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The History of Kettlewell Village - Arthur Raistrick
A good place for a holiday...
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Kettlewell began to be "discovered" by the new writers.
Soon after the coming of the railway to Skipton, from Leeds, a line was proposed in 1846 to come up from Skipton into the dale and proceed via Kettlewell and a tunnel under the Stake to join the Northallerton line to Newcastle. This was never carried out, but in the 1860s another attempt was made, then in 1882 a Skipton and Kettlewell Railway Bill was promoted, but once again its plans were not carried out.
However, in the discussion of plans it was shown that besides the local traffic, mainly agricultural, visitors were coming to Skipton and seeking to get into the dales. Bailey J. Harker writing in 1868 gave a place to Kettlewell and adds that
"tourists who can spare time ought to ascend the weather-beaten Whernside..."
and adds that
"Post horses may be had here of Mr. James Tennant, who also runs a conveyance to and from Skipton every day."
By 1890 the Yorkshire Weekly Post could say
"Kettlewell is a good centre from which to explore the surrounding district, and there is a capital inn... etc."
Kettlewell was becoming known as a good place for a holiday and good bus connections with Skipton made even day trips possible. The three inns, Blue Bell, Racehorses and Kings Head with many housewives as well, began to provide meals and accommodation for what has steadily grown into a substantial interest, the tourist trade.
Its surrounding country justifies everything that can be said for it, it is fine scenery, there are abundant footpaths, and the countryside carries much of interest for the Naturalist, Archaeologist and Geologist and equally important for the less specialised visitor who just loves pottering about in good country.
Its mines are closed, the market is gone, it is becoming more residential, but its tourist potential steadily increases.
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