The World of James Herriot
The new television series of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ has rekindled interest in the works of ‘James Herriot’, whose real name was James Alfred Wight. Since they were first published in the 1970s, Herriot’s books have sold millions of copies, entertaining readers with stories about his experiences as a young North Yorkshire vet.
Positioned midway between the stunning North York Moors and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, Thirsk is one of Yorkshire’s lovely market towns. Centred around a bustling cobbled market square, with clock in the middle, there is plenty on offer here, including ‘The World of James Herriot’, a museum dedicated to the life and works of James Alfred Wight.
On the 18th July 1940, Wight arrived at number 23, Kirkgate in Thirsk, where he started working for Donald Sinclair, who became Siegfried Farnon in his books. In November that year, he met Donald’s brother, Brian (Tristan Farnon) who was to become a life long friend. Prompted by his wife, Alf wrote his much-loved stories based on his experiences as a young, Thirsk-based vet, starting with ‘If Only They Could Talk’. His books went on to sell in their millions throughout the world, with two feature films followed by a popular television series, ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. However, despite his new-found fame and fortune, Alf continued to practice as a vet for much of his writing career.
The museum is a fascinating place to visit whether you have read the books or not. The house is like a time-capsule, carefully preserving scenes of life as they were for the young vet and his colleagues. Many of the furnishings are the original pieces used by the family, with books, family photos and evidence of bills scattered everywhere.
As well as a family home, the house was also a busy veterinary surgery and there is plenty to wonder over in the consulting room and dispensary, packed with all manner of remedies and equipment used in the treatment of their customers.
There is a huge collection of memorabilia linked to the books, films and TV series as well as a reproduction of sets from the BBC TV series- the one which I remember so fondly! An interactive gallery encourages visitors to be very hands on, including the opportunity to ‘help Daisy calve’- I’ll leave that to the imagination!
There are also rooms dedicated to veterinary science with a vast range of (often horrific!) paraphernalia from Herriot’s time as a young vet. For those who have come to know and love Herriot’s work through the new series, there is also information about this, with film of the actors talking about their roles.
A brilliant place to visit whether familiar with the books or not, ‘The World of James Herriot’ is well worth a visit!
The World of James Herriot
23 Kirkgate,
Thirsk YO7 1PL
You can read about the White Rose Book Cafe, also in Thirsk, here.
