Y900003 Historical Listing Of All YHs 2018 01 YHAB Get .ashx?db=Catalog&fname=YHA Youth Hostels And Associated Accommodation

User Manual: YHAB

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 508

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

Y900003
Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales)
Historical listing of all youth hostels and other YHA accommodation
Note: this listing is in the nature of a perpetual draft, and is constantly revised:
this version is 2018-01-01.
All previous versions should be destroyed.
John Martin, YHA Volunteer Archivist

Guide to the use of this file
Abbreviations used throughout
YHA National YHA
YHAF YHA File (obsolete National Office card
file system, useful but often crudely
dated)

ar
Annual Report Details
mins Details in Minute Books or Papers
PDMP Product Development Marketing Plan
(1986-)

Abbreviations – Publications
YHAB
H&C
LRN
Rksk
YHr

YHA Bulletin
Hiker and Camper magazine
London Region News
Rucksack magazine
Youth Hosteller magazine

Regional Groups pre-1965 :
BMW Birmingham (and Mid-Wales from 1955)
RG
CAM Cambridge RG (EA from 1961)
DAC Devon & Cornwall RG
EAN East Anglia RG (EA from 1961)
GSE Gloucestershire, Somerset and Exmoor
RG
LAK Lakeland RG
LON London RG
MAN Manchester RG
MER Merseyside, North Wales and IoM RG
Regions 1966-86:
BD
Border and Dales
EA
Eastern (early, from 1961)
LK
Lakes
MD
Midlands
PK
Peak (early, from 1964)
SE
Southern (South East)
SW
South West
Regions 1986- (briefly up to early 1990s, further
changes simplified, regions are not indicated in
entries after ca2000):
C
Central (soon ceded to South)
N
North
S
South

THr
SWAH
HN
YHAN

Tyneside Hosteller magazine
Wales Hosteller magazine
Hostelling News
YHA News

NMI North Midlands RG
NOT Northumberland and Tyneside RG
OXF Oxford RG
SOU South Coast RG
SWA South Wales RG
WAN Warwick and Northants RG
WEA Wear Tees and Eskdale RG
WES West Riding RG
WIL Wiltshire RG
YSH York Scarborough and Hull RG
(In 1931-34 some regions had more localised
titles).
WN
WS
YK
LN

Wales North (Merseyside)
Wales South
Yorkshire
Original LON, as in 1966 (change
delayed)
LHMC London Hostels Management Committee

W
L

Wales
London Metropolitan Hostels (within
South Region, but some documentation is
separate)

2

Guide to the use of this file (continued)
Highlighted in light yellow: YHA facility operating in January 2018
▲ opening & operational details
✚ final closure details
▲✚ operation uncertain
▲ (in Green) YHA camping barn
2 Escape 2 (non-mainstream site)
4 Do It 4 Real site
▼ [italics] hostel did not open (in standard font if uncertain) or duplicated or spurious entry
* (after Grid Reference): checked or amended digitally to match OS 1:25,000 mapping or satellite or aerial
view
≠ indicates a degree of doubt concerning the information immediately preceding
[ ] indicates references or editorial clarification, as in YHA Archive sources and hostel title lines
≈ indicates a scanned location sketch map
† indicates scanned or OCR text
NOTE: All references to years are by default calendar years, except that Annual Report and bednight
information is based on Statistical Years. Thus the abbreviation SY (statistical year) after a year is used to
clarify ambiguity: up to 1990 statistical years ran to 30th September from the previous 1st October, and from
1992 from 1st March to the following 28th/29th February. CY indicates calendar year, if necessary.
The conventional job description warden gave way to manager in stages at the end of the twentieth century;
the practice in this file is to use manager from about 2000.
All accommodation hostel, adopted hostel, temporary and overflow hostel, bunkbarn, bed and breakfast (eg
Offa’s Dyke properties), Enterprise and related private businesses run under the auspices of YHA, even if
loosely, are included. However, after clarification from about January 2015 of a few partner properties being
clearly defined as non-YHA affiliate hostels, or having youth hostel status removed (advertised as red dots
and without ‘YHA’ in their titles on website maps and pages), these do not appear in the listing, or their
youth hostel status is revoked in the listing from that date.

Footnotes
Details in maroon: Handbook entries and hostel alternative names, prior to most recently used.
Details in orange: ownership status, lease, gift or purchase details and YHA Trust dates (where available in
Annual Reports). Otherwise details are mostly from the hand-written Property Books [YHAPB] Y700001Y700002, though dates were often delayed by some passage of time from the actual consignments. Note that
many tenure entries are missing or incomplete, particularly concerning the subtle and frequently
unfathomable differences between adopted (accommodation) hostels, tenancies, rentals, peppercorn rentals
and other private arrangements. Additionally, extensions of leases are often unknown. Thus, these entries are
discovered references only, and may not represent a complete record of hostel tenures.
Details in blue: building type and history, pre- and post- hostel use and internet resources, including
hyperlinks.
Details in green: further YHA Archive material, digital [∂], or hard copy [«]
Principal correspondents: GD: Graham Davies; KF: Kevin Flanagan; GH: Geoff Hodkinson; JJ: John
Jackson; TK Trevor Key; JM John Martin; SN Simon Neal; DS Duncan Simpson.

1
ABERGAVENNY [Pantyronen] 1932 to 1937.
Pantyronen, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire
YHA Region: SWA
GR: SO 269153*
Positional note: the hostel was advertised as two miles from Abergavenny on the main road to Crickhowell [Handbook
1932], though the premises are actually at an isolated location on a by-road a short distance south-east of Pysgodlyn.

▲Opened 1932. The hostel was to be open all the year from 1/7/1932 [List of New Hostels Opened
in 1932: two different issues of South Wales Hostel leaflet]. The warden in that year was Mrs
Williams. Accommodation was M6W6, possibly more.
✚Closed 30/9/1937 and replaced by Crickhowell.
Handbook 1933-37.
Alternative name: Pantyronen (Abergavenny) (1933).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: former guest house. The house is now a private residence.
A third floor in brick had been added to an already substantial stone house by the end of the 19th century to
accommodate 17 children [local history society; P&D Hassall].
(v)

ABERGAVENNY [Mulberry House] 2007 to 2012.
Mulberry House (Tyr Morwydd), Park Crescent, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5UD
Historic County: Monmouthshire

GR: SO 297146*

▲Opened 8/2007 as a YHA Enterprise bed and breakfast business, an expansion of the regular
environmental study centre group business. YHA guests were generally accommodated in the
Georgian side of the building, while the more modern extension was used for Groups business.
✚Closed 12/4/2012 [YHA memo], as the company went into liquidation.
Update 2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: Mulberry House, a large Georgian property, became in the 19th century a convent, and in the 1970s an
educational centre for London Education Authority, passing in 1992 to the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, who
lease it to a Board of Trustees for an increasing variety of uses [Website].
(s)

ABERGELE [Briarley House] 1938 to 1946.
Briarley House, 1 South Parade, Pensarn, Abergele, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 947785*

▲Opened Easter 1938, replacing Llansannan Hostel. ER Jones, founder member of the Group,
bought Briarley House with the intention of developing it privately after five years, but to allow
interim use by Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd. Beech House, next door, was also purchased by him:
see next entry.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-42 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the provision was uncertain. A further notice of 29/8/1940 advised that
accommodation was available despite reports of occupation by the military. It was operating again on 7/4/1941. The
hostel would be available during the winter of 1942-43 if booked in advance, and fully from Easter 1943 [MERar43].
There was heavy YHA usage in 1943-45.

✚Closed 1946, the end of season being 30/9/1946; the lease had expired [MERar46].
Handbook 1938-46.
Property tenure: a 5-year lease was granted by Mr ER Jones, [MERar37].
Property profile: tall terraced corner property on the corner of Rhodfa’r De (South Parade) and Meinion. The roofline
of the terrace has been much altered since hostel days.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Abergele A 751 † RG44.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
2nd-3rd October 1937: Mr Clarke and I called at Abergele. We quite liked this house and think it will be
a popular place [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

ABERGELE [Beech House] ca1941 to ca1945.
Beech House, Abergele.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 947785*

▲✚Merseyside Region emergency offices and overspill accommodation open during the War.

2
Wartime arrangements: Merseyside YH Ltd office and records moved to Abergele from Liverpool after the Blitz of
5/1941 [MERar41]. ER Jones allowed the Region’s wartime office to be based in Beech House, next door to the hostel,
and also allowed it to be used as overspill for 6 of one sex, but with no catering [MERmins].
Property tenure: both Abergele houses were the property of Mr ER Jones.
Property profile: Beech house is thought to be the property adjoining Briarley House to the east, distinguishable by its
lower roofline.
(v)

ABERGLASLYN (see Cae Dafydd)
ABERGLASLYN HALL Due to open 2006. Did not open.
YHA Aberglaslyn Hall, Beddgelert, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4YF GR: SH 593459*
▼The outdoor educational activity centre was owned by Leicestershire County Council. A 41-bed Youth Hostel hostel
was due to be run under YHA control from 1/6/2006. There was no mention on Website hostel lists throughout 2006,
however.

ABERMULE 1949 to 1952.
Castell Forwyn, Abermule, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 152945*

▲Opened 1/4/1949 and officially opened 28/5/1949, before the arrangements were fully complete.
In YHA days electricity had not reached the house. Low usage made the hostel’s future precarious
[BMWar51].
✚Closed 30/9/1952 and replaced by Cefn-y-Coed Hostel. The property was sold 26/5/1953
[YHAPB]. At the time of the sale by YHA the two large bedrooms in the house had had beds
roughly removed, but the considerable stable outbuildings still contained dormitory beds.
Handbook 1949-52.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 17/1/1949).
Property profile: built in 1867 for the Reverend John Lloyd and sold to YHA by his grandson, the Mayor of
Montgomery [BRR 5/1949]. The attractive house was built in unusual yellow Ruabon brick on higher ground. There
was once a shop at the bottom of the drive to serve bargees on the adjacent canal. Castell Forwyn has been in the same
ownership since the sale by YHA.
Published material: article Abermule 1949-1952, Youth Hosteller March 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr & Mrs Jock & Joey Hemmings, ex Winchester (1932) Canterbury
(Waysmeet) (1937) and Ludlow (1937) [postcard comment].
(v)
ABERYSTWYTH Planned hostel 1950-51. Did not open.
Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire. GR: SN 603834*
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here [Handbook 1951, no details]. For some months negotiations had been proceeding
with Aberystwyth Council on the possibility of obtaining Cwmcynfelin, a large house overlooking Clarach Bay, as an
Aberystwyth hostel; their decision was awaited [BMWar50]. Negotiations were broken off, and Borth was bought
instead [BMWar51]. Cwmcynfelin is 2 miles north east of Aberystwyth, near Clarach church. It is now a care home for
the elderly.

ABNEY Camping barn 1999≠ to 2017≠.
▲Ivy House Farm, Abney, Derbyshire. GR: SK 198798
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2017≠.
Property profile: in former pig sties.

ACOMB 1933 to 2006.
Main Street, Acomb, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4PL.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NY 934666*

▲Opened 15/5/1933 [NOTar33].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of hostilities but reopened for week-ends, 6/11/1939 to
the end of 3/40. It was then in constant YHA use to 30/9/1940; but requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering
Commandant, Newcastle, on 1/10/1940, and closed to members [NOTar40]. The hostel was running again 7/6/1941
[NOTar41] and operated each year for the rest of the war.

In 1955 the Region was seeking funds for a new Acomb Hostel [NOTar55], sometimes described
as Hexham, but the plan was not successful. In 1966 there was an unsuccessful attempt by a local

3
developer to persuade the Regional Group to accept a new hostel built free of charge on
neighbouring farmland (Chare Head Farm) in exchange for rights to demolish the hostel and use
the site as an entrance road to a housing estate. Small improvements were made in 1982-84 with the
fitting of a shower and the extension of the switch dormitory [memo]. In its final two or three years
Acomb was a volunteer-run hostel, supported by the manager of Edmundbyers Hostel.
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info]. Legal small print prevented the premises from being
offered as YHA Enterprise potential. The property was sold 31/10/2007 for residential use.
Handbook 1933-2005/06.
Property tenure: after 15 years’ use YHA purchased the freehold of Acomb Hostel (to YHA Trust 28/4/1948).
Property profile: converted stable buildings. In the early years the common room was decorated with scenes from the
Pilgrims Progess. Since 2007 it has undergone extensive remodelling and modernisation as a residential property.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/344387
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Acomb 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Acomb YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ol’ Joe Henderson [warden] died [Northumberland and Tyneside annual report 1959].
It was the first property actually owned by N and T Region. It was bought for £60, the alterations cost
£60 and equipment for 18 was obtained for £55. Above the fireplace members painted a Pilgrims’
Progress mural of Heaven and Hell; many of the characters were recognisable [Border and Dales annual
report 1979]… Unfortunately it was destroyed during the army’s occupation [YHA News, May 1993].
The warden, an elderly gentleman who did not live on the premises, took me up to the women’s
dormitory and said I could lock and bolt it if I did not like being alone… He did not like giving out duties
as his wife and daughter cleaned the hostel thoroughly once a week [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to
Northumberland, 1 August 1962].
Mr Bill Otterside retired from Acomb in June. Aged 80, he had hoped to carry on for a few more years,
but his eyesight was getting worse and he could no longer read entries in the housebook. After working
as a miner for over 50 years, Bill became warden of Acomb in 1962 and soon made friends with
hostellers from all over the world. His wife and other members of his family, who had all helped at the
hostel from time to time, were present on Whit Sunday when Alan Gardner, Border and Dales ViceChairman, presented Bill with a cheque as a token of the Region’s appreciation [Youth Hosteller, August
1971].
(s)

ALBURY 1931 to 1933 or 1934.
Surrey Hills Guest House, Dorking Road, Albury, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 040479*

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 293 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31]. The hostel
operated until at least late 1933. A decision for the hostel to be removed from the register (after
complaints) was made 17/1/34, so it possibly survived into 1934 [GD].
✚Closed 1933 [LONmins33,YHAF] or early 1934.
Handbook 1931 (1)-33.
Alternative name: Surrey Hills (1931(1st edn-3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: waterside house with external mock-Tudor panelling. A new house with the same name is now built
here [GD, KF].

ALFRISTON 1952 to 2015.
Frog Firle, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 5TT.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 517019*

▲Opened 1952. The 1952 Handbook advised that it might open at Easter, but with no details; these
were given in late news. The hostel officially opened 12/7/1952.
During 1962 a major improvement was the provision of a new members’ kitchen in the southern
wing of the building. As this displaced the cycle-shed, a previously derelict pig-sty a few yards
down the path to Litlington was converted by local group members to serve this purpose.
In the mid-1970s major fire prevention works were underway, together with alterations to provide
new assistants’ quarters. The conversion of a disused store room into a new games room was being
considered to allow the regular games room to become another dormitory [WightWash 11/1975].

4
The property was refurbished during 1988-89, when the members’ kitchen was moved again and a
bathroom was converted to a bijou en suite bedroom [YHAar89].
✚Closed 7th April 2015 (sale date).
Handbook 1952 supplement-2009
Property tenure: freehold gift from from the National Land Fund (HM Treasury) (to YHA Trust 21/2/1952), with
equipment given by the Goldsmiths Company. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Sussex flint house with Tudor beamed lounge, dating in part from 1530, with 20th-century additions.
The gun room was extended in 1924 to form what is now the spacious dining room and the oak panelled entrance hall
was formerly the still room where the hams were smoked and stored. Grade II listed (1981) – see website.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-294929-frogfirle-house-alfriston
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 93, Alfriston, Youth Hosteller February 1963.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alfriston YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH
Profile
(s)

ALLENDALE [Ye Olde Oakes] 1936 to 1938.
Ye Olde Oakes, Allendale, Hexham, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NY 837557*

▲Opened 4/1936. Closed 30/9/1937 [NOTar37] but reprieved and reopened later the same year.
The whole house was put into use from 4/1938, but it was not thought suitable for purchase
[Rucksack, NOTar38].
✚Closed 30/9/1938.
Handbook 1936 supplement-37; 1938 amendments only.
Property tenure: almost certainly an adopted hostel. The rental arrangement was tenuous and during 1937 was on a
month-by-month basis [Rksk spr37].
Property profile: stone house in village centre, already operating as a tourist facility, including refreshment rooms,
before YHA use.
(v)

ALLENDALE [Catton] 1945 to 1965.
1 Allen View, Catton, Hexham, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NY 830574*

▲Opened 24/3/1945.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel had 1568 bednights in its first year, 1945.

By 1950 the hostel was under threat, to be put to the vote [NOTar50], but no satisfactory alternative
could be found [NOTar51]. A suggestion of a replacement smaller building in its own grounds
nearby was refused, as it would still need a full time warden [NOTar54]. In 1960 all paper work for
a new hostel was completed, but the desired detached and more commodious property sold
considerably above the valuation and was not obtained [NOTar60].
✚Closed 1965; closed permanently [YHr 1/1966]. The property was sold 8/11/1966 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-66.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 30/10/1944).
Property profile: house at the end of a long terrace, with verandah, a private residence in 2005.
The Old Hostel B&B [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was really taken by Allendale Hostel. It was part of a private house and the warden was making jam in
the members’ kitchen. The dormitory had pretty wall paper and contained ten beds. Another girl arrived
later on a horse. There were pictures painted by the warden [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to
Northumberland, 28 July 1962].
We found the hostel easily enough but there is no resident Warden and the locked door gave no clue as to
whereabouts. No clue in Handbook. The Regional Handbook directed us to an occupied cottage and a
neighbour said ‘she gave up years ago’. As directed we tried the first house up the last lane in the village
but were firmly redirected further on. At least one hosteller per day makes this error and the owner of the
cottage was just a little fed up. No-one in up the lane. Further enquiry and ‘Try the school – he’s the
caretaker’. No result.
We drifted back towards the hostel – drizzling now – vaguely debating the feasibility of cooking over the
Primus in the hostel garden. A passer by on a cycle pulled up sharp – ‘Are you wanting to be in?’ and the
key was deposited in my hand [Geoff Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
(v)

5
ALL STRETTON BUNKHOUSE 2006 to 2014.
All Stretton Bunkhouse, Meadow Green, Batch Valley All, Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JW.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SO 454955*

▲Opened 2006, with facilities for up to 12 [for 10 – GD] in three bedrooms.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise bunkhouse.
Property profile: the property is a converted barn [GD].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1217680

ALNHAM [Memorial Hall] 1932 to 1943.
The Memorial Hall, Alnham, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NT 993106*

▲Opened 5/1932 [NOTar32]. In 1932 the only building available here was the village hall. It was
taken on a summer tenancy, and closed 30/9/1932 till the following year [NOTar32].
Wartime arrangements: in late 1939 NOT Council decided to cut expenditure by closing all rented properties; figures
for Alnham justified its retention, however. The hostel operated in summer 1940, from 11/5/1940 [NOTar40], but
withdrawn by 14/10/1940. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was the
only hostel available in the link to Scotland. A notice of 7/4/1941 advised that it was operating again; it was available
for three months in that year, but was again requisitioned on 8/6/1941 [NOTar41]. The hostel was not available
throughout 1942 [NOTar42], but reopened Whit 1943, to 10/10/1943, standing in for the delayed new hostel. The hope
was that it could reopen in summer 1944, though liable to requisitioning for schoolchildren evacuees at short notice
[NOTar43]. In the event, it was not needed in 1944.

✚Closed 10/10/1943 and replaced by the Old Vicarage Hostel.
Handbook 1932-40.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: stone-built village War Memorial hall or institute, a private residence in 2007.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Alnham VI† 1932 LNERG.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel is the village memorial hall, and is used by the village people for social evenings and dances
from October to Easter. The main body of the hall is partitioned for the two dormitories, and the stage is
the common room [Rucksack, Easter 1939].
(v)

ALNHAM [Old Vicarage] 1944 to 1958.
The Old Vicarage, Alnham, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NT 990109*

▲Opened Easter 1944, replacing the memorial hall at Alnham.
Wartime arrangements: the new Alnham hostel in the vicarage had been due to open 12/6/1943 [1943 Handbook], but
was delayed; it was secured early in 1944 and had been open as a hostel since Easter, 4/1944; it would remain open all
year round [NOTar44]. There were significant bednights in 1944 and 1945.

A new water supply was provided by volunteers with the fitting of considerable new external
pipeline work [YHAar49] and electric lighting was installed in 1950 [YHAar50]. After a decade’s
use the hostel was described as in financial difficulties and in poor condition [NOTar53,54].
✚Closed 31/1/1958 [NOTar58]. The property was sold 15/10/1958 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1944-58 (1958 as permanently closed in late news).
Property tenure: at first rented; the freehold of the Old Vicarage in Alnham was purchased (to YHA Trust 4/3/1948).
Property profile: former vicarage of about 1830. Part of it includes a pele tower dating back to 1416.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rock Hall YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 41, Alnham, Youth Hosteller February 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:

6
Early Youth Hostels in Northumbria played host to many members who were keen to show their painting
talent. At Alnham YH the barrel vaulted pele common room realistically showed a Scots raid, burning all
before them: quite frightening [YHAN, May93].
(v)
ALNWICK Planned hostel 1935. Did not open.
Alnwick, Northumberland. GR: NU 1813 approx.
▼An attempt to open a hostel was unsuccessful, as it was suitable for one sex only [Rucksack Autumn 1935, NOTar35].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alnwick YH Profile
ALNWICK Planned hostel 1942. Did not open.
Alnwick, Northumberland. GR: NU 1813 approx.
▼The Northumberland and Tyneside Regional Group had earmarked several Ministry of Agriculture hostels for YHA
hostels after the war [NOTar42]: Alnwick was listed and a map was included.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alnwick YH Profile

ALNWICK 2011 to present
34-38 Green Batt, Alnwick Northumberland NE66 1TU.
Historic County: Northumberland

GR: NU 186131*

▲Opened 27 May 2011 as a 57-bed hostel with restaurant, conference and wheelchair facilities. All
rooms are en suite. Manager Andrew Clarkson. The Queen attended the official opening on 22nd
June.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise Hostel owned and operated by Alnwick Community Development Trust.
Property profile: once the Town’s Court House, later government buildings until made redundant in recent times.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alnwick YH Profile
(s)

ALPHETON 1982 to 1992.
Monks Croft, Bury Road, Alpheton, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9BP.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TL 882510*

▲Opened 1982 as a 16-bed hostel. Opening was expected to be 4/7/1982. It was established and
wardened by life-member Mr Vic Copsey.
✚Closed 31/10/1992, because of the age and ill-health of the warden, though the contemporary
‘Spotlight’ CTC magazine advertised that it would become independent from 1/11/1992.
Handbook 1982-92.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: single-storey former farm building to the rear of Mr Copsey’s house, built in breeze with corrugated
roofing.
It has since been demolished; a modern detached house is on the site and has retained the name Monks Croft [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
I knew Vic Copsey and stayed at the hostel as a kid. It was v basic with sheds / huts as bedrooms with
bunk beds. I don’t remember a lounge as we used to use Vic’s house & kitchen. Large garden that he
used to put long lengths of tarpaulin out in with water on so we could skid / slide down it in hot weather
[Mike Marsh, recalled in 2014].
ALPORT CASTLES (BLEAKLOW) Planned hostel 1966. Did not open.
Alport Castles, Derbyshire. GR: SK 135910*
▼Due to open July or August 1966: there was a premature entry, with illustration, in the 1966 Peak Regional
Handbook. Alport Castles is situated 1¼ miles along a farm track NNW of Hayridge Farm.

ALSTON [Sun Hotel] 1933 to 1955.
Sun Hostel, Front Street, Alston, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 719464*

▲Opened 1933, available from Easter [Rucksack Spring 1933]; at first no cooking facilities were
available [LAKmins 5/3/1933]. No action was to be taken on the offer of another building [LAK
mins 4/3/1934]. The hostel was under threat of closure and it was hoped to arrange alternative
accommodation [LAKar36], and described as no longer available [Rksk NY37] but a grant from the
Special Areas Fund enabled it to be purchased.

7
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war in 1939, for official evacuees. However, the
Regional Council agreed that the hostel should close on 30th November 1940, the wardens to live on the premises rent
free [LAK mins 1940; there were 138 bednights in 1940SY.

Reopened 1/4/1947. Regional Council considered reverting to adopted hostel status [LAK mins
1950], but within two months the adoptive wardens resigned and the proposition would be
advertised [ibid 1951]. The hostel’s status changed to accommodation hostel and Jack Bolton
became warden in 1951 [Tyneside Hosteller May 1951]. The hostel had numerous operational
difficulties and closure was suggested if no improvement was found [ibid 1954].
✚Closed 31/12/1955 [YHAF]. YHA negotiated with the RDC so that the association would not
stand the cost of demolition. The property was sold 24/8/1956 to Alston RDC [YHAPB].
Handbook 1933-39; 1947-55.
Property tenure: previously an adopted hostel, the Sun Hostel was purchased by Easter 1937 (to YHA Trust 11/1/1937)
thanks to Special Area help [LAKar37]. The hostel reverted to Adopted status in the early 1950s.
Property profile: the hostel was in the main building and outbuildings of the former Sun Temperance Hotel. The block
in which it stood was demolished in the 1950s. The hostel included Sun Cottage, which the regional treasurer was to
empowered lease in 1954, and a shop.
The fabric was in very poor repair [reminiscences of several hostellers].
The site now forms the tarmacked area (part car park) between the rear of the Co-op and the side of the Crown Hotel
[KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Alston A 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs
Profile (v)

ALSTON [The Firs] 1975 to present.
The Firs, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3RW.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 717461*

▲Opened 8/1975. Officially opened 11/10/1975 by Mr WG Ball of Alston.
YHA placed the hostel on the market 7/2006; it was sold 9/2006, to be operated as a YHA
Enterprise hostel [whyha.org.uk]: Alston would continue to trade as normal [YHA eNews,
12/2006].
Property tenure: initially there was a combination of freehold purchase and leasehold, 30/6/1976 (to YHA Trust as
Land and Buildings) [YHAPB]. Latterly a YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Handbook 1976-2009.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel for YHA by Cumbria CC with assistance from the Countryside Commission and
a contribution form YHA.
(s)

ALSTONEFIELD 2000 to present.
Gypsy Lane, Alstonefield, Derbyshire DE6 2FZ.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SK 135557*

▲Opened 1/9/2000, as a private enterprise arrangement between the owner and YHA.
Handbook 2001-09.
Property tenure: private enterprise arrangement.≠
Property profile: two former barns.
(s)

ALSTONEFIELD Camping barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Butterlands Barn, Gateham Grange, Alstonefield, Staffordshire. GR: SK 125568
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015 but that arrangement had ceased by 2017.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.

AMBLESIDE [Queen’s Hotel] 1946 to 1971.
The Queens, Ambleside, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 376044*

▲Opened Whit 1946. LAK Region considered this hotel and the Salutation Hotel opposite before
deciding on this property, the price not to exceed £9,000 [LAK mins]. An offer of £2,000 for the
Queens Pavilion was refused; this facility may have been used during the summer of 1946; three

8
rooms were to be let as shop premises [LAK mins 1946]. Repairs were carried out to hostel and the
pavilion, and the latter was let for a political meeting and the poppy day fund [LAK mins 1947].
A new fire escape was fitted in 1963 [LAK report 63]. The following year two experimenta; shower
cabinets were fitted.
✚Closed 25/9/1971 and replaced by Waterhead Hostel. The property was for sale 4/2/1972
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-71.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 1/10/1945).
Property profile: the former Queen’s Hotel. Used by the Army and the Royal College of Arts while requisitioned,
before YHA use.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1233079
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Queen’s Hotel at Ambleside fell to us because we alone had the heart to clear up the ghastly mess
which the art students, which had been evacuated there from London, had left behind [Harry Chapman,
reporting in 1979].
Ghastly big YH [Mary Jephcott, 1952, reporting in 2008].
(s)

AMBLESIDE [Waterhead] 1971 to present.
Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 OEU.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 376030*

▲Opened 4/10/1971, replacing the Queens Hotel Hostel. With 240 beds, it was the Association’s
largest hostel at the time of opening. Youth Hosteller, April 1971 had announced:
the Region is negotiating the purchase of the Ambleside Hotel, at Waterhead, Ambleside. The property is
considered ideal for development for adventure activities, particularly sailing on Windermere. If the deal
goes through, the present 134-bed Ambleside Hostel, in the centre of the town, will be sold.

A long-awaited PDMP redevelopment started in 1993 with new showers and toilets on all floors
with the emphasis on providing good quality facilities close to the bedrooms. A new central heating
system was installed to bring heat for the first time into all the bedrooms. The next two phases of
work would reorganise the ground floor (winter 1994-95) and refurbish the bedrooms.
Handbook 1972-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 8/7/1971 (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold. Additionally, 7 Waterhead
Terrace (staff house) is currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: very large terraced building in Lakeland stone, formerly two hotels side by side, the Ambleside Hotel
and the Mereside Hotel [YHAPB]. It became the property of YHA on 8/7/71, after months of negotiations [YHr 8/71].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Richards Bequest fund has provided a fleet of unsinkable fibre-glass boats for use at Ambleside [HN
Summer 1972].
I had several pleasant Christmases here. Hostel near full yet never felt crowded [visit December 1999 by
Gerald Hardwick].
(s)

AMERSHAM-ON-THE-HILL 1933 to 1934.
St Hilda’s School, Parkfield Avenue, Amersham-on-the-Hill, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire
YHA Region: LON
Positional note: the Grid References relate to the extent of Parkfield Avenue.≠

GR: SU 967987-SU 968990

▲Opened 1933.
✚Closed 1934.
Handbook 1933 supplement-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: school buildings≠. A1934 Bucks trade directory shows that a Grace Annie Hobday resided at St
Hilda’s PNEU [Parents National Educational Union] School, Parkfield Avenue.

AMPLEFORTH 1933 to 1959.
Victoria House, Ampleforth, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 585787*

9
▲Opened 3/6/1933, at first for M6W6. Later in the first season this was increased to M8W8, and
by 1939 to M16W8.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, but was requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant,
Northallerton, on 26/10/1940. It was advertised as possibly available again from Easter 1941 [YSHar40]; after a short
stint in the summer of 1941 it was closed again, as the warden was unwilling to carry on under prevailing conditions.
Thereafter it remained closed for the duration of the war.

Ampleforth hostel reopened after the war at Easter 1946.
✚Closed 31/10/1959 [YHAF].
Handbook 1933 supplement-41; 1946-59.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: single farm outbuilding, incorporating a garage/stable and hayloft with outside stone steps. In recent
years these premises have been extensively unified and modernised for residential use. The steps have been removed.
Victoria House was the warden’s house on the other (west) side of the yard, from which meals may have been served.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ampleforth 751 ≈† RG36.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 3, Ampleforth, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1950.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ampleforth & Helmsley
YHs Profile
(v)

ANDREAS, IoM 1947 to 1952.
The Rectory, Kirk Andreas, Ramsey, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: MER

GR: SC414994

▲Opened from Whit 1947, according to Handbook late news, but small numbers of hostellers had
been accommodated from Easter [Rucksack, Easter 1947]. It was wardened at first by Mr and Mrs
Markham, who went on to run Ramsey, Colwyn Bay and Holland House Hostels.
✚Closed 30/9/1952 [YHAF] and replaced by Ramsey.
Handbook 1947-52.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: imposing old rectory.
ANGLESEY Planned hostel 1944. Did not open
▼A hostel was sought here as part of the Merseyside Group’s expansion plans [MERar44].

ANGLESEY OUTDOORS 2006 to 2014.
Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 2LP.
Historic County: Anglesey

YHA Region: W

GR: SH 238806*

▲Opened 2006 as a YHA Enterprise Hostel. This was YHA’s first dedicated activity centre in
Wales.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 2007-2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: timber buildings.

ARCHWAY HOUSE (see Playford)
ARNSIDE [Broadlands] 1946 to 1978.
Broadlands, Church Hill, Arnside, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 ODF.
Historic County: Westmorland
YHA Region: LAK; LK
GR: SD 457788*
Wartime arrangements: during the war, this property was being planned as an assured hostel after hostilities ceased
[LAKar43].

▲Opened 18/2/1946 by the former wardens of Troutbeck (Windermere) Hostel, Mr & Mrs Heap.
At first there were no self-catering facilities; a refusal by the owner was met with a rebuttal and
consideration of closure and deletion from the 1948 handbook by the region; Mr Heap acquiesced
[LAK mins 1947]. When the warden considered selling Broadlands, the Region offered to purchase
for no more than £3,000, to administer it as a fully controlled hostel [LAK mins 1949].
✚Closed 1978 and replaced by Arnside (Oakfield Lodge). 31/10/1978 was end of season.
Handbook 1946-78.

10
Property tenure: an adopted hostel at first. Later, a freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA
Trust 23/8/1949).
Property profile: left-hand side of a substantial three-storey semi-detached stone house with distinctive wooden
panelling on the three front bays and balconies between them.
Now converted to flats [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Windermere YH
Profile
(v)

ARNSIDE [Oakfield Lodge] 1978 to present.
Oakfield Lodge, Redhills Road, Arnside, Cumbria LA5 OAT.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: SD 451783*

▲Opened 1978, replacing Arnside (Broadlands). Officially opened by the Rt Hon Albert Booth,
MP for Barrow-in-Furness, on 28/10/1978. In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
In spring 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale. It continued as an Enterprise hostel
under the YHA banner.
Handbook 1979-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 30/12/1977, grant-aided by the DoES (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. From late 2013 or
early 2014 an Enterprise hostel.
Property profile: large Edwardian stone building, used as the accommodation lodgings of a former girls’ school (the
larger house to the east), though its final educational use was as a mixed school [manager]. A splendid conversion of a
former private house situated in a commanding position overlooking the Kent estuary [LKar1979]. A notable feature is
the rounded chimney stacks. Late in 2013 accommodation was contained in 19 bedrooms spread over the ground floor
(2 rooms), first floor and a few garret rooms.
Reports, recollections and observations:
My first YH Christmas. All YH excellent. Food for vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A hosteller led good
walks on the 25th and 26th. One around the bird sanctuary and beyond returning on the sea-shore.
Another hosteller showed colour slides with an amusing commentary [visit December 1985 by Gerald
Hardwick].
(s)

ARRAD FOOT 1939 to 1944.
Sea View, Arrad Foot, Ulverston, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 308809*

▲Opened 1939. It was intended to open early in July [Rucksack Midsummer 1939].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed
the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.
It was frequently crowded, and members were known to sleep in the bath and in a potting shed [memory, warden’s son,
2002].

✚Closed 1944, the end of season being 30/9/1944.
Handbook 1939 amendments-44 (address only in 1939 amendments).
Property tenure: adopted hostel [YHAar39].
Property profile: small cottage within a terraced block.
(v)

ARUNDEL 1946 to 2012.
Sefton Place, Warningcamp, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9QY.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON/SOU; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 032074*

▲Opened 1946 (probably Easter, Handbook).
Wartime arrangements: during the war Sefton Place was functioning as a hospital. YHA were negotiating for a hostel
here as early as the publication of the 1945 Handbook.

In 1951 the hostel was reduced in capacity from 120 to 60 [YHAPB,LONar54].
In 1975 a hostel improvement fund helped provide sound proofing covering for the mains stairs and
landing [HN Summer 1975]. Other changes were to provide the assistant wardens with better
accommodation; one of the dormitories was to be converted to an assistant’s bed-sitting room,
while the present room is to be extended and made into a new dormitory [WightWash 11/1975]. A
Camper’s toilet was fitted in the same year.
The hostel had a marquee to supplement accommodation in the summer of 1976, but not 1977.

11
In the late 1990s the hostel gained new en-suite family rooms, a new reception, a new lounge and a
new colour scheme throughout [YHA News spring 1998].
Arundel Hostel was offered for sale at the end of 2011.
✚Closed at the end of October 2012 to guests and at the end of November 2012 for group use
(officially, 20/12/2012).
Handbook 1945-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 1954 (to YHA Trust 25/2/1954) for £2,850. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Georgian mansion, the home of the Constable family, then before the war a school.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Littlehampton YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1974 electric convectors were provided in all dormitories thanks to fundraising, resulting in a big
increase in winter bookings. Previously the hostel had a reputation for cold rooms and damp blankets
[HN Winter 1974-75].
Arundel - field studies. Plans are in their early stages for the financing by public appeal of Field Studies
provision at Arundel Hostel. The idea of some special field study facilities at Arundel is nothing new.
However, from a relatively modest scheme in November 1970 when £1,000 was being talked about the
whole affair has developed into something far more exotic.
A physical extension of the building to accommodate field study parties and their needs is now envisaged
at a cost of £147,000. The grand total (including associated changes in the present building and the
addition of central heating) brings us to £75,300, according to a report presented to Southern Council in
January 1975. Although it is not yet certain that an appeal will be launched, it is beginning to look likely,
and a majority of Council seem unperturbed at appealing for £100,000 in the present economic climate.
At the end of it all – if it ever happens – we would have residential field study facilities at Arundel and
six more beds than we have today [SEar 1974].
(v)

ASENBY 1934 to 1939.
Green End, Asenby, Topcliffe, Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 401754*

▲Opened during season 1934, replacing Kirby Wiske Hostel; the warden Mr Watson had wished
to transfer farms and the hostel arrangement moved with him: a hut was transported from Kirby
Wiske and used as the common room [warden’s son].
✚Closed probably late 1939, after a reasonably full season.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was taken by the authorities [YSHar39].
Handbook 1934-39.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: farmhouse hostel, which used the apple loft, a room and outbuildings at Green End Dairy.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Asenby 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

ASHOVER (see Overton Hall)
ASHTON KEYNES 1939 to 1965.
Old Manor Farm, Ashton Keynes, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL; MD

GR: SU 042946*

▲Opened Whit 1939. The original YHA plans were for a model hostel in close proximity to the
Cotswold Bruderhof [WILar1937]. The hostel was opened with the aid of donations from the King
George V Jubilee Trust and the WA Cadbury Trust.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-45 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. The hostel was
reported as operating during 1939. A national notice was issued to state that the hostel would reopen 29/6/1940. It was
in use in 1941, but still requisitioned in 1945. During other years it may not have functioned.

Ashton Keynes Hostel reopened after war, at Easter 1946. The premises were very dilapidated
[WILar47]. It was shortly to be equipped with electric light [YHAar49].
✚Closed 22/9/1965. It ran at a loss and major work was needed. The property was sold 14/12/1965
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1939-40; 1946-65.
Property tenure: purchased (to YHA Trust 13/4/1939) [YHAPB].
Property profile: stone roofed farmhouse hostel, parts of which are 600 years old.

12
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Food is scarcer than it was at hostels last year, and unless one has booked ahead, wardens are apt to
register dismay when asked for supper and breakfast by the unexpected hosteller. We therefore carry,
beside lunch for the road, enough to be self-cookers if required.
The hostel was once a farmhouse. It can take about 50 all told, but tonight it houses only 5 birds of
passage… We cooked our supper on oil stoves, read by lamplight and were warmed by a log fire [Mabel
Pratt, April 1948].

ASKRIGG 1934 to 1950.
Lion View, Askrigg, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 949910*

▲Opened 12/1934 [WESar35]. The first warden, Mrs Thompson of Winnville, was replaced in
1936 by Mrs Kettlewell of Elm House, 50 yards above the hostel on the main street. Two years
later the improved condition of the hostel was praised [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-40 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed, but others of 8/10/1940 and 7/4/1941 advised that the
hostel was operating. It was released permanently and opened at Easter 1941, though the decoration had been left in a
deplorable state [WESar41]. Operation continued in 1942-45.

In the hostel’s later years it was difficult to provide a warden; deterioration had been apparent for
some time [WESar50].
✚Closed 31/10/1950 [YHAB 10/1950].
Handbook 1935-50.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 22/7/1936).
Property profile: part of terraced property in the yard of the Winnville Boarding House. The premises have reverted to
residential use after the YHA era.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Askrigg 751 † RG36.doc
(v)

ASTWELL CASTLE 1935 to 1953.
Astwell Castle, Helmdon, Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 608440*

▲Opened 1/2/1935. Officially opened 14/3/1935.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. A vaguely sinister complaint was that wardens had
sometimes to put people to sleep on the hay [WANar44].

✚Closed 10/1953 [WANar53] and replaced by Greens Norton.
Handbook 1935-53.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in the tower portion, built about 1471, of a fortified mediaeval manor house.
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Postcard, monochrome [Y100001]; Four photographs, glued to album leaf, of official
opening [Y276002]; Small photograph 8/12/1945 [Y001001]
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Astwell 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Astwell Castle was demolished in 1635, all but the 12th century tower, onto which was built a manor
house. Today it is a farm, surrounded by outbuildings, nettles and rough grass. We hostellers occupy the
old tower – common room and kitchen on the ground floor, women’s dorm above that, and men’s dorm
above that. You ascend by a spiral stone turret stair and out on the roof, survey the surrounding
countryside. An easy-going warden and previous mucky hostellers had resulted in doubtful cooking
facilities and common room fireplace choked with paper and old tins [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].
AVEBURY Hostel suggested 1999. Did not open.
West Kennett Farm, Avebury, Wiltshire. GR: SU 111683
An internal YHA memo [6/7/1999] advised that the National Trust would be prepared to make West Kennet Farm
available for use as a youth hostel. GR: Su 111683

AVETON GIFFORD 1937 to 1938.
Ware (or Weare) Down Creek, Aveton Gifford, Bigbury, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 678474

13
▲Opened 1/6/1937. Opening was delayed, so that only a small number used the hostel in 1937; it is
certain it will warrant its position once the Salcombe proposition gets going [DACar37].
✚Closed just after 1/10/1938, probably: there were just 11 bednights in 1939SY [DACar39].
Handbook 1937-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Aveton Gifford 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A derelict farm building situated on the hillside overlook the Avon river, with a tidal road on its bank
coming from Bigbury Village to Aveton Gifford, usable only at low tide. Mr Baker senior, warden of the
Gara Mill hostel, had purchased this old farmhouse and given it to his son as a wedding present, on the
basis that he could re-establish the old farm house and bring the land back into cultivation, together with
his newly found wife, and incorporating some of the farm buildings for Youth Hostel purposes.
The YHA were interested in making use of these building, if and when they were re-established, but not
in the form of supplying work parties to carry out the renovations. Sure enough, the newly married
couple undertook the challenge and eventually the farm and buildings were ready for use, they were also
ready to take on the hostel, as soon as we could bring along the equipment.
This was when my problem arose. Just prior to finalising the transport arrangements for the equipmen,
there had been a very long period of wet and rainy weather, making the approach drive up through the
fields to the hostel buildings quite impossible for the lorry to negotiate; owing to the slippery condition, it
was also rather steep. In the end, the nearest we could get the lorry was about two fields away, our way
also being barred by a narrow gate. So there was nothing for it but for the lorry men to carry all the
equipment up to the farm buildings. It certainly took all my tact to keep the men in good humour, and to
help, I travelled over to Aveton Gifford to obtain beer, pasties and buns to keep the party going. It was
nearly midnight before the last item of equipment reached the farm buildings.
When the first child of the married couple arrived, Mrs Baker said it would be quite impossible for her to
carry on with the wardening of the hostel, and attend to the livestock they had now accumulated, and
therefore it would be necessary for the hostel to close.
And so again I had the formidable task of arranging for the hostel equipment to be moved out. When I
called on Messrs Westlakes, the previous removal company, to arrange the hire of men and lorries, I met
one of the drivers who had assisted in the moving in. When I told him of my reason for calling, there was
a yell of discontent, but I managed to persuade them to see reason by saying that it's downhill this time,
and it would be dry. So again, with the aid of more beer and pasties the job of moving out was
completed. As the hostel was only open for a period of eighteen months, I thought many times, was it all
worth it for such a short while?
The opening dates were from 1st June 1937 to Dec 1938 [Memoirs of Charles Allen, Regional Secretary,
DAC, 1933-65, written in 1977].
AWBRIDGE Hostel planned in 1942-43. Did not open.
Stanbridge Earls Estate Barn, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire. GR: SU 334234
▼The hostel appeared as an entry in the 1943 Handbook. A thatched barn, with land, had been purchased 5/11/1942
for £310; it was not yet available [SOUar42]. The property was acquired for use as a hostel by South Coast Regional
Group [Rucksack New Year 1943]. After a change of plan it was resold to the Estate for same sum 25/4/1943
[YHAPB].

AYLBURTON 1944 to 1948.
The Warren, Aylburton, Lydney, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire
YHA Region: GSE
GR: SO 588038 or SO 588039
Positional note: the exact location of the hostel at the Warren has yet to be determined.≠

▲Opened Easter 1944.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. A members card is stamped Aylburton
work party 11/3/1944.

The hostel was temporarily closed to YHA members 20/7-31/8/1947; the Phoenix Group Summer
School recorded 326 bednights during this period [GSEar47].
✚Closed 30/6/1948 [GSEar48] and replaced by St Briavels Castle, equipment being transferred
from the redundant Aylburton Hostel [idem].
Handbook 1944-48.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel.
Property profile: The Warren is a large country house. There is perhaps a problem with identifying the hostel building,
as the present-day house with that name is not recognised by one volunteer work party member, who recalls a house
(also at the end of a long drive), with extended open-pillared porch and outhouses (converted to ablution block) to the
left.

14
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Aylburton 751 ≈† RG47.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A hostel with an interesting Quaker link was Aylburton. The warden was Walter Birmingham (with his
wife). Walter was an Economics lecturer at Cardiff University and returned to Aylburton each
weekend. He was a prominent Quaker in his day. He also had an informal settlement at Tiger Bay in
Cardiff, where I stayed on occasion [Len Clark, reporting in 2012].

AYSGARTH FALLS 1951 to 2004.
The Old Sanatorium, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3SR.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SE 011883*

▲The hostel was to open 16/3/1951, replacing Bishopdale and Askrigg Hostels [WESar50]. There
had been a delay caused by bad weather; the necessary equipment could not be removed from
Bishopdale Hostel. Improvements to sanitation and the members’ kitchen made during many
weekends in 1952 by Leeds Group [Rksk Mar-Apr52, Jul-Aug52] and an annexe was fitted up for
self-contained school and group usage [WESar52], and supplied with heating and lighting [Rksk
Mar-Apr53].
Plans for 1986 included the provision of a staff bungalow, built on land behind the hostel and
completed 1988, and enhanced schools provision [PDMP].
In 1999 it was reported that the farmhouse next door was available and was under active
consideration [YHA internal memo 27/2/1999].
✚Closed 2004 in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic. Closure was mooted for 2003
[Handbook 2003/04], but delayed while there was a failed attempt to secure funding for
redevelopment; there were thus 579 bednights after 2/2004. The 2003/04 Update 1 advised that the
hostel was open, Update 2 that it was due to close late 2003 or early 2004 and Update 3 that it
might close during 2004. The property was sold 7/10/2005, reportedly for £550,000 [YHA info].
Handbook 1951-2003/04.
Property tenure: freehold purchase for £2,250 (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 1/12/1950 as land &
buildings).
Property profile: formerly a school, then the Wesleydale Sanatorium. The hostel premises included a partial freehold
into the property next door to the right.
Since YH closure the premises have been used as office and storage space for a book retail business [KF, 2011].
(s)

BADBY [Wayside]≠ 1932 to 1936.
Badby, Daventry, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire
YHA Region: WAN
GR: SP 559589≠
Positional note: the hostel was described as opposite the Windmill Inn and almost opposite the Post Office. The position
of this Post Office before 1936 differed from that of later years, being one building to the south-west of the later PO
[GD]. The hostel is thought to have been in the house currently called Wayside, where the warden Mrs Shepherd was
resident. There is some confusion, however, as an article on the third hostel [YHr 4/1958] describes the first hostel as at
the Post Office and Stores. This may be a description of the second hostel by mistake.≠

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being 24/3/1932. There were 6 single beds for men instead
of bunks, 6 for women, meals provided by Mrs Sheppard, electric light was installed throughout
and a hut was being erected for a better men’s washroom [1932 pamphlet, WANar35]. The hut was
built by the Rugby Committee and would be removed to the new hostel [WANar36].
✚Closed by 1/12/1936 and replaced by Badby [Post Office Cottage]. Owing to the departure of Mr
& Mrs Sheppard, it had been necessary to find other premises; the cottage next to the Post Office
was expected to open 1/12/1936, with wardens Mr & Mrs Newport; the old hostel would operate
till then [WANar36].
Handbook 1932-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Wayside≠ is a detached village house. Extra information on all the Badby hostels from Mrs C Orr in
the village.
(v)

BADBY [Post Office Cottage] 1936 to 1940.
Badby, Daventry, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 559590*

15
Positional note: Handbook directions remained, mistakenly, as for Badby (1) until 1939.

▲Opened 12/1936, replacing Badby (Wayside). A start date of 1/12/1936 was advised. The new
hostel was now open [Rucksack New Year 1937]. It was comparatively small, but provision was
made for 12 extra members in a wooden building, the property of the warden [WANar37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, with 503 bednights. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it
was closed until further notice.

✚Closed 30/9/1940.
Handbook 1937-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small cottage adjoining the more recent Post Office and shop. At the back of the cottage there is a
large hut remaining in 2004 [possibly of YHA origin from the Wayside era], and said to have been used as a tea-room
and scout hall at various stages. This is probably the overflow hut referred to above; access was gained by a gated alley
between the Post Office and the cottage. The Post Office and shop have closed in the late 2000s.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Badby B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

BADBY [St Mary’s Cottages] 1945 to 2005.
St Mary’s Cottages, Church Green, Badby, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 3AS.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN; MD; C

GR: SP 560587*

▲Opened Easter 1945.
Wartime arrangements: there were 648 bednights in 1945.

Water was now laid on [Rucksack, Midsummer 1947].
The hostel was completely overhauled in 1992, with new toilets, showers and washrooms and
refurbishment throughout, financed by Northamptonshire CC and Daventry DC [Car92]. The
following winter the gardens were to be tackled; the old orchard restored, a hedge re-laid and
wildlife refuges created by new plantings of shrubs, trees and hedging [YHA News March 93].
Replacing the thatch, which had been delayed for 12 months, was about to start in 1997. It would
complete the transformation of a rather primitive hostel into a building which can compete with any
other in the attractive village [YHA News summer 1997].
✚Closed 12/8/2005 [more probably, as a result of staffing issues], or 1/3/2006 [YHA departmental
info]: the occupancy rate had been 28% over the previous four years [YHA News 51, 2005]. YHA
Badby was sold on 6/3/2005 [query date] ahead of an auction [YHA info]. In the final hostel years
congested car parking in the locality was seen as a great problem.
Handbook 1945-2005/06.
Property tenure: freehold purchase of [two] St Mary’s Cottages (to YHA Trust 10/1/1945); an additional freehold
purchase of 4 Church Green (a third cottage for extra accommodation) was brought into use 1954 [WANar53,54]), or
13/11/1953 [YHAPB].
Property profile: late 17th-century cottages. The thatch was restored in the 1990s, thanks to a generous grant from
Northamptonshire CC.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 55, Badby, Youth Hosteller April 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
(Badby’s village green) contained the village pump. This was no decoration either, for it was the only
means of supplying water for the Youth Hostel, at any rate. (In the hostel) the dining room was a small
room containing a clean wooden table and several chairs, and the kitchen was a very small place
containing a sink, four gas stoves, and about four square feet in which to move [Rev G Greenhough,
1947].
It was a dark gloomy place with a members’ kitchen, a common room, another members’ kitchen, then
another common room [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 4 May 1962].
The beautiful old yellow-stone building with its low beams and a good fire in the grate was indeed a sight
for sore eyes. The warden was very friendly and gave me a copy of the duplicated Badby – Greens
Norton footpath guide [HN Spring 1974].

BADMINTON 1932 to 1936.
Old Portcullis, Badminton, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

▲Opened 3/1932 [Glos/Som/N Devon ar32], the start of season being 24/3/1932.

GR: ST 804827*

16
✚Closed 1936 [GSEar36], the end of season being 30/9/1936; the warden Mrs Round decided not
to continue. It was replaced by Sherston Hostel.
Handbook 1932-36.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £26.0s.0d, and income £25.17s.0d)
[GSNDar1933].
Property profile: rooms at the Old Portcullis, a long building and former inn on the east side of the corner of Heyes
Lane and High Street.
Reports, recollections and observations:
31st Aug 1934 ...to Badminton, where we had the hostel to ourselves. Mrs Round, a dark, good-looking
and very pleasant woman, took us to the stables to lodge our bikes and chatted to us. A passable night’s
rest on passable beds in a rather dingy bedroom looking out on the stables [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1934].
(v)

BADWELL ASH 1935 to 1937.
Cotula, Wyverstone Road, Badwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 018680*

▲Opened Easter 1935.
✚Closed end of 1937 season because of the serious illness of the warden [EANar37] and replaced
by Nedging Tye.
Handbook 1935-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel at Cotula was described as a modern cottage and was conspicuously situated on the road
from Badwell Ash to Wyverstone.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Badwell Ash 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

BAKEWELL 1965 to 2007.
Fly Hill, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DN.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 215686*

▲Opened 1/10/1965. The hostel was built largely by voluntary labour [YHr 8/70]. It was expected
to open late summer [no details, Handbook 1965; details in 1965 supplement].
In October 1992 volunteers enlarged the car park with the help of the warden [YHAN Jan93].
An alternative 40-bed hostel in the Town Hall building was being considered in 2001 [YHA
internal memo].
✚Due to close 1/10/2007. A YHA file suggests closure in September 2007. It was sold 31/10/2007.
Handbook 1965-2007/08.
Property tenure: freehold purchase of land and buildings 17/4/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: purpose-built hostel in brick.
Since closure it has found a new use as Sleep Lodge, a high-class self-catering establishment [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Came almost as an accident. We had been trying to find a replacement for Leam (rented 80 bedder since
1939) but without success, and had tried to buy land at Grindleford to build a 40 bedder to replace Leam
but offered £500 and the landowner wanted £1,000. Over the next twelve months we came round to
having one at Bakewell and then spent twelve months or more looking at different houses in the town.
Eventually we reluctantly decided to build and found this piece of land and bought it for about £1,200
from a local builder. We had the shell of the building built by a builder and did the rest ourselves, partly
working party, partly low paid skilled ex-working party and partly our own maintenance men. This was
when Barry Howe started.
The hostel opened September 1965, 40 beds, non-ministry standards. I had a door put in the end
dormitory (far end) in case we ever decided to build an extra dorm on to bring up to Department of
Education standards. (34 sq feet per person bed space etc). It cost somewhere about £10,000 [Notes from
Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972]
The new Hostel at Bakewell has been planned by a young architect, Christopher Full, and the erection of
the building shell has been commenced by a local Contractor. The remainder of the work will be done by
direct labour, or by volunteers [NMIar64].
It was a magnificent new building [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
Bakewell warden to retire
Members who visit Bakewell this year [1972] to wish Mrs Norris a well deserved and happy retirement
will find the hostel as bright and modern as ever. In the most ambitious scheme ever attempted by YHA
working parties, the hostel was built six years ago by volunteer hostellers directed by Bill Bantam, Peak

17
Region’s full-time maintenance officer. The plan was conceived by Bernard Edwards, the Regional
Secretary. who insisted that the common room and cosy quiet room should be built over the dormitories,
giving wide views over the old town and the Wye Valley, towards the challenging hills [HN Spring
1972].
Came almost as an accident. We had been trying to find a replacement for Leam (rented 80 bedder since
1939) but without success, and had tried to buy land at Grindleford to build a 40 bedder to replace Leam,
but offered £500 and the landowner wanted £1,000. Over the next twelve months we came round to
having one at Bakewell and then spent twelve months or more looking at different houses in the town.
Eventually we reluctantly decided to build and found this piece of land and bought it for about £1,200
from a local builder. We had the shell of the building built by a builder and did the rest ourselves, partly
working party, partly low-paid, skilled ex working-party and partly own maintenance men. This was
when Barry Howe started.
The hostel opened September 1965. 40 beds, non-ministry standards. I had a door put in the end
dormitory (far end) in case we ever decided to build an extra dorm on to bring up to Department of
Education standards. (34 sq feet per person bed space, etc). Cost somewhere about £10,000 [from notes
written by Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].

BALA (See PLAS RHIWAEDOG)
BALDERSDALE 1979 to 2014.
Blackton, Balderhead, Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 9UP.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: BD; N

GR: NY 930179*

▲Opened 1979. In that year the Handbook advised that it was hoped to open here [no details; these
followed in 1979 supplement], and 875 bednights were recorded in that year [BDar80].
The hostel officially opened 25/4/1981 at the Fox and Hounds at Cotherstone, five miles distant,
due to heavy snowfall. Financial help for the new facility had been granted by the Countryside
Commission.
In the late 1990s, in an effort to maintain the meals service, part of the existing members’ kitchen
was converted into a hostel kitchen, with the common room now used for dining. A new common
room was made out of one of the ground floor dormitories [YHA News spring 1997].
Closure was forecast for 23/12/2006 [YHA departmental info] and 1/2007 for group bookings, but
the hostel sold 7/2006 [YHA Website] and functioned as a groups-only YHA Enterprise Hostel
until 2014.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status. This affiliate arrangement was defunct by 2016.
Handbook 1979-2009
Property tenure: freehold purchase 31/5/1978 (to YHA Trust); land adjoining was also leased for 90 or 99 years from
18/1/1978 [YHAPB]. From 2007 a YHA Enterprise arrangement has held.
Property profile: former farmhouse and barn in a remote North Pennine location.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Opened and run as a self-catering hostel until ca1996, when the self-catering kitchen was reduced to
make a catering kitchen and a meals service introduced to boost income. Unofficially, catering had been
provided by some managers previously [Ray Milner, former manager, recounted in 2014].
(s)

BALLASALLA, I.O.M. 1946 to 1953.
Shimmins Tea Gardens, Ballasalla, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: MER

GR: SC 279700

▲Opened 1946, expected by Easter. Both Colby and Ballasalla Hostels were open in 1946, whether
concurrently or not is not made clear [MERar46]. A £175 Carnegie Trust grant was given for
equipment [MERar47]. There were 60 beds in 1946.
✚Closed 1953, the end of season being 30/9/1953, and replaced by Bradda Head Hostel. The
premises were on an insecure lease and deteriorating rapidly [MERar53].
Handbook 1946-53.
Property tenure: adopted hostel tenancy.
Property profile: huts in an established holiday and refreshment facility.
The property was demolished about the late 1990s. It was a night club at one time [C Burton].
The Poacher’s Pocket Restaurant and Bar stood here until fairly recently, but a new housing development now
occupies the site of Shimmins tea gardens, including the hostel site [KF, 2017].

