A History of Robin Hood’s Bay

by Barrie Farnhill

This book provides a fascinating account of this much-loved Yorkshire village. From the earliest times to the present day he paints a vivid picture of life in ‘Bay’ and his rich descriptions of the fishing community and the epoch of smuggling cannot fail to quicken the pulse.

Generously illustrated with photographs from the Robin Lidster collection, the History of Robin Hood’s Bay will give house of pleasure to resident, visitor and anyone fascinated with the colour and texture of local life and customs.

Barrie Farnhill was the Assistant Editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post and a President of the Institute of Journalists. Born in Leed, he lost count of the number of holidays spent in Robin Hood’s Bay many years before beginning to research his book in the early 1960’s. A specialist in travel writing, he heard people speak nostalgically of Robin Hood’s Bay in places as far distant as Ontario and the Ukraine.

The book was first published in 1966 and was revised for the 1990 edition. It is extensively illustrated with photographs from the collection of J. Robin Lidster who takes a keen interest in the history of Robin Hood’s Bay.

In recent years there have been many changes in Robin Hood’s Bay so a final chapter, written by Alan Staniforth, has been added. Alan worked for the North York Moors National Park Authority for 30 years, latterly as the Heritage Coast Ranger.