Archive images reveal our fascinating relationship with animals
We are known as a nation of animal lovers, with our pets often at the centre of our daily lives and routines.
Discover thousands of fascinating images from North Yorkshire’s past. Browse our extensive collection and own a piece of history today.
Here we take a look through our archives to see how animals have played such an important role during the lives of North Yorkshire’s communities through the years.
From farmyard scenes featuring the feeding of chickens and ducks to insights of the affection for pets including cats and dogs, it is clear to see how animals have remained an integral part of life in the county, especially in rural communities.
There is even an image of a dog dating from the turn of the century who was recruited for a little electioneering while wearing a sign around its neck to encourage voters to opt for a specific candidate.
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.
Beagle puppies in Claro from the mid-20th century. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A police officer and his horse at a mounted police display team show in 1950. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Beekeeping at Richmond National School in 1945. From a collection of British Council photographs within Richmond District Council records.
A budgie in a cage accompanied by a Jack Russell in Scruton, circa 1900.
A dog recruited for some electioneering circa 1906. This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by the Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
A rabbit show in 1942. This image is part of the Ripon Re-Viewed collection created by the Ripon Civic Society and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Two men and their dog in 1920. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
Feeding hens at the back door in 1917. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
Mrs Vollans is accompanied by children to tend to farmyard ducks in 1915. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
A family is pictured with their hens in 1915. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
Norman Kemp is pictured with his pet rabbit in 1920. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
A fisherman is seen with cats outside the Schoolhouse in Dunsforth in 1915. From a collection of photographs by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
Young women are pictured with a pony in Grafton in 1923. From a collection of photographs of the Dunsforth area by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
A drawing of two cockatoos dating from 1898. From the Kiplin Hall archive.
Amateur astronomer Wilfrid Hall is seen with the aptly named Pluto the dog in the early 20th century. From the Chaloner (Lord Gisborough) archive.
A boy is pictured with a dog in the late 19th century. From the Graham family of Norton Conyers archive.
Lady Graham is seen with her pet dogs. From the Graham family of Norton Conyers archive.