The World of James Herriot facts for kids
The World of James Herriot Ltd is a fun place to visit in Thirsk, England. It's the real home and animal hospital where the famous author James Herriot used to live and work.
When you visit, you can see how James Herriot's flat looked in the 1940s. You'll also learn about farm life and how vets cared for animals back then. There are even special sets and props from the old BBC TV show All Creatures Great and Small. This show was based on his popular books!
A Look Back at the Museum's History
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. After a while, it faced some challenges. In 2011, a new group called World of James Herriot Ltd took over running the museum. This group is a not-for-profit organization. As of 2022, James Herriot's real-life son and daughter are part of the directors. The Hambleton District Council still owns the building itself.
In 2019, about 35,000 people visited the World of James Herriot. The museum became even more popular because of a TV show called The Yorkshire Vet on Channel 5.
The museum had to close for a while during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they expected more visitors after a new All Creatures Great and Small TV series started. This new show began in the UK in September 2020 and 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 lease helps the museum continue its important 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 also started something special called the James Herriot Foundation Trust in 2018. This trust helps people who want to become veterinary nurses. They offer money awards, called bursaries, to help students with their studies. Many sponsors help to support this important trust.