18
BAMFORD 1942 only.
Bamford School, Fidler’s Well, Bamford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 0AR.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 207836*

▲✚This hostel holds the probably unique distinction of operating temporary accommodation for
one night only.
Wartime arrangements: Bamford School provided supplementary accommodation for members attending the NMI
annual general meeting at Leam Hall on Sunday 29/11/1942. The hostel was probably therefore open only for the night
of 28/11/1942. It was organised and manned by the Sheffield Sub-Regional Group for one night only, with great
success [Sheffield Bulletin 1/1943]. Grindleford School was used similarly, but was resurrected the following year.
Property profile: village school.
(v)
BAMPTON Planned hostel 1934. Did not open.
Bampton, Westmorland. GR: NY 5118 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here before Whit 1934 as a replacement for the Mardale Hostels [Handbook 1934 (1st
edn only), no details]. The plan was not successful [LAKar1934].

BAMPTON 1932 to 1971.
Old Malthouse, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 9LN.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE; SW

GR: SS 959221*

▲Opened 3/1932, with warden Miss Rogers [Glos/Som/N Devon ar32].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated (eg) in 1940, but was withdrawn on 4/10/1940, requisitioned by Lt-Col
Hamilton, Northam, Devon for the army. After this date the hostel was lost until reopened late in the 1945 season
[DACar45].

Until 1948 this somewhat primitive low-ceilinged hostel was managed by a neighbour; a warden
was appointed in 1949 but there were still difficulties [GSEar49].
✚Closed 12/9/1971 because of heavy repair bills, fire precautions and eradication of dry rot and
death watch beetle against falling use.
Handbook 1932-40; 1946-71.
Alternative name: Forde (1932-33). It was also known as Bridge Hostel.
Property tenure: adopted hostel (in 1932, £11.8s.8d; in 1933, £13.1s.4d, both figures one-third of takings)
[GSNDar1932&33].
Property profile: old malthouse, used until 1904 for malting and brewing and after that as a store. Old deeds suggest
that it may also have served as a workhouse. It was also known as Bridge Hostel. A private house in 2002.
It is now converted to two houses The Old Malt House & Old Malt Cottage [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bampton 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Bampton 752 ≈† RG47.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 70, Bampton, Youth Hosteller October 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
May 1935. A pleasant, fairly young man took us round and gave us instructions.
Once a mill, a long, attractive barn-like stone building. We thought the hostel perhaps the best we’d been
in. From the bottom floor, given over to bikes and emptiness, you climb a few breakneck stairs to the
common room, a long, very low raftered place with two round tables on which were flowers, a bookcase
with a miscellaneous cheap collection and three small windows, one at the end by the bookcase and so
looking down on the stream, the others on your left looking on the square courtyard and garden below.
You climb again to reach the men’s dormitory, which is over the common room, another long low room
with two minute window cavities. Downstairs by the table with the hostel book there were three stuffed
squirrels that I think were red once. It was delicious to lie warm in bed in the restful full darkness that
you get in the country and feel the delight of being in a new place, and hear the singing of the stream
under the window [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].
Our last night, spent in an outhouse behind other buildings in a Devon town [thought to be Bampton],
found us in a clean, whitewashed room furnished with iron-framed bunk beds. We were informed that,
although there was a pail provided, we were expected to use the public lavatory down the street [The
YHA in the Thirties by Cicely Cole, HN Winter 1979-80].
We decided to try our luck at The Old Malthouse hostel at Bampton on the Devon/Somerset border. I
remember the River Exe running right alongside of the side wall of the hostel [Vic Archer on 1957
hostelling trip, recalled in 2014].
Miss Brooks, of London, will be at the hostel for the summer. She thinks her 5ft 3in will be an advantage
in view of the low beams [Youth Hosteller, April 1958].

19
BANGOR [Gorad-y-Gyt] 1937 to 1964.
Gorad-y-Gyt, Bangor, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 573725*

▲Opened 6/1937 [MERar37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned early in the war and was unavailable [History of MYH]. It
reopened 1/4/1942 [MER Regional Handbook supplement Easter 1942].

✚Closed 1964, replaced by Bangor (Tan-y-Bryn).
Handbook 1938-39; 1942-64.
Property tenure: purchased outright by the Group [YHAar37].
Property profile: house built about 1850, on the shore of the Menai Straits, at the former Bishop’s Ferry landing before
the rail and road bridges at Menai were built. A large YHA sign was painted on the roof.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bangor A 751 † RG44 300.jpg
Warden detail (snapshot): Miss G Huber [postcard comment]. She oversaw the move to Tan-y-Bryn Hostel.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mr Clarke and I went to look at a prospective house at Bangor (now the hostel). We were very taken with
it and had a long chat with the owners. We probably saw it at its best in a beautiful sunset [Bertha Gough
diary, 20th-21st March 1937].
Gorad-y-Gyt was of restricted size, and the members’ kitchen prone to flooding [Max Kirby].
I found the common room small and noisy [Pat Packham, Touring Wales on a bicycle, April 1959].

BANGOR [Tan-y-Bryn] 1965 to 2009.
Tan-y-Bryn, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1PZ.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 590722*

▲Opened 1/3/1965, replacing Bangor (Gorad-y-Gyt) Hostel. Officially opened 30/5/1965. The first
wardens were Mr & Mrs K Moran, ex-Lledr Valley Hostel.
Full oil-fired central heating was installed [YHr 4/1970] and wash basins fitted in some of the
dormitories [HN Spring 1972]. In 1974 work was proceeding to provide separate accommodation
for the wardens, allowing 15 more beds and improved facilities for members, to bring it up to
superior standard [HN Spring 1974, sum1975].
In 1984 improvements included carpeting the lounge and a refurbished members’ kitchen [HN
Autumn 84]. Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
✚Closed 31/8/2009: it had been due to close 2008, but this was delayed to 5/2009, then finally
8/2009 [Website]. YHA had been concerned about leaving an unsold building vacant in this
location. The hostel was now closed [Website message 13/9/2009]. The sale was completed
30/9/2009.
Handbook 1965-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 30/10/1964 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: large Victorian house, originally part of the Penrhyn Estate. On opening it became the Tom E
Fairclough Memorial Hostel. After closure by YHA the new owner wished to maintain it as a hostel or hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH
Profile

BANKSHEAD Camping barn 2002≠ to 2008 at latest≠.
▲Bankshead, Brampton, Cumbria. GR: NY 586649
Handbook 2002-2008. Closed before 2009.
Property profile: in converted stone byre with bunk beds.

BARDON 1941 to 1942.
Bardon Stud Farm, Markfield, Leicester.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 460113

▲Opened late 1941 (after 1/10/41, as no bednights beforehand) [NMIar41] by the Leicestershire
Group, after much searching for a replacement for the Charnwood Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel functioned in 1941; in 1942 there were 955 bednights.

✚Closed 1942, unfortunately, after its short but successful run.
Handbook 1942.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Stud Farm (also called New Farm, to the memory of a local resident) is shown on old OS maps. It
is now demolished and the site much altered; the area is now given over to forestry and quarrying [JM, 2004].

20
(v)

BARLEY [ Pendle Hill] 1942 to 1968.
Whitehough Grange, Barley, Burnley, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MAN; YK

GR: SD 831403*

▲Opened 19/12/1942, with reduced accommodation of 40 at first [MANar42].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. Evacuees occupied the hostel 7-9/1944
[MANar44].

By 1961 the hostel was noted as running at a loss, but an effort was made by the region to improve
and keep it [YHr 10/1961].
✚Closed 30/9/1968 as being too much of a financial burden.
Handbook 1943-68.
Alternative name: Pendle Hill (1966-68).
Property tenure: tenancy from the Borough of Nelson (eg for 5 years) from 1/10/1947 (to YHA Trust 2/2/1950).
Property profile: old Lancashire country house dating from 1593. It survives in 2011.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 47, Barley, Youth Hosteller August 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I reached the hostel at 5.20pm and found there was a ‘Girl’ party of pony trekkers there. The leader of the
pony trekkers had a great deal of luggage (she had no permanent home address) [Pat Packham, A Cycling
Tour in Northern England, August 1965].
Whitehough Youth Hostel, Barley, has been included in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest in Barley with Wheatley Booth. As recorded
by one of the mural tablets on the building: ‘This house was builded by Christofer Bullcocke and Jenet
his wyfe in the year of Our Lord, 1593, and in the 35th year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.’ Thanks to the
Warden, Ted Williams, the lettering of these tablets, once almost obliterated. is now neatly outlined in
black paint and clearly legible against the white walls of the house [article, Rucksack, SeptemberOctober 1953].
(s)

BARNARD CASTLE [Thorngate House] 1931 to 1936.
Thorngate House, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 049160*

▲Opened 6/6/1931 [Tees/EskdaleRGar and Teesdale Courier], or 31/5/1931 [1932-3 Regional
Guide]. The hostel consisted of two substantial stone buildings at the rear of the house, to the right,
accessed through lovely gardens. After sinking drains & putting in two hot water systems, the
Regional Group was able to open a very fine place with accommodation for M20W20, less than
two months after the formation of the Council. Visitors much appreciate hot showers and splendid
cooking facilities [Tees/EskdaleRGar31]. The warden, Mrs Pegman, was at 6 Thorngate, the
cottage adjoining Thorngate House on its north side.
✚Closed 1936 and replaced by Barnard Castle (Galgate) Hostel. It proved quite inadequate
[YHAar37].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-36.
Alternative name: Barnard Castle Hostel (1931(1st edn)-31(4th edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in old laundry facilities behind the impressive Thorngate House. These rear premises
were holiday accommodation in 2008.
The property serves as two self-catering holiday cottages, Thorngate Coach House and Thorngate Stables [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Barnard Castle A 751 † RGc32.doc; Y050001-Barnard Castle A 752 ≈† RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs
Profile (v)

BARNARD CASTLE [Galgate] 1937 to 1983.
Ebor House, 91 Galgate (later extended to 93 Galgate), Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 8ES.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA; BD

GR: NZ 052168* (no. 91),
NZ 053168* (no. 93)

▲Opened Easter 1937, replacing Barnard Castle (Thorngate House) Hostel. At first a single house
was used: no. 91 Galgate.

21
Wartime arrangements: The hostel was requisitioned in 9/1939 [YHAar46] and did not operate 1940-45, though it was
thought that it might open [Handbooks 1942-45]; extensive repairs were necessary in 1945, before reopening
[WEAar45,46].

Barnard Castle Hostel reopened at Whit 1946.
The interior was severely damaged by fire on 19/9/1959, entailing closure from then to 3/1960
[YHr 11/59, WEAar60]; extensive damage was caused to the warden’s kitchen and staircase.
No. 93 Galgate was added in 1967, and both properties were knocked through internally. By 1969
the improvements had led to separate common room, dining room and quiet room, and two
members’ kitchens [YHr 7/69].
✚Closed 1983 after a steep fall in bednights, and sold in 1984.
Handbook 1937-39; 1942-83.
Property tenure: no. 91 Galgate was purchased freehold and opened with funds from Special Areas grant assistance and
the King George V Jubilee Trust (to YHA Trust 17/4/1937) [WEAar37]. The freehold purchase of no. 93 was made on
21/4/1967 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: the long row of terraced millstone-grit villas of which the hostel formed part was built in the 19th
century as a means of improving the visual approach to the town from the new railway station. In 2008 91 Galgate was
being used by a firm of chartered accountants, 93 Galgate having been returned to residential use.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 62, Barnard Castle, Youth Hosteller November 1958.
Published material: article Bigger Barney, Youth Hosteller June 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Barnard Castle Hostel was like a hotel. On the landing was a nest with a stuffed curlew on it. Members
were summoned to supper by a tune on pipes. During the meal the telephone rang and we looked around
to locate it. The warden revealed it when he opened a cupboard marked ‘private’ [Pat Packham, 1959].
(s)

BARNSTAPLE 1932 or 1933 to 1951.
YMCA, 46 High Street, Barnstaple, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SS 557334*

▲Opened 1/4/1933 [Handbook], though a hostel (YHA or YMCA?) was opened by 24/6/1932, as
the result of the efforts of a committee formed at Barnstaple under the chairmanship the Mayor
[Western Times]. The warden in 1933 was Eric P Matthews, and meals were obtainable next door.
It was closed some time during 1937, the premises being no longer available, and the entry missing
from the handbook, and a new hostel was being sought [GSEar36,37]. Nevertheless there were
some bednights in 1937 and the facility continued after many alterations were made [GSEar38].
Wartime arrangements: despite exclusion from Handbooks 1941-45, it is known that YHA functioned here under
special circumstances each year of the war, with the possible exception of 1945. A request from the YMCA to allow
soldiers and airmen to continue to stay when proceeding to or from leave boosted overnights considerably [GSEar41];
as previously, the hostel was reserved for the use of servicemen travelling to or from leave [GSEar42,43,44].

Barnstaple Hostel reopened 18/4/1946. In 1950 the warden was Mrs LJ Davies.
✚Closed 30/9/1951 [DACar51].
Handbook 1933-36; 1938-40; 1946-51 (1949 in supplement only).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel, at least up to 1936, with a tenancy, or sub-tenancy involving YMCA (rent in
1933SY, for instance, was £19.10s.0d, and income £46.2s.0d) [GSNDar1933]. Yet there was a shared income
agreement between YHA and YMCA; a change to financial arrangements was suggested [GSEar38] so that of each
shilling, YHA, YMCA and the caretaker took 4d. apiece.≠
Property profile: the premises, in rooms of a 3-storey Georgian building, have now been demolished. According to a
1950 YMCA / YHA booklet, on the ground floor was dining room, canteen, billiard room, table tennis, toilets and
bathroom. On the first floor were the secretary’s office, social room and small committee room. On the second floor
were men’s dorms for 18, women’s for 22 (these appear to have doubled as quiet room and no.2 committee room) and
toilets, while the third floor held two further dorms for 6 and 8 men, a toilet and the secretary’s flat. Cycles were stored
in the basement, accessed from an entrance via Green Lane. After the YMCA / YHA era 46 High Street was a branch
of Abbey Bank. The site now forms the northern entrance to the Green Lanes shopping centre.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
This was one YMCA/YHA joint effort arrangement that did seem to function well. The hostel was
situated in the centre of the town, and I feel certain that its success was in no small measure to the active
involvement of the then North Devon YH Committee, not forgetting the stalwart that the association had
in ‘Stan Rogers Braunton’ who was always available to help out the wardens (YMCA employees) and
the members at all times. Being the only North Devon hostel at that time, it came in for quite heavy
usage, averaging about 4500 overnights per season.

22
I remember on one occasion that things went a little astray. When arrangements were made for the
regional council to meet at the hostel, the meeting went on into the evening, and it was found necessary
for the committee members to obtain a meal in the town. On returning to the hostel, it was found that the
building had been locked up for the night, Stan Rogers having forgotten that it was the warden’s night
off. We all yelled at Stan, seeking an answer to our question as what to do now. But Stan, knowing the
layout of the building, went to the rear of the premises, climbed a boundary wall, forced open a window,
and so was able to let us in the front door. The party included the YHA Regional President and
Chairman, Vic Elmhirst of Dartington Hall, who along with us all was very amused that the whole
council should have to break in and enter another organisation’s property, Barnstaple YMCA.
We had use of the property for the periods 1/4/1933 [1932?] to 30/9/1936, 1/4/1938 to 30/9/1939,
18/4/1946 to 2/10/1948 and 1/4/1950 to 22/9/1951 [but see main body of text] [extracts from Memoirs of
Charles Allen, Regional Secretary, DAC, 1933-65].
(v)
BARNSTAPLE Planned hostel 1952. Did not open.
Barnstaple, Devon. GR: SS 5533 approx.
▼It was hoped to open premises here [Handbook 1952 (late news), no details] as a fully controlled hostel.

BARNSTON IN WIRRAL 1954 to 1960.
Dale House Farm (c/o Liverpool Union Girls’ and Mixed Clubs Camp), Storeton Lane, Barnston,
Wirral, Cheshire.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 286839*

▲Opened 4/1954, according to monthly bednight figures.
✚Closed 31/10/1960.
Handbook 1954 supplement-60.
Alternative name: Wirral (1954 supplement).
Property tenure:
Property profile: hutted camp, with brick dining hall. Barnstondale Camp had developed from a Victorian Fruit Farm
and extensive pleasure grounds. YHA had the use of parts of the camp. In 2009 it was still in use as an educational
outdoor centre for groups, and some of the original buildings survive.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Barnston in Wirral YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was popular with Canadians disemabarking at Liverpool from the weekly boat service, at the
start of their hostelling tours of Britain [M Kirby].
(v)

BARRASFORD Camping barn 1999≠ to 2009 or later≠.
▲Barrasford, Hexham, Northumberland. GR: NY 919733
Handbook 1999-2008. Also open 2009 [website] though not in 2009 Handbook. Closed before 2012.
Property profile: in a converted stone coach house.

BARROW HOUSE (see Derwentwater)
BARROWHILL 1942 to 1947.
Barrow Hill, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Note: the hostel and village are variously spelt Barrow Hill and Barrowhill.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 110405*

▲Opened (about 9/) 1942 [NMIar42] as a large fully controlled hostel.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed by summer 1947 [YHAB 5/1947, Staffordshire Knot summer 1947] as there was a
constant financial loss [NMIar47].
Handbook 1943-47.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large Victorian house. In recent years the Barrow Hill Care Home [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Barrowhill 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

BARSHAM 1952 only.
The Rectory, Barsham, Beccles, Suffolk.

23
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 396896•

▲The hostel was open by Easter, 13/4/1952, and officially opened 26/4/1952 [East Anglian Daily
Times, 29/4/1952]. The Rev GI Soden had found space for 20 beds [EANar51]. Mr & Mrs HR Fish
were wardens.
✚Closed 8/1952, with a total of 509 bednights [EANar52]. The hostel unfortunately had to close
after a brief but not unsuccessful season.
Handbook 1952.
Property tenure:
Property profile: timber framed building dating from the 17th century, with dutch gable.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 14, Barsham, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was short-lived. It was in the rectory, by invitation of the vicar, but he threw us out when he
discovered Protestant Truth Society pamphlets in the church, which he alleged had been left by YHA
members. The rectory was the home of Catherine Suckling, mother of Lord Nelson, a delightful place,
and a piity it closed [Eastern Region memo, November 1967].

BASSENTHWAITE LAKE 1951 to 1954.
Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite, Cockermouth, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 185315*

▲Opened Whit (April) 1951. Opening had been described as a possibility [late news, no details,
Handbook 1950; 1951 supplement only]. There was substantial Regional opposition to taking on
the hostel [LAK mins 1950], but the National Executive recommended that it open [LAK mins
1951].
✚Closed 30/4/1954, as the property ran at a substantial loss [LAKar54]. Closure was approved by
the National Finance Committee, and equipment would be transferred to High Close [LAK mins
1953]. A sale price of £7,500 was suggested [LAK mins 1955]. It was sold to Cumberland County
Council 24/5/1955 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1950 (late news); 1951 (supplement only); 1952-54.
Alternative name: Bassenthwaite (1951 supplement).
Property tenure: freehold gift (Ministry of Education grant-aided) from National Land Fund (HM Treasury, in payment
of death duties) (to YHA Trust 30/3/1951).
Property profile: mid 19th-century Gothic Hall; the estate originally governed six farms. In recent years the English
Lake District’s Residential College for Continuing Education has been housed here.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cockermouth YH
Profile
(v)

BATH 1953 to present.
Bathwick Hill, Bath, Somerset BA2 6JZ.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: ST 764645*

▲Opened 25/4/1953 [GSEar53], replacing Batheaston Hostel, and officially opened 17/10/1953.
It was reopened after DES grant-aided renovations and enlargement from 70 to 100 beds, with a
new 50-bed dormitory building, the Lodge, on 5/10/1968 [YHr & SYHA Echo 11/68].
A marquee in the hostel grounds provided additional accommodation in 1979 and 1980, with 1252
and 1579 overnights respectively. A critical memo described how extra beds were contained in
Portakabins in 1981 [HSC(Y)memo11/1981].
A newspaper report in 1990 described YHA plans to sell Fiesole and move nearer the city centre.
Plans to demolish the annexe and build two private houses would have been approved, but those to
develop offices on the main site were rejected.
A PDMP project for the winter of 1993/94 provided new toilets and showers, upgraded water and
electrical installations, a refurbished kitchen, new bunks and furniture and repair work [YHA News
August 1994].
A major scheme of improvements was planned over the winter of 2017-18, with the hostel closing
on 31st October, to reopen in April 2018. The main building was refurbished, with a new reception
and café bar. The old annexe and staff building were to be swept away, and a new annexe
constructed, featuring en-suite accommodation throughout.
Handbook 1953 supplement-2009.

24
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 26/3/1953). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: Fiesole is a large Georgian mansion in yellow Bath Stone, built in Italianate style, and listed in 1973.
There is a house of related design, Casa Bianca, adjacent.
YHA Archive file [«]: Y600031 Cycling to Cornwall
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Description of hostel layout when first opened, relating to 1953 Frith postcard view:
Front door is on right hand side. Little window is our sitting room. Common room with balcony. Dining
room left hand side. Women’s dorms on top. Two small dorms in turret – splendid view [postcard from
wardens Joan & Wilf Rendell to John & Doreen Pilkington, wardens of Cleeve Hill YH].
Although now exhausted, we were well in time to check in and relax for a period before the evening meal
and met quite a few of the others staying there who were a mixture of hikers, cyclers and some hitchhikers. We had thought that the whole principle of hostelling was getting to each destination under one’s
own steam and felt quite indignant that hitch-hiking was even allowed, let alone being one of the
accepted ways of getting around. Luckily, I kept my feelings to myself as two of these ‘cheats’ turned out
to be very attractive girls of our own age, hitch-hiking all over the country with the help of lorry and car
drivers (and their looks), covering far greater daily distances than we could hope to do [Memories of a
1961 YHA holiday by Martin J Cox, reporting March 2012].
(s)

BATH [Temporary] open 1972 (probably), 1973 and 1974 and possibly later.
Bath, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: SW

GR: ST 7564 approx.

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open probably 1972 [implied in 1973 Annual Report], and possibly
earlier, 1973 and 1974 (from 21/7/1974 to 24/8/1974) at least, at probably the same location. These
premises may have been used through to 1978 [see below, 1975-77 unreported], or even later.
The Annual Report [SWar 1973] advised: We much appreciate the continued support of the
Management Committee of Bath Central Youth Club in allowing us to use their premises as a midsummer annexe to Bath YH. There was an advertisement in HN (1974) for a warden.
Property profile: overflow hostel in City centre.
(v)

BATH [Temporary] 1978 to 1979.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: SW

GR: unknown 1978;
ST 764645* 1979

▲✚There was a temporary hostel in the centre of Bath in 1978, but this was was reported as
unavailable in 1979 and a marquee in the hostel grounds was used instead [SWar79]. It is not
known whether the 1978 temporary hostel was at the same location as the 1974 one. The Regional
and National 1979 Reports appear to conflict [see below].
(v?)

BATH [Temporary] 1979 only.
Bath Central Youth Club, Bath, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: SW

GR: ST 7564 approx.

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel registering 715 bednights, 1979 [YHAar79].
(v)

BATH [Temporary] 1982, 1984 and perhaps 1985.
Somerset House, 35 Bathwick Hill, Bath, Somerset BA2 6LD.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: SW

GR: ST 760647*

▲✚A temporary annexe in 1982, 1984 and perhaps 1985.
Property profile: a detached Georgian House in distinctive Bath Stone. More recently it has been a guest house and in
2010 private accommodation.
(v)

BATH (see Batheaston)

25
BATHEASTON 1931 to 1932. Reopened 1937 to 1953.
Batheaston Villa, Bailbrook Road (the adjacent London Road in 1931/1932/1937 Handbooks and
1938 Regional Guide, and Bailbrook Lane on modern maps), Batheaston, Bath, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 772671*

▲Opened 3/1931 [Glos/Som/N Devon ar32]. This hostel was closed in 1932, the end of season
being 31/10/1932, to be replaced by Langridge Hostel in 1933. Then Batheaston was reopened
(transferred back) in 1937. Loaned by the owners, the Tollemache sisters, who agreed to provide
external painting at the outset. Alterations would cost about £40 [GSEmins 20/1/1937]. Early in
1939 a party of 30 male Czech refugees was to be accommodated at 15/- per head per week [GSE
MCar 28/2/1939].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was in such a strategic position for members, and much in demand. Thus exemption from
further requisitioning was granted during 1941SY [GSEar41]. It was partially closed to members after air-raids on
Bath, when the hostel accommodated many homeless people [GSEar42].

✚Closed 18/4/1953, at the end of the lease, and finally replaced by Bath.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32. Handbook 1937-53.
Alternative name: Bath (1931(1st edn)-31(4th edn)).
Property tenure: in 1932 the wardens received [in full?] members’ payments; leasehold (to YHA Trust 11/6/1937) from
the Tollemache family.
Property profile: mansion in Bath Stone, with a distinctive curved bay window to two floors overlooking an extensive
garden to the rear. The extended portion to the east was almost certainly part of the hostel, and as Tollemache House is
now a separate dwelling. In the late 18th-century the Villa was a fashionable literary landmark.
Web resource: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/if-your-home-is-crumbling-what-do-you-do-1319447.html
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Batheaston 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Batheaston 752 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc, as follows:
Reports, recollections and observations:
Our first night, near Bath, was spent in a large, ramshackle old house run by two charming elderly ladies
[The YHA in the Thirties by Cicely Cole, HN Winter 1979-80].
Mr Eyles’s long shorts at Batheaston, always good for a giggle [Ken Tyler, HN Spring 1980].
[Batheaston Youth Hostel] proved to be a large mansion on the hillside, commanding a superb view
from its tall windows. In my dorm was a remarkable bed, said to have belonged to Sir Charles Hobhouse.
It was a two-decker, with wooden ends, and the top berth was reached by a flight of solid little steps,
which curved upwards like the stairs up to a pulpit. At the top was a little wooden gate which opened
onto the foot of the bed – very curious… [the hostel was] blessed with hot and cold [Mabel Pratt,
September 1948].
(v)
BATTLE Planned hostel 1944. Did not open.
Senlac Youth Hostel, Lower Lake, Battle, East Sussex. GR: TQ 753154
▼Handbook 1944. [Plans were held up indefinitely due to Battle being in a restricted area from 1/4/1944; people from
outside the area could not enter this. This was the Senlac Hotel in 2013, a public house / hotel with extensive
outbuildings - GD].
(v)
BATTLESDEN HOUSE Planned hostel 1949. Did not open.
Battlesden House, Battlesden, Bedfordshire. GR: SP 958292
▼The opening date was to be announced [Handbook 1949].

BAWTRY 1951 to 1971.
1 Wharf Street, Bawtry, Doncaster, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 652930*

▲Opened for Easter 1951 [NMIar51]. When bought, the hostel was in a poor state, but Doncaster
Area volunteers worked tirelessly to have the facility ready for Easter.
✚Closed 31/10/1971 because of declining use and repairs needed. The property was sold 1/8/1972
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1951-72.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (not Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 28/6/1951).
Property profile: formerly Grove House, an attractive old Georgian house with Adam doorway. It is now a private
residence [JM, 2009].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 85, Bawtry, Youth Hosteller December 1961.

26
Reports, recollections and observations:
I had expected to find the hostel full of hitch-hikers but most of the hostellers were cyclistst. At supper
time the warden put extra vegetables and potatoes on the table and we could help ourselves [Pat
Packham, 1960].
Mr and Mrs Edley have been wardens of Bawtry for the last 13½ years. They have made excellent
wardens and have kept a very sub-standard building in first class condition, and have given good service
to YHA. It is a very bad property indeed to maintain [Secretary’s report to PK Council, 19/6/1971].
(s)

BEACHLEY-CHEPSTOW (Severn Ferry) Planned 1932 hostel; almost certainly did not open.
Waverley House, Beachley, Nr. Chepstow.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST5590 approx.

▲✚It was intended to open here, immediately adjoining the Beachley-Aust Ferry over the River
Severn, in 1932; the hostel was listed on the first SWA Hostels leaflet of 1932, but there was no
mention on leaflets or in records later that year. The warden was to be Mrs Pickford. It was planned
to open all the year from July 1st.
Property tenure: this was to be an adopted hostel.
Property profile: now an inn [GD, 2009].

BEACHY HEAD / BEACHY HEAD (EASTBOURNE) (see Eastbourne)
BEACONS BOTTOM Planned hostel 1963. Did not open.
Foresters Cottage, Water End, Beacons Bottom, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire. GR: SU 783958*
▼Purchase was being negotiated, to open at Easter [Handbook 1963, full details]. The prospect failed because the
purchase could not be completed.
Property profile: detached house.

