Yorkshire CD books

Old and rare Yorkshire books as pdf file downloads

photograph of the book
"The History of Skipton"
by W. Harbutt Dawson

download version
produced by Yorkshire CD books ©

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For sample pages, please see the links to the Acrobat (pdf) files given below.

The data in this downloadable pdf is computer searchable.


"The History of Skipton " was written by W. Harbutt Dawson and published in 1882. The book contains over 400 pages, along with 18 illustrations and a comprehensive index.

The following are available to help you ascertain the contents of the book:

The above Acrobat file was extracted from the main pdf file and shows the quality of the images. You will need at least version 5 of Acrobat to open this file. If you do not have an up to date version please go to the Adobe web-site to obtain a free version of Acrobat Reader.

A short review of the book by Angela Petyt:

Anglo-Saxon for 'Sheep-Town' - Skipton in Craven - the important market town now so popular with tourists as 'Gateway to the Dales'. This late-Victorian book covers a broad sweep of Skipton's history, thoroughly researched and well-written.
Starting from the Saxon and Normans, through prominent families Romille and Clifford, histories and tours of the Castle and Holy Trinity Church, manorial life, military events, fairs and markets, agriculture and industry, nonconformist places of worship, parish charities, schools and local customs, the author brings the story up to the  Victorian period.
Interwoven with this detailed and fascinating history are some real gems for the family historian, including -
1379 poll tax list
1652 rent roll list
1741 poll book voters' list
Parish register extracts
A list of the surnames of the 'old families' of Skipton as taken from the parish registers in the 16th & 17th centuries
Biographies of Skipton 'worthies'
With attractive illustrations and a comprehensive index, W. Harbutt Dawson's book is essential reading for those with ancestors from Skipton and the surrounding villages, as well as those who enjoy visiting this well-loved Yorkshire town.


List of contents of "The History of Skipton "


List of Illustrations.


Skipton In 1830
Arms of Clifford
Entrance Gateway of Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle Gateway
Conduit Court, Skipton Castle
Skipton Parish Church
Brass On Slab of Clifford Tomb In Skipton Parish Church
Brass On Clifford Tomb In Skipton Parish Church
Plan of Altar-Tomb In Skipton Parish Church
Epigraph On Carleton Hall Front
Epitaph On Ferrand Brass In Beverley Minster
Barden Tower
Lady Anne Clifford
Lady Anne Clifford's Signature
Ancient Ducking Stool
Riding The Stang
Christ Church, Skipton
Skipton Grammar School


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