Yorkshire was originally a county on its own. By 1660 it was divided into ridings – East, West and North. The city of York was its own county. A white rose is the floral emblem of Yorkshire as it was used by the Plantagenets. The county is sometimes known as God’s own country.
Yorkshire area has been ruled over by many different tribes:
- Early Celtic Brigantes and Parisi
- Romans and Angles
- Danish Vikings
- Wessex Kings of England
- Normans then raided by the Scots
Some of the industries thriving in Yorkshire included the wool manufacturing, coal mining, textiles and steel making. During the second world war, the RAF bomber command was based in Yorkshire as were industries helping the war effort. This led the Luftwaffe to bomb the area often.
The boundaries of Yorkshire are the River Tees to the north, the Humber Estuary to the south, the North Sea coast on the east and the Pennine Hills to the west.
Places to visit in Yorkshire include Whitby Beach, The Shambles in York, Ilkley Moor, Bronte Country near Haworth and Scarborough spa town.
Many books and TV shows have been produced in Yorkshire including Downton Abbey, All Creatures Great and Small, Last of the Summer Wine and Emmerdale.
Yorkshire and my family history
John England, my 2nd great grandfather, was born in Rotherham in 1827. He was convicted of rape and transported to Van Diemen’s Land.
Isabella Watkins(on), my 3rd great grandmother was born in Kingston-upon-Hull around 1823. She was convicted in Surrey and sentenced for seven years transportation.
David Dixon, my 3rd great grandfather, was born around 1814 at Hessle (near Hull) and his future wife Mayday (Mary) Pickering was born around the same time but at Duggleby near Malton. This married couple arrived as free settlers to Van Diemen’s Land.