BEAUMANOR 2006 to 2009.
Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire. GR: SK 537156*
This Conference and Education Centre is operated by Leicestershire County Council.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2006-09 inclusive.
BEDDGELERT Planned hostel 1933. Did not open.
Erw Fair, Beddgelert. GR:
▼Bertha Gough mentions a house almost taken by the Merseyside Group.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Sunday May 28th 1933. We went to look at ‘Err Fair’ [probably ‘Erw Fair’], Beddgelert, which we had
practically decided to take. However, shortly after we found Cae Dafydd which was much better, so we
dropped ‘Err Fair’ [Bertha Gough diary].

BEDRUTHAN STEPS Open 1939 only [*see note below]
Bedruthan House, Trenance, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Historic County: Cornwall
YHA Region: DAC
SW 853690
Positional note: Bedruthan Steps, St Eval, Penrose, Wadebridge was the address given in the 1939 Regional Guide and
the correct address in 1939 Handbook amendments. Incorrect GR: SW 852697 approx (Regional Guide map).
Usage note: Charles Allen claimed that the hostel was open from 1938 until closed upon requisition in 1942.

▲Opened 1939. There were 1586 bednights in this sole year.
✚Closed 1939 [DACar39].
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1939.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the original building dates from circa 1930 [owner].
It is much altered in 2008, with additional buildings and extensions forming the Bedruthan House Hotel [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
A house situated on the coastal road from Newquay to Padstow, opposite a private road entrance just off
the road to the famous Bedruthan Steps.
The house was held on a yearly tenancy from a nearby local farmer. Roly Barker was the acting warden
for the four seasons* that we had the place, until he undertook a ministry job of bird watching and
weather reporting on an isolated island off the Welsh coast. Whilst he was at Bedruthan he did find time
to take himself a wife, who did not go with him to his island. She carried on as warden at Bedruthan for

27
the last season*, the hostel having to close down owing to the RAF requisitioning the accommodation for
officers on the opening of the nearby St Eval aerodrome [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
*Usage note: Charles Allen claimed that the hostel was open from 1938 until closed upon requisition in
1942.

BEECH HILL Camping barn 1996≠ to 1996≠.
▲Beech Hill, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, Devon. GR: SS 781086
Handbook 1996.

BEER 1961 to present.
Bovey Combe, Townsend, Beer, Seaton, Devon EX12 3LL.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SY 223896*

▲Opened 17/5/1961, replacing West Hill Hostel. At first the house was shared between the
wardens, female accommodation and common areas, while a simple L-shaped timber outbuilding to
the left of it was used as the men’s dorm. In the 1970s YHA drew up a scheme to extend to the
higher ground at the rear of the house, the single floor extension to be joined to the upper floor of
the house, but this was not proceeded with. At some stage a new timber structure replaced the
simple shed, and has latterly been used as staff quarters, with the house given entirely to hostel use.
In 1982 improved reception and shop facilities and a new cycle shed were advertised, along with
tea on the terrace and cream teas during the season.
Handbook 1961-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold (Department of Education grant-aided) 1961 (to YHA Trust), actually for 99 years from
25/3/1903; freehold acquired 5/1/1976 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: attractive Arts and Crafts country house built for the artist Charles Bartlett, in honey-coloured stone.
Bartlett (1860-1940) was reported as living in Beer in 1903 (possibly the time of the building of Bovey Combe), though
he set off on a round-the-world trip in1913 and took up residence in the Far East after that.
Reports, recollections and observations:
What a special place, tucked above the village, looking out to sea. For a long time the wardens kept the
grounds private, between ten and five. Some wardens had done that for years and they saw the hostel as
their private domain when it was closed. The cycle shed was halfway down the drive and there were
signs all the way up the drive, warning hostellers not to come any further between ten and five. Then,
long overdue, the changes came along and signs like that were swept away. In the mid-nineties, the staff
accommodation was moved into the cedar wood annexe, the rooms in the house made into bedrooms,
new showers installed and the whole place given a shaking up [Duncan Simpson, recalled in 2015].
(s)
BELFORD Planned hostel 1942. Did not open.
Belford, Northumberland. GR: NU 1813 approx.
▼The Northumberland & Tyneside Group had earmarked several Ministry of Agriculture hostels for YHA hostels after
the war [NOTar42]: Belford was listed and a map was included.
BELLE TOUT Planned hostel 1950-51. Did not open.
Belle Tout, Birling Gap, Eastbourne, East Sussex. GR: TV 563955
▼A former lighthouse. It was being considered as a hostel, but a high amount of building work was needed [LRN
3/1950]. A 99 year lease was being offered by Eastbourne Corporation at a nominal sum, and had been approved in
principle by the London Regional Group [LRN 4/1950]). It was proceeding slowly [LRN 2/1951].
Property profile: Belle Tout lighthouse was commissioned in 1828, but with cliff erosion became perilously close to
collapse; it was moved physically to a safer position 50 feet inland in 1999 [GD].
Web resource: http://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/houses/lighthouse.shtml
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alfriston YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH Profile
(v)

BELLEVER / DARTMOOR 1934 to present.
Bellever, Postbridge, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6TU.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 654773*

▲Opened (probably 28/4/) 1934 (Handbook), replacing Dartmeet. The hostel was officially opened
10/6/1934 after extensive remodelling [YHAar34]. [A Friends of Bellever Youth Hostel card has an
opening date of 1932, almost certainly an error].

28
Wartime arrangements: the hostel had bednights in each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the
need to keep it from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth, Devonport, etc.

PDMP work in the early 1990s led to major improvements at Bellever: the two cold and draughty
18-bed dormitories were turned into 6 smaller rooms with heating and washing facilities and
resulted in major growth in its business this year as a result. Additionally, the warden was provided
with self-contained accommodation for the first time [Sar91].
Bellever Hostel was renamed YHA Dartmoor in 2012.
Handbook 1934-2009.
Alternative name: Bellever (1934-90 and 2003/04).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 27/12/1934) and (eg) 1959, and for 21 years from 25/3/1976 from MoAFF
(to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: barn, originally part of the Duke of Cornwall’s Model Farm, a Royal Duchy Farm owned by HRH the
Prince of Wales.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bellever 751 ≈ RG36.tif: Y050001-Bellever 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 61, Bellever, Youth Hosteller October 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A forestry commission property situated geographically in the centre of Dartmoor, held on lease from the
commission. Prior to the opening most of the necessary adaptations were carried out by members of the
Plymouth Group working party. At that time I was working in the dockyard and along with another youth
hostel member, Stan Bond, who also worked in the dockyard, did undertake to have time off from the
yard, for the purpose of carrying out some of the work of adaptations at Bellever. Stan and I set off for
Bellever by cycle and carrying all the tools we could manage for the work. That work involved being the
breaking down of a large engine bed that was situated in the present warden’s kitchen. The large engine
that was there also had to be removed; this had been put there for the purpose of conveying fir seed to the
storage bins that were on the floor above. Dismantling these bins, and the filling in of the large opening
in the floor, together with the installation of a coal cooking range in the kitchen with the flue through the
roof, took longer than the 14 days we had allowed ourselves to be absent from the dockyard. So, we
carried on for another 14 days, and at the end of the month we realised that we had not made the
necessary application to the dockyard authorities for leave. The outstanding works were for the provision
of a cycle shed, a coal storage, and a second toilet for men, all of which were to be housed in the shed
adjoining the hostel. Having completed these jobs, we made certain that we were back at the dockyard by
the first of the next month, to hear the verdict as to our future employment in the dockyard.
Upon our return to the yard, we were both told that we had been very lucky. The manager had made
enquiries about the YHA and found that both his daughter and his niece had recently become members of
the YHA which apparently brought from him a compliment that he was glad to hear of his men
undertaking voluntary work of this nature, and in the circumstances he was prepared to overlook our
discrepancies in this instance, but would point out that in future we must make certain that we obtained
the necessary leave permits before setting out on a similar exercise.
The first warden of this hostel was Captain Hale, followed by Mrs Whitway, who wardened the hostel for
many years, including during the war, and was noted for her real Devon Pasties and Devon cream that
were always available, no matter what time you arrived at the hostel. The hostel is now in the care of Jim
Martin, who, along with Friends of Bellever have carried out a very large amount of modernisation work
at the hostel, at practically no expense to the association, which is certainly a great credit to all concerned
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
We were greeted at the gate by a small girl who told us that the hostel was better inside than out. A fire
was burning in the common room, where there were specially made wooden seats. The women’s
dormitory was a huge place and held about 24 beds [Pat Packham, A Holiday in South-West England, 5
August 1958].
(s)

BELLINGHAM 1937 to 2006.
Woodburn Road, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NY 843834*

▲Opened end 6/1937 and officially opened by the Duke of Northumberland 28/8/1937. The
Handbook for 1936 had expressed a hope for opening, but there was a delay. A site had been found
and plans prepared by John Dower, Hon Architect, for 40, but these were abandoned as too dear. A
smaller design was substituted.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, at least partially. It was closed on the outbreak of war;
evacuees remained till end 1/1940, the hostel reopened 22/3/1940, but was then requisitioned 19/6/1940 and closed to
members. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was accessible from
Tyneside and the hostel was available again from 5/1941 [NOTar41].

29
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info].
Handbook 1936-2005/06.
Property tenure: land was leased from the Duke of Northumberland [NOTar36,37] (to YHA Trust 1/11/1938). The
leasehold was terminated and returned to landlord 10/2006 [whyha.org.uk] or 25/3/2007.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel constructed on land donated by the Duke of Northumberland in Canadian red
cedar fastened with copper nails. It wasdesigned by John Dower. It has housed an independent hostel, called Hareshaw,
since closure.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The land was provided by the Duke. The hostel was designed by John Dower who later wrote the main
report on which the National Parks are based. The hostel is in red cedar fastened with copper nails. Its
projected life was 20 years but after 50 years, with the only major repair being reroofing, it is still in good
heart. At the time ‘Vagabond’ of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle wrote ‘It is the best hostel I have yet
seen.’ Since those days there have been many improvements. Not many hostellers will remember the
Primus pressure stoves and the Valor oil stoves which singed the hair of many a self-cooker throughout
YHA. Bellingham YH was one of the first establishments to adopt the safer new-fangled bottle (Calor) as
gas stoves for cooking. Other improvements include doubling the cooking facilities, improving bedding
and floor covering, introducing some heat to the dormitories, providing shelter for early arrivals, more
relaxed regulations and, most successful of all, introducing a family (or switch) dorm in the annexe with
separate washing and toilet facilities. One modern need is a hot shower and by the honorary excellence of
the cook (Mary Wilson) at the Golden Jubilee Lunch and the generosity of those attending £167 was
donated towards this shower.
‘Vagabond’ also wrote ‘Mrs Telford, the warden is a typical jolly Northumbrian and I feel pleased indeed
that British and foreign visitors to the hostel will be welcomed by one who knows her natural heath and
knows enough to set ramblers off on delightful Tyneside and Redesdale journeys awheel or afoot.’
Subsequent wardens, all ladies, all local all non-resident have been equally welcoming and equally
knowledgeable.
Northumberland hostels have been managed and cared for by volunteers without even a paid secretary.
Now, in line with the rest of England and Wales, the professionals take over. Bellingham YH has always
been financially sound with caring helpers: there is a strong tradition of service by the ordinary NE YHA
member [Alan Gardner, 1987, at the hostel’s 50th anniversary. Text provided by Arthur Dunabin].
This small hostel set above the village is a model simple hostel consisting of central common room, one
dormitory leading off each side containing washrooms and toilets, with a well-equipped members’
kitchen and a small switch dormitory also leading from the common room [HSC(BD)memo2/82].
(s)

BELLINGHAM BUNKHOUSE 2007 to present.
Demesne Farm, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 2BS.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 840833*

▲Opened 2007. The YHA Enterprise bunkhouse was due to open 1/9/2007.
Update 2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: converted barn, work on which started in 2004 [owner].
(s)

BEMPTON 1937 to 1940.
Walmsley House, Bempton, Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: TA 191721*

▲Opened 20/3/1937. At some stage the hostel was extended into the adjoining cottage [YSHmins].
✚Closed 1940.
Wartime arrangements: during 1940 evacuees occupied the cottage and later the House too. Hostellers were squeezed
in around this arrangement for a time. The Yorkshire Coast was closed to visitors during summer 1940 [YSHar40] and
the hostel was withdrawn by 14/10/1940.
Handbook 1937-40.
Property tenure: tenancy. There are references to the Vicar being responsible for the rent.
Property profile: Walmsley House, or Bempton House, in the village centre, was probably the original part of the
hostel. A terraced cottage adjoining and to the east of the House was added about 1938.
(v)

BENNETSTON HALL 1935 to 1946.

30
Bennetston Hall, Dove Holes, Stockport, Cheshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 083797*

▲Opened 8/6/1935. The wardens, Mrs and Miss Hannam, were from Goyt Valley Hostel
[MANar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though usage was limited to weekend opening from
4/1944 to 9/1944 [MANar44]. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was
important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West Riding.

✚Closed 10/1/1946 [MANar47] because the tenancy terminated.
Handbook 1936-45.
Property tenure: adopted hostel, with an element of rent payment.
Property profile: Bennetston Hall was subsequently used as a restaurant. In 2002 it was a burnt-out shell.
YHA Archive file: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; Y600016 Baldwin.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bennetston Hall YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
When we arrived at the hostel we found a much bigger place than we had imagined, there being about 30
rooms in the house. We ordered our supper and breakfast and paid our bill. It cost us 3s.4d each. For
supper we had carrot, steak and potatoes, while for breakfast we had corn flakes, ham and eggs,
marmalade and bread and butter. In the common room ther was a fairly big table tennis table, where I
played about 15 games. I turned in about 9.15pm and got up the next morning about 7.15 [Geoff
Baldwin, Easter holiday log 1939].
Sodden. Dripped to Bennetston Hall. A terrible place. No lights in dormitory. Supper 40 minutes late.
Went to bed with most of clothes on. What a night. Glad to leave it [Mary Jephcott, 1944, reporting in
2008].

(v)
BENTHAM Planned hostel 1933. Did not open.
Bentham, Yorkshire. GR: SD 6769 (High Bentham), SD 6471 (Lower Bentham) approx.
▼A property was being considered as an adopted hostel [Rucksack Spring 1933].

BENTLEY / BENTLEY COTTAGE (see Shere)
BENTS Camping barn 1998≠ to 2002≠.
▲Bents, Newbiggin-on-Lune, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. GR: NY 708065
Handbook 1998-2006.
Alternative name: Bents Barn (1998-2002).
Property profile: in converted shepherd’s cottage dating from the seventeenth century, with bunk beds.

BERWICK-ON-TWEED 2011 to present.
Dewar’s Lane Granary, Berwick TD15 1HJ
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NT 998527*

▲Opened 18/2/2011, though put into use the previous evening by a party of local schoolchildren. A
future hostel at Berwick-on-Tweed had been advertised in 2006 [YHA eNEWS, 12/2006]. By 2009
plans for the partial use of the old Dewar’s Lane Granary were emerging. The youth hostel and the
bistro was to be the responsibility of the YHA, the Berwick Preservation Trust having entered into
an agreement with the Association to formalise details. YHA agreed a long-term fully-repairing
lease for the entire site and would assume total responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric of
the building once completed.
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: almost 250-year-old warehouse premises [2013], the Grade II listed Dewar’s Lane Granary was
transformed from a long-neglected ruin at a cost of £5 million into a mixed visitor attraction of 55-bed hostel, bistro,
gallery, meeting and conference rooms and an outdoor courtyard seating area.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1209878
(v)

BETTISCOMBE 1942 to 1943 or 1944.
Bettiscombe Rectory, Bridport, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

▲Opened 9/1942.

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SY 399999*

31
Wartime arrangements: this was a small hostel, but could expand [SOUar42]. Bednights were registered in 1943SY (ie
from 1/10/1942) and 1944SY only.

✚Closed 1943 or 1944. Notice was given to close [SOUar43]; there were 137 bednights in 1944SY,
perhaps at the tail-end of 1943.
Handbook 1943-44.
Property tenure:
Property profile: grade II-listed (1983) mid-18th-century rectory in stone and brick with slate roof.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-104566-the-old-rectory-bettiscombe-dorset

BETWS-Y-COED [Oaklands] 1945 to 1983.
Oaklands, Llanrwst, Gwynedd LL26 ORB (formerly Denbighshire).
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER; WN

GR: SH 812584*

▲Opened Whit 1945.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought in the closing stages of the war and had a strong first season in 1945.

✚Closed end 10/1983. The hostel’s final year was in shared usage with the Wirral Education
Authority who operated an adventure centre there before purchasing the premises in June 1984. A
formula allowed 2534 bednights for 1984SY, and Mrs Glasgow, former warden, was employed up
to that date.
Wirral LEA were still the owners in 2016.
Handbook 1945-83.
Alternative names: Oaklands, Bettws-y-Coed (1945); Oaklands, Llanrwst (1946-49); Bettws-y-Coed, Oaklands (195051); Oaklands (1952-69); Oaklands (Bettws-y-Coed) (1970-71); Oaklands (Betws-y-Coed) (1972-82).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 31/1/1945). The original
purchase of Oaklands was assisted by a grant of $5000 from American trade unions. Possession of the Bungalow was
resumed [YHAar72], though a property called the Cherries was later disposed of [YHAar82].
Property profile: Victorian country house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha, Oaklands
& Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The future of Betws-y-Coed (formerly Oaklands) Hostel is in the melting pot. Because it is not in a good
position and because it needs a lot of money spending on it. North Wales Management felt that it should
be closed at the end of this season and a new Conwy Valley hostel be established elsewhere. Since then
an education authority with financial backing from the Manpower Services Commission has come up
with proposals for a special usage scheme for the hostel as the base for their huge Adventure Project.
This could involve their taking on the hostel at a lease for a couple of years and returning it to YHA with
the necessary repairs having been done under their work experience scheme. There are lots of details to
work out before it all comes true but it looks like ‘mothballing’ at a profit – the answer to a prayer
[Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, April 1983].
(s)

BETWS-Y-COED [Swallow Falls Hotel] 2003 or 2004 to present.
Swallow Falls Hotel, Betws-y-Coed, Gwynedd LL24 ODW.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SH 765576*

▲Opened 2004 as a YHA Enterprise Hostel. It had been expected to open spring 2003 [Handbook
2003/4 in Updates only; in Update 1 it was new]. Officially opened 2/7/2004. Bednight figures
show the business was operating in 2003, however.
Handbook 2003/04-2009
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: rooms in a converted former gift shop and in adjacent buildings in part of the Swallow Falls Hotel
complex.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha, Oaklands
& Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
(s)

BEVERLEY FRIARY 1984 to present.
The Friary, Friar’s Lane, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 ODF (formerly North Humberside).
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: TA 038393*

▲Opened 1/7/1984, thanks to the Friary Preservation Trust for their steadfast devotion and raising
of funds to establishing a hostel here [YKar74]. Craftsmen were provided by the Manpower
Services Commission [HN Autumn 84]. Facilities were incomplete at the time of the opening.

32
In the late 1990s the warden’s kitchen was properly equipped, and ladies’ showers much improved
with two cubicles rather than the previous curtained arrangement [YHA News spring 1997].
A washroom block was added at the east end of the venerable building, converted in 2011 to mixed
smaller rooms including volunteer accommodation. This was part of the hostel’s £340,000
refurbishment in 2011-12, after which it passed to voluntary wardening. The original washrooms,
two large single-sex dorms and occasional 4-bedded annexe to the lounge upstairs, plus warden’s
quarters, were reconfigured to provide six bedrooms, three en suite, and a self-contained manager’s
room with kitchenette. Two lounge areas (one using the old 4-bed annexe), an exhibition room and
a meeting room for the local community were provided. It reopened on 30th March 2012, with an
official event on 2nd October. Funding was supported by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Handbook 1984-2009.
Property tenure: from the outset and currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: restored mediaeval Dominican Friary, a Grade II* listed building.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Beverley 702.pdf (history sheet and hostel layout map, ca 1984)
Reports, recollections and observations:
…to become a hostel after restoration work. Among finds so far in the mediaeval building are coins,
soles of sandals worn by the monks, wall paintings and sandals [HN Winter 1973-74].
(s)

BEXLEY 1932 to 1933 or 1934.
Baldwyns Estate Poultry and Animal Farm. Summerhouse Drive, Baldwyns Estate, Bexley, Kent.
Historic County: Kent
YHA Region: LON
Positional note: the grid references are for the extent of Summerhouse Drive.≠

GR: TQ 508724-TQ 511713 approx.

▲Opened 1932, probably late in the year.
✚Closed late 1933 or early 1934. It was discontinued during the year, as it did not conform to
standards laid down [LONar34]. 0 bednights entered for 1933 or 1934.
Handbook 1932 (October)-33.
Property profile: contemporary advertisements offer a camping ground and hostel in Joydens Wood, which then
covered a much larger area than it does today. Only the northern end of Summerhouse Drive had been developed in the
early 1930s [GD].

BIDDISHAM 1942 to 1951.
The Old School House, Biddisham, Axbridge, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 381534*

▲Opened 13/6/1942 [FC Catley diary], 7/1942 elsewhere.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. Conditions were very cramped; the
warden was an obliging person who was doing her best. There was however a serious complaint concerning unsanitary
drains [GSEmins 30/5/1944, 19/9/1945].

✚Closed 31/10/1951 and replaced by Cheddar. The hostel was inadequate [GSEar51]. The
property was sold 23/5/1952 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1943-51.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 22/5/1944).
Property profile: mid-19th-century schoolhouse, Grade II-listed in 1985.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Biddisham 751 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Old schoolhouse. It contained Calor gas and a small but bright coal fire. A dozen other hostellers were in
residence [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].
We should like to thank the warden, Miss Gibbs, for creating such a happy atmosphere in such a difficult
building [Rucksack Magazine, Jan-Feb 1952].

BIGBURY-ON-SEA 1944 to 1988.
Colinton, Bigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4AU.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 651445

▲Opened 1944.
Wartime arrangements: it had been intended to open in 1939, when arrangements were in hand [1939 Handbook].
Opening was delayed to 1944, however; there is no mention in DACars until 1944, when Bigbury was described as a
new hostel. It had a modest season in that year and a busy one in 1945.

33
In 1946 the hostel was being replanned [DACar46].
The hostel was replanned and improved in 1970 (see below) [YHr 4/70].
✚Closed 1988, the end of season being 31/10/1988. Closure was hastened by a critical structural or
fire notice; a £35,000 cost of necessary improvements was estimated [YHA memo 22/1/1988].
Handbook 1939; 1944-88 (1944 as hostel addition).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 20/6/1944).
Property profile: a wooden building with prominent verandah, formerly a private hotel.
Demolished. Replaced by two split-level Meditteranean-style houses [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 51, Bigbury, Youth Hosteller December 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Arrangements had begun in 1939 for the purchase of a building at Bigbury, and it was hoped that it
would open as a hostel for that season, but hopes were dashed owing to the outbreak of war, and though
listed in the 1940 handbook, it had the word CLOSED by its name. Nothing seems to be known of what
happened to the hostel during the war, but at the end of hostilities the building was purchased in 1945.
£3,000 was the purchase price, which included all of the furnishings and fittings, all gladly used in the
setting up of the hostel.
The hostel has unfortunately presented me with several problems over a period, one in particular I
remember was when the appointment of wardens was made. The couple, a retired policeman and his
wife, came from London, and from the outset I didn’t think they were suited. It appeared that the wife
was not used to having her husband around under her feet all day, and this brought about many a
domestic quarrel, even fighting between them, eventually on one occasion the police having to be called
by the local villagers…
One cannot leave the Bigbury scene without the comment on the wardenship at the hostel of ‘Nunks’
Powell. It really started with his interview at Belmont, with his application for a wardenship appointment.
His application form revealed that he was a retired civil engineer, formally employed by the Indian
Railways, mainly on track maintenance, where large gangs of black workers were employed, all of whom
approached him with a ‘Salam’ and a low bow. Upon entering the interview room, Nunk immediately put
his hands together, raised them high over his head, and with a most respected bow, exclaimed, ‘Sahib’,
much to everyone’s surprise, this of course was received in complete silence, and totally flooring the
chairman for a moment. But really from that display, I think we all took to ‘Nunks’ from the word go,
and he was offered an appointment.
Bigbury was not the first hostel he came to, but it was here that he introduced many of his own ideas. His
early morning effort, went as follows. He would parade the corridors of the hostel, and in his strong
sonorous baritone voice would proceed to sing a ditty from the Gilbert and Sullivan opera, the
Gondoliers, with of course his own words.
Nunks always sat down with the members at meal times, his place always being set at the head of the
table. In this way he could receive comment on the meals, and this was encouraged, and he could also
detail the jobs that he wanted the members to complete before leaving the hostel. This I am sure was
always appreciated by the members, and all members were soon found themselves to be one of the happy
party. Of course there were always the smart alecs who tried to take the Mickey, out of ‘Nunks’, but they
always regretted it in the end. He always created his own atmosphere at the hostels he ran, this induced
many members to return to the hostels time and time again, to visit ‘Nunks’ as much as the hostel. He
came from Tintagel hostel to Bigbury, and there were lots and lots of stories about him there [extracts
from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Members who return to Bigbury-on-Sea will notice a change in the external appearance. Girls in
particular will find a great improvement to their accommodation. This stems primarily from the fire
officer's recommendation that an escape staircase should be provided. The opportunity has been taken to
enlarge both the first floor dormitories, insert picture windows giving magnificent views along the coast,
and provide a new washroom equipped to modern standards. It has also been possible to squeeze in a
general wash-up on the ground floor. All this work has been done by the Regional maintenance squad
[Youth Hosteller, April 1970].
BILSDALE Planned hostel 1937. Did not open.
Near Hawnby, Bilsdale, Yorkshire. GR: SE 5690 approx.
▼It was hoped to open here on 1/5/1937 [Regional Guide; Handbook 1937]. Negotiations fell through.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ampleforth &
Helmsley YHs Profile

BIRCHFIELD (see Hope)
BIRCHOVER Camping barn

1999≠ to 2017≠.

34
▲Barn Farm, Birchover, Derbyshire. GR: SK 241622
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2017≠.
Property profile: a former hay barn.

BIRDOSWALD 2003 to 2012.
Birdoswald Roman Fort, Birdoswald, Gilsland, Carlisle, Cumbria CA8 7DD.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 614662*

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 12/7/2003, with limited summer availability [brief details,
Handbook 2003-04 Updates]; there was greater summer availability by 2006. The number of beds
was reduced in 2009.
✚Closed at the end of 2012; English Heritage decided to withdraw from the arrangement.
Handbook 2003/04-2007/08
Property tenure: operated in partnership with the Birdoswald Roman Fort Residential Study Centre, operated by
Cumbria County Council, more recently English Heritage.
Property profile: converted farmhouse (dating from the 16th century) within the bounds of Birdoswald Roman Fort.
(s)

BIRDSALL BROW 1935 to 1938.
Vessey Pasture Farm, Leavening, Malton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 825626*

▲Opened 1935 [HullRGar35], by permission of Lord Middleton, as with Luddiths Hostel before
and Wharram afterwards. In 1936 accommodation was increased [HullRGar36].
✚Closed 6/4/1938, an enforced loss, and replaced by Wharram.
Handbook 1936-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old farmhouse on chalk ridge.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/354781
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Birdsall 751 † RG36.doc
(v)

BIRLEY EDGE 1944 to 1947.
The Hurst, Midhurst Road, (Hirst Common Lane on some maps), Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 325927*

▲Opened 9/9/1944 [NMIar44]. The hostel accommodated 16 men and 16 women.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel had a modest late season in 1944 and a busy one in 1945. It would be
of particular use to Sheffield members who had to perform Home Guard duties on Sunday mornings [Sheffield Bulletin
9/1944].

