Hubberholme Explained

Country:England
Static Image:St. Michael and All Angels Church, Hubberholme (12th February 2013) 004.JPG
Static Image Width:270px
Static Image Caption:St Michael and All Angels' Church, Hubberholme (February 2013), note the broken window
Coordinates:54.1998°N -2.1147°W
Official Name:Hubberholme
Civil Parish:Buckden
Unitary England:North Yorkshire
Lieutenancy England:North Yorkshire
Region:Yorkshire and the Humber
Constituency Westminster:Skipton and Ripon
Post Town:SKIPTON
Postcode District:BD23
Postcode Area:BD
Os Grid Reference:SD926782

Hubberholme is an old village in Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire, England, at the point where Langstrothdale meets Wharfedale. It is quite secluded and the nearest village is Buckden.[1] The village was a favourite place of writer and playwright J.B. Priestley who described it as the smallest, pleasantest place in the world. The churchyard of St Michael and All Angels' Church is the resting place of his ashes.[2] The old inn, The George, is opposite the Church. This is notable for the lit candle that sits on the bar to indicate the pub is open and serving. The tradition dates from distinctive auctions for agricultural land or grazing that are still held in The George. The last bid to be received before the candle extinguished is the winner.[3] [4]

The George Pub in Hubberholme opens throughout the year (with the White Lion at Cray and the Buck Inn at Buckden the closest alternative watering holes). After the George Inn, there is no pub on the Dales Way until the Sportsman Inn at Cowgill in Cumbria. The church holds regular Sunday services, normally at 11.00 am.

Buildings

There are two architecturally notable buildings in Hubberholme, St Michael and All Angels' Church and Scar House.

St. Michael and All Angels' Church

See main article: Church of St Michael and All Angels, Hubberholme. This small Norman church is open for regular services. There is a small cemetery in its grounds which contain the ashes of J.B. Priestley. Most of the church dates from the 12th century but the oak roof was completed in 1558. The church's oak pews were crafted by Kilburn's Robert Thompson, whose trademark mouse can be found in the woodwork.[4] The tower contains two bells, both cast by John Taylor and Co of Loughborough in the early 20th century. They replaced an older bell, cast by William Oldfield in 1601, which is now on display in the church.[5] The heavier bell can be rung full-circle.[6] The George Inn, opposite the church, was originally the vicarage.

The church was featured in the final episode of the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small as the venue for the wedding of Franco and Katharine Pedretti.

Scar House

Scar House is on the hill overlooking Hubberholme and is often passed by ramblers on their way to Cray. The current buildings is of Victorian origin but a previous house was visited by George Fox in 1652 while he was trying to convert Seekers to Quakers. At the time the house was owned by James Tennant, who was later executed in York for religious reasons. The house became the first piece of land owned by the Quakers and contains a Quaker burial ground, although there are no headstones.[7]

Rambling

Hubberholme is the midpoint of a very popular walk from Buckden via Hubberholme to Cray (lunch at the White Lion) and along the lower slopes of Buckden Pike back to Buckden – about . Hubberholme also lies on the Dales Way in between Buckden and Yockenthwaite.

Transport

Hubberholme lies on a narrow unclassified road connecting Buckden and Hawes. The road is often impassable in heavy snow.

There is no public transport in Hubberholme but Dales Bus operate a service to Kettlewell, Grassington and Ilkley from nearby Buckden. The cities of Leeds and Bradford can be reached by train from Ilkley railway station.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Grassington and upper Wharfedale. 28 December 2006.
  2. Web site: Hubberholme Church. 28 December 2006.
  3. Web site: George Inn. 8 December 2007.
  4. Book: Yorkshire Dales – Ramblers Guide. David Leather. 978-0-00-762508-6. 48. Collins. 2003.
  5. Web site: A National Bell Register. georgedawson.homestead.com. 20 October 2013.
  6. Web site: shippingforecast. Bell ringing at Hubberholme. . 18 October 2013. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/x6rSXS09gbY . 2021-12-19 . live. 30 May 2019.
  7. Book: Yorkshire Dales – Ramblers Guide. David Leather. 978-0-00-762508-6 . 47. Collins. 2003.