History

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Welcome to our local history section

This is where you will find many aspects of Bishopthorpe history.  Articles written by our members cover wide ranging topics such as Guy Fawkes’s association with the village, the local Post Office or the allotments.  You can find these in the ‘Articles’ section of the site.

Discover information on the wealth of documents and photographs held in the Bishopthorpe Community Archive at the Village Hall by clicking on the ‘Archive’ tab.

We also enjoy hearing from you.  If you have photographs or information about the village – please get in touch at our email address historygroup@bishopthorpe.net

About Bishopthorpe Local History Group

Bishopthorpe Local History Group was formed in 1998 as a result of the many activities prompted in the village by the Millennium.  In 2000, having gained funding through the Lottery, we published a successful book, Bishopthorpe, Reaping the Past, which concentrated on aspects of Victorian Bishopthorpe.  The proceeds were donated to the Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust. (This book is now out of print.)  We have also produced two village history trail leaflets available at Bishopthorpe Library and Bishopthorpe Community Archive.

Our aim is to research, record and preserve the history of Bishopthorpe and, where possible, publish the results.  We are, therefore, a working group and have carried out a number of projects including recording interviews with older residents and  transcribing many documents.  Members also carry out research projects on an individual basis.  We continue to run the Bishopthorpe Community Archive, upstairs in Bishopthorpe Village Hall, Main Street. This is open to members of the public on Monday afternoons, 2.30 – 5.00 pm (Bank Holidays excepted) or by appointment.  For further details see the Archive section.

The Group Committee meets approximately every 6 weeks to discuss the various Group projects and activities.

New members are very welcome.  Annual membership is £13.  This includes free entry to our open meeting talks to which a guest speaker is invited.

Non-members are also welcome to the open meetings at a charge of £3.50 per meeting payable on the door. These meetings are advertised in Link magazine; by posters distributed throughout the village; and through this website.    For full details, please click on the ‘Programme’ section.