Great Ayton History Society

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Great Ayton History Society

A group of local history lovers who research, help preserve and promote the history of Great Ayton

21/04/2026

Today we share a deeply moving and historic update of a local fallen hero.
Following the recent discovery in Oisy-le-Verger, France, where engineers uncovered the remains of Squadron Leader George Morley Fidler—found seated in the cockpit of his Hawker Hurricane almost 86 years after being shot down—the story of this young man from Great Ayton has taken on renewed significance.
George, just 27 years old, was the son of George and Christiana Fidler and served as a pilot with 607 Squadron. His aircraft, Hurricane P3535, was brought down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over France on 19 May 1940, where it buried itself in the ground with George still inside.
In light of this remarkable discovery, the Society will be updating George’s story as part of our annual Remembrance Day memorial plaques at Christ Church.

01/02/2026

The Society Invites You to Step ‘Through the Keyhole’ of One of the Village’s Finest Homes

The Society is closing its winter lecture season with a fascinating talk uncovering the story of Cleveland Lodge — one of the finest houses in the village that’s seen ambition, generosity and remarkable lives pass through its doors.
Built in 1844, Cleveland Lodge was the vision of Thomas Richardson — a Quaker philanthropist whose impact on the village still shapes the community today. From education to local development, his legacy reaches far beyond the walls of the house. And that’s just the start. The talk also reveals the surprising stories of two other men connected to the Lodge who rose from humble beginnings to national significance. This is more than architecture, it’s people, purpose and the social history of a village told through one extraordinary home.
Entry is free, no booking needed, and tea & coffee is provided. Just turn up and enjoy a warm, welcoming evening of local heritage. A perfect night out for history lovers, the curious, and anyone who enjoys discovering the stories hidden in plain sight.
When: 7pm, Wednesday 18 February 2026
Where: Friends Meeting House, High Green

04/01/2026

Happy New Year Everyone? Let’s Get 2026 Off To A Fascinating Start!

Did you know Great Ayton has been home to some remarkable people whose stories have almost been forgotten?

Join the Society for our first winter talk of 2026 as members Ken Taylor and Brian Pearce uncover the fascinating lives of lesser-known figures who helped put the ‘Great’ into Ayton.
Lasting for around an hour, the talk will explore the contributions of ‘Great Aytonians: Famous Residents and Personalities Associated with the Village that Few People Have Heard Of.’

When: Wednesday 21 January at 7pm
Where: Friends Meeting House, High Green

From architecture and botany to sport and beyond, this talk will reveal how surprising talent and influence have quietly shaped our village’s past. Expect insight, storytelling and a few surprises along the way.

• Free entry, no booking required
• Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
• Donations welcome

Come along, bring a friend, and discover Great Ayton’s unsung heroes.

30/10/2025

So, You Think You Know Great Ayton? Think Again!

Join us on Wednesday, November 26 at 7pm at The Friends Meeting House for a fun and interactive evening ‘Uncovering Great Ayton’s Hidden Historic Gems.’

Our local history sleuths Ian Pearce and Peter Morgan will share fascinating images from around the village—can you guess what and where they are before they reveal the secrets?

Free entry | No booking needed | Tea, coffee & biscuits served
Donations welcome to support our Society

Come along and see our village in a whole new way!

28/09/2025

All Aboard: Discover How the Railway Transformed Great Ayton

Great Ayton’s fascinating past comes alive this October as the Society launches its 2025/2026 winter talks series with a journey back to the age of steam.

Local history and rail enthusiasts as well as curious newcomers alike are invited to the Friends’ Meeting House on High Green on Wednesday, October 15 for a captivating presentation by Peter Morgan. His talk, How the Railway Changed Great Ayton, will reveal how the railway’s arrival reshaped the village beyond simply improving travel.

The event coincides with the region’s wider celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of the passenger railway, first established with the Stockton to Darlington line. In Great Ayton the greater impact was economic and social with the railway sparking an industrial boom that transformed Ayton into a hub of progress. Attendees will also discover traces of the railway’s legacy still visible in and around Great Ayton today.

The talk begins at 7pm and is free to attend. Guests will be welcomed with tea, coffee, and biscuits, with donations gratefully received to support the Society’s ongoing work.

