Made by amateur filmmaker Ken Leckenby, this short travelogue offers a look at some of Yorkshire’s most scenic countryside and towns, including Knaresborough and Kilburn, along with exploration of the curious myths and legends associated with them. Title: “Wonders of Yorkshire” The film opens with views of the imposing formations of Brimham Rocks, roughly 10 miles from Harrogate, with picnickers enjoying the views. The commentary notes that the rocks, gathered over 60 acres, “seem to have...

Made by amateur filmmaker Ken Leckenby, this short travelogue offers a look at some of Yorkshire’s most scenic countryside and towns, including Knaresborough and Kilburn, along with exploration of the curious myths and legends associated with them. Title: “Wonders of Yorkshire” The film opens with views of the imposing formations of Brimham Rocks, roughly 10 miles from Harrogate, with picnickers enjoying the views. The commentary notes that the rocks, gathered over 60 acres, “seem to have been sculpted by giants”, and explains how erosion during the glacial period has shaped the landscape. The town of Knaresborough and the railway viaduct over the River Nidd are seen, possibly from the ruins of the castle. The commentary remarks on the town’s status as a “small neighbour of Harrogate and a great rival to Richmond in its enchanting natural setting”. Picturesque views of visitors strolling around the ruins of Knaresborough castle are followed by a visit to the marketplace, which is home to the oldest chemist’s shop in England, and to Mother Shipton’s cave. Visitors descend steep steps to the base of the petrifying spring or ‘dropping well’ and gaze up at the falling water. A string of teddy bears and other items hung from the overhanging rock are in the process of being ‘petrified’ – coated in the calcium sulphate-rich spring water. A large millstone announces the next location – the North Yorkshire village of Kilburn, at the foot of the Hambleton Hills. Signs point to Bagby, Thirsk and Coxwold. The cottage of Robert Thompson, the so-called ‘Mouseman’ famed for his carving and joinery, is shown, surrounded by locally felled oak trees being naturally seasoned in the open air.  Outside the village, near Roulston Scar, the White Horse carved by Thomas Taylor in 1857 dominates the hillside. At the foot of the hill, visitors park their cars and climb to the top for a better view. Overhead, gliders flown by members of the Yorkshire Gliding Club are launched from the cliff top. Title: “The End – A KL Film Production” Commentary: George Duncan Producer: Ken Leckenby