Oldandgrays_antiques

29/10/2026

Today, I am back with William Hone in his Book of Days in 1826.

I admit a giggle when reading the following passage from his ‘Beginning of “Fires”’ section.

‘Of all the discomforts of that most comfortless period of the London year which is neither winter nor summer, the most unequivocal is that of its being too cold to be without a fire and not cold enough to have one.’

200 years later and still many a household (mine included) are having spirited discussions on whether to ‘put t’ heating on’ or not! There’s a comfort in some things never changing. ☺️

I love a good fire and if it’s in a cosy pub, all the better!

25/10/2026

Old Settle
Back with another riveting story from H. Speight’s book: The Craven and North West Yorkshire Highlands.

Through Speight we learn that Settle has been a market town since Henry lll (1249) and that approach from the east was considered so perilous that descent by ropes or even by hot air balloon was recommended! 🎈

Military prowess: Settle and Giggleswick were prominent posts for the Cromwellian army under John Lambert in the mid 1600s. 🪖Local men also featured significantly in the tragic Battle of Flodden.

On the money: The scenic Castleberg rock 🗻featured on the paper money of Craven Bank until 1817 when it was replaced by the Craven Heifer. 🐮

In 1835, there were five cotton mills which employed 333 people.

Speight in his 1892 book states: The town, which is now lighted with gas, is well provided with institutions and clubs for the social and educational wants of the people.’

In 1793, the population was around 2200, whereas in 2021, the census recorded 2714. It seems it has long maintained its small town charm. 🥰


Picture from Photographic Memories of Britain - Yorkshire

23/10/2026

Is it me?? 😂

I work from home, so I’m largely spared the daily commuter drama. However, the four or five times a year I travel to London for work from Yorkshire, I seem to be guaranteed a cancelled train or a seriously delayed one. Every. Single. Time.

Are our rail services really that bad, or do I just have spectacularly unfortunate timing?

Meanwhile, Japan’s Shinkansen trains reportedly average less than a minute’s delay… per year. 🤯

Just saying… 🚄🇯🇵

Photo courtesy of magnific.com

19/10/2026

Everyone who knows me, knows I love my antique books. I have three on the go now, so I thought I may share the love!

I introduce you to The Craven North-West Yorkshire Highlands, 1892, by H. Speight

Giggleswick: Fresh air, fine ham and a school with attitude!

Our journey through the pages of H. Speight’s Victorian guidebook begins in Giggleswick. A village with a name that ranks amongst my top 20 favourite British place names.

Speight was a big fan as well. He wrote that the air was splendid, the food wholesome, and the locals seemingly blessed with extraordinary longevity. He particularly praised the village’s “home-fed hams (which have indeed a world-wide fame)” and the excellent Yorkshire-made bread.

Apparently, the combination of fresh air, good food and other local virtues gave the Dales folk a lifespan exceeding that of “any other district in the universe”.

Giggleswick’s famous Grammar School was already an ancient institution when Speight visited. Its first school building was completed in 1512, and by 1892 it had grown into a substantial establishment. Speight describes it as one of the most flourishing and opulent schools in the kingdom.

And the pupils certainly had a long day. In its early years, lessons ran from 6.30am until 5pm, with Latin, Greek and Hebrew on the menu. English was forbidden!

Today, Giggleswick School remains a thriving independent, co-educational school, welcoming pupils from ages 2 to 18.

So, next time you’re in the Yorkshire Dales, spare a thought for Giggleswick: a village of ancient learning, medieval stonework and, if Mr Speight is to be believed, exceptionally long-lived ham enthusiasts.

I’m rather tempted to investigate the ham situation myself.

18/10/2026

So in anticipation of the next couple of fairs that are more outside than in, I have invested in a bum warmer… my new bff. Soz Pete Gray! 😂

It’s a good day to buy!!

17/10/2026

Off at a redunkulous hour tomorrow morning for our last fair of the year in beautiful . This love set of vintage leather cases will accompany us. Bought some years back for our own personal indulgence, we are now offering to a new and loving home.

We look forward to seeing you lovely people there!

14/10/2026

It’s been a while. Our friend, William Hone, who diligently wrote three volumes of his Every Day Book, would be rightly disappointed in my lack of discipline two centuries later.

Anyhoo, on October 15th, 1826 Hone writes of ‘The Eccentric Will of the Late Henry Trigg, of

After commending his soul to his god, his will reads ‘… as to my body I commit it to the West End of my Hovel, to be decently laid there upon a floor erected by my Executor, upon the purlins…’ Proved in the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, the 15th of October, 1724.

The will doesn’t state if his body should be laid in a coffin or not, but I hope, for the sake of the remaining residents, it was! 😬😳Picture is my imagining courtesy of AI.

13/10/2026

09/07/2026

See you there!!

Jane aka Jane Golden has been trading at the Yorkshire Flea since we started this iteration of our antiques & vintage fair organising in 2017. She also organises an antiques & collectors Fair in Grassington.

Jane has a great eye for design led vintage and will be bringing the items featured here to The Yorkshire Fleamarket at Skipton on Sunday 19th July, from recent buying trips to France, together with kitchenalia, enamelware and mid century homewares and garments.

Her friend & colleague, Lesley aka ilkleyantiquesandvintage will be sharing her pens right at the middle point of Alley 3 at our next Skipton Fleamarket on Sunday 19th July.

Lesley also happens to be organising her regular Ilkley Fair at Clarke Foley Community Centre today -Sunday 5th July. It’s a really friendly and interesting event and worth a visit. You will also find a few of our regulars at Skipton there too.

Here’s some more info about the Fleamarket at Skipton
On 19th July

📍Skipton Auction Mart is on the Gargrave Road BD23 1UD.

🕰️ Opening times 9am-4pm. Last admission 3pm to allow time to see everything.

🏰 The ancient market town is 2 miles from the venue and definitely worth a visit with good shops & cafes. A castle and canal basin.

🚂Skipton railway station is 20 mins walk away.

🎟️Admission £4 each. Children under 16 and well behaved dogs free of charge. We operate 2 admission entrances front and back of the building at busy times.

💷 Cash & card accepted. Cash is quicker and more reliable when the signal is patchy. No advance tickets.

🅿️Ample free parking onsite

🧥 Up to 100 excellent friendly & knowledgeable vintage & antiques small business traders indoors in the foyer & pens of the mart

🍽️ On-site cafe

🚚 Most traders will deliver larger items

06/07/2026

Ha all. A long shot…..
Were you at the Cromford Mills fair yesterday (Sunday 5th)?
If so, did you buy the gold and blue John ring?
If so, your card payment failed (check your bank).
Please be kind enough to get in touch.
Many thanks. Laura and Pete.