Representatives from key heritage, geological, archaeological, and countryside organisations gathered to help celebrate one of the Yorkshire Dales’ greatest twentieth century writers and scientists, Arthur Raistrick.

David Butterworth, outgoing Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, unveiled a special Yorkshire Society blue plaque on the National Park Visitor Centre in Grassington on Friday 27^th March 2026.

Building on the success of the Yorkshire Geological Society’s one day conference in 2024 on Arthur Raistrick, the Society’s blue plaque describes a “polymath whose life’s work help create the Yorkshire Dales National Park”.

Mr Butterworth told a crowd that Arthur Raistrick was a geologist, archaeologist, historian and mining engineer who produced more than 330 books, papers and studies over a lifetime spent largely in Linton. He said:

“When I first became Chief Executive one of my first acts was to commemorate a bench to Arthur Raistrick here at the National Park Visitor Centre. Now, one of the last things I’m going to do is this, and I’m really honoured to do that.

“Arthur Raistrick showed that deep knowledge, shared openly, can shape landscapes and communities. He proved that you do not need official power to make a powerful difference; you need only commitment and heart. So let his example inspire us.”

Representatives of The Yorkshire Society’s heritage guardians, including The Yorkshire Geological Society, The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society, Friends of the Dales and Upper Wharfedale Field Society also gave speeches at the unveiling of the blue plaque.

Colin Speakman from the Yorkshire Society and Friends of the Dales said: “No individual has ever done more to increase our understanding and knowledge of the landscape and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales than Dr Arthur Raistrick through his research, teaching and above all his writing. His campaigning work with both national and regional bodies had a crucial role in establishing the Yorkshire Dales National Park as a conservation body, and he served on its West Riding Committee for almost two decades.  All of us who love and care for the Yorkshire Dales owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.”

Nominate someone for a Society blue plaque

To nominate someone for a Blue Plaque from The Yorkshire Society, please email contact@theyorkshiresociety.org

You can find details of qualifying criteria HERE.