Fascinating images show history at the heart of communities
They are the very essence of what helps to give North Yorkshire a charm and character all of its own.
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 at landmarks – both shaped by nature and by human hands – that have remained over the centuries.
There are images of castles across the county, including historical reenactors performing at both Scarborough Castle and Ripley Castle, and a horse and cart being driven up a hill with Richmond Castle in the background.
There is also a fascinating etching of Middleham Castle dating from 1780. The castle in the Yorkshire Dales has one of the biggest Norman keeps in England at its centre.
There are also historical photos of a family looking up at the ever-popular dropping well at Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough.
Mother Shipton's Cave lays claim to being England's oldest tourist attraction and has been open since 1630.
North Yorkshire Archives holds thousands of historic photos - you can browse the collection through the online shop.
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.
Two gentlemen looking towards Crayke Castle. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Sheriff Hutton Castle. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unne, active between 1940 and 1979.
Standing below The Bridestones, weathered sandstone outcrops on Allerston High Moor, North York Moors. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
People on the walls of Clifford's Tower in York, with the city's Minster in the background. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Bolton Castle in Wensleydale. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Skipton Castle. ‘Desormais’ above the gates means ‘Henceforth’. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
The ruins of Helmsley Castle. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
The ever-popular Dropping Well at Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Children paddling in the River Swale below Richmond Castle. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Travelling over the bridge by horse and cart, with Richmond Castle in the distance. Taken by local photographer Bertram Unné, active between 1940 and 1979.
Coastal landmark: The Cod and Lobster Inn at Staithes, no date.
A view of Richmond Castle with the Gas Works below, no date.
Ramblers at the well-known Wainstones near Great Broughton, no date.
County Hall, Northallerton, 1907.
A postcard of Whitby Abbey dating from 1905.
Pageant at Ripley Castle, 1930.
Jousting re-enactment at Scarborough Castle, no date.
Etching of Middleham Castle, 1780. From the Chaytor of Croft archive.