Country Crafts & Traditional Skills

Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling

Wall at Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling
Guild competition October 2005

Ever since the land closure acts of 1760 to 1840 were introduced, the dry stone walls that form the field patterns of the Yorkshire Dales have inspired artists, residents and visitors from around the world.

Throughout this time the art of Dry Stone Walling has seen little change, using natural local stone without the addition of any man-made materials. The end product, often regarded as masterpieces to be proud of by fellow craftsmen, have remained standing for over 250 years and formed part of our heritage.

The skills required to build and maintain dry stone walls have been passed down through generations, but with the numbers of Agricultural workers and skilled rural tradesmen in decline the demand to keep walls maintained throughout the dales is increasing.

The Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild promote the skills of walling and run practice and taster days for anyone interested in learning or improving their walling skills.

For more information about the work of the Guild or to register an interest in attending a walling event, contact cliffbailey1@btinternet.com

Article by C.V.Bailey, Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild.