Arthur Raistrick’s life recognised with a blue plaque

Monday 13 April 2026 1:39 pm

David Butterworth, outgoing Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, unveiled a special Yorkshire Society blue plaque on the National Park Visitor Centre in Grassington on Friday 27 March 2026.

Arthur Raistrick was a geologist, archaeologist, historian and mining engineer who produced more than 330 books, papers and studies over a lifetime spent largely in Linton. He showed that deep knowledge, shared openly, can shape landscapes and communities. He proved that you do not need official power to make a powerful difference; you need only commitment and heart.

Colin Speakman from the Yorkshire Society and Friends of the Dales said: “No individual has ever done more to increase our understanding and knowledge of the landscape and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales than Dr Arthur Raistrick through his research, teaching and above all his writing. His campaigning work with both national and regional bodies had a crucial role in establishing the Yorkshire Dales National Park as a conservation body, and he served on its West Riding Committee for almost two decades. All of us who love and care for the Yorkshire Dales owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.”