Barnard's Hill

About the Book

The story is based on characters that were known to the author at that time. It is set in the fictitious 'Widdersdale', in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire dales,

PETER and SUSAN BARNARD and their five year old son JIM are typical of so many people of their generation. They live in a small flat in the township of Guiseley near Leeds.

They share a love of the dales and often visit the 'Black Bull Hotel' in Billingbeck, at the head of Widdersdale. On one occasion in the early spring of 1965, they meet a local character and friend 'Old Ned' in the Black Bull. He tells them of a semi derelict farm called 'Nab's Head'.

A powerful story soon develops and after many exciting, and a few hilarious adventures, they become the owners of 'Nab's Head Farm', and find themselves involved in life in the Dale.

Delightful characters such as Bert Eckersley landlord of the pub, Old Ernie their new neighbour, Mr James Ackroyd Solicitor, 'Green Clogs', 'Wishbone', Mrs Lord the recluse who lives in the 'Sky House', Billy Briggs Pig farmer and ladies man, Andrea and so many more.

Sometimes humorous, occasionally sad. High Drama, but allowing the reader to occasionally just drift along in pure nostalgia, only to be swept back into the story.

There are times when Peter and Susan despair... But never young Jim.

So many events; Jim's entry into the academic world via Billingbeck County Primary School, the encounter with the young vet and Ernie's reluctant involvement, Hay time and 'muckspreading', Green Clogs attempts to sell a rusty wreck that he describes as a tractor, the village country fair, learning 'Farmin'. In fact... Becoming Widdersdalians.

Over the top of the hill, a dim light glowed in the window of a lonely moorland farmhouse. But, there is no-one to see it. Nothing but the wild wind and the sweeping rain. Inside, a white haired old man, asleep in his chair beside a dying fire.

About the Author

Anthony Gilroyd is the pseudonym of Arnold Long.

He lives by the shore of Llyn Padarn, deep within the mountains of Snowdonia with his wife and son, their scruffy old Collie dog and two hens.

He comes from a line of Longs who lived, and still do, in the village of Horsforth Yorkshire, for more than four hundred years.

Now retired, he spent some years living and working among some of the amazing and loveable people described in his novel. He was compelled to write 'Barnard's Hill' by his strong desire to share such characters before they became lost in the mists of time.

Many times, he became discouraged because he was seeking perfection, and over the years, his work sometimes gathered dust for long periods. But, driven by his need to tell his tale, he returned to his writing and finally, with the help of good friends who are established writers and the patient help of an understanding editor, 'Barnard's Hill' slowly emerged.

He has written several short stories and is at the moment, editing his tale of the adventures of 'Young Arnold aged eight', which he put onto the B.B.C. Peoples War site.

It was given a 'recommended story' rating by their editorial staff.