items from all across Europe, make this shop unique in jewellery, clothing, accessories and much much more.

Address: 7 Accrington Road Whalley BB7 9TD Lancashire

Website: www.preciousatwhalley.co.uk

Telephone: 01254 801193

Email: info@preciousatwhalley.co.uk