Two neighbouring Ryedale villages have come together to create a book recording its past for generations to come. KAREN DARLEY reports.

BRINGING the community together in Middleton and Aislaby was never going to be difficult, but the publication of a book looking at the history of the area has created a real sense of purpose and commitment to a way of life that reflects and recognises the dedication and longevity of its people.

The Middleton and Aislaby Local History Project was set up to raise funds for Middleton and Aislaby Village Hall.

Stuart Plant, from the group, said the simple premise was to research the history of the villages of Middleton and Aislaby and then present the findings in a book.

“The project has promoted a real sense of community within the villages which has resulted in resources being made available in the form of documents, photographs, oral history recordings, maps and memorabilia,” he said.

“Family histories, stories and recollections have enabled the established and newer residents to recall how people worked for and with each other.

“It has revealed how traditions were secured through inheritance, how marriage between important families brought stability and security and how meeting the challenges through change made everyone, individually and collectively, stronger and determined to succeed.”

Since the book’s launch in July, Stuart said there had been an overwhelming response from villagers who had kindly donated their personal collections of family history research to the Local History Project which they intended to use in the second publication planned for 2015.

“One of the unexpected but exciting outcomes of the project has been the donations of time, stories and photographs which have increased our resources to a phenomenal level,” he said.

“The Middleton and Aislaby family connections have uncovered stories, achievements, scandals and notorieties it is difficult to comprehend.

“Their influences upon the development of social and economic life were significant as was their contribution to the structures of law and order and the welfare and well being of those less fortunate than themselves.”

Stuart said the links with Riseborough Hall, Keld Head Hall, Middleton Hall, Aislaby Hall, Sinnington Hall and Lodge, and the influence and contribution of prominent families makes for a an intriguing exploration.

“John Rushton left his notes to the village and in examining them there is place, dedicated to John, for an academic piece charting the early history of Middleton and Aislaby, together with other work completed based on the history of Upper and Lower Costa Mill,” he said.

“In summary, there is lots to think about, more research to be done and more stories to be uncovered.”

The book is available at Morlands Newsagents and the tourist information centre in Pickering, Hutton-le-Hole’s Ryedale Folk Museum, the tea rooms/post office in Middleton and Hoppers in Malton.