The World of James Herriot facts for kids
The World of James Herriot Ltd is a fun place to visit in Thirsk, England. It used to be the home and animal doctor's office of a famous writer named James Herriot. He wrote many popular books about his life as a vet.
Inside, you can see how James Herriot's flat looked in the 1940s. There are also displays showing what life was like in the countryside and how vets worked back then. You can even see the actual sets and items used in the 1978 BBC TV show, All Creatures Great and Small, which was based on his books!
Contents
The Story of the World of James Herriot
How the Museum Started
In 1995, the local council, Hambleton District Council, bought the building at 23 Kirkgate. This building was known as 'Skeldale House' in James Herriot's books. They spent about £1.4 million to buy and fix it up.
The museum first opened its doors in 1999. However, it soon faced problems and was at risk of closing.
New Management and Growth
In 2011, a new group called the World of James Herriot Ltd took over running the museum. This group is a not-for-profit organization. James Herriot's real-life son and daughter are part of the directors who help manage it. The Hambleton District Council still owns the building.
In 2019, about 35,000 people visited the World of James Herriot. The museum became even more popular because of the TV show The Yorkshire Vet on Channel 5.
Recent Times and Popularity
The museum closed for a while during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it expected more visitors after a new All Creatures Great and Small TV series started in the UK in September 2020. This new series also became popular in the US in 2021. By early 2021, the tourism group VisitBritain was encouraging people to "Discover 'All Creatures Great and Small' in Yorkshire."
In 2020, the Hambleton District Council gave the museum operators a special 30-year lease. This helped the museum continue its work.
Images for kids
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The World of James Herriot
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Practice sign at the World of James Herriot
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Blue plaque at the World of James Herriot
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Set for the 1978 BBC All Creatures Great And Small series
The James Herriot Foundation Trust
The World of James Herriot started a special group called the James Herriot Foundation Trust in 2018. This trust helps people who want to become veterinary nurses. It gives them money to study and achieve their dreams, with help from sponsors.
