North Yorkshire In Verse

Eleven years ago this month, the fire in the Redcar blast furnace went out. The town didn't go with it. That gap, between what a place loses and what it keeps, is one of the hardest things a poet can try to write. Lean one way and you get nostalgia: rusting gantries in soft golden light, and everything better back then. Lean the other and you get the holiday brochure, where all is well now because there is ice cream. Neither is fair to the people who live there. Below you wil

A curved cliff in the Yorkshire Dales, a grieving Victorian poet, and three habits for any writer trying to put on the page something that is no longer there. Stand at the foot of Malham Cove and you get a strange feeling. You are looking at a waterfall. It has the height, the width, and the curved lip at the top. It is only missing the water. In my last article, beneath the broken tower at Helmsley, I argued that most ruins have human hands behind them, but that sometimes th

Time takes the blame for every ruin. At Helmsley, somebody gave the order. Last week we stood on the East Cliff at Whitby. This week we go inland, to a market town on the southern edge of the North York Moors, where the River Rye comes down out of the hills, and to a castle that was broken on purpose. There are two poems here. The first is more than four hundred years old and is spoken by a city that has vanished. The second is my own, about Helmsley Castle, from North Yorksh

Two ruins by water. Poe's drowned city fell silent; Whitby Abbey never did. A Whitby Abbey poem, Poe's The City in the Sea, and a craft question for anyone who writes about place.

Words by Alden Carrow Welcome back to British Counties in Verse. Today, I want to take you somewhere quiet — the market town of Bedale, in North Yorkshire — and argue something a little bold: that this small place is not smaller than the world. It might even be larger. An artistic illustration of Bedale at dawn Provincialism vs. Parochialism The Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh once drew a sharp line between two words we tend to confuse. Provincialism, he said, always looks toward

Dear Friends and fellow lovers of all things Yorkshire and poetic, As the crisp air of late autumn settles across our beloved North Yorkshire, and the scent of mulled wine begins to hint at the festive season, my thoughts turn, as ever, to the timeless beauty of our landscape. But this year, my thoughts also turn to you – and to the perfect gift for those who cherish the rolling moors, the ancient towns, and the dramatic coastline as much as I do. My latest collection, 'North

Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, especially when you want something special and meaningful. Gifts that carry a touch of tradition and charm often leave a lasting impression. The British Counties In Verse website offers a collection of unique items that blend classic British style with thoughtful design. Whether you are shopping for the holiday season or looking for a present that stands out, their selection has something to offer. Festive Cheer with Christmas Stoc

This poetic journey invites listeners to experience the heart of North Yorkshire, from its windswept dales to its rugged coastlines.

Carrow’s poems are filled with a warm, natural lyricism that capture the spirit of North Yorkshire. Each piece acts as a window into the region’s varied landscapes, rich history, and the simple moments that shape our lives.

Alden Carrow - British Counties In Verse. When I wander through the rolling dales and rugged moors of North Yorkshire, I feel a deep connection to the land and its stories. The air carries whispers of ancient tales, and the landscape itself seems to hum with poetic rhythm. This region, rich in history and natural beauty, has inspired countless verses and continues to fuel my own creative spirit. If you love poetry that breathes life into place, you’ll find something truly spe

Alden Carrow - British Counties In Verse. When I first wandered through the rolling dales and rugged moors of North Yorkshire, I felt a deep connection to the land. The gentle rustle of leaves, the distant call of curlews, and the soft murmur of streams seemed to whisper stories waiting to be told. It was here that I found my inspiration, and through my poetry, I sought to capture the very essence of this enchanting region. If you love the beauty of nature and the warmth of h

Alden Carrow - British Counties In Verse. When I first wandered through the rolling dales and rugged moors of North Yorkshire, I felt a deep connection to the land. The gentle rustle of leaves, the distant call of a curlew, and the soft hues of heather under a fading sun all whispered stories waiting to be told. These moments inspired me to capture the essence of this enchanting region through poetry. If you love the charm of the English countryside, you’ll find something tru

Alden Carrow - British Counties In Verse. North Yorkshire is a stunningly beautiful region rich in history and culture, and now you can experience it in a whole new way—through poetry! We are excited to announce that North Yorkshire In Verse - Moor To Shore In Poetry is now available for purchase as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. This collection serves as a poetic exploration of the region's market towns, coastlines, and countryside, inviting readers to immerse them

Alden Carrow - British Counties In Verse. The Allure of York York is a city steeped in history. Its ancient walls and medieval architecture create a backdrop that feels almost magical. Walking through the Shambles, a narrow street lined with timber-framed buildings, you can almost hear the whispers of the past. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts from local bakeries, inviting you to stop and indulge. The vibrant market stalls offer everything from handmade crafts to delici