HAVE you heard of Tor, Sprot and Grim? They are not names that spring easily to mind.

But they were very important in their time. These three Saxon chiefs owned the land now occupied by the treasure house of the north - Harewood House.

However, with Norman acquisitiveness, by the time the Domesday Book was compiled around 20 years after the conquest, messrs Tor, Sprot and Grim's descendents had been relieved of their inheritance.

Norman nobleman Robert de Romelli built a castle on the site and the 12th century twin towers of it can still be seen today.

The present house, between Leeds and Boston Spa, is a terrific place to visit with all the family and friends. There really is something for everyone, from the childrens' adventure playground, rare and exotic birds and lakeside walks to many special events, regular new exhibitions and car rallies.

The Harewood Bird Garden is one of the country's leading avian collections. Over 100 species of threatened and exotic birds are housed there with the aim of promoting conservation and education.

Visual arts at Harewood are renowned for their quality, variety and originality. There is more to the arts here than walking through galleries. Open House at Harewood features workshops, lectures, seminars and events giving adults intimate access to and expert interpretation of the house and its contents.

The Harewood estate with its 4,000 acres of countryside has a nationally recognised conservation programme with particular emphasis on the restoration of historic buildings.

Visitors might recognise places and settings when they watch Heartbeat, A Touch of Frost and Emmerdale. The north country soap films four to five days a week there now.

Opera North is at the house on September 2 for a last night at Harewood House proms. Tickets can be bought from (0113) 218 1000.

How to get there

Harewood House is seven miles from Harrogate and Leeds. Best route from Ryedale is down the A64 to Tadcaster, then the Boston Spa road heading in the direction of Leeds/Bradford airport.

Facilities

The house is open from mid-March to October. Adults £6.95 or £5.75 under a group discount scheme.

Updated: 12:07 Thursday, August 30, 2001