Ryedale Chronicles

Discover the captivating history of Ryedale and its people in a vivid journey through centuries of struggle, spirit and transformation in this remarkable corner of Yorkshire.

From ancient Celtic tribes and Roman settlers to Viking invaders and Norman conquerors, this region's turbulent past has forged a character as tough and unyielding as the land itself.

Author MA Hopwood explores the rise and fall of majestic monasteries such as Rievaulx, Byland, Jervaulx and Fountains, whose spires once symbolised religious power and influence, shaping the lives and beliefs of ordinary folk in its local communities.

Witness the clash of paganism and Christianity, rebellion and repression and the enduring spirit of a people who never bowed to oppression.

Far from an academic tome, this accessible account invites readers to walk through a landscape where kings, saints, monks and warriors once battled and built, revealing the timeless human stories etched into the ruins and the rolling hills.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the essence of Yorkshire's northern heartland, Ryedale Chronicles offers a compelling glimpse into the forces that shaped a society both defiant and deeply rooted in tradition.