The history and culture of field barns in upper Swaledale
As well as recording the memories of local people who owned and used the cow’usses around Muker, we have also been asking for copies of family photographs to help illustrate their stories. This lovely example belongs to Chris & Raymond Calvert of Keld and shows Kit & Mary Calvert of Hoggarths, Keld having their hay time tea with their family in the shelter of Purse Cow’uss.
Over the winter we have been collecting memories from local people about the cow’usses they remember using when they were younger. Our Interpretation Officer, Karen Griffiths is now ready to start sharing these stories. Her first project is to produce a postcard for visitor businesses to hand out when they get asked what the little houses in the fields are for – this happens a lot apparently. She’s been testing out some layouts in the office today – there’s still a use for good old glue and scissors…
