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How it all began in Yorkshire, volume 2
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2000
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April 10, 2013
For people with an interest in all things Yorkshire or social, industrial and commercial history, this is a great find. First published and printed in 1997, this book is 24cm X 18.5cms. Although it is only 143 pages long, it is packed full of colour illustrations, colour and black and white photos. Being something of a tribute to Yorkshire, it is not surprising to see a forward written by fellow Tyke, Alan Titchmarsh and Yorkshire folk will beam with pride as they take a walk down a memory lane of Yorkshire achievements. However, non-Tykes are permitted to peruse the hallowed pages and marvel at how many famous brands originated in the white rose county.
The book features 50 of the best Yorkshire enterprises, some of which will be household names and others that are long since forgotten. Those that have developed into major concerns include Asda, KP Foods and Reckitt and Coleman. For those with an interest in engineering and technology, there are opportunities to read about Sheffield Forgemasters, Lister's silk mills and Whitely and Green's woollen mills. These include some photographs of machinery and factory interiors from the early 20th century.
For those interested in commerce, there are plenty of stories relating to how a single, small shop turned into a major concerns, such as Allan's tailors, Fatorrini's jewellers and Greenwood's men's wear. Then, as you might expect, there are classic Yorkshire brands such as Terry's chocolates and Tetley bitter.
However, my own preference is for the quaint and curious such as Oldroyd's rhubarb and Othwaite's the rope makers. You just want to say, 'eeh by gum' as you read it and look around for John Noakes.
Other interesting episodes include Silver Cross prams, Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil and Farrah's Harrogate Toffee and the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band.
On the downside, each business is covered in two or three pages which include illustrations so that the actual text is little more than a quick resume or thumbnail sketch which traces the origin of the business and various generations of family members. Whilst the ups and downs of the business, in relation to the economic conditions and demand, are covered, little detail is provided about the products or the technology used. Each review therefore leaves you feeling that you've only scratched the surface and would need to research further to go into proper detail.
However on balance, this book is a lot of fun. You could easily read it cover to cover in one sitting or just dip in and out of it as a very relaxing evening by the fireside. It should certainly sit on any Mouse-man bookcase and non Yorkshire furniture need not be embarrassed by its presence either. For any reader there could be few better ways to spend an evening than with a pint of Tetley's, a piece of Wensleydale cheese and a copy of 'How It All Began in Yorkshire'. Thank you Maurice Baren for an enjoyable and interesting piece of social history.
The book features 50 of the best Yorkshire enterprises, some of which will be household names and others that are long since forgotten. Those that have developed into major concerns include Asda, KP Foods and Reckitt and Coleman. For those with an interest in engineering and technology, there are opportunities to read about Sheffield Forgemasters, Lister's silk mills and Whitely and Green's woollen mills. These include some photographs of machinery and factory interiors from the early 20th century.
For those interested in commerce, there are plenty of stories relating to how a single, small shop turned into a major concerns, such as Allan's tailors, Fatorrini's jewellers and Greenwood's men's wear. Then, as you might expect, there are classic Yorkshire brands such as Terry's chocolates and Tetley bitter.
However, my own preference is for the quaint and curious such as Oldroyd's rhubarb and Othwaite's the rope makers. You just want to say, 'eeh by gum' as you read it and look around for John Noakes.
Other interesting episodes include Silver Cross prams, Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil and Farrah's Harrogate Toffee and the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band.
On the downside, each business is covered in two or three pages which include illustrations so that the actual text is little more than a quick resume or thumbnail sketch which traces the origin of the business and various generations of family members. Whilst the ups and downs of the business, in relation to the economic conditions and demand, are covered, little detail is provided about the products or the technology used. Each review therefore leaves you feeling that you've only scratched the surface and would need to research further to go into proper detail.
However on balance, this book is a lot of fun. You could easily read it cover to cover in one sitting or just dip in and out of it as a very relaxing evening by the fireside. It should certainly sit on any Mouse-man bookcase and non Yorkshire furniture need not be embarrassed by its presence either. For any reader there could be few better ways to spend an evening than with a pint of Tetley's, a piece of Wensleydale cheese and a copy of 'How It All Began in Yorkshire'. Thank you Maurice Baren for an enjoyable and interesting piece of social history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review