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Interpretation panels for campsites

Sharing the stories we have collected about the cowhouses in Muker parish is what this project is all about now. Our first two outdoor interpretation panels are now ready to be signed off for production. They have been specifically designed to go into two visitor businesses in the area – Usha Gap campsite  and Swaledale Yurts after we consulted with the owners about what would suit them best.

Both sites have a farming background and we were lucky enough to collect stories about cowhouses specific to each location.

Interpretation panels ready for sign off
Design for project interpretation panel stands
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The cow’us with three names

We’ve already mentioned Kierton (or is it spelt Kearton?) cowhouse and how it got the nickname ‘Lightning House’ when it was struck by a bolt of lightning in a previous blog post. Researcher Glenda Calvert has been out and about talking to the local farmers and she has discovered that it actually has a third name – ‘Burnt Down Spot’.

Several people still remember the day it happened:

“I can remember, there was thunderstorm, and we were having tea in the kitchen and we see’ed, like a bolt of lightening come down, just up on Kisdon there. Then after, not very long after, see a plume of smoke going up. So we went up to see what had happened. It [the barn] had been struck. Then fire brigade came and knocked windows out, then…it went faster than ever! [laughs]…slates were exploding like…yeah, y’didn’t go so near!”

Tom Metcalfe (74) formerly of Usha Gap Farm

Lightning House or ‘Burnt Down Spot’ (photo: Glenda Calvert)