A collection of carefully curated images, offering a glimpse into North Yorkshire’s rich history, are featured in a new calendar for 2025 available in libraries across the county.

The bespoke calendars celebrate the timeless beauty of the region, capturing iconic landmarks and everyday moments from the late 19th century to the 1970s. These images tell stories of change and continuity, reflecting how communities and landscapes have evolved while retaining their unique character.

Among the highlights are Harrogate’s Royal Pump Rooms in 1900, the historic streets of Great Ayton featuring well-known businesses such as Dixon Bros, and Skipton’s bustling market days alongside the famous Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Ripon Cathedral and Jubilee and Coronation celebrations also feature, while Pickering and Malton libraries collaborated to include scenes from Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, and Thornton Dale.

The collection provides a fascinating window into the past, juxtaposing the grand events of yesteryear with the charm of everyday life. The carefully chosen images were selected by staff and volunteers from an archive in our library service, celebrating the heritage of North Yorkshire’s towns and villages.

Our executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, reflected on the calendars' significance, and said: “These calendars are a perfect way to celebrate our history and make a wonderful gift, especially as Christmas approaches. The images are sure to evoke fond memories and spark conversations among friends and loved ones.

“I’d like to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers who brought this project to life. Sharing these photographs not only preserves our heritage but also fosters a sense of pride in our communities.”

The calendars, priced at £5 for Harrogate, Ripon, and Pickering and Malton, and £6 for Skipton and Great Ayton, are available at individual libraries. All proceeds will be reinvested into maintaining and enhancing the library service.

For more details, including library opening times, visit your local branch.

There are more than 6,500 archive images available at the County Record Office – where you can browse the collection or buy photos.

If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk