Volume 1 relates three fascinating family histories, each of which starts with an interesting discovery found in the Parish History Group archives. The reader is taken far beyond a rural Cumbrian Parish to stories of wealth, High Court litigation and a legacy of historic buildings, celebrating success in the Victorian age. These three stories making up this 96 page paperback book are extensively illustrated, mostly with documents or photographs reproduced from the History Group Archives. Where images have been taken from other sources these have been individually acknowledged. Original illustrations are also included, commissioned from local artist Stuart Wells.
Each chapter is intended to take the reader through a story which unfolds, much as the research unfolded as it was undertaken by author Val Fermer. Recognising that some readers will have a genealogical interest, a Genealogist’s Checklist of family names from the three stories is included as an Appendix.
About the author: Val Fermer began researching her own family tree as a teenager, inspired by her grandfather. This was before the internet and consequently much time was spent at the various record centres in London and wandering around churchyards looking for family gravestones! On moving to Ravenstonedale in 2007, Val became involved with the Ravenstonedale Parish History Group and began to apply her genealogical knowledge and interest to local research projects which evolved to become annual talks to the History Group during its winter evening programme.
Volume 2 has now been published.
In the first Tale in the second volume: The Tale of the Manchester Migrants, Val shares the stories of the sons and daughters of Ravenstonedale who embarked upon the economic migration to the first indusrial city – Manchester – and beyond. From 1801 to 1851 the population of Manchester increased from 88,577 to 339, 483, and by the 1900s this had increased again to around 700,000. Val explores the historical and social perspective of this economic migration while at the same time revealing fascinating aspects of local Ravenstonedale history. The second Tale entitled The Tale of the G and T’s tells the story of a bankrupt, a marriage of convenience and surprising connections to gin, cricket at Lord’s and horseracing and is the story behind the auction in the early 1900s of over 40 properties in Ravenstonedale and Kirkby Stephen which all belonged to two local families – a story revealed when Val began researching a Sales Prospectus held in the Parish History Group archives.
The third Tale introduces local survivors of the fighting in the First World War – what happened to them during their military service and what happened when they returned to the Parish.
Ravenstonedale Tales – Volume 2 and Volume 1 are both available from the Ravenstonedale Parish History Group bookstore – each costs £18 plus £3 postage and packing to UK addresses. Please fill in a Comment form on the website if you would like to purchase a copy and be sure to state which Volume you would like. You may also enquire about overseas postage rates! You will then be contacted by email so purchase can be arranged (NB your email address will not show on the website).
RPHG receives the profit from sales made via this website.
Copies will also be available at Ravenstonedale Parish History Group talks and events when we resume our “live” evening talks programme from September 2021 and we also have a limited number of the 1996 edition of History and Traditions of Ravenstonedale, Westmorland by Rev W Nicholls (first published in 1877) for sale.
Please could you contact me as I would like to purchase a copy of volume 1 of the Ravenstonedale Tales. Many thanks
Hi Helen – thanks for your message – yes we’ll send you details of how you can purchase the book.
Can I buy Ravenstonedale tales Volume 1?
Certainly! Val Fermer will email you with details.
hello,
I’m writing from Bookends in Carlisle. We are interested in stocking Ravenstonedale Tales volume 1 and 2 and wondered if this would be possible and what the trade terms are please?
Many thanks,
Lucy
Thanks very much Lucy, Val will be in touch.
Hi there,
I would like to purchase a copy of both volumes of the Ravenstonedale Tales please. Please could you let me know how I do this?
Hi Sarah – thanks for your message. Val Fermer will be in touch with you about the books.
I’d be interested in a copy of Ravenstonedale tales
Thank you Jocelyn. We will contact you by email.
Dear Sir?Madam
I am interested in joing the group and also buyinh a copy of Ravonstonedale Tales. Would someone please be able to advise as to the process
Very many thanks
Yours faithfully
Tim Simpson
Hi Tim
Thanks for your comment. Val will email you about the book and about joining the History Group.
Really enjoyed Val’s book, looking forward to Vol 2.
Please may I order a copy of your book?
Hi Hazel – Val Fermer now has your details and will be in touch. Many thanks for the order. Hope you enjoy the book
My name is Andrew Harland and I would like to buy a copy of Volume 1 of the Ravenstonedale Tales please.
I can telephone you if that is easier. I have my bank account in England so can arrange a direct payment to you. Also, if it’s easier, my children live in the UK so the book can be sent to one of them.
Best regards
Hi Andrew – thanks for your Comment and for the book request. Val Fermer now has your details – which won’t show on the website – and will contact you shortly.