This fascinating new book published by the National Park Authority explores the eighteenth century water races that transformed the landscape of the North York Moors and the lives of the people living there.
70 miles (115km) of gravity fed water races cross the North York Moors and have provided running water to farms and villages for over 200 years. Although they have long since been abandoned, they remain a striking feature of the moors and are frequently used by walkers to effortlessly climb the Tabular Hills.
Water from the Moors: The Life and Works of Joseph Foord draws upon original archive material and archaeology to tell the story of the water races. How were they built and how did they work? Who made them and what was their impact on the local community?
The author was a senior lecturer in Literature at St John's College, York, until 1990. She now lives in the country and researches local history.