✚Closed (by 8/) 1947. There was a constant financial loss [NMIar47]. Closure was described as
temporary, however, because of the move by the wardens, the Relphs, to a farm at Rhayader [YDM
10/1947]. Nevertheless, the premises were sold 8/1/1948 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-46.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 21/8/1944 as the Hirst).
Property profile: a buff-coloured medium-sized detached house standing in its setting of trees against the skyline.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Birley 751 ≈† RG46.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Greenmoor YH
Profile
(v)
BIRMINGHAM Intended hostel 1975 and 1976. Did not open.
Moseley Road Fire Station, Birmingham 12. GR: SP 080851*
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here [Handbooks 1975-76, no details]. It was not expected to open before October
1975. The property was taken leasehold for 20 years from 25/12/1975 from the City of Birmingham District Council (to
YHA Trust). The Association allocated £43,000 to this project in 1973, rising to £79,600 in 1975, but further escalating
costs forced the Region to abandon the plans [MDar76] and the tenancy was surrendered [YHAPB, YHAar77]. It was
to be the first hostel in Birmingham [HN Spring 1974].
Property profile: a former fire station. The premises are now [2013] a theatre school.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Birmingham YHs
Profile

35
BIRMINGHAM [Cambrian Halls] [Temporary] 1988 to 1989; 1991 to 1995 or 1996.
Cambrian Halls, Brindley Drive, off Cambridge Street, Birmingham B1 2NB.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SP 062870*

▲Seasonal hostel opened 1988. It did not operate in 1990.
✚Closed 1995 or 1996, though it was unlikely to open in the latter year due to refurbishment
[Handbook 1996].
Handbook 1988-96.
Property tenure:
Property profile: student hall of residence.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Birmingham YHs Profile
(v)

BIRMINGHAM [Heathfield Hall] [Temporary] 1990 only.
Heathfield Hall, Birmingham Polytechnic, Westbourne Road, Birmingham.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SP 052855*

▲Seasonal hostel opened 9/7/1990 as a substitute for the unavailable Cambrian Halls.
✚Closed 21/9/1990.
Handbook 1990 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: student hall of residence.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Birmingham YHs Profile
BIRMINGHAM Planned hostels from 1999.
St Paul’s Square, Birmingham. GR: SP 065875
▼A new hostel was being pursued in association with the Bournville Village Trust [HN Spring 1999]. In 1999 there
was a feasibility study for a hostel in St Peter’s Urban Village, 2m east of the City, at SP101874 [YHA internal memo].
▼Much later, a new operation was suggested, which might be completed by 2008 [YHA News August 2005]. Neither is
in YHA’s current thinking [2013].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Birmingham YHs
Profile

BISHOPDALE 1946 to 1951.
The Rookery, Bishopdale, Leyburn, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 966838*

▲Opened 8/1946 [Dalesman article]. There were 472 bednights in the last two months of 1946SY.
✚Closed 8/1/1951. Running costs were high and there were difficulties over the landlord’s repairs
[WESar50]. It was replaced by Aysgarth Falls, though the transition was delayed by bad weather.
Handbook 1946 supplement (pub 2/1947)-50.
Property tenure: 5 year Ministry of Education grant-aided tenancy dated 17/7/1946 (to YHA Trust 25/10/1946); the
tenancy expired [YHAPB].
Property profile: large country house, and then Kidstones School. As early as 7/1934 YHA was offered the use of part
of the House by the owner, JB Fawcett [WESmins]. During the war it was used as an infants’ school.
Demolished in 1952, the mansion was originally the home of the Lodge family who were Bishopdale landowners.
Some outbuildings survive which have kept the name the Rookery; they have been used as holiday cottages. The
mansion’s original entrance doors are (were) to be found at Thoralby village hall [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Wardens (sample): Mr & Mrs Robert Gummerson, famed wardens of Longsleddale, Jerusalem Farm and Kettlewell,
later of Aysgarth and Stainforth.
Reports, recollections and observations:
... a big and very excellent dinner. After the meal, the Warden, an extremely pleasant man, came in and
called for attention and his dog, the chief performer. At a sign from its master, the dog uttered a low
throaty sound which might have meant, to a good imagination, “I want one” (the “one” being a dog
biscuit). After several repeat performances of this, it very elegantly begged, and then caught each of
several tit-bits thrown to it. As a final reward, it was given a tin to lick out. It cleaned it perfectly, and
returned to the Warden, who had now gone into the kitchen, only to return a few seconds later, tail
between legs, to pick up the tin and take it into the kitchen. After this, I came down to sit by a large log
fire. The hostel was cheerily decorated all over, for, it had been used during the war as an infants school.
In the entrance hall there was a large coat of arms, surmounted by the inscription Honi more for honi
more. To the left of the door were hung up the horns of a Dil Emma, a pair of handsome horns. For the
sake of symmetry, next to these was placed a beautiful spiral horn, a vicious spiral (1 believe these found
their way to Aysgarth hostel). In the hall the main item of furniture was a table-tennis table, but, owing to

36
a temporary deficiency in balls, there were no games on that night, which was a pity, because there was a
chart near the table on which were inscribed the names of the winners of a tournament held nightly, for
which the prize was the Warden’s Breakfast Egg ...
In the morning, the boy whose thankless duty it was to go to the nearest farm to fetch the milk returned
very wet, and incidentally milkless, for he had been too late. The milk problem had been solved by the
substitution of the hostel goats milk for the farm cows milk. Before leaving we saw a further performance
by the dog, this one being the feat of stamping on one end of a plank which was placed on the floor, and
raised off it one or two inches in the middle, forming a low see-saw, and catching a biscuit which had
been placed on the other end. This was repeated 3 or 4 times, to show it wasnt a fluke. When we said we
were leaving early (it was a little later than 9) he said how sorry he was we couldn’t stay for a game of
dominoes, until the weather cleared [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].
Mij the Youth Hostel Wonder Dog
It was 1951 when Ray and I were teenagers we went hostelling in the Yorkshire Dales on our bikes. On
our last night uphill, before coasting back downward to the Vale of York, we arrived at Bishopdale
Youth Hostel. We were met at the door by a black labrador smoking a pipe. She examined us then
allowed us to enter. We went through the formalities with the warden who told us we'd meet the dog after
supper for a game of dominoes. ‘Play dominoes with a dog, he must think we're daft’ Ray smirked. After
supper the hostellers assembled in the dining hall to meet Mij, the black lab. ‘Pray silence for the dog’
called Mr Gumersall, the warden. ‘Any volunteers to play the dog at dominoes? If you win you get my
breakfast egg, if you lose I get yours.’ Ray was on his feet in an instant. ‘I'll take your dog on.’ The dog
and Ray sat on the floor facing each other while dominoes the size of chocolate bars were laid face down
between them and shuffled. The dog drew seven and Ray followed suit The Warden stood the dog's
dominoes on edge in a semi circle and Ray did likewise with his. The dog had double six so started the
game. Ray followed with a six and a two. The game progressed until the dog seized the initiative by
closing both ends with a two. Ray knocked on the floor and the dog played a double two forcing Ray to
knock again. The dog played her last domino, a two and five giving a yelp to call domino. The watching
hostellers went wild with delight ‘Beaten by a dog.’ yelled a laughing girl in the crowd. Ray turned to me
in deep shock. ‘Don't you dare tell anybody at home.’ ‘Don't worry Ray they'd never believe me, but
you're not having an egg for breakfast.’ [John Longley”s 1951 experience, recounted in YHA News,
summer 1997].
Amongst fir trees before it was demolished [Maurice Wall, recalled in 2004].
(v)

BISHOPDALE VALLEY BUNKHOUSE 2004 to 2009.
The Old School Bunkhouse, Bishopdale Valley, Thoralby, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3TB.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: N

GR: SE 001861*

▲Opening 18/6/2004. The YHA Enterprise Bunkhouse was mistakenly omitted from the 2005/06
Handbook, but it operated through those years. It was by accident or design a partial replacement
for Aysgarth Falls Hostel.
✚Closed 28/2/2009.
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: former village school.
(s)

BISHOP’S CASTLE (See Magnolia Bed and Breakfast)
BISHOPS STORTFORD 1931 to 1943 or 1944.
Cliff Cottage, Windhill Fields, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.
Note: the town name is properly spelt with an apostrophe, but the YHA Handbooks omitted this.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 483213

▲Opened 8/1931, next to St Mary’s Convent. This was a joint YHA / Guesthouse facility
advertised in H&C 8/1931. There were 38 bednights between 8/1931 and 9/1931, for instance
[LONar31].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was in use in 1940. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was
operating then, but it closed that month until February 1941. Further use was made of the hostel each year from 1941 to
1944SY, until closure during that statistical year.

✚Closed 1943 [YHAF] or possibly 1944 [LONar44], and replaced by Puckeridge in 1944SY.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-43.
Alternative name: Cliff Cottage (1931(1st edn)-32).

37
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: two-storey house, nowadays [2013] with porch and dormers; these may have featured in the hostel era.
The men’s dormitory was outside.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bishop’s Stortford 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bishops Stortford YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Puckeridge YH
Profile
(v)

BISHOPSTONE 1932 to 1939.
Over-Ome, 1 High Street, Bishopstone, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: OXF/WIL

GR: SU 246837

▲Opened 7/1932 by the Swindon Group affiliated at the time to the Oxford Region.
✚Closed 1939, the end of season being 30/9/1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war, though it was described as unlikely to be
available again [YHAar39].
Handbook 1933-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: thatched house provided by YHA with a distinctive huge art-deco style painted emblem.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bishopstone 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
June 1935. A fair sized thatched house drawn back half behind the inn. It was pokier than I anticipated,
with a low dark common room already half full of young fellows and girls. We signed the housebook and
turned out our food, then across the yard, to the kitchen with the men’s quarters overhead. We were
perturbed to find no bedsteads: just beds on the floor. Neither of us slept well – I cannot sleep on the
floor [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].
Sleeping accommodation was on mattresses laid on polished oak boards [hosteller’s memory].

BIVOUAC Camping barn 2013 to 2014.
▲Bivouac at Druids Temple Masham, Ripon North Yorkshire HG4 4JZ. GR: SE180786
✚Connection with YHA ceased at the end of 2014.
Website 2013.
Property profile: 12 beds in bunkbeds on first floor of converted barn at High Knowle Farm. Bivouac is a multiprovision establishment.

BLACKBOYS 1943 to 2014.
Blackboys, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5HU.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 521214*

▲Opened mid 9/1943 [LONar43], replacing Cross-in-Hand Hostel [LONar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

Electricity came to the premises in 1962. In 1964 the Region was considering demolition and
rebuilding, and in 1971 it was proposed to set up an appeal fund to rebuild the hostel, but this was
modified to the rehabilitation of the existing building instead [SEar72]. The hostel was intended for
closure 9/2006, when it was sold by auction. Blackboys would continue to trade as normal,
however, as the new owners had joined YHA’s Enterprise scheme [YHA eNews, 12/2006]. The
hostel would thus remain in the Association’s network. There was a switch to accommodation for
groups only in 2012.
✚Closed when the YHA arrangement came to an end towards the end of 2014.
Handbook 1944-2005/06.
Property tenure: freehold purchase [LONar43]. From 2006 a YHA Enterprise arrangement. Currently [2012] a
clawback arrangement.
Property profile: wooden cabin, built in the late 1930s to accommodate the Basque refugee children of Republicans
fighting against Franco’s Nationalists in Spain. YHA News of June 1994 claims that it was designed and constructed
for YHA by ES North, an architect based in Beaconsfield and that North’s design was also used for Hostels at Jordans
and Norleywood.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 88, Blackboys, Youth Hosteller June 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The warden told me to clean the washroom which was a queer little place with a hot water tap almost on
the floor [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Home Counties, March 1967].

38
(v)

BLACKBROOK 1946 only.
Blackbrook House, Blackbrook, Skenfrith, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 430209*

▲Opened by 8/1946 [SWAHr 8/46], replacing Dan-y-Graig Hostel by the time of publication of
LRN 8/1946, with the same warden, Mr Kasteel. There were 30 beds.
✚Closed peremptorily 9/1946 [SWAHr 7/47], by decision of the Regional Council; it had been an
experiment that did not work. It seems to have been one of two SWA hostels, Rhulen the other,
closed because of complaints. There were 246 bednights in total [SWAar46, dated 14/12/46].
Property tenure:
Property profile: Blackbrook House is a Grade II-listed (1978) built prabably between 1796 and 1815. A late-Georgian
country house of modest scale, on the site of a small medieval manor of the castle of Skenfrith. Built of stuccoed
rubble, with a shallow hipped slate roof; apparently altered, and recently renovated.
BLACKDOWN MILL Planned hostel, 1932. Did not open.
Blackdown Mill, Leamington, Warwickshire. GR: SP 310691
▼The hostel was included on the 1932 Handbook map, but there was no separate description. A March 1932 regional
pamphlet advised of 8 bunkbeds for men in the Mill bakehouse, a dormitory for 8 women in a cottage,There was no
mention in WANar32 and no bednight record. BMW minutes explain that it was withdrawn at the last moment. It was
replaced by Stoneleigh, which opened in 1932.
Property profile: the Mill still stands as a huge industrial edifice, with very tall chimney.

BLACK SAIL 1933 to present.
Black Sail Hut, Ennerdale Bridge, Cleator, Cumbria CA23 3AY.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 194123*

▲Opened Good Friday, 14/4/1933, by Mrs Wakefield, of the Executive Committee (and Keswick YWCA),
on the morning of Good Friday, and was made the rendezvous of a Rally by the West Cumberland
Ramblers’ Federation. It had been adapted for use as a hostel thanks to a generous donation from Professor
Trevelyan [LAKar33]. Work would commence on 6/3/1933, and it was resolved that £80 be the maximum
spent on this hostel [LAKmins 5/3/1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war except for 1944. An internal circular of
18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and
West Yorkshire towns. A 1944 notice reported that repairs to Black Sail Hut had been badly impeded, and members
were advised to leave this hostel out of their plans for that summer [Sheffield Bulletin 5/1944]. The facility was
patched up for summer 1945 [LAKar45]. The Forestry Commission was again considering selling the hut to the YHA
[LAK mins 1945].

In 1954 the International Sub Committee arranged for an international work party to help in the excavating
at the rear of the hostel to accommodate the new annexe which gave improved facilities to both the warden
and members [J Richards]. All planning consents were in place by July 1954; the work was for completion
in spring 1955, with reopening at Whitsun, though meanwhile the contractors were complaining of the
difficulties in getting materials up the valley [LAK mins 1954].
The left side dormitory was split into two smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93]. In 1997 the installation of
solar panels and a small single wind turbine provided power for a cellular phone and a fax machine,. spare
electricity being used to run small appliances in the hostel kitchen. Money came from the Chris Brasher
Trust, the Alan Gardner Fund and a fundraising campaign by Local Groups, as well as from YHA [YHA
News end 1997]; over the winter bookings for Black Sail were handled [rather improbably] at Alston Hostel.
In 2013 Black Sail Hut was undergoing alterations in keeping with the Wild Ennerdale theme:
The former shepherd’s bothy, which became a Youth Hostel in 1933, has remained unaltered for many
years. The investment will not only weather-proof the building but also see reduced running costs
through new energy saving measures and energy generation on site ensuring its future environmental and
financial sustainability. Work was delayed from the beginning to the end of the season, the hostel closing
on 28 August and reopening on 21st October.
Improvements at YHA Black Sail will include:
• Replacement of an existing extension which will accommodate new battery storage, wood store and
cycle storage.
• New oak framed, double glazed windows will reduce heat loss.
• Re-roofing of the original building in slate, with flat roof areas having a new green roof replacing
mineral felt. All areas of the roof will have thermal insulation added.
• Installation of sun pipes to allow natural light into some of the darker areas of the building

39
• Renewable energy will be generated on site with roof mounted photovoltaic panels. Hot water will be
generated with solar panels and a new wood burning stove will provide heat and hot water.
• Electricity use will reduce with the installation of LED lighting
• Water will be conserved with the introduction of aerated taps, dual flush toilets and percussion valves
on showers
Additionally, the hostel will be rewired and have new plumbing systems and fire alarm systems installed.
There will also be improved ventilation and drainage works. YHA Black Sail will be redecorated
internally and equipment replaced where needed.
Handbook 1933-2009.
Property tenure: tenancy (eg) from 1/1/1950 from MoAF for a consideration of £10 and no rent for ten years (to YHA
Trust 21/12/1949 and 27/7/1951). Another lease for 39 years from 1/1/1954 was for a consideration of £30 and no rent.
Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: simple shepherd’s bothy, leased from the Forestry Commission.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Black Sail 751 † 32RG.doc; [∂ & «:]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Honister YHs
Profile
Published material: article, Hostel no. 15, Youth Hosteller September 1964.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was warden there from mid-August 1952 until the end of the season at the end of October that year. I
went there as travelling relief warden for the Lakes having been called from acting as assistant holiday
relief at Longthwaite when the then warden just walked out, ‘cos he had tooth-ache! I stayed on until the
end of November, digging out Haystacks to make room for the [new] extension. While I was there, I used
to give the two heaviest men digging as their duties – two wheelbarrows each from the back to the front,
then I carried on after the hostel closed. My appointment was confirmed at the September Council
meeting. The next season Honister became vacant, and I was persuaded to apply for that – everyone
thought it was a much safer place for a single young woman than Black Sail! (Incidentally, I reckoned
they were wrong – at the Hut, anyone was too tired to be a nuisance by the time they got there, but at
Honister you are on a main-ish road, and I defy anyone to pass without looking in!) While I was at Black
Sail, the warden’s kitchen was a long wooden lean-to, and one kept the bread at one end and the paraffin
at the other – and never the twain should meet!!! There was no self-cooking, and the warden slept in the
common room on the storage boxes. Shopping day was Thursday, when one got down to Gillerthwaite as
soon as one could (I had my bike there) and went to Whitehaven with the warden from there in his 4wheel drive vehicle. When we got back, he signed in his members while his wife cooked their supper,
and I belted back up the valley to sign my members in. After supper, Stan (Gillerthwaite warden) brought
my shopping up to me. Officially, he only brought it as far as the bin which was at the bottom of the
Scarth Gap track, and I should have got members to carry it up for me – but actually, he risked his
vehicle (the last bit of ‘road’ was – and is – atrocious) and never failed to get right up.
Incidentally, there were no wash rooms at BS then - the girls had a basin in their dormitory, and the men
had the stream outside! Harry and I manufactured a hot water system of a sort from old bed-irons and a
double burner Beatrice stove, and I managed to give the girls a jug of hot water each in the evening, and
the men got theirs to shave with in the morning! Before we made the hot water system, water was heated
in a huge kettle on the fire, and one could hardly see the fire! Once a week I went over to Honister for a
bath – sometimes I had THREE baths if it was raining – one going, one there and one coming back!
[Joan Chapman, recounted in 2013].
Here beyond the upper limits of the conifers and beneath the steep north face of Great Gable is situated a
hostel with more atmosphere per square inch than any other in England and Wales. It is, of course, Black
Sail hut. Several features blend together to give Black Sail its unique character. Every person who stays
there will carry away their own personal memories of what they consider makes up the atmosphere of the
hut, whether it is the isolation, the nostalgic oil lamps, the beam on which one places ones boots, or even
the warden’s home made bread.
Apart from the fact that it served the Lowther Estates as a shepherd’s bothy little is known of the history
of the building prior to it becoming a Youth Hostel.
The Annual Report for 1932-33 states: The shepherd’s bothy at Ennerdale Head was leased from the
Forestry Commission, and thanks to a generous donation from Professor Trevelyan, it was adapted for
use as a hostel. It was opened by Mrs Wakefield on the morning of Good Friday (1933) and was made
the rendezvous of a rally by the West Cumberland Ramblers’ Federation.
Its incomparable situation ensured the immediate success of the hostel, and only a year later it was
reported that a great number of bookings had of necessity to be declined. The demand for
accommodation at Black Sail has continued unabated for over forty years.
The hostel is rightfully considered to be one of the prestige hostels in Lakeland; any necessary
improvements are carefully considered and planned so as not to interfere with the unique character of the
hut, and we are sure that for many years to come the words Black Sail will continue to provide poignant
memories of the very essence of the true spirit of hostelling [J Richards, YHA Deputy Regional Officer,

40
notes for the Cumbria Magazine, February 1975].
Washed in stream [Mary Jephcott, 1952, reporting in 2008].
Overleaf is my Palace of Dreams. Envious? The warden this year was an extremely intelligent
intellectual type with whom we became quite friendly [postcard comment, 1959].
(s)

BLACKMORE 1935 to 1936.
Elm Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON; EA; C

GR: TL 609020[GD]

▲Opened 1935: recently [Whitsun Rucksack].
✚Closed 1936, after 30/9/1936 [LONar37] or by May 1937 [LON Newssheet 5/37].
Handbook 1935-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm outbuildings. The common room was a wooden hut; converted caravans were used for sleeping
accommodation [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Blackmore 751 ≈† RG35.tif

BLAENCARON / BLAENCARON BUNKHOUSE 1950 to 2006.
Blaencaron, Tregaron, Ceredigion SY25 6HL.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SN 713608*

▲Opened Whit 1950, or a little later, as it was not yet open [YHAB, 6/1950]. This was a £50
purchase paid for by public appeal; a donation from SWA president John Bruce sealed the deal
[SWAar50]. During August 1952 an international work party of 10 Germans and 10 British almost
rebuilt the premises in in a fortnight [YHAar52]. Volunteer work parties did much to continue the
improvements [SWAar1953]. By voluntary effort, a new permanent roof was put on the new
extension [SWAar54]. The interior layout was improved and a new cycle shed provided
[SWAar55].
In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the
following ‘defects’: Blaencaron: no running water. Elsan toilets. No meals provided.
In the mid-1980s the hostel closed temporarily for major building works [1984 Handbook late
news, YHAar1987], to reopen by Easter 1985, funded by 50% Countryside Commission, 13%
Special Bequest, 37% Small Hostels Reserve [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, Dec84].
At closure there were 3 dormitories, totalling 18 beds.
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info], having been put on the market in March 2006; it was
now closed [Website, 12/2006].
Handbook 1950-2005/06.
Alternative names: Blaencaron (1950-86 and 1988-2002); Blaencaron (Tregaron) (1987).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 30/3/1951).
Property profile: former remote Victorian valley school. After closure, there were hopes that the hostel might be saved,
along the lines of the two Elenydd Trust Hostels, Ty’ncornel and Dolgoch, but it was sold quickly.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/463755
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 105, Blaencaron, Youth Hosteller November 1966.
Reports, recollections and observations:
After supper I boiled some water and had a wash in a bucket.
[Next morning…] I went to the stream for a wash [Pat Packham, 1960].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 600 bednights.
Blaencaron is another old school (South Wales Region seems to have been very quick in spotting the
usefulness of these old Village schools) and this time a very tiny one, so tiny that in order to turn it into a
16 bed Simple hostel, an extension to the front has had to be built. This extension serves as Members’
Kitchen and has a small (but at the moment empty) warden’s room. The warden is 1 mile down the road.
The major defects are elsans and a lack of running water. This latter defect seems unnecessary as the
hostel has two good streams running near and is on sloping ground. Unless there are difficulties with the
farmer who owns the land to the rear of the hostel, it would seem that it would be an easy thing to run a
gravity fed water supply by tapping the stream higher up the hill. It seems that all that is needed is a few
hundred yards of plastic tubing, a suitable tank to sink into the stream bed and a small working party.
Waterbourne sanitation would be more expensive.
Most of the furniture is old and worn out. All of the bunks are inferior. The mattresses and blankets are a
mixed bag. Some ships mattresses.

41
The Members’ Kitchen contains 10 gas points and 3 grills and is kept clean and tidy. There were no
matches but tea towels and a clean hand towel, I noted. This hostel is on electricity and I would
recommend that, if water can be laid on, a Sadia-type heater should be installed. The Common Room
cum Dining Room is large enough and contains a calor gas heater.
This is an ideally placed Simple hostel. Better equipment and furniture, especially in dormitories, is
required. But with its very low bednight figures, I imagine it is just about breaking even. Too much spent
on new furniture would probably put it in the red. It must therefore, I suppose, wait its turn for
improvements. Still, I would put a water supply as first priority not because it is the thing most urgently
needed, but because it should be the one showing the greatest improvement for the least cost [Internal
South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 28/7/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

BLAKE BECK Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Blake Beck Farm, Mungrisdale, Penrith, Cumbria. GR: NY 367278
Handbook 1998-2006. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn here as open in that
year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: in part of traditional set of farm buildings dating back to 1708. Mattresses supplied.

BLAXHALL 1963 to present.
Heath Walk, Blaxhall, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2EA.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EA (1963); C

GR: TM 368570*

▲Opened 1/8/1963, though it had been hoped to open at Easter. 257 bednights were recorded in the
2 months to the end of the statistical year [EAar63]. The first warden was Mrs AE Boyce. At the
outset the school classroom was used by members and the school house exclusively by the warden.
There were 25 beds, but the building was configured to allow for easy expansion. The hostel
officially opened 13/6/1964, £4,000 having been allowed for further major adaptations in that year.
In 1966-67 a timber cabin was constructed to the left of the hostel building to provide Field Study
facilities from 1967 and help secure the hostel financially [YHAar66&67]; by this time Mrs EM
Dunnett was warden. An extension of the hostel from 25 to 40 beds was planned in 1970 [EAar70]
and completed in 1972. The brick dormitory wings added either side of the main school building
date from this period. Other improvements were enlargement of the common room, conversion of
the school entrance to a leader’s room and resiting the hostel entrance to the rear. The capital
invested, over £6,000, led to record overnights in 1973, when Mr & Mrs W Johnson became the
wardens [EAar73]. The following year mandatory Fire Precaution work was carried out.
An enclosed entrance linking the YHA’s 1960s-built outside washrooms to the main building was
constructed in 1984, and some dormitories were to be partitioned over the winter [EAar84, HN
Autumn 84]. In that year John Heath and Sara Green were in charge, and now termed managers
rather than wardens.
Improvements for 1994 included a conservatory extension to the dining area [YHA News March
1994].
A major refurbishment with extension works was carried out in 2000, the hostel reopening on 29th
August. It was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, with contributions from
the Ganzoni Charitable Trust [hostel plaque].
Handbook 1963 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) 23/7/1963 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: former village school and schoolhouse acquired by YHA in 1962. A plaque celebrates the memory of
the author George Ewart Evans who lived and work here 1948-56.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1147829
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Blaxhall YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
… quite the best conversion to a hostel that I have seen. The dormitories are small and neat and the
general atmosphere made the hostel my favourite of the holiday [T Connolly, holiday log, 1975].
Of particular interest to teachers are study packs prepared by Suffolk Community Education Department.
These feature Fresh and Saltwater Ecology; Local Castles; Churches; Coastal Defences and Invaders;
Agricultural History and Woodlands [YHA News March 1994].
(s)

42
BLENHEIM PALACE LODGE≠
▲✚Mr Fred Travis of Manchester has a clear memory of staying in a YHA establishment here
about 1933. His trip also took in Shipton Downs hostel. This hostel is not recorded elsewhere, and
the report remains an enigma.≠
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was at the entrance gates, on the left-hand side of the lodge. At the other side of the drive-way was a
similar long building. I remember that attached to the rear of this was a long wooden shed with an earth
floor. This turned out to be an old-time skittle alley [F Travis, recounted in 2004].

BODFARI (FRON HAUL GUESTHOUSE) 2005 to 2008.
Fron Haul Guesthouse, Mold Road, Sodom, Bodfari, Denbighshire LL16 4DY.
Historic County: Flintshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SJ 098713*

▲Opened in 2005. A YHA Enterprise bed and breakfast.
✚Closed by 10/2008 (YHA Website).
Handbook 2005-08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: guesthouse, a former surgeon’s house. The facility was intended to serve Offa’s Dyke.

BODLONFA-CWM (see Bodlonfa Hall)
BODLONFA HALL 1943 to 1955.
Bodlonfa Hall, Rhuallt, St Asaph, Flintshire.
Historic County: Flintshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 085763*

▲Opened 1/7/1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. There were grants of £375 from the
Carnegie UK Trust for equipment, and of £600 towards the cost of purchase from the Board of Education, who gave a
further £80 towards requisition dilapidations. In 1943 it was functioning only partially, after delays in obtaining a
building licence. Work was continued through the winter [MERar43]. The hostel was busy in 1944 and 1945.

✚Closed end 9/1955 [MERar55]. The hostel was sold 4/9/1956 [YHAPB]. It was intended to find a
replacement for the hostel [MERar56].
Handbook 1943-55.
Alternative names: Bodlonfa-Cwm (1943); Rhuallt, Bodlonfa Hall (1950-51).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 15/1/1943).
Property profile: country mansion. In 2009 the Bodlonfa Hall Country Guest House.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bodlonfa 751 † RG44.jpg
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Morton [postcard comment].

BOGGLE HOLE 1937 to 1939; 1951 to present.
Boggle Hole (The Bay Mill in 1938), Mill Beck, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22
4UQ.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: NZ 953040*

▲Opened just before Whit 1937; it was rather primitive, but popular [YSHar37]. In 1939 an offer
of a grant of £700 from the National Fitness Council had regretfully to be refused by reason of the
total liabilities involved, but the Grange at Robin Hood’s Bay was leased instead; Boggle Hole
closed 24/3/1939 and equipment transferred to the leased hostel [YSHar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was replaced during the war years by Robin Hood’s Bay [Thorpe Lane] Hostel.

Reopened 20/3/1951, and officially reopened 5/5/1951. The hostel would open with
accommodation for 30 and increase in time [YHAar50]. There was a delay in starting alterations,
but they were scheduled for Easter [Rksk Mar-Apr52].
There was an interim closure 31/8/1969 or 1/10/1969 to 3/1970 for major building works [SYHA
Echo 8/69, YHA Hbk 1970]. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69]. A large timber
annexe was constructed (probably at this time) on ground high above the mill. A further
announcement in the April 1971 Touth Hosteller advertised:
due to unforeseen delay in the completion of building improvement work, Boggle Hole will not reopen
until the Spring Bank Holiday week-end 1971.

