What Makes Yorkshire Such A Special County?

Here at Chartford Homes we are proud to be a Yorkshire based home builder. But what makes Yorkshire so special? Well, with its rich heritage, an abundance of culture, bustling vibrant cities nestled alongside quiet, charming villages and stunning areas of natural beauty right on the doorstep, Yorkshire really has something for everyone. Affectionately referred to by all Yorkshire folk as “God’s Own County” it’s no secret that Yorkshire truly is one of the best places to live…

Let's start with reviewing some of the best bits from Yorkshire's history...

Yorkshire is England’s largest historical county and its full to bursting with culture and history. According to archaeological reports, the Romans were the first settlers to truly make Yorkshire their home in 71AD, with the most famous settlement being in York. Elements of Roman forts can still be recognised today as you walk along the Roman Walls surrounding the city and the gorgeous, cobbled streets of York’s City Centre.

The Vikings came along in the mid-9th century and conquered the area, and for a while Yorkshire was its own separate kingdom. Yorkshire’s history does have something of a chequered past too though, especially in the Middle Ages when the people of Yorkshire rose to rebellion in 1086 against the then King William after he won the Battle of Hastings. 

This was then followed by the civil War of the Roses in the 15th Century; a long-standing brutal clash between the Houses of York and Lancaster, both with alleged claims of royal descent and their eyes firmly set on the English throne. In fact, songs are still sung today about this infamous Yorkshire feud… have you heard the children’s classic nursery rhyme the Grand old Duke of York?

However, Yorkshire recovered from the Middle Ages, mainly thanks to its wool and cloth trade, which flourished in West Yorkshire especially. From the 19th century, modern Yorkshire history saw a boom in the textile, steel and coal industries and towns like Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield were well established and remain some of Yorkshire’s best places to live. 

Now let's talk about Yorkshire Heritage...

Thanks to its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, Yorkshire is home to numerous landmarks and attractions that showcase the region’s unique identity and character. With 29 English Heritage sites to discover across the county, from mediaeval castles and abbeys to the industrial heritage sites and museums, Yorkshire offers a wonderful insight into the past and a deeper understanding of the present. 

Its industrial heritage can be seen throughout the county. Mills in Halifax and Bradford boomed, and Saltaire Mill was born, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

One of the major natural resources in Yorkshire is coal, and many pits were mined throughout the region with Wakefield in particular respecting this heritage through the National Coal Mining Museum. 

The coal revolution gave way to advances in the steam engine and the world’s oldest steam engine still in its original location can be found at Elsecar Heritage Centre in Barnsley. The rise in the steam engine led to the invention of the steam train. York became an epicentre for this, hence the National Railway Museum and the century old Flying Scotsman calling this home. Not only were there advances in the steam trains themselves, but also in the structural engineering of the railway lines, with impressive architectural structures like the Ribblehead Viaduct still dominating the landscape today. Yorkshire is the perfect combination of industry and countryside.

We can't talk about Yorkshire without mentioning Yorkshire culture...

Yorkshire has a well-established cultural background, with a plethora of authors, poets, playwrights and artists all citing Yorkshire as their muse. Many famous authors such as the Bronte sisters come from Yorkshire and reference the stunning Haworth scenery in their works. More modern culture can be found at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton with artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth showcasing their works here. 

Leeds in particular has a strong cultural heritage with Leeds Opera North and the Northern Ballet both centred here alongside big commercial TV broadcasters ITV and Channel 4, most notably with popular soap Emmerdale also calling Leeds its home. Sister city Bradford is really striving forward, winning the coveted UK City of Culture title for 2025. Yorkshire really is a hive of cultural integrity. 

Distinctive cuisine...

Whilst the white rose of Yorkshire is well known for its picturesque rural countryside, whippets, flat caps, friendly nature, proud people and broad dialect, it’s the cuisine that really stands out. With more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other county (outside London) you really can eat well here. 

Yorkshire food is renowned for being wholesome, comforting and diverse. There are many staples to be found right across the county, but probably the most famous dish is the humble Yorkshire pudding. There is still much debate about the proper recipe for the perfect Yorkshire pudding even among the most traditional Yorkshire folk, but all can agree it's twinned with Yorkshire.   

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips, then look no further than Yorkshire. With so many amazing coastal towns from Whitby and Bridlington to Scarborough and Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the business of fish and chips is taken very seriously here. Enjoy your award-winning sustainable fish in picturesque beauty. 

Another establishment that is synonymous with Yorkshire is Betty’s Tea Rooms, home to the tasty treat that is the fat rascal. It’s a delicious fruity scone with a cheeky glacé cherry and almond face which coincidentally is the perfect accompaniment to yet another Yorkshire staple…Yorkshire Tea!

Did you know Yorkshire is also home to the famous rhubarb triangle? The area between Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford produces the best award-winning rhubarb in the country where you can actually hear the rhubarb growing. Many critically acclaimed chefs will only use rhubarb produced in this area. 

There are lots of other delicious Yorkshire morsels to discover from sticky parkin, Terry's Chocolate, Tetley’s Brewery, Ossett Brewery, Haribo, Pontefract cake, liquorice and Wensleydale cheese to name but a few. 

So, whether you’re thinking of moving to Yorkshire or already live here but want to explore more of this beautiful county, we have exciting developments all ready and waiting for you. Whether you want to be based in the scenic areas of Harrogate, Ilkley or Poole-in Wharfedale or closer to the bustling cities of Leeds or Wakefield with our homes in Pudsey or Headingley, we’ve got the perfect home waiting for you. Get in touch and see where your new ideal home awaits. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter now to be the first to hear about our show home open days, customer offers and our thrilling new developments coming soon.