Summer Lectures: “The Writing on the Wall” the farm graffiti of the Yorkshire Horse Lads

“The Writing on the Wall” the farm graffiti of the Yorkshire Horse lads

With Dr Kate Giles and Dr Melanie Giles

On the whitewashed walls of stables and granaries, on meal bin lids and surfaces of doors in buildings, in and around the Birdsall Estate, survives graffiti from the Yorkshire “horse lads”. These men, together with their horses, formed the backbone of farming on the Yorkshire Wolds from the 1890’s to the mid 20th century. Over ten years ago, archaeologists Mel Giles and Kate Giles undertook a programme of recording and documenting the surviving traces of this graffiti. In this lecture, Kate and Mel will share the results of their work and discuss what the graffiti tells us about the lives, loves and concerns of this unique community.

Cost £5 per person

How to find us

We are located on the B1248 Yorkersgate in Malton. Our nearest car parks are Market Place which is free after 6pm, and Water Lane – pay and display. Our postcode for sat nav instructions is YO17 7AB.

Key Information

The lectures at Malton Museum will be held in the Assembly Rooms, which are situated up a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, due to the age of the building, there is currently no lift access available.

Booking Information  

Booking is not essential but it helps us to know how many people will be attending. You can do this by:

Email: [email protected]

Call: 01653 691262 to book your places, you can leave a message. Please let us know which lecture you will be attending, your name, and a contact number.

Pop in and see us:  We are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am – 4pm (20 April – 2 November)