The World of James Herriot facts for kids
World of James Herriot is the writer's home, now a visitor attraction in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, England. The attraction covers the life and books of the 20th century veterinarian and author James Herriot (the pen name of James Alfred Wight, 1916–1995) within the Yorkshire Dales.
The museum is located in a 1940s period house with veterinary science exhibits. It was the original practice of Wight and his partners at 23 Kirkgate, known as "Skeldale House" in the books.
The museum was set up in 1999 by Hambleton District Council; the business was sold to private investors in 2011 and was re-generated in 2017. Council leases the building to the operators but retains ownership of the structure. As of February 2021, the World of James Herriot Ltd board included the daughter and son of Alf Wight: Rosie Page and retired vet John Wight, in addition to a group of "local businessmen and women".
Overview
When Herriot died in 1995, Hambleton District Council bought the house and started a £1.4 million restoration programme. This included a recreation of the original living quarters and sets from the All Creatures Great and Small television series based on the books.
A November 2020 report described the attraction at that time, as:
"includes Alf Wight’s fully-restored 1940s home and surgery, a life-like statue of the author, the car James Herriot drove [in the BBC TV series] and the television set where the original series was shot, an extensive veterinary collection and a chance to experience what it was like to hide in a Second World War air raid shelter".
The James Herriot Foundation Trust was established by the museum in 2018 "to provide bursary awards for people wishing to become veterinary nurses", with the assistance of two major sponsors.
Gallery
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The World of James Herriot house and garden.
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Sign at Alf Wight's original practice, in Thirsk, 23 Kirkgate. (James Herriot)
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A commemorative plaque at Wight's original practice in Thirsk.
