Settle, nestled in the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, is a market town where the past is visibly woven into the present. A recent trip allowed me to capture a collection of images that perfectly illustrate this blend of history, architecture, and dramatic scenery. Join me as we explore the stories behind these Settle snapshots.
The Folly: A Grand Statement in Stone
One of the most architecturally striking buildings in Settle, and a central feature of any visit, is the magnificent house known as The Folly
This imposing structure, with its multiple gables and magnificent mullioned windows, is a superb example of seventeenth-century gentry house architecture.
A Solicitor’s Ambition: The Folly was built in the late 1670s (either 1675 or 1679) by a wealthy local solicitor, Richard Preston. He strategically placed it where the main road entered Settle at the time, clearly intending to display his wealth and status to all who arrived.
The Name: Why "The Folly"? While the name is often associated with a costly but useless structure, in this case, it’s also thought to have derived from the French word feuille, meaning leaves, or even an earlier meaning of "delight."
A Building of Many Lives: Over the centuries, The Folly has led a remarkable number of lives, including a family home, a farmhouse, a bakery, a furniture shop, a doctor's surgery, and even a fish and chip shop! Today, after meticulous restoration, it is owned by the North Craven Building Preservation Trust and houses the Museum of North Craven Life. Its survival and current use are a testament to the community’s dedication to heritage.
The Talbot Arms: An Ancient Hostelry
The brilliant white facade of the Talbot Arms contrasts sharply with Settle's traditional stone, but its history is just as deep.
Claiming Antiquity: The Talbot Arms is reputed to be one of Settle's oldest pubs, with claims of a history dating back to 1642. Inns like this were vital stopping points along the ancient trade routes that crossed the Dales.
On the Old Road: The pub stands on what was historically the main street, the pre-turnpike road to Skipton, a prime location for catching travellers and locals alike. It remains a popular, welcoming free house today, celebrating local Yorkshire ales.
The Town’s Commercial Hub: A Distinctive Facade
Another photograph captures a significant building, now housing commercial premises, standing prominently on a corner. Its formal stone facade, with a central arched entrance and striking circular window above, suggests a public or commercial role, possibly even a bank or municipal building in its past.
This building is an excellent example of the 18th or 19th-century confidence and prosperity that grew in Settle as a central market town, often incorporating architectural grandeur into its commercial premises to reflect its importance. The bunting adds a touch of modern life and festivity to the historic setting.
The Mystery of the Elephants
A quirky and unexpected sight in the town is the pair of metal elephant sculptures. This small installation adds a delightful, slightly eccentric touch to the streetscape, standing in front of what the sign indicates is the Tourist Information Centre.
A Literary Connection? While a definitive origin is hard to pin down immediately, the elephants might subtly nod to a literary or historical figure with a local connection. Settle is known for its surprising link to the famous novelist and aeronautical engineer, Nevil Shute. Though he is more famously associated with Australia and aviation, there are local stories suggesting connections to the area that sometimes inspire local art or references.
Castlebergh and the Landscape of the Dales
The final photograph pulls back from the town to showcase its magnificent backdrop: the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Dominating the view is the steep, grass-covered limestone crag that rises directly behind the town.
Castlebergh Crag: This striking hill, or crag, is known as Castlebergh. It has been a prominent feature and viewpoint for centuries. Notice the column of stone rising from the woods below the crag—this is likely part of the Castlebergh Plantation, a wooded area on the lower slopes.
Victorian Pleasure Ground: Castlebergh became a popular attraction in the Victorian era, laid out with paths and even serving as a pleasure ground, attracting visitors arriving via the newly constructed Settle-Carlisle Railway. The views from the top, where a flagpole now stands, are truly spectacular, overlooking the town and the vast green expanses of Ribblesdale.
Settle offers a rich tapestry of sights, from grand 17th-century houses and historic pubs to captivating landscapes and charming modern touches. These photographs capture just a few layers of this beautiful and history-rich North Yorkshire town.
I took the pictures with a Nikon d3300 in August 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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