In 1974 the hostel had completed two phases of extensive alterations. The second phase, costing
about £30,000, included improvements to the members’ kitchen, dormitories and wardens’

43
quarters, and the new quiet common room on the top floor afforded a splendid view over the North
Sea [HN Summer 1974].
In 1993 a new servery in the dining room helped the wardens to provide a more flexible and
improved meals service. The annexe was refurbished over winter 1994-95, to offer smaller rooms
and better showers, washing and toilet facilities. The classroom was made to double as a second
lounge outside term time [YHA News April 1995]. Towards the end of the decade the reception
was moved to a more accessible location on the first floor close to the outside door forming a new
entrance on the steep rise. Visitors no longer had to enter through the drying room and face the
climb down several flights of narrow stairs, only to climb up them again once they have signed in
[YHA News spring 1997].
The annexe was life expired and due for replacement late in 2014, when previously ‘low grade’
accommodation was redesigned to provide 40 beds in good quality family rooms, along with other
improvements and the provision of a classroom and shelter at the lower level.
Handbook 1937 amendments-38. Handbook 1952-2009
Property tenure: in the second period of use it became a freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA
Trust 15/1/1951 as Mill Beck House). Currently [2014] freehold.
Property profile: former water-driven corn mill, built in 1839 on the site of an earlier mill.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Boggle Hole & Robin
Hood's Bay YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 64, Boggle Hole, Youth Hosteller February 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I have fond memories of leading an Otley Cycle Club youth hostelling weekend to Boggle Hole. I took
them by a VERY hilly route; they were struggling by the 1 in 4 out of Littlebeck, so I went ahead to
secure the beds. I emphasised ‘don’t go via Robin Hoods Bay’. After an eternity at the hostel I got
worried and stood outside wondering what to do. Eventually, as the tide was coming in, they came
marching round the headland, having come via Robin Hoods Bay [Tony Hartley, reporting in 2013].
(s)
BOGNOR Planned hostel 1935. Did not open (see entry below).
The Manor House, 12 Chichester Road, Bognor, West Sussex. SZ 935999
▼ A hostel was to have opened here, on the north side of the road from Chichester, 200 yards north-west of the level
crossing that has since been replaced by a bridge. The building was a nursing home in 2004, empty in 2008 [GD].

BOGNOR 1935 only.
Springfield, Chichester Road, Bognor, West Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 934001

▲Opened 1935. The Bognor hostel was opened at even more suitable premises than originally
intended, 100 yards further out on the same side of the road [Rucksack Whitsun 1935] (see
previous entry). The annual report at the end of the year advised that it had been opened, but there
was no mention of closure [SOUar35].
✚Closed (by end 9/) 1935. 0 bednights in 1936SY.
Handbook 1935.
Property tenure: adopted youth hostel [SOUar35].
Property profile: the building, previously part of a cottage hospital, has been subsequently demolished [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bognor 751 † RG35.tif

BOLBERRY FARM (see Bolt Head)
BOLT HEAD 1931 to 1934.
Bolberry Farm, Malborough, Kingsbridge, Devon.
Historic County: Devon
YHA Region: DAC
GR: SX 692391*
Positional note: the hostel is thought to have been at the above Grid Reference, while the warden’s address was
Windsor Farm, GR: SX 690390≠.

▲Opened 6/6/1931 [PlymouthRGar31]. The press article below, 1931, stated that the warden, E
Stidson, was at Windsor Farm; the YHA cottage and hut were further down the lane. The hostel
was a thatched cottage, and made an immediate appeal [PlymouthRGar31].

44
✚Closed 1934 [DACar34]. Reluctantly it had to be closed [PlymouthRGar34, Rucksack Autumn
1934].
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-34.
Alternative name: Bolberry Farm (1931(2nd edn-3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: small thatched cottage or farmhouse and hut.
The warden’s house is currently called Piper’s Moon [KF].
YHA Archive file: Y260001 & Y260002 (1931 report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
Bolberry (warden Mr Warwick Stidston) lies inland and is best approached down the little lane (just
before the old Golf House) at the head of the hollow on the cliff walk as you leave the Bolt Head
property and go towards Bolt Tail. You will find Mr Stidston at Windsor Farm, and having got from him
keys and milk and eggs and bread and butter and paraffin and anything else that you want, you will find
the YHA cottage and hut further down the lane [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931 article in
unknown magazine by F Sandon, Headmaster of Plymouth Grammar School].

BONSALL 1931 only or 1931 to 1932.
Town Head Farm, 70 High Street, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 277585*

▲Opened 24/5/1931, though it was reported as opened as early as March, when it was now
available for members [Manchester Regional Group Minutes 25/3/1931, referred to as Townend
Farm]. There were 81 bednights in 1931 [MANar31, for year up to 31/12/1931]; it was kept open
during that winter [MANar31].
✚Closed end of 1931CY or early 1932. The warden died on 12/5/1932 and the hostel was
discontinued by then at the latest; no bednights are given for 1932, however.
Handbook 1931(4th edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm, a bed and breakfast establishment in 2007.
(v)

BORROWDALE [Longthwaite] 1939 to present.
Longthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XE.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 254142*

▲Opened Easter 1939, the start of the season being 1/4/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns. A work
party cleaned the hostel after Commandos left [LAK mins 1942].

Estimates of £758 for the construction of new wardens’ quarters were accepted [LAK mins 1949].
In 1967 a major extension of facilities was provided [YHAar67]; in 1989 new accommodation was
provided for the wardens, and there was associated hostel development [LKar79]. 24-bed
dormitories were split into smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93]. There was a further redevelopment
in 2002-03, with official reopening 7/10/2003 [Nar2002-03].
Handbook 1939-2009.
Alternative names: Borrowdale A (1939-54); Longthwaite, Borrowdale (1955-57 and 1964-82); Longthwaite (1958-63
and 1988-90); Longthwaite (Borrowdale) (1983-87 and 1991-94); Borrowdale (Longthwaite) (1995-99).
Property tenure: land at Borrowdale House was purchased in 1937 (to YHA Trust 10/9/1937) [LAKar37]. A grant was
obtained from the Special Areas Fund. Two plots of extra land next to the existing hostel were purchased 23/3/1964 (to
YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: this was a purpose-built cedar and shingled hostel, architect Joseph Peascod, and constructed by F
Green of Keswick in three months [newspaper article], with later additions. The site had been acquired in 1937.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; [∂ & «:]: Y600007 anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
Published material: article, When Longthwaite First opened, Youth Hosteller January 1958.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Borrowdale YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs
Profile Reports, recollections and observations:
Lovely to arrive at a comfortable hostel. Built for one [purpose-built]. HOT water. Lovely. Food very
good. Fried cheese for breakfast. Up early to make packed lunches [Mary Jephcott, 1943, reporting in
2008].
Food *, wash in bedroom hot water, sleeping fair [anon holiday log, ca1944].

45
What a beautiful setting… it reminds one of an Austrian chalet, set in a miniature forest with a stream
running near, a perfect picture of peace combined with beauty [Elizabeth Ann Humphries (17), holiday
log, 1962].
The work in the 2002-03 period included a classroom at the end of the building, opened by the then
Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, who had stayed at the hostel as a boy and was keen to come back
there again. His first visit had made such an impression on him as a young boy that when he met Dave
Waugh, one of the Operations Managers for the Lakes, at a meeting in 2001 during the foot and mouth
outbreak he had emptied his pockets of every bit of cash he had to be used by Dave to support the hostel
because it meant so much to him. He was therefore keen to come and officiate at the opening, going for a
walk down to the stream when his official duties were done to ponder on his memories of the place [D
Simpson, 2014].
(s)

BORROWDALE A (see Borrowdale)
BORROWDALE / BORROWDALE B (see Grange-in-Borrowdale)
BORTH 1952 to present.
Morlais, Borth, Ceredigion SY24 5JS.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS; W

GR: SN 608907*

▲Opened Easter 1952 [BMWar52]. It was hoped to open here [no details, Handbook 1952]; details
appeared in the supplement. Borth was a substitute for the hoped-for Aberystwyth hostel
[Handbook 1951]. Telephones were installed [WSar66]. A major improvement scheme had been
approved by the National Finance Committee, but implemation would be delayed [WSar73]. A
large capital investment in the hostel was completed in 1977. This included two Field Study units
[WSar77].
In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale. It passed to new owners to run under YHA’s
Enterprise scheme on 11th July 2014, without a break.
Handbook 1952-2007/08
Property tenure: Morlais was a freehold purchase (not Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 14/3/1952).
Pen-y-Morfa (adjacent) was added as a freehold purchase 6/2/1970 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). A single story field
studies annexe was built to the rear right. In 2014, at the time of the sale, both houses were held freehold by YHA.
Property profile: Edwardian seaside villa, later matched with the neighbouring twin terrace.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1490812
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Borth YH Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 72, Borth, Youth Hosteller December 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Since the purchase of the adjacent property the hostel is still on the ‘tight’ side, particularly with its
heavy unofficial Field Study use. There have been several schemes put forward for development to
current DES standards; at the moment it falls below ‘standard’ grading [Internal South Wales Regional
Hostel Report, 28/5/1972 (extracts)].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 8,500 bednights.
Borth is two semi-detached houses now knocked into one. Although large houses, they were not built to
be used as a hostel and generally rooms are not large enough to take the numbers that pass through this
hostel.
The largest room is the Dining Room which was the two front rooms in one house. Well decorated and
bright, it will almost seat a full hostel complement if all members decided to have hostel meals. Leading
from it is a good meals provided washup. Next to it is the Common Room, carpeted and with seven easy
chairs but with the disadvantage that the right of way runs through it. There is one small wall heater in
this room, surely not sufficient. Continuing on the ground floor is the self cookers’ Dining Room (also
used as a Field Study Room) and at the back, the Members’ Kitchen, which is not very large but the
separate dining room eases the pressure. There are insufficient cooking points (at least, three more are
needed), but it will be a problem to find room for them. Space is at a premium. The ground floor is vinyl
tiled throughout except for the Members’ Kitchen dining room.
Outside the main building are the toilets – two for men and a urinal, three for women. There is also a
Drying Room and Cycle Shed. Both are satisfactory.
On the first and second floors are the dormitories. One side for women, the other for men. There is also
an inside lavatory on each side for night use. I found four extra beds in dorms 6 and 10. The top floor is
fairly spartan with bare floor boards throughout, a lack of stools and waste bins. All rooms have basins
with hot and cold running water. This solves the washroom problem but we ought to start allocating a

46
space for handbasins in dormitories. Borth has solved its men’s wash problem by this method and also
increased the number of beds by turning the women’ s wash into a dormitory.
Although I am not enthusiastic about handbasins in dormitories (I always seem to get the bed nearest the
basin and get awakened with the gently falling dew), I accept this as perhaps the only solution in some
cases. Nevertheless we should realise that in a fairly tightly packed dorm, the addition of a basin can turn
a barely comfortable situation into an uncomfortable one. I consider that one hand basin should be
considered as equal to one bedspace or 25sq ft.
There is no net at any of the dormitory windows. As the front bedrooms on the first floor are overlooked
from the sea wall, I would suggest that these at least should have net. Bright decorations throughout the
hostel, but the stairs could do with runners. The warden had wisely replaced broken springs with bed
boards. These are comfortable over interior spring or foam mattresses. There are a few of the old type
mattresses and these should be changed [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 26/7/1973
(extracts)].
(s)

BOSCASTLE HARBOUR 1962 to present.
Palace Stables, Boscastle, Cornwall PL35 OHD.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SX 097913*

▲Opened 1/4/1962. Officially opened 21/7/1962 by Princess Chula of Thailand.
For 5 weeks at the height of the season in 1983, to avoid turning hostellers away, the village hall
was being hired to make a 16-bed annexe [HN Summer 1983]. Boscastle hostel was the first in
YHA to provide Rent-a-Hostel accommodation.
In the 1990s the ladies’ washroom was refurbished and an extra shower added; a secure cycle store
was also provided [YHA News spring 1997].
The hostel’s operation was curtailed 8/2004 when the hostel was damaged by severe flooding; it
reopened after considerable repair and renovation work 9/2006.
Handbook 1962-2009.
Alternative name: Boscastle (1962-64).
Property tenure: leasehold (Department of Education grant-aided) for 60 years from 25/3/60 from the National Trust (to
YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: originally near-derelict stables and hayloft, owned by the National Trust and converted.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A letter from the National Trust, Bodmin, stated that they had now completed the purchase of the
Boscastle Harbour and quayside properties, which included the derelict building that I had been looking
at for some years. The National Trust asked if the association were interested in making use of the Palace
Stable buildings for hostel purposes. I was delighted to hear of the news, and contacted the regional
chairman immediately, who in turn agreed that I contact the National Office.
Arrangements for the official opening were of great interest to the local residents, in that the derelict
building in the harbour had now become a living thing and also that the opening ceremony was to be
performed by Her Highness Princess Charabonski, wife of the Prince of Thailand, it certainly did cause
quite a stir in the village. All the County officials, along with the parish councellors, the vicar and even
the village folks that I had had dealings with during my visits to Boscastle, contacted me to say that they
would be bringing buns, cakes and sponges for the tea-party that was to take place after the opening. The
locals could not believe that this derelict building could have been made to look so attractive in the
harbour setting [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
The hostel opened on the 1st April 1962 and has been very popular ever since, so the region can’t be
deemed to be foolish.
Len Clark, National Chairman, described Boscastle as YHA’s latest and in some ways most attractive
youth hostel in England and Wales [Youth Hosteller, September 1962].
The building, between 150 and 200 years old, was originally fishermen's cottages with a boathouse at the
end. After that, the building housed ponies used for hauling coal from the harbour to stores at the higher
end of the village. The premises have been completely renovated and finished in local stone.
dormitory was very comfortable, with single beds. I had the job of cleaning the nice, modern members’
kitchen [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(s)

BOSWINGER 1932 to present.
Boswinger, Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6LL.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

▲Opened late in season 1932 [Rucksack Winter 1932].

GR: SW 990410*

47
The original 1932 hostel was in a barn. These were simple arrangements, to be improved in 1933
[PlymouthRGar32]. There were difficulties and a danger that the hostel would not survive. It was
omitted from the main text of two 1934 Handbooks, apparently an error, as it appeared as
Mevagissey or Boswinger in crossreferences to other hostels, and bednights were recorded. By 1934
an adjacent cottage was rented for sleeping quarters, and a hut, the barn remaining in use as a
common room. Further cottages or extensions [DACar35] were added in 1935 (helped by a grant
from the Regional Development Fund – presumably YHA’s )[DACar35], in 1938 and in 1942.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war except for 1941, being requisitioned by the armed
forces from August 1940 until it was returned to the YHA in September 1942 [Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977], in time
for a few bednights [DACar42],
Few hostels suffered requisitioning [in so many] successive invasions as here [DACar44].

Boswinger Hostel was reopened and derequisitioned 19/5/1945 [Rucksack Spring 1945]. In 1963 it
received a major face-lift [YHAar63]. Soon afterwards a chalet dormitory was converted into a 3unit family annexe [YHAar66]. It slept 6, 4 and 4, with extra cot provision.
A library and quiet games room, with two extra rooms for wardens overhead, were provided by the
trustees of the Richards Bequest at a cost of £1,500 and formally opened on 17/10/1970 [formal
invitation]. Two rooms were built above the library to enlarge the wardens’ accommodation [YHr
11/70]. In 1976 family dormitory accommodation was improved, with two better-equipped and
larger units, each with its own kitchen / diner [HN Spring 1976].
About 2002, staff accommodation was moved into the renovated and now fully enclosed chalets,
with extra hostel accommodation provided in its place [Ben Butler].
Handbook 1934 supplement-40; 1943-2009.
Property tenure: two or three cottages were taken leasehold from 25/6/1958 for 10 years (to YHA Trust 10/3/1958,
separately as two cottages and as one cottage). The hostel was purchased 2/5/1960 [YHAPB]. Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: farm house and outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Boswinger 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Boswinger 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
This was the first hostel set up in Cornwall. Boswinger itself is a small hamlet comprising of three farm
holdings complete with its own chapel. All the farms are worked by members of the Mitchel families,
and all have been in the families for a generation or two. This made the Mitchels a very close knit body
of farming folks, who had their own pattern in life, which included the respect for the Methodist chapel
in the hamlet, and their full support to the visiting minister on Sundays.
The buildings made use of by the YHA for accommodation was the long barn, opposite the main house,
along with one of the three cottages down the lane, that now constitutes part of the present hostel.
Unfortunately the barn building was overrun with rats, and I can well remember sleeping in that barn on
straw palliasses on the floor along with other members of the Plymouth Group including Frank Kerswill.
Members of the party would attack the rats by making use of catapults, taking pot shots at them as they
crossed over the exposed roof timbers of the barn, many times scoring a direct hit, resulting in the rats
falling to the floor with a heavy flop and squeal, scampering off in all directions, a game I did not join in
or enjoy, being afraid of the vermin. In fact I was so afraid of the rats at Boswinger, that I spent quite a
time scouting around the Dodman area looking for alternative accommodation, in order that the YHA
could move out of Boswinger. All I suceeded in doing was to find out that the Dodman area was infested
with rats, so there was no point looking in that direction.
Eventually we were able to take over another one of the cottages, and so move out of the barn, also at the
same time the association entered into an agreement with the Mitchels to be able to erect a dormitory
building in an area of the garden outside the cottages. This was used for the men’s dormitory and
members’ kitchen, the women having use of the cottages for sleeping and toilet facilities.
The following family tree in respect of hostel wardenship should be interesting, in respect of my dealings
with the members of the Mitchel family. I first did business with Fred Mitchels Great Grandfather for the
first season, followed by his father. After that followed Fred Mitchel himself followed by his son Dolby
Mitchel, and eventually when negotations were started for the purchase of the three cottages and the
adjoining barn, it was necessary for me to deal with another member of the Mitchel family, Henry
Mitchel. I doubt that there is another family in the YHA Wardenship set-ups that have been so involved
in the association’s activities.
It is the most compact and smallest hostel in Cornwall [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Even the smallest hostels have had an excepetional number of international visitors already this year. For
several years Boswinger has provided a hosteller from a different country to visit the local youth club
[Rucksack Midsummer 1948].

48
Very small hostel. Again the small hostel proves the best. Lovely atmosphere. Very easy to find, too
[Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
Tim and Joan Foxall have been temporary wardens this summer. Their home-made cakes, fresh from the
oven, were eaten with relish and almost every evening was a spontaneous folk evening, aided by their
cello, guitar, pipes and singing [HN Autumn 1975].

BOULBY CLIFF 1932 to 1934.
Street House Farm, Street Houses, Loftus, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 740191*

▲Opened 1932 [advertised in WTE pamphlet 2/1932]. The warden was Mrs Harding and
accommodation M6W6.
✚Closed 1934 or early 1935 and replaced by Staithes Hostel by Whitsun 1935. There were no
bednights in 1935SY.
Handbook 1932-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: stone farm outbuildings adjacent to the farmhouse. These were semi-ruined in 2002, but extensively
modernised as dwellings in 2010.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Boulby 751 † RGc32.doc
(v)

BOULTER’S LOCK (MAIDENHEAD) 1937 to 1948.
Meadhayes, Lower Cookham Road, Maidenhead Court, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; C

GR: SU 903827

▲Opened end 6/1937. A popular hostel with canoeists, especially with folding canoes [LONar37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, at least in November and December. Records are missing for 194142, but it almost certainly remained in operation. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from
requisition, as it was much used by young people from London, industrial Essex and Reading. Bednights were
recorded in the years 1943-45.

The hostel was flooded early in 1947, evacuated and and bookings cancelled until a month or so
later [LRN Mar-Apr 1947].
✚Closed 25/4/1948 [Rucksack, Spring 1948], when the property was sold.
Handbook 1937amendments-47; 1948 (supplement only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: three-storey brick riverside house with balcony, now demolished.
On the original site is an apartment block containg 16 flats, Mead Haze [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Boulters Lock 751 ≈† RG38.tif

BOURNEMOUTH 1936 only.
1 Lansdowne Crescent, Lansdowne, Bournemouth.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 094914*

▲Opened 4/1936 [Rucksack April 1936]. There were 946 bednights in total.
✚Closed 17/9/1936 [SOUar36] and immediately replaced by Organford Hostel, as it was so
popular.
Handbook 1936.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was next to the Lansdowne Hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bournemouth &
Organford YHs Profile
(v)

BOWBANK 1936 to 1942.
Sunny Brae, Bowbank, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NY 947238*

▲Opened 4/1936 [WEAar36].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open in 1940, from Easter onwards [WEAar40], 1941 and finally 1942.

✚Closed 1942. In 1943 it would not reopen [WEAar42], though the Handbook offered a forlorn
hope.
Handbook 1936-43.
Alternative name: Middleton-in-Teesdale (1936).

49
Property tenure:
Property profile: within the former Pool Inn, or Poole Inn, a private residence in recent years, still held by the original
family of the warden [Mike Brown, grandson, 2004].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/347218
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bowbank 751 ≈† RG36.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Last year and again this year, large numbers of members have had to be refused accommodation at
Bowbank. To meet the heavy demand, an additional and more commodious hostel is to be built at
Langdon Beck. Plans have now been approved and building operations will have commenced by
Whitsuntide [Rksk spr37].
(v)

BRACKEN TOR (Dartmoor) 2009 to present (also 2007-08, see below).
Bracken Tor, Saxon Gate, Okehampton EX20 1QW.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SX 588938*

▲Opened 2009 as a YHA Enterprise Hostel.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2007-08 inclusive.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement, based on Okehampton Hostel.
Property profile: country house.
(v)

BRACKNELL 1948 to 1954 or 1955.
Forest Youth Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 874694

▲Opened Summer 1948. Reading Group established the hostel here [LONar48].
✚Closed late 1954 or early 1955; the 229 bednights in 1955SY may be late 1954. It was necessary
to close at short notice, or until further notice [YHAB 4/1955], because of the unsatisfactory state
of the building [LONar55]; the address might change during the year [Handbook 1955]: see
following.
Handbook 1948 supplement-55.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former coaching inn, the Royal Forest Hotel, the hostel being in the east wing.
BRACKNELL Planned hostel 1955/56. Did not open.
Youth Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire. GR: SU 8769 approx.
▼Negotiations had been completed, but a new hostel would not open this month as expected [LRN 4/1956]. Wardens
were appointed [LRN 5/1956]. However, the hostel was not to go ahead; it was to have been part of community centre
buildings, but the Youth Centre withdrew from negotiations [LRN 10/1956]. There is an implied reference only
[Handbook 1955].

BRADDA HEAD (ISLE OF MAN) 1954 to 1974.
Baycliff, Bradda Head, Port Erin, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: MER; WN

GR: SC 193697*

▲Opened by April 1954, according to quarterly bednight statistics, replacing Ballasalla. Field
Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
✚Closed end of 1974 season. There was some doubt over whether it would close in 1974, hence
inclusion in the 1975 Handbook. Repairs and renewals had meant that the hostel had run at a loss
for the previous three years and the building needed re-roofing, rewiring and fire precaution work
[HN Summer 1974].
Handbook 1954-75.
Alternative names: Bradda Head (I.O.M.) 1954-58.
Property tenure:
Property profile: imposing three-storey seaside villa, once used by the British Government for the internment of
prisoners of war [M Kirby].
Since hostel use it has been demolished and a new house built in its place [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Bradda Head has 18 rooms and can accommodate 100. It will open on 1 April 1954 with the same
warden as Ballasalla, Mrs Halsall [Northern Echo, 14 October 1953].

50
BRADENHAM 1965 to 2006.
The Village Hall, Bradenham, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4HF.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; C

GR: SU 828971*

▲Opened 27/8/1965, after a delay [LRN 9/1963], but not officially opened until 20/5/1967. The
conversion work was carried out mainly by volunteers from the Eastcote YHA Local Group. It was
shared on occasion with the village cricket club [YHAar65].
Warden’s quarters, a room for 2, were provided in 1972 [EAagm72]. From 1975 (at the latest) the
hostel was run by a voluntary committee, the Bradenham YHA Council, and was volunteerwardened.
The property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89].
✚Closed 20/4/2006 [Barnet Group Web-site].
Handbook 1964-2005/06.
Property tenure: at first held on a 21 year lease from 31/3/1965, the terms of which were £5pa for the first 7 years,
£25pa for the next 7 and £50pa for the final 7. The landlord was the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance on behalf of
Bradenham Church Council. A premium of £350 was paid [EA hostel tenure memo]. The lease was elsewhere
described as uncertain and short. Any parish or village organisation was allowed access at times not normally used by
YHA. The property was purchased freehold 29/6/1979 for £19,000 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former Bradenham Old Church School, later village hall. It was one of two in the Eastern Region
(Epping Forest the other) to be run by a voluntary committee. The hall was partitioned off to form the dormitories and
dining/common room, with new washrooms added. Classified simple, it had hot water on supply in the washrooms and
members’ kitchen, and quite a large food store. A mid-1970s innovation at the Hostel was its use during autumn,
winter, and spring weekdays as a family hostel, capable of taking two families at a time.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 104, Bradenham, Youth Hosteller August 1966.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Richard Bell, warden of Broadstairs YH, can recall being asked by the warden of Bradenham for a
driving lesson as his duty. Unfortunately the duty was not completed as they got lost and ended up in a
pub [Thumbprint Magazine, Summer 1994].

BRADWELL-JUXTA-MARE 1950 to 1969.
East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA

GR: TM 005070

▲Opened by 5/1950 [Rucksack 5/1950]. The huts were acquired in 1949 [LONar49] to provide a
small self-catering hostel popular with bird-watchers.
✚Closed 31/12/1969, due to the high cost of of modernising the buildings to modern standards
[EAar70].
Handbook 1950-69.
Alternative name: Bradwell-on-Sea (1950-54).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in three [or two] former RAF huts.
It is now demolished, with Kingswood Court modern housing on the site [KF].
Published material: article, Bradwell, Youth Hosteller August 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ex-RAF huts will never be picturesque, but they are certainly more adaptable than old buildings, and
they make admirable hostels. At Bradwell-juxta-Mare working parties from Essex Groups have done
great things, and are still doing them. Electric light has been rewired and connected; better cooking
equipment is on the way; there are numerous Calor gas-rings for selfcookers; the garden wilderness is
being cleared, and boundary fences have been erected. The wardens, Fred and Charles, are always ready
to welcome hostellers, giving advice on the district and the most interesting routes, and each week
making improvements for additional comfort [London Region News, September 1950].
Two ex-RAF huts, presided over by a pair of bachelor brothers, gardeners by trade [Mabel Pratt, 1950].

BRADWELL-ON-SEA (see Bradwell-juxta-Mare)
BRADWELL VILLAGE (see Milton Keynes)
BRAITHWAITE 1932 only.
Royal Oak Inn, Braithwaite, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 231236*

51
▲Opened 1932 [LAKar32&33]. Accommodation for women was indoors, for men in the barn. It
operated for three months in 1932, with 180 bednights.
✚Closed 1932 [LAKar32&33].
Handbook 1932.
Property tenure:
Property profile: inn and outbuildings in centre of village. The Royal Oak still functions.
(v)
BRAMPTON Planned hostel 1934. Did not open.
The Institution, Brampton, Cumberland. GR: NY 5361 approx.
▼It was hoped to open here before Whit [Handbook 1934 (1st edn only), no details]. The plan was not successful
[LAKar1934].

BRANDON 1979 to 1996 or 1997.
Heath House, off Warren Close, Bury Road, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0BU.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TL 786862

▲Opened 3/1979 to members [EAar1979], though it had been hoped that the hostel would open the
previous year [Handbook 1978, no details]. Negotiatons with Forest Heath DC were protracted and
the project put in jeopardy when the house was vandalised and burned while being converted
[Wightwash Dec1977,EAar78]. The hostel officially opened 5/5/1980. Field Study facilities were
provided.
✚Closed late 1996 or [YHAF] 1997: there were 0 bednights after 2/1997 after incidents and attacks
on the staff and property [YHA News end 1996].
Handbook 1978-97
Alternative name: Brandon (Thetford Forest) (1978-87).
Property tenure: leasehold for 99 years from 13/3/1978 from Forest Heath District Council (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: Edwardian house. Since YHA days it has been demolished and replaced by Heathcote House, a
sheltered housing facility.

BRASSINGTON 1942 to 1951.
Kingshill, Brassington, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 230544*

▲Opened about 6/1942 [NMIar42]; at first bookings were made through Wirksworth Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 1/10/1951 [YHAF], though probably a little later, as 137 bednights were shared with
Fulshaw in 1952SY.
Handbook 1943-52.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: small stone cottage and adjoining barn or store at the foot of Hillside Avenue, near Jaspers Lane.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Brassington 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
John Robinson, warden, was a YHA personality. When the hostel was full he would insist that each
member was issued with the correct number of blankets per bed, and that each bed had the same weight
and quality of blankets. ‘Two good YHA-type blankets and one Utlity blanket per bed,’ he would say as
he issued them from dry storage. Next morning, he would organise members into a human chain, passing
blankets from the outside dormitory across the open yard into the main building, where they would be
kept in warm storage until next needed. A member could never complain about damp beds at Brassington
hostel [Arthur Truby, Miles and Milestones]
(v)

BRATHAY HALL 2005 and 2008.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2005 and 2008.
BRATTON 1932 to 1933.
South Down [Southdown] Farm, Imber Road, Bratton, Westbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire
YHA Region: GSE (WIL)
GR: ST 931496*
Positional note: South Down Farm on Imber Down was 3 miles south-east of Bratton, on the track from Bratton to
Imber that now has restricted public access. Old large-scale maps show the farm to be on the east side of the track at a
zig-zag in the road, an area cleared of buildings since the army clearances of 1944

52
▲Opened 5/1932. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Wheeler. The hostel would serve in the present
state for another season [GSEar32]. There were 224 and 277 bednights in the two seasons.
✚Closed 1933 [GSEar32&33], by October [Handbook Supplement], and replaced by Steeple
Ashton Hostel.
Handbook 1932-33.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1932 was £18.7s.6d, income £11.1s; in 1933 £22.15s.0d, income £13.14s)
[GSNDar1932&33].
Property profile: the hostel was in rented rooms and a barn at Southdown Farm, an isolated farm property.

