Lawyer, inventor, teetotaller, cab proprietor, would-be duellist and politician – read more here about the eclectic career of Benjamin Rotch, the Whig MP for Knaresborough 1832-5, who was born #OnThisDay 1793: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2015/10/31/mp-…

For #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities, let's look locally to the rich and varied life of 'a most extraordinary character', Blind Jack of Knaresborough. Besides building hundreds of miles of roads in the North, he was also a fiddler, swimmer, card-player and tour guide.

1 in 7 high street shops in England are vacant, rising to nearly 1 in 5 in the North East. High Street Rental Auctions, introduced in the Levelling Up Act, give local leaders the tools to repurpose empty shops and boost local economies.

‘Noisy’ Tom Collins MP was the eldest surviving son of Rev. Thomas Collins of Knaresborough. He was educated at Charterhouse & Oxford. He was a magistrate, deputy-lieutenant for West Yorkshire & returned 5 times as Knaresborough MP. The family home was Knaresborough House.

The parish church driveway now sports signs reading “Danger: Pedestrians Crossing”. It’s a thoughtful gesture, but are we protecting pedestrians… or warning motorists?

We talk vaguely about there being ‘something in the air’ around here, but Andy’s written testimony hints of a much more grounded interaction with the town. Andy has written a keenly observed & highly recommended visitor inducement…do have a read to whet your appetite.

Sir Harold Mackintosh (8 June 1891 – 27 December 1964), the Halifax toffee magnate, leased Conyngham Hall and its grounds from 1925 to 1942. In 1936, he conceived the Quality Street product, first made in Halifax and named after a play by J. M. Barrie.

On this day, 25 Jan 1328, 15-year-old Edward III married Philippa of Hainaut, nearly 14, at York Minster. The young royals celebrated their union with feasts and music before honeymooning in Knaresborough. A love story that shaped history.

elorganillero.com/yorkshire_alma… 8 February 1745: Pioneering but pennyless philologist Eugene Aram murders a wealthy Knaresborough wastrel youtu.be/19tRUD4CwBU?fe…

It’s electrifying! This Saturday 12th April we sing Will Todd’s Mass in Blue, a brilliant blend of driving jazz grooves and clear, strong, choral writing against which the solo piano + solo soprano weave a beautiful tapestry of sound! Tickets online & on the door. #knaresborough

The distribution of alms on the Thursday of Holy Week goes back hundreds of years, and the Royal Maundy can be traced back in England to the 13th century. The first recorded Royal Distribution was at Knaresborough, North Yorkshire by King John in 1210.

These volunteers will add a lovely dash of colour to the townscape. Lookout for them on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

North Yorkshire’s parking charges are under review and pavement seating fees have increased. Changes aim to support public space investment to improve the public realm but could also increase costs for small businesses and affect high street footfall. Where should priorities be?