25/08/2025

We’ve launched our new website

The Society has now unveiled its newly upgraded website - greataytonhistory.co.uk - designed to make the village’s fascinating past more accessible than ever.

The new site offers all the information from the Society’s previous platform but with a refreshed, user-friendly format that makes it easier to explore stories, personalities, and events that have shaped Great Ayton over the centuries. Visitors can now navigate with ease, discover materials more quickly, and even get in touch directly through a new contact function.

Our hope is that more people – both locals and visitors – will be inspired to learn about the village’s rich heritage and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to it.

Don’t forget te Society meets fortnightly at 9.30am on Wednesdays in the Friends Meeting House on High Green and welcomes new members. Whether lifelong residents or newcomers, everyone is invited to share in the discovery and preservation of the village’s heritage.

With our upgraded online presence, we aim to strengthen community ties while also reaching a global audience interested in the story of our lovely village which is renowned for its charm, character, and historical significance.

01/05/2025

Meet the Characters Who Put The Great Into Ayton

Call into The Discovery Centre on the High Street, Great Ayton this month (May 2025) to see the stories of 12 characters who played key roles in the life, development and history of the village across centuries. This dazzling dozen, researched by members of the Great Ayton History Society, span a range of sectors from business, science, engineering, industry, the arts, religion and sport. They make inspiring reading.
The profiles are on display as part of Local History Month.

16/04/2025

All Saints’ Great Ayton Tours Begin Good Friday: New Illustrated Guide Launched

Free guided tours of Great Ayton’s All Saints’ church – the oldest building in the village - begin on Good Friday and run daily from 2pm-4pm with the exception of Mondays. And visitors who can’t make the tour, or want a souvenir of it, a new 12-page illustrated guide to this wonderful Grade I listed building is available in All Saints’ for a mere £2.

The guide, produced by Great Ayton History Society Member David Taylor, is a greatly updated from the original version produced 15 years ago. It chronicles all the latest discoveries of the 12th century church which hosts the Captain Cook family grave.

Though the daily tours by volunteers are free, donations to the upkeep of this history-rich church are welcome and can be made in designated boxes in the church. The tours are highly recommended for all. Further details from church curator Robin Hazell on: 01642 722975.

01/03/2025

Join Us & Learn About Our Fallen WWI Heroes On The Somme

Join Us To Discover Great Ayton’s Fallen World War I Heroes on the Somme through the eyes of the Society’s Jill Atkinson who located and visited the graves of 12 village men killed in action in the Somme and Pas de Calais regions.
Jill will take guests through her discoveries in a special presentation starting at 7pm on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.
The presentation will be in the Friends’ Meeting House on High Green. This is a free presentation with tea/coffee/biscuits provided though we would appreciate any donations to the Society’s coffers which are used to finance further research into various aspects of Great Ayton’s rich history.

01/02/2025

Join The Society To Explore How Religion Influenced Development In the Village.

In our second winter talk of the 2025 series, Peter Morgan will take us on a fascinating discovery of how religious beliefs shaped development of the village. From Saxon times the layout and evolution of Great Ayton have been influenced by the beliefs and loyalties of those closely involved. This was especially the case during the expansion of the 19th century and many of features these influenced can still be discovered today.

When: 7pm Wednesday, February 19
Where: Friends Meeting House, High Green

This is a free-to-attend event when tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided though we welcome donations to our coffers as we are saving up for a new website.

09/01/2025

Reminisce Or Discover: Changes in Domestic Life From the 1940s To Today

The Society’s first winter talk of the 2025 series will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, January 29th when our very own Ian Pearce will take guests through a fascinating look at domestic life from the 1940s to today. The pace of change has been remarkable. For some this will be an evening of reminiscing, for others one of discovery. So, join us for a journey through 85 years of remarkable change.
Where: Friends’ Meeting House, High Green, Great Ayton.
This presentation is free to attend, and doors will open at 6.30pm when tea/coffee/biscuits will be served though any donations to the Society’s funds will be welcome. We also want to acknowledge the support of The Margaret K. Mawston Memorial Adult Education Trust in sponsoring our 2025 winter talks series.

Address

Friends Meeting House Great Ayton
Great Ayton
TS96HA

Telephone

+447512663952

Website

http://greatayton.wikidot.com/home

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