BREACHWOOD GREEN 1938 to 1940.
Crossways, Breachwood Green, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 150221*

▲Opened Easter 1938, replacing Welwyn Garden City.
✚Closed [LON mins] August 1940 and replaced by Whitwell (Herts) Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed on being requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Hertford.
Handbook 1938-40.
Property tenure: a fully controlled rented hostel.
Property profile: a double-fronted house with extension to rear, on the north side of Chapel Road / Heath Road,
opposite Coleman’s Road.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Breachwood 751 ≈† RGxx.tif

BRECON (TY’N-Y-CAEAU) 1944 to 2014.
Ty’n-y-Caeau, Groesffordd, Brecon, Powys LD3 7SW.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SO 073288*

▲Opened by 6/1944 [LRN 6/1944].
Wartime arrangements: there were a few bednights in 1944 and 1945. This hostel became the Regional Headquarters
when it opened.

The hostel was a centre of food production for other hostels in the early post-war years, but it was
also under threat from planned army ranges at this time [SWAHr 1/1947].
The Society of St Francis spent a considerable sum of money on structural repairs at the hostel
[SWAar53].
A contract for substantial modifications and improvements was placed and work was now in
progress. It was being phased so as not to interfere with the functioning of the hostel [SWAar61]. A
considerable improvement scheme was implemented in 1962 [YHAar62].
The Hostel had another dining/TV lounge created for guests, and an improved reception area. A
new fire alarm and detection system was installed to provide better safety [YHA News summer
1997].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale.
✚Closed January 24th 2014 [website announcement].
Handbook 1945-2009.
Alternative names: Tyn-y-Cae (1945-65); Tyn-y-Caeau (1966-68, 1992-93 and 2000-01); Tyn-y-Caeau (Brecon)
(1969-91); Tyn-y-Caeau (Nr. Brecon) (1994-99).
Property tenure: the tenancy was dated from 25/3/1944 (to YHA Trust 31/3/1949) and extended; later, freehold
purchase was made, 31/3/1960 (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Victorian country house, with some religious connections.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/439350
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heol Senni YH
Profile
Published material: article, First Trek [Pony Trekking], Youth Hosteller January 1964.
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Eric Bartlett, ex Jordans [postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The bearded warden was really popular. A really great hostel [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard
comment, May 1961].
The hostel is in a certain state of limbo, awaiting fire and maintenance works. There is a pleasant
common room and a well-planned members’ kitchen. In many ways it is very close to being of Superior
standard [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report by HWA Alcock, 2/6/1972 (extracts)].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 7,300 bednights.

53
A full hostel at Easter weekend but I’ve felt more crowded at half empty hostels. All dormitories are
spacious and not overcrowded. On the ground floor at the back dorm 26 with 26 beds. Newly built tiled
floor, plenty of hooks, mirrors, waste bins, large window sills which serve as shelves and attractive bare
stone walls. Dorm 8 with 8 beds is again modern, clean tiled floor and nicely furnished. Both rooms are
heated.
Over here also is the men’s wash and lavatories, all new and modern with 5 hand basins, hot and cold
water. Showers at present out of action. 4 WCs are near enough for night use.
Upstairs are 4 dormitories. This is the older part of the building and the furniture shows signs of wear.
Dorm 7 has 8 beds and a heater. Dorm 4 has 4 beds, no heater. Also upstairs are Dorm 10 with 12 beds,
and Dorm 6 with 4 beds and the women’s wash and WCs. Curtains are needed. The shower was out of
action but there is a bath for emergency use.
The Dining Room is well decorated with 2 electric heaters, parquet flooring and curtains. The Common
Room holds a welcome open fire but the room is in need of a face lift. There are large french windows
but if curtains could be installed, they would be a bright addition to the room. The Members Kitchen is
another converted room, windowed on 2 sides, with 10 gas points and a grill, 1 sink and 2 draining
boards. There were 50 self cookers, so things got tight. The room needs an extractor fan as condensation
made things uncomfortable. I noticed some empty buildings around the yard [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report, 22/4/1973 (extracts)].
The Bartletts
Eric and Kate Bartlett retired in November. Previously wardens of Jordans Hostel for four years, they
moved to Ty’n-y-Caeau in 1946.
In addition to his duties as warden, Eric has a long record of involvement in other spheres. A keen
birdwatcher and naturalist, he was a member of the Brecon Beacons National Park Committee for 14
years and is now a member of the Welsh Committee of the Countryside Commission. He is a Justice of
the Peace and Chairman of the Juvenile Bench. He has a long association with the South Wales Mountain
Rescue Committee and was for many years a key figure in the organisation of the South Wales Marathon
Walk.
Whilst at Ty’n-y-Caeau he pioneered YHA pony trekking in South Wales, and cyclists were always most
welcome as he was once a keen member of that fraternity.
Members arriving at the hostel for the first time were sometimes a little put off by Eric’s judicial stare,
the way he wanted not only to see their sheet sleeping bag, but also to see the pillow cover as well. But
during their stay they would appreciate Kate’s fine cooking, notice the unobtrusive allocation of duties,
the availability of hiking aids not normally part of the hostel store, or the firm way Eric dealt with the
occasional awkward hosteller. Then they would realise that here was a comparatively large, busy hostel
being run efficiently and in keeping with the true YHA spirit, and they would leave Ty’n-yCaeau with a
deep respect for Eric, grateful that the Bartletts were part of the South Wales hostelling scene [HN
Winter 1976-77].
(s)

BREDE 1936 to 1937.
Chitcombe Farm, Broad Oak, Brede, East Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 812209[GD]

▲Opened Whit 1936.
✚Closed 1937. 32 bednights registered in 1938SY, probably October 1937.
Handbook 1936 supplement-37.
Alternative name: Chitcombe (1936 supplement)
Property tenure:
Property profile: the farm was originally part of the Manor Estate adjoining. It was constructed in the late 19th century
from pre-cast concrete using stones from a South Coast beach, and features very thick walls [owner].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Brede 751 ≈† RG37.tif

BRENDON 1931 to 1954.
Rockford Lodge, Brendon, Lynton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 756477*

▲Opened 5/1931 [GSEar32]. The warden in 1932 was Mrs Wilson. It would need expansion the
following season [GSEar32]. After 1933 it was intended to close this hostel and open Brendon
Rectory (qv) instead; in 1934 there would be no hostel due to unforeseen circumstances [Handbook
1934(1st edn)], but Rockford Lodge continued. It reopened in 7/1934 [GSEar34] and was included
in the 2nd edn. Another house in the village was offered as an overflow, but turned down
[GSEmins 20/10/1937].

54
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. Exemption from further requisitioning was granted
during 1941SY [GSEar41]. Closure was averted in 1945 [GSEar45].

In 1946 the doubt over the hostel’s future was reflected in its omission from the handbook; it
survived, however, with new wardens, and gained 3,000 overnights in that year.
It was closed after damage in the Lynmouth flood disaster (15-16/8/1952) but reopened, with 3104
and 2826 bednights, in the final two years. The November-December 1953 Rucksack Magazine
advertised the hostel for sale as a going concern by the warden, subject to contract with the region.
✚Closed 12/9/1954 [GSEar55].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-45; 1946(supplement only); 1947-54
Alternative name: Rockford Lodge (1931(1st edn)-31(3rd edn)).
Property tenure: this was at the outset an adopted hostel: members made payments to the warden. From 1934 there was
a more controlled operation here, with YHA’s own warden. The ownership in 1953 and 1954 is not clear.
Property profile: long riverside property converted from two or three cottages. Teas were served. Now (2013) a holiday
home.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Brendon 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Brendon 752 ≈† 400M RG47.tif
BRENDON (Rectory) Planned replacement for 1934. Almost certainly did not open.
▼It was planned to expand operations at Brendon after the 1933 season by moving to the Rectory; it would in future be
run by the Group under its own wardens [GSEar33]. As only a third of the usual bednights were registered for 1934SY
for Brendon, and the Rockford Lodge hostel reopened in July, it is doubtful if this plan came to fruition. The exclusion
from the 1st edition 1934 Handbook might support this view.
BRENDON Planned hostel 1955. Did not open.
Brendon, Lynton, Devon. GR: SS 7547
▼It was hoped to open in the area [Handbook 1955, no details].

BRENT (see Brentmoor)
BRENTMOOR 1945 to 1953.
Brentmoor House, South Brent, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 682635

▲Opened 30/3/1945.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel had a busy first season in 1945.

✚Closed 20/12/1953. The hostel was in the water catchment area, hence its closure, though not
submerged under the Adam Dam reservoir. The annual report blamed the stringent financial
position for the closure, with the lease due to end 3/1955 [DACar53]. Nevertheless, a search was on
for a replacement [DACar54].
Handbook 1945-54.
Alternative names: Brent (1945-46); Brent Moor (1947).
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: blown up by the Marines in 1960. Certain outbuildings remain [1950s warden, in 2006].
Brentmoor House was the hub of a large 19th-century estate alongside the Avon. It was demolished in 1968 and there is
little left. The garden entrance remains [Website, below].
Web resource: http://www.richkni.co.uk/dartmoor/huntingdon.htm
Reports, recollections and observations:
A property ideally situated on the southern slopes of Dartmoor, standing on the banks of the River Avon,
and proving to be an excellent link to the Bellever hostel. Quite a stir was created in the national press
when it was announced that Professor Joad of the Times was to perform the opening ceremony. The
Professor, always known for his liking to catch the public eye, agreed to officiate at the opening,
provided that the YHA arranged for him to be able to ride, on horseback, from Brent Station to the hostel.
We took up the challenge, and arranged with the Dartmoor Hunt to provide a horse and accompanying
riders, to travel the distance of ¾ of a mile from station to hostel [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs,
1977].

BRETTON [farmhouse] 1941 to 1966
The Croft, Nether Bretton, Eyam, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 200780*

▲Opened 5/1941.
Wartime arrangements: the discovery of these premises was announced as a discovery in an Executive circular of
19/2/1941, for a price of £625. After opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. Italian prisoners of war were

55
outstationed here, in a Nissen hut in the grounds (the concrete base is evident in 2011) [L Cartledge]. In 1944 the
improvement of a lean-to to create a dormitory annexe raised the accommodation to 24 [though this was not used –
idem]. At this time water was collecting by bucket from a trough.

Preliminary talks were held to discuss the rebuilding of Bretton Hostel, in simple style [NMIar64].
✚Closed 17/4/1966. It was necessary, for safety reasons, to rebuild entirely: see entry below.
Handbook 1941-67.
Alternative name: Bretton Farm (1941-43).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 19/6/1941) [YHAF].
Property profile: former whitewashed stone-built farmhouse on the 1,200 ft contour. At the time of purchase it was
described as a two-up, two-down cottage with cowshed for 5 beasts, with chamber above, cowhouse for 10 beasts, large
hay barn, new lean-to shed, implement shed, outside lavatory and 17 acres of land. Women would be in the house and
men in the outbuildings. There was no electricity, and lighting would be by oil lamp. A captioned postcard described
the kitchen as on the left, downstairs, with the female dorm above; the common room was on the right, downstairs, with
the men’s dorm above. Outside there was a stone water trough in front of the kitchen, and two outbuildings – a single
story lean-to coal house to the left of the kitchen, and a low cycle shed to the left of that.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bretton A 751 ≈† RG46.doc; Y050001-Bretton A 752 ≈† pc.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
We bought a cottage and 17 acres in 1941, and used the cottage as a simple committee-wardened hostel.
Early in the war the Ministry of Agriculture requesitioned the land but not the cottage, and eventually by
agreement with us bought most of the land, leaving us the cottage and a couple of crofts. Paid about £900
I think for the land. Then in 1966 the cottage was damp and we decided to pull it down and rebuild more
or less the same size. The dismantling was done by members and a bulldozer levelled the ground…
[Notes from Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].
Several blankets were steaming steadily [Mary Jephcott, November 1958, recounted in 2015].
My Bretton booking was returned as the hostel was being rebuilt [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the
Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
We bought a cottage and 17 acres in 1941, and used the cottage as a simple committee-wardened hostel.
Early in the war the Ministry of Agriculture requested the land but not the cottage, and eventually by
agreement with us bought most of the land, leaving us the cottage and a couple of crofts. Paid about £900
I think for the land. Then in 1966 the cottage was damp and we decided to pull it down and rebuild more
or less the same size. The dismantling was done by members and a bulldozer levelled the ground… [from
notes written by Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972] [Contd below].
(v)

BRETTON [new build] 1967 to 2014.
Bretton, Eyam, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 5QD.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 200780*

▲Opened 1967. This was a newly-built hostel on almost the same site as the entry above, enabled
by finance from the Small Hostels Fund and much voluntary labour. New showers, toilets and a
drying room were provided in 1992, with a grant from the Small Hostels Fund [Car92].
✚Closed 31st October 2014 and sold on 28th November 2014 for continued use as a hostel outside
YHA.
Handbook 1968-2009.
Property tenure: freehold up to November 2014 on the hostel and land.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel, a modern small detached stone-faced building. At the time of sale in 2014 it was
advertised as: Panelled Entrance Hall, Inner Hallway leading to a Sitting Room (4.9m x 4.8m), Kitchen (3.8m x 3.5m).
Off the Entrance Hallway, access is also gained to a range of WC and Washroom facilities. Stairs rise from the Hall to
the First Floor landing, Bedroom 1 (3.7m x 2.6m), Bedroom 2 (4.9m x 2.5m) and Bedroom 3 (4.9m x 3.6m).
Reports, recollections and observations:
[Contd from above]… the walls were built partly by direct labour from Sheffield and partly by the
maintenance men with holiday paid help. Roof put on partly by unpaid volunteers and partly by
maintenance men. Remainder of work done by unpaid volunteers, including septic tank and trench for
and installation of mains water, and making good the surrounds. Cost about I think £4,000 [Notes from
Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].
From January 1998 Bretton will be open every weekend throughout the year, from 1930 on Fridays and
1700 on Saturdays, possibly earlier. The hostel has full heating and an open real coal fire with an
enthusiastic voluntary warden to look after you and so is ideal for that cosy winter break. With wellequipped self-catering kitchen (including fridges and full size ovens) you will have no problem preparing
a meal while there’s a good pub nearby if you prefer to eat out. Bretton is cared for by a team of
volunteers who believe that the decor and cleanliness of the hostel is second to none! [YHA News end
1997].

56
…the walls were built partly by direct labour from Sheffield and partly by the maintenance men with
holiday paid help. The roof was put on partly by unpaid volunteers and partly by maintenance men. The
remainder of the work was done by unpaid volunteers, including septic tank and trench for and
installation of mains water, and making good the surrounds. Cost I think about £4,000. [from notes
written by Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].
(s)

BRIARY, THE 1932 to 1933.
The Briary, Lillingstone Lovell, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire
YHA Region: WAN
GR: SP 727415
Positional note: the hostel is indicated reasonably precisely on a 1932 large-scale WAN map [YHA Archive].≠

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being 24/3/1932. 98 bednights and hostel receipts of £5/4/8d
were recorded [WANar32].
✚Closed 2/1933. There was an agreement with Miss [or Mrs] Holland, warden, to store equipment
and operate as a single-sex hostel in part of the house over the winter of 1932-33, but the Rugby
Council elected to close the hostel in 2/1933 and transfer equipment to Stoneleigh [WANmins33].
It seems quite likely that the last use was made in 1932.
Handbook 1932.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel is in an old Carolinian Dower house barn. It is part of a small farm on the borders of this
old Whittlewood forest and is quite three miles from any village, a really rural spot [Hiker and Camper article
10/1932].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Briary 751 ≈ YHA plan.tif
(v)

BRICKET WOOD 1931 only.
Woodbury, Lye Lane, Bricket Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire
YHA Region: LON
GR: TL 132025
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for Woodbury Manor, Lye Lane, a possible location advised by L Hart, Bricket
Wood Society.≠

▲Opened (by 7/) 1931. There were (eg) 25 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
✚Closed 1931.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-31(4th edn).
Property tenure:
Property profile: a verandahed wooden building with dormitory seemingly in the roof space. The neighbourhood of
Bricket Wood was once noted for its plethora of wooden cabins [local history society].

BRIDGES LONG MYND 1931 to present.
The School House, Bridges, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 OSP.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 394964*

▲Opened Whitsun 1931 (1/5/1931 in Handbook) as temporary quarters [BMWar31]. The mess
room and 12-bed men’s dorm were in schoolrooms, and 8-bed women’s dorm in the schoolhouse
[1932 pamphlet].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was requisitioned for a time in Autumn 1940 by the
Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, then released for Summer 1941 [BMWar41].

Bridges was closed during 1954 (771 bednights). It did not open in 1955 after the retirement, due to
severe ill-health, of the warden Mrs Dora Jones. She was in her eighties and died on 31 January
1956, at which time she was the oldest youth hostel warden in the country. Her tenure had begun
when the hostel was opened in 1931. After purchase by YHA in 1955 the hostel was partially
reopened 30/3/1956, fully 24/6/1956, and named the Hugh Gibbins Memorial Hostel [BMWar56].
In the 1950s drinking water still came from a spring, washing water from a stream, and sanitation
was the most basic. Electricity was brought to the hostel in 1959 [YHr 5/1959].
A simple flat-roof toilet block in brown brick was added by YHA in 1968, and the belfry truncated:
the January 1969 issue of Youth Hosteller announced that the new extension had been built to
provide washrooms, toilets and showers for men and for women, thus saving the year-round
discomfort of dipping plastic bowl in Darnford Brook for washing. The entrance was improved and
an electrically heated drying cabinet installed. The building work was carried out by a local

57
contractor and the water supply installed by voluntary working parties. The whole scheme cost
about £2,000, most of which would be met by a grant from national funds. Following completion of
the work, the warden enhanced the garden considerably.
In 1991 YHA was looking to close the hostel; it was purchased by Michael Boulton of Cardington
and kept open as an embryonic YHA Enterprise Hostel. [JI Langford, M Boulton].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-2009.
Alternative name: Bridges (1931(1st edn)-91).
Property tenure: after an initial period when it was a simple accommodation hostel [Birmingham Newsletter 3/1954]
the premises became a freehold purchase for £1,100, entirely from Regional Funds (to YHA Trust 27/7/1955). In recent
years the hostel has been privately owned and run under an arrangement with YHA.
Property profile: village school (a single schoolroom) and 4-bedroomed schoolhouse, together with belfry and clock
tower, commissioned by Lady Scott and built in local stone in 1866, though redundant by about 1898 . The property
was taken in 1929 by farmer Edward Jones; his wife became warden in 1931. Since the hostel’s sale and Enterprisetype continuation in 1991 it has been subsequently greatly modified. The belfry has been rebuilt [JI Langford, M
Boulton].
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y691008-1.doc
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bridges 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Bridges 752 ≈† RGxx.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 21, Bridges, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1953.
Reports, recollections and observations:
For many years the house was a Church school. It is now the home of the oldest Youth Hostel Warden in
the county, Mrs D Jones, who started the work when the hostel was opened in 1931. Mrs Jones, a
charming personality, has lived in Bridges for 60 years and was born near Clun where her father was a
gamekeeper to the Earl of Powis for 50 years. She likes young people and the hostel is always very
popular.
Bridges was discovered by Mr Gibbon, Mr Cadbury and Mr Baron – all well known figureheads in the
organisation [article by Jaye Tonkin, ca 1950].
(s)

BRIDGWATER 1935 to 1940.
Crowpill House, Chilton Street, Bridgwater, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 298375*

▲Opened Easter 1935, a great success, especially with cyclists [EANar35]. The wardens in 1937
were Mr & Mrs Tapscott, and accommodation M32W20. To assist with rush periods, a secondhand bell tent was purchased for £2.10s [GSEmins 20/7/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed to members in February 1940, because of army occupation, but restored
to YHA use the following month [GSEmins 8/2/1940, 7/3/1940]. There were 880 bednights in that year. Even as late as
14/10/1940 it was available, but only for advance booking. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice.

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1935-40.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 12/6/1935).
Property profile: a dignified and spacious Georgian red-brick house, standing on the river bank, close to the docks
[Regional Guide, 1937] and subsequently demolished [extra information Martin Appleby].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bridgwater 751 ≈† RG37.tif

BRIDLINGTON [Trinity Road] 1943 to 1945.
40 Trinity Road, Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 185672*

▲Opened 7/1943.
Wartime arrangements: there were 232 bednights after opening in 1943, 1234 in 1944 and 44 in 1945SY, before
closure.

✚Closed end 1/1945, or [YSHar45] 2/1945.
Handbook 1944.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel.
Property profile: red-brick semi-detached house, previously and subsequently [2003] a guest house.
(v)

BRIDLINGTON [Eastrington Lodge] 1946 to 1965.
Eastrington Lodge, 3 Tennyson Avenue, Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 187671*

58
▲Opened 1/2/1946, after delay.
✚Closed 1/1965 because of progressively low usage [YSHar65]. The property was sold 24/11/1965
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-65.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 21/9/1945).
Property profile: substantial yellow-brick building, recently the Conservative Party town offices.
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the early years the hostel was criticised in some YHA circles for providing cheap beach holidays rather
than traditional hostelling accommodation: seasiders would find alternative accommodation on Tuesday
night, and resume on the Wednesday, because of the 3 night limit [hosteller’s memory].
(v)

BRIDPORT [Tynrhos] 1933 to 1938 or 1939 and again in 1942.
Tynrhos, West Bay Road, Bridport, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: LON/SOU

GR: SY 466913

▲Opened 1933. It was passed from LON to SOU Region during 1936 [LONar36].
✚Closed 1938 or early 1939, and replaced by Bridport (Priory Mills). It may have seen some usage
in 1939, as it was to be closed [LRN 2/1939]). See next entry for further use in 1942.
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: semi-detached villa.
According to Bridport museum’s 1922 rate valuation list, Tynrhos was the southernmost of four houses on West Bay
Road. It is at 107 West Bay Road, now [2014] named Summerlands and split into flats [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bridport A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

BRIDPORT [Priory Mills] 1939 to 1976.
Priory Mills, Priory Lane, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3RW.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW

GR: SY 464926*

▲Opened Easter 1939, leased from 25/3/1939 [YHAPB], and replacing Bridport (Tynrhos) Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned at the outbreak of war after 6 months’ use. It was liable to closure
[Handbook 1940], and did not function for the rest of the war. A hostel was available 1/6/1942-30/9/1942 with 806
bednights, but did not look like being so in 1943 [SOUar42]. This was the old hostel at Tynrhos: the Association’s own
hostel in the Boys Club, Bridport, is still closed, but until it is available again, Mrs Reynolds, Tynrhos, West Bay Road,
Bridport, has kindly offered to provide Youth Hostel accommodation at her house. This is a return to out first Bridport
Youth Hostel, which was in use before the Boys’ Club premises were taken over [1942 memo, LRN 1942]. From that
point on it was lost [SOUar43].

After the war hopes were expressed that it would be available again in 1946 [SOUar45]. It was not
finally derequisitioned until June 1946, however [SOUar46], reopening after a further delay at
Easter 1947 [SOUar47]. Adaptations were still not complete by then, and it would not be possible
to accommodate the full 60 until Whitsun [Rucksack, Easter 1947], but now with resident wardens
and provided meals [Rucksack, Autumn 1947].
At the end of the 1960s the members’ kitchen was remodelled [Youth Hosteller March 1969].
✚Closed 1976 when the hostel transferred to Bridport (West Rivers House); Priory Mills would
cost too much to provide with modern fire precautions and was not suited to expansion. Closure in
1975 had been intended but this was delayed, and Priory Mills reopened for the summer meantime
[HN Summer 1976].
Handbook 1939-40; 1946 supplement (published 3/1947); 1947-75
Property tenure: at first leasehold (to YHA Trust 13/3/1940). In 1947 the hostel was purchased freehold (Ministry of
Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 31/12/1947).
Property profile: former rope or net mill dating from the 18th century, then a Boys’ Club. Now [2014] private
residences.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bridport B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I soon found the hostel. A long queue was waiting to sign in and I waited behind a party of juveniles.
When I handed in my card the warden said, ‘I like to see the older members.’ He told me that if ever I
wanted a route planned in the Lake District he would be pleased to arrange one for me. The dormitory
was very large [Pat Packham, A Holiday in South-West England, 30 July 1958].
(v)

59
BRIDPORT [West Rivers House] 1976 to 1995 or 1996.
West Rivers House, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5BW.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SY 461929*

▲Opened 1976, replacing Bridport (Priory Mills) Hostel: transfer to West Rivers House was not
expected until Autumn 1976.
✚Closed 1995 or [YHAF]1996: the hostel was reported in poor condition, and would be replaced
by Portland Hostel [mins 28/4/1995]. It may not open [Handbook 1996]. The last bednights were in
1995SY, finishing 29/2/1996.
Handbook 1976-96
Property tenure: freehold purchase 15/6/1976 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: previously council offices vacated in local government reorganisation but recently renovated; after
YHA use a supported housing scheme.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Portland YH
Profile
(v)

BRIGHSTONE 2004 to present.
The Scout, Guide and Community Centre, North Street, Brighstone, Isle of Wight PO30 4AX.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: S

GR: SZ 428828*

▲Seasonal summer hostel opened July 2004 [YHAN]. It was to be available to YHA in school
summer holidays only. The hostel has operated each season after 2004, directed from YHA Totland
Bay [YHA info].
Handbook 2009.
Property tenure:
Property profile: new purpose-built Scouting Association accommodation, completed 2004, though a dedicatory stone
is dated 2003.
(v)

BRIGHTON (PATCHAM) 1938 to 2007.
Patcham Place, London Road, Brighton BN1 8YD.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region:
LON, LON/SOU; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 300089*

▲Opened 3/1939 [LON mins] or 7/4/1939 [GD], though actually opened unofficially, with twenty
beds for work parties, by 12/1938 [LRN 12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was restricted for a time, but was available in 1940, at least in November and
December, and again by the end of 1941 [LONar41]. 1942 is uncertain, but after 1417 bednights the following year it
closed 8/1943 for the duration of the war, the lease being suspended by Brighton Corporation [LONar43]. In 1944-45 it
was still requisitioned, and efforts were being made to secure its release [Handbook 1945].

Patcham Hostel finally reopened in 1946. In 1966 the poor members’ kitchen was completely
rebuilt [LRN Jun66].
In 1986 expanded accommodation was planned through the removal of staff to a specially
purchased house [YHAar86].
✚Closed 2007: the hostel was due to close end 10/2007, but the last use was 30/9/2007 [manager].
The staff house was sold 2/11/2007.
Handbook 1939-43; 1945-2007/08
Alternative names: Patcham (1939-66); Patcham (Brighton) (1967-85); Brighton (Patcham) (1986-87).
Property tenure: tenancy from Brighton Corporation. A house for warden’s accommodation was acquired freehold
[YHAar85].
Property profile: mansion built by Sir William West (Baron de la Warr) in 1588.
Little remains of the original building, which was rebuilt and enlarged in 1764. The façade is covered in black
mathematical tiles. This grade II listed building remained empty in March 2010 [GD].
Immediately before the YHA took over, the building was used as classroom overflow, and left severely damaged. It
was used during the war by Brighton Corporation for Civil Defence purposes, and left severely damaged again.
Web resource: http://www.mybrightonandhove.org.uk/page_id__6133_path__0p115p194p853p.aspx (former use)
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Patcham 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(s)

BRIGHTON (PATCHAM) [Temporary] 1963 to 1968.

60
Patcham, Brighton.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE

GR: TQ 3008 approx.

▲✚There was a temporary hostel near Patcham Place on Wednesday nights in summer when
Patcham Place was closed [YHr 7/1964]. It operated in 1963 (558 bednights, 1/8 to 31/8), 1964
(844 bednights), 1965 (982 bednights), 1966 (1161 bednights) and 1967 (1309 bednights) [SEars].
In 1968 820 stayed.
BRIGHTON [Old Steine] 2014 to present.
Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1NH.
Historic County: Sussex

GR: TQ 3192110260*

▲Opened 17/11/2014. There are 151 beds.
Property tenure: the building was bought for £4.5m by a company called Development Securities Plc with whom YHA
signed a 100- year lease to operate the hostel.
Property profile: the Royal York Brighton Hotel bought by YHA was built in 1771 as a private residence. The building
first became a hotel in 1819, going on to host distinguished guests such as Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli. It
was converted to council offices in 1930 (including the town’s registry office for a while), and back into a hotel in
2006. There are 51 rooms, all en-suite, 18 of which are double rooms. YHA Brighton is also offering premium rooms.
There is a conference/meeting room, licensed bar and restaurant.

