The Swaledale & Arkengarthdale Vernacular Buildings Study Group was formed  in 2007 with the help of the Friends of the Swaledale Museum and Don McLellan of the National Park.

Recently we obtained grants from Richmondshire District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (Awards for All) to enable us to ensure that the historic vernacular buildings of Swaledale & Arkengarthdale are surveyed and recorded for posterity, and to raise awareness amongst both local people and visitors of this important aspect of our local heritage. We aim to produce one or more booklets identifying the key features of the development of vernacular buildings in this area. These will build upon previous publications by the Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group, for example, and complement the “Private Spaces Public Places” brochures produced by the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Since our formation we have learnt a lot about the architecture of ‘ordinary’ buildings in the area and their development. We have recently surveyed two very interesting buildings one of which possibly stands on the site of an earlier medieval building. We undertake a detailed survey of the building in which we identify and record features of particular interest from large items such as roof timbers down to small features such as door hinges. We consider documentary evidence including deeds, tithe maps, census returns, land tax records etc and attempt to determine the history of the house and estimate when it was first constructed.

If you are interested in joining us then do please contact the Museum.

Photo shows Group members surveying The Green, one of the oldest houses around the centre of Reeth.