BRISTOL [Strontian Lodge] 1949 to 1965.
Strontian Lodge, Cotham Side, Bristol 6.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE; SW

GR: ST 587740*

▲Opened 1/6/1949, [brief details only, Handbook 1949] and officially opened 8/10/1949. Strontian
Lodge and Thorpe Lodge were purchased, the former for the hostel and the latter for the
administration centre of the GSE Region. Adapatations were complete, the local working party had
redecorated, and the hostel would shortly offer a high standard of accommodation [Rksk MayJun52].
✚Closed 31/12/1965. There had been a substantial loss because of high expenditure for years on
repairs and maintenance [GSEar65]. The hostel was sold 18/8/1967 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1949-66
Property tenure: freehold purchase of both properties (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 26/1/1949).
Property profile: old twin semi-detached town houses, in stone, with heavy porches. The properties are now demolished
and replaced with a block of care flats, called Thorpe Lodge. A 1950s map shows that Strontian Lodge, the hostel
premises, was in the leftt-hand or easternmost of the pair, further from Cotham Road South than Thorpe Lodge.
(s)

BRISTOL [St John Reade Hall of Residence] [Temporary] 1981 to 1988.
St John Reade Hall of Residence, Redland Green, Bristol BS6 7HE.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: ST 580750*

▲Seasonal hostel opened 22/7/1981. There were 40 beds. In 1981 it was open for 6 weeks, in 1982,
5.
✚Closed 1988, the end of season being 28/8/1988, though 0 bednights were recorded for that year
[Sar91].
Handbook 1981 supplement-88.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Bristol Polytechnic Hall of Residence, built between about 1960 and 1970. In 1982 the YH was using
only the lower three floors of the building, but more floors could be added if needed [Ymemo1982]. Application was
made in 2000 to demolish the building; a new block of serpentine design exists in its place.

BRISTOL [Hayman House] 1989 to present.
Hayman House, 14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, Somerset BS1 4QA.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: S

GR: ST 585724*

▲Opened July 1989. The 125-bed hostel had at first been expected to open in August 1988 [1988
Handbook], later January 1989 [1989 Handbook]. It was officially opened 16/2/1990, and
promoted as the YHA’s first Urban Environmental Study Centre. An appeal fund had been started
in 1986, headed by William Waldegrave MP, and assistance was received from the DES, the ETB,
and City of Bristol Council [YHAar90]. A major refit was effected in 2009. One of the changed

61
features was the removal of the spiral stair from ground floor to mezzanine level for a standard
staircase. The main entrance was moved to the waterfront side from Prince Street.
Handbook 1988-2009.
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former tea warehouse. The hostel is named after Mr and Mrs Hayman, tireless workers for the local
YHA Group, though it is informally called the Grain House.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1047582
(s)

BRIXHAM 1939 to 1944.
31 Burton Street, Brixham, Devon (St John’s, Bolton Cross, Brixham in 1939; St Veronica’s,
Burton Street in 1939 Regional Guide).
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 922555*

▲Opened Easter 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure, though a national notice of 5/11/1940
advised that it was closed until further notice. It was possibly last used in late 1943 as there were but 36 bednights in
1944SY. A reduced number of beds was available 1942-44.

✚Closed at the end of 1944 [YHAF, Charles Allen memoirs].
Handbook 1939-40; 1942-44.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large early 19th-century three storey detached house (now grade II listed), with rendered walls and
two storey wings either side. The street has apparently been renumbered at some point and the property, now known as
Burton Court, has been subdivided into flats with the front garden converted to a car park. With regard to the other
addresses given the Sisters of Mercy ran St Veronica’s Home in Burton Street (time and location unknown). Nothing is
known about the address at St Johns, Bolton Cross [GD, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sutton Veny YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A one time convent school, owned and wardened by Mr and Mrs Hobbs, members of the Society of
Friends, a 45 bed hostel situated not far from the centre of Brixham Town. A very popular hostel
wardened by people that were really interested in the members, especially their walks while in the
district. Mr Hobbs himself organised walks along the cliff paths around the Mudstone Bay area and Berry
Head, including the old forts on the headland. He also made arrangements with the Trinity Lighthouse
Organisation, whereby parties of hostellers were shown around the Berry Head Lighthouse. The hostel
opened in 1938 [1939], continued throughout the war period until the end of 1944, following which Mr
Hobbs made a sale of the property, which was at the time when the YHA sought the possibility of the
purchase of the building at Maypool, thereby declining the offer made by Mr Hobbs [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

BROAD HAVEN 1980 to present.
Broad Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 3JH.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SM 862140*

▲Opened 27/6/1980. Building work was disrupted when the contractor ceased trading and work
stopped in May 1979, resuming in the autumn with new contractors [WSar79]. It had been hoped to
open here [no details, Handbooks 1979 and 1980, details in 1980 supplement]. There was an
official opening 13/6/1981 [query date]. The 60-bed hostel was built with financial aid from the
Countryside Commission and the Pembroke Coast National Park. In 1987 the hostel was renovated
[YHAar1987]. Another extensive refurbishment costing £140,000 culminated in a reopening
ceremony on 3/7/2008. The work involved reconfiguring the building, with a new reception and
café area, en suite facilities in all 15 bedrooms, three new rooms for group leaders in the annexe, all
eating and food preparation areas renewed and enhanced provision for people with disabilities
[brochure, 2008].
Handbook 1979-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold for 99 years from 18/6/1980 at a peppercorn rate from Dyfed CC and Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park Authority [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel, the first with a specific YHA design brief for the disabled, and a suitably
equipped minibus was provided [YHAar81, HN Spring 1981]. A family unit was also incorporated.
(s)

BROADSTAIRS 1991 to 2005.

62
Thistle Lodge, 3 Osborne Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2AE.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: S

GR: TR 390679*

▲Opened 4/1991, after original plans for a hostel in Ramsgate, for its ferry trade, failed to produce
a suitable building. There were beds for 37, many in the basement. It was for sale in autumn 2004.
The business was owned and developed by Richard Bell, an accountant and youth hostel enthusiast,
(ex-Marsden and Holland House YHs) who also opened Margate Hostel and ran the two side by
side from 1997 to 2003, when John Shears took over. Triangle of Spring 2004 advised that the
manager and his family were moving back into the main building, reducing capacity from 34 to 23,
but creating another public space.
✚Closed 2005 [YHA file].
Handbook 1992-2005/06.
Alternative name: Broadstairs (Ramsgate) (1996-99).
Property tenure: a private enterprise arrangement with YHA.
Property profile: brick-built Victorian villa, probably in connection with the adjacent church, with entry steps,
basement, bay and extension to the left. It was the home of a local railway contractor in the 1860s. There was a welldeveloped garden to the rear. A further extension has been added since closure.
Reports, recollections and observations:
YHA’s and local planning approval having been received for our expansion, Broadstairs upgrade is now
well under way, with completion for end September. Improved kitchen/washing facilities plus a new
common room/reception and an expanded dining room. Beds increase from 31 to 37 (but only 31 for
Rent a Hostel) [YHAN Nov92].
(v)
BROADWAY Planned hostel 1954-55. Did not open.
Broadway, Gloucestershire. GR: SP 0937
▼A prospect here was being investigated [BMWar54,YHAB 2/1955].

BROCKWEIR 1931 to 1932.
The Barn House, Brockweir, Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire
YHA Region: SWA
GR: SO 537025
Positional note: it seems possible that this house has been replaced by another of the same name; the location is not
entirely certain.≠

▲Opened about the end 6/1931 [Handbook]. Accommodation was for men only.
✚Closed 1932, the end of season being 31/10/1932.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-32.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee was brought up at Barn House, a five-bedroom former pottery
at Brockweir Common on the southern edge of the forest, which her father Phillip attempted for a time to run as a
commune.

BRODENHILL 1948 to 1952.
Lower Brodenhill House, Clapworthy, South Molton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SS 673237

▲Opened 14/6/1948. The warden was Mrs L Wicks (1948).
✚Closed 1952, when the rental agreement expired [DACar53]. The last bednights were in 1952SY.
Handbook 1948 supplement-53.
Alternative name: South Molton (1948) [DACar48].
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: the hostel was at a petrol station near Clapworthy Bridge.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A farm building situated on the valley road from Crediton to South Molton, established on the Exeter
Committee’s idea of creating a Mid Devon link between hostels in North and South Devon. It was a
small hostel of 24 beds scattered around a rather dilapidated number of farm buildings, not easy in
approach and mounting a number of problems between the warden and members. This was mainly due to
the barn buildings being separate from the farm house, leaving members rather free access to them,
especially late at night, to which the farmer naturally had many objections, his main worry being the
possibility of fire in the nearby hay ricks. Nevertheless the hostel did function for a period of five years,
and after reaching an annual bed-night usage of about 1500 finally closed down in 1952 [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

63
BROMPTON-ON-SWALE Camping barn 1993≠ to 2015.
▲Village Farm, Brompton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 216997
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1993-2009. Also open 2010-2015.
Property profile: in a former byre. Bunk beds and bedding are supplied.

BROOM 1944 to 1968.
Broom Hall, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN; MD

GR: SP 092531*

▲Opened 6/4/1944. Official opening 30/9/1944.
Wartime arrangements: there were significant bednights in 1944 and 1945.

✚Closed 16/9/1968, because of incurring loss. The property sold 8/1/1969 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1944-68.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 18/1/1945).
Property profile: half-timbered hall, built by the Throgmorton family circa 1577. In 2007 the Broom Hall Inn.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
We appreciate the extra trouble taken to feed two ‘cranky’ vegetarians…
The food was excellent in spite of stringent rationing…
Very nice hostel and nice food, but men’s lavatories should be installed indoors [housebook comments,
1946].
We loved Broom. The cycle shed was round the back, all bikes piled on top of each other. A good link
with Shottery [Mary Jephcott, July 1946, recounted in 2015].
Broom Hall takes a large number, but it is rather crowded on that account. The tables are so close in the
dining room that when squeezed into your place you remain, and are served from the hatch by whomever
happens to sit at the head of your table. Likewise in my dorm, 4 bed units would have been enough, but
there were six... My companions were nearly all youngsters, some with a girl friend, some with a boy
friend, and only one other besides myself married. My skirt is very much in the minority, and my
stockings positively the only pair ever seen at a youth hostel [Mabel Pratt, August 1947].
Lovely hostel, half-timbered [Rev G Greenhough, 1951].
In its early days the hostel playing host [to the Record Circle, now approaching its 25th anniversary] was
Broom Hall; the former wardens there, Dick and Katie Burton, launched it [HN Summer 191976].
(v)

BROUGHTON 1943 to 1952.
Broughton Rectory, Broughton, Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 837758*

▲Opened beginning 12/1943.
Wartime arrangements: this self-cookers’ hostel used the ground floor of the rectory [WANar43,44]. There were
significant bednights in 1944SY and 1945.

Accommodation was 24, later 40. Broughton Hostel was due to close with the opening of the
planned Knuston Hall [Handbook 1949], but continued when that scheme failed.
✚Closed 30/9/1952, because of working difficulties [WANar52].
Handbook 1944-52.
Property tenure:
Property profile: substantial stone-built rectory adjacent to the church.

BROUGHTON ASTLEY 1939 to 1941.
The Woodlands, Broughton Astley, Lutterworth, Leicestershire.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SP 531924*

▲Opened 1/7/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure. After 1939, when use was very light, the
sleeping accommodation was moved into the house [Rucksack New Year 1940]. Use in 1940 and 1941 was modest. A
national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. There were 20 bednights registered for 1942SY,
over 10 days only: this was almost certainly October 1941 [NMIar42].

✚Closed probably 10/1941.
Handbook 1939amendments-41.
Property tenure:

64
Property profile: Woodlands is a large house on the north-east side of Station Road, formerly the main village street
between the village centre and the old Great Central Railway station, but now a cul-de-sac formed by a more recent bypass road.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Broughton Astley YH
Profile
(v)

BRYNBERIAN 1949 only.
Llwynihirion School, Eglwyswrw, Crymmych, Pembrokeshire.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 100360*

▲✚Open from 30/7/1949 to 3/9/1949 only. This was a summer seasonal hostel opened with the
assistance of Pembrokeshire CC to alleviate the loss of Rosebush Hostel [SWAar49]. It was visited
by 106 members.
Handbook 1949 supplement.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: schoolhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs YHs
Profile
(v)

BRYN GWYNANT 1959 to present.
Bryn Gwynant, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4NP.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 641513*

▲Opened 23/3/1959, replacing Cae Dafydd Hostel. Field Study facilities were provided [eg
YHAar69].
Full central heating was being installed in the main building to bring it up to the same standard as
the annexe [Youth Hosteller February 1970]. Further improvements were made to the annexe [YHr
4/71]. In 1979 aid from the Countryside Commission enabled additional dormitory accommodation
to be provided [HN Spring 1979].
There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions during 1993 [War1993], and the
annexe was updated and improved, with many small rooms, a kitchenette and dining area for the
benefit of the Rent-a-Hostel programme in winter and to provide extra cooking facility for
hostellers in summer [YHA News March 1994, April 1995].
Handbook 1959-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) 23/12/1958 (to YHA Trust); the Lodge was
leased out (eg) 1/3/1963 to 1972 [YHAPB] and later sold [YHAar82]. The hostel and foreshore are currently freehold
[2012]
Property profile: large country house known as Pen-y-Bryn Uchaf. This was the house (Gwynant) YHA wanted to open
in the 1930s.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cae Dafydd & Bryn
Gwynant YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu &
Snowdon Ranger YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Rhododendrons [overcome by the rare illness malrhododendronitis, for which as yet there is no known
cure] are rampant in the Nant Gwynant valley at the foot of Snowdon, and YHA members are doing their
bit to remedy the situation. Over the last couple of years the North Wales Area Panel, with some help
from their cousins in South Wales, have been ‘rhodo bashing’ at Bryn Gwynant Hostel. They have
carved a woodland trail through the extensive grounds which surround this popular mountain Hostel
[YHA News August 1993].
(s)

BRYN HALL 1946 to 1970.
Bryn Hall, Llanllechid, Bangor, Caernarvonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN

GR: SH 633693*

▲Opened very late in the season, 1946 [MERar46]. There would be no opening date yet [Rucksack
Summer 1946]. A £160 Carnegie Trust was granted for equipment [MERar47].

65
✚Closed 30/9/1970, as the tenancy expired [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-70.
Alternative names: Bryn Hall, Llanllechid (1946-49), Llanllechid, Bryn Hall (1950-51).
Property tenure: rented from Lord Penrhyn, as Idwal Cottage. Ministry of Education grant-aided tenancy (25 years) (to
YHA Trust 26//7/1947).
Property profile: former manager’s house of the nearby Bryn Hafod-y-Wern Quarry, operated in the second half of the
19th century by the Royal Bangor Slate Company. Now a private residence [2008] [Geograph correspondent].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/826895
Reports, recollections and observations:
Bryn Hall is built on one floor and consists of a series of rooms, about 12 on one side, with stable
buildings on the other, and a rough grass courtyard between. There ios one large room 26ft by 18ft and
another 18ft by 15ft; the others are medium sized. The house was used by the quarryman, who
entertained a lot. It’s in a considerable state of disrepair, but not impossibly so, and will be acquired to
relieve Bangor and Idwal Cottage hostels [Mereyside Region pre-inspection report, 3 September 1945].
I was deposited [from the bus, in Llanllechid] in a very small village. [I was told] to take a short cut
across some fields and then follow the road past a deep pool and a track through the slate heaps [Pat
Packham, International Tramping Tours, Holiday for Railway Enthusiasts, 9 August 1958].
I liked BH. It was a bit of a trek up from Bangor (I stayed here twice), and you then had to descend about
a mile to fetch (unpasteurised) milk from a farm for the warden. It was one of Merseyside Region’s
much-lesser-known gems [author, recalled in 2008].
(s)

BRYN POETH UCHAF 1969 to 1998.
Bryn Poeth Uchaf, Cynghordy, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire SA20 ONB.
Historic County: Carmarthenshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SN 796439*

▲Opened Easter 1969 [SWar69]. Hafod-y-Pant was the name of the warden’s farmhouse. The
hostel was prepared by the farmer and volunteers.
The main event during the year has been the opening of the new small hostel at Bryn Poeth Uchaf. The
work was carried out entirely by the voluntary parties helped by the Warden, and her husband who
transported many of the necessary materials by tractor. The wholehearted ‘working together’ exemplified
by this project is an example of what it really means to belong to the YHA [WSar69].

In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the
following ‘defects’: Bryn Poeth Uchaf: access across fields. No meals provided.
The adjoining barn was purchased, intended for a family annexe [WSar74]. Mre Eirwen James of
Hafod-y-Pant moved to a new farm in October 1977[≠], and the new owner Mrs Carter took over
the wardenship [WSar78].
It was refurbished in the mid-1980s [YHAar1987].
✚Closed 1998, due to access difficulties. Two modern wooden chalets at Coleg Elidyr, a Camphill
Community establishment south of Rhandirmwyn, were considered as a replacement.
Handbook 1969-98.
Alternative names: Bryn Poeth Uchaf (Llandovery) (1969-78); Bryn Poeth Uchaf (Rhandirmwyn) (1979-86).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 16/1/1968 (to YHA Trust), and of cowshed and outbuildings 17/4/1974 (to YHA
Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former farm bothy in an isolated position on the 1,000 foot contour. Since closure, the property has
been bought for a private residence and a new access road struck to the side of the building.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,500 bednights.
This hostel, in an excellent moorland situation, was the best Simple hostel we visited. What a little
formica boarding in a Members Kitchen and washroom can do! 3 dormitories upstairs. A large allpurpose room on the ground floor and loos under the same roof.
All beds are of the built-in bunk type and well constructed. They are on blockboard eliminating springs
which so often tend to give way under the usage of boisterous youth. There are 3 dormitories (boys: 8,
girls: 6 and a 2 bunk switch dormitory) , with bright colours and good mattresses. The abolutions are
good and similar for each sex with a WC for each sex. There are 2 built-in basins with cold water only.
The stairs are very steep and out of bounds for invalids. No banister makes ascent difficult.
The Common Room is cum Dining Room cum Members’ Kitchen but it is a large room and as the small
population tends to move around twixt fire & cooking area and eating area, there is never a feeling of
overcrowding.
This is an excellent Simple hostel. Too basic to deserve anything more than Simple but one that most
walkers / cyclists will want to visit again and again. It reflects the efforts of a good warden [Internal
South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 19/4/1973 (extracts)].

66
Wales has four youth hostels with separate self-catering accommodation for families, including Bryn
Poeth Uchaf. Each self-catering unit (sleeps 4 plus a baby), is self-contained and includes bedrooms, a
kitchen, lounge and toilet/washing facilities. They are generally booked by the week (Sat Sat), but shorter
stays may be available in non-peak periods. Facilities and comfort vary between the four locations from
modern apartments with a colour TV to [at Bryn Poeth] an old farmhouse lit solely by gas and this is
reflected in the price. Prices start at £82 per week. This type of family accommodation is very popular
and gets booked up quickly [YHA News spring 1998].
(s)

BUCKHURST HILL (see Epping Forest)
BUCKLEBURY 1935 to late 1942 or 1943.
Hill Foot Farm, Bucklebury, Reading, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 565703

▲Opened 03/1935 [LRN Mar 1942].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, at least in November and December. Records are missing for 194142, but it almost certainly remained in operation. 679 bednights were recorded in 1943 before closure.

✚The hostel was now closed (1943 Handbook alterations). It was the last of the Group’s farmhouse
hostels [LONar43].
Handbook 1935-43.
Property tenure:
Property profile: 17th-century farmhouse, a very delightful place [LONar34].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bucklebury 751 ≈† RG37.tif

BUDE [Rockleigh] 1937 to 1938.
Rockleigh, Flexbury Avenue, Bude, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SS 209071*

▲Opened 5/6/1937 [DACar37]: the opening date is inscribed on a postcard. The wardens were
Misses L and A Gard.
✚Closed 1938 and replaced by Bude (Hillhead House) Hostel.
Property tenure:
Handbook 1938.
Property profile: double-fronted brick house with wide front porch.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Bude A 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
At many of the Plymouth Area Committee Meetings, it had always been a topic that we must in some
way find a property in the Bude, North Cornish Coast Area. And so it was that the Gard members of the
Plymouth Committee came to the rescue by making the offer to undertake, by themselves, the
establishment of a youth hostel in Bude. Having already found a likely property for the purpose, they
asked if the YHA would provide all the necessary equipment, and if they agreed, then they would be able
to undertake the wardening of the hostel.
The committee were naturally quite willing to accept this splendid offer, and so with the help of many
members of the Plymouth Committee, the first North Cornish coastal hostel came into being, and a very
successful hostel it proved, bursting at the seams during its opening period from the 5th of June 1937
until the 30th September 1937 [sic]. In fact, so much so, that it was agreed that a larger building must be
found… [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977, continued with following hostel comment].
(v)

BUDE [Hillhead House] 1939 only.
Hillhead House, Stratton, Bude, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SS 226063*

▲Opened 1939, replacing Bude (Flexbury Avenue) Hostel, which was not large enough. In its sole
year this hostel saw significant trade.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war, but the cancellation of a National
Fitness grant because of conditions may have been a considerable factor [DACar39].
Handbook 1939.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large terraced property.

67
The former Stratton Union Workhouse was built in 1856. The workhouse consisted of a substantial T-shaped building,
with a further block close by to the north (possibly an infirmary). From 1930 onwards it was redesignated as a Public
Assistance Institution under the control of Cornwall County Council. The buildings have been demolished, and light
industry now occupies the site [http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Stratton/ courtesy Peter Higginbotham].
An early form of the YHA Archive once had a working or proposed hostel file (now missing), titled Stratton Isolation
Hospital, Bude, 1939-51 [YHA Archive listing, P Bassett 1980]. This may have indicated a projected but frustrated
hostel reinstatement. A photograph of the hostel in the 1939 Regional Guide shows the terraced block, almost certainly
the isolation hospital referred to above. This stood on what is now Bentley Drive.
Reports, recollections and observations:
…In fact, so much so, that it was agreed that a larger building must be found. Again the Gards put the
YHA on to the one-time workhouse building at Stratton. It was then necessary to enter into negotiations
with the Cornwall County Council for the purchase of this building. These negotiations were long and
drawn out, but the Cornwall CC did allow the association to take over the use of the building pending the
final agreement with the Authorities for its purchase.
All of this was going along quite successfully when the declaration of war immediately cancelled all
negotiations for Government Grant Aid Schemes. It was then necessary to enter into a lease agreement
with the Cornwall CC and then we were able to function as a hostel for three seasons [sic]. During 1940
the RAF requisitioned the building, together with all the equipment and, for a short while, the wardens,
the Misses L and A Gard, until the RAF had established their own chefs, which took about four months
until they had taken over completely. They even suggested the Gards remain on as staff, which they
wisely would not entertain.
Ted Holman was also one of the YH folks that were operating the Stratton hostel and stayed with the
Gards until they left to return home to Plymouth. Ted eventually joined the RAF as ground crew, and so
we lost another good worker for the duration. Following the end of the war, we were still holding a lease
on the Stratton building, having received rent from the RAF for the war period. Negotiations were again
started, to finalise the purchase of the building from the Cornwall CC but were set aside by the County
Housing Committee who were in desperate need for housing accommodation that was in very short
supply following the war. Therefore all YHA versus CCC negotiations were cancelled, and so we were
again without a hostel property in the Bude area [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977, following
from previous hostel comment].
(v)
BUILTH WELLS
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys. GR: SO 0451 approx.
▼YHA was involved with, and advised on, a hostel-style project [WSar85].

BULLS HILL (see Kerne Bridge)
BUNGAY 1945 to 1951.
Dunelm, Lower Olland Street, Bungay, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 338894*

▲Opened Easter 1945. Bungay was a fully controlled hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the final months of the war.

✚Closed 1/1951, as the hostel was unremunerative [EANar51]. The property was sold to East
Suffolk County Council, 1/6/1951 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-51.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 11/1/1945).
Property profile: former accommodation for the grammar school (this use continued under YHA management).
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mainly for health reasons we are losing the wardens. Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Pottenger have been at
Bungay since its opening two years ago, and have worked very hard at the dual task of seeing after the
hosteland the boys from Bungay Grammar School who are boarded there. They hope to move to Norwich
Hostel where the duties are less exacting [Rucksack, New Year 1947].

BUNTINGFORD (HARE STREET) 1931 to 1935.
Wayside, Hare Street, Hormead, Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON/CAM

GR: TL 390296[GD]

▲Opened 1931. The hostel featured in the 1935 Regional Guide, with map. The warden was Mrs A
Robertson.
✚Closed 1935 and replaced by Buntingford (High Street): it had moved [Rucksack Winter 1935].
The hostel had been opened by London Group; it was shortly to be moved to town [CAMar35].

68
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-35.
Alternative names: Wayside (1931(1st edn)-32); Buntingford (1933-34).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the double-fronted house lay on the east side of the road south of the Buntingford Road junction. It is
now called Wayside House [2012].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Buntingford A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Buntingford area YHs
Profile
(v)

BUNTINGFORD [High Street] 1935 or 1936 to 1936.
High Street, Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire
YHA Region: CAM
Positional note: there is uncertainty about this location≠.

GR: TL 361295

▲Opened 1935 or 1936 (in winter 1935-36), replacing Buntingford (Hare Street), it had moved
from Hare Street to the town early in the year [CAMar1936].
✚Closed 1936, announced in Rucksack New Year 1937, and replaced by Buntingford (Town
House). It was the same warden [CAM mins].
Handbook 1936.
Property tenure:
Property profile: midway along village street on east side, almost opposite Westminster Bank, M8W6 [1936
Handbook].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Buntingford area YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The first High Street hostel could only have been one of FIVE buildings
The White House is no 46, TL 361295
High Street east the cream building is no 48 and is a bookie’s. Probably a retail unit in the thirties. the
door to the right is no 48A which no doubt is an upstairs flat of some sort. TL 361295
50 High Street. TL 361296
52 & 54 High Street - 52 is on the right with three bays and handsome door frame/pediment. 54 is the
smaller two bay to left. TL 361296 [information supplied by the Buntingford Railway and Historical
Society].
(v)

BUNTINGFORD [The Town House, High Street] 1936 to 1937.
The Town House, High Street, Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire
YHA Region: CAM
Positional note: there is uncertainty about this location≠.

GR: TL 360298*

▲Opened 1936 (probably early), replacing the previous entry for Buntingford (High Street). It was
open throughout the year; there were 50 bednights in 1937SY.
✚Closed 3/1937 [CAMar37].
Handbook 1937.
Property tenure:
Property profile: this was the last house at the north end of the High Street on its eastern side. The hostel featured in the
1937 Regional Guide, without map (warden Mrs A Robertson), M10W4.
Its full name is Top of Town House and it is located at No.100 High Street [Buntingford Railway & Local History
Society, KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Buntingford C 751 † RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Buntingford area YHs
Profile
(v)

BURLEY [Forest Glen] 1935 to 1954.
Forest Glen, Burley, Ringwood, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 208026

▲Opened 1935, replacing New Milton Hostel. A new hostel opened [Rucksack Winter 1935].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-44 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 29/8/1940 was issued stating that it was unavailable. It was taken by evacuees, then requisitioned [SOUar42,
reporting on period 1939-42], and still requisitioned in 1943 [SOUar43]. It seems likely that the hostel was closed for
the duration of hostilities.

69
Burley Hostel reopened at Easter (April) 1946 [SOUar46]. It was closed again 2/10/1949 when the
warden left the district [SOUar49], but was resurrected as a self-caterers’ hostel for men only
1/1/1950. From 1952 it would serve both sexes again [SOUar51].
✚Closed by 10/1954 [YHAB 10/1954], after the warden resigned.
Handbook 1936-40; 1946-54.
Property tenure:
Property profile: double-fronted brick house with central porch and dormer.
The original YH had been replaced by a modern detached house, still called Forest Glen, by about 2001 at the latest
[KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Burley A 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was beginning to appreciate that youth hostels were diverse but had the common factor of
unpredictability. En route to Burley I learned that it had an exceedingly attractive young lady warden,
which accounted for its flourishing number of visitors. The rumour was well founded [Len Clark,
reporting in 2007].
(v)

BURLEY [Cottesmore House] / NEW FOREST 1959 to present.
Cottesmore House, Cott Lane, Burley, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 4BB.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SU 220028*

▲Opened 21/3/1959; the hostel was opened for the summer only in the first season, before
adaptations could be carried out [SOUar59, Handbook 1959 late news page and supplement].
Officially opened 2/4/1960.
In the mid-1970s the warden’s accommodation was moved to the top floor while the assistant took
over his old bed-sitting room. There are plans to reorganise the self-catering kitchen too, by making
better use of the available space and providing new grills and sink units [WightWash 11/1975]. The
hostel was due to have a marquee to supplement accommodation in the summer of 1977.
A modest scheme to improve washrooms was carried out [SEar85].
In the late 1990s Burley had an extra shower and refurbished WCs fitted [YHA News spring 1998].
In the twenty-first century an experimental expansion was made possible through the use of tepees.
Burley Hostel was renamed YHA New Forest in March 2013. An extensive refurbishment was
undertaken in 2017, with improvements to bedrooms, bathrooms and communal spaces. There are
six bedrooms, two en suite. Outside, there has been considerable development of alternative
accommodation, with three camping pods, four premium bell tents and camping for 15 guests,
supported by a new toilet and shower block.
Handbook 1959-2009.
Alternative name: Burley (New Forest) (1973-87 and 1994).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) 18/12/1958 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former family house.
(s)

BURLEY WOODHEAD 1945 to 1970.
Moorville (or Moor House), Burley Woodhead, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK

GR: SE 151454*

▲Opened Easter 1945 as a 100 bed youth hostel. The first season saw significant business, though
the property was acquired in a dilapidated state [YDM 6/1948].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the final months of the war.

Farm work holidays were arranged here [YDM 8/1947].
Despite impending closure a new men’s washroom, new toilets, new staircase to the men’s dorms,
self-catering improvements, new lino etc were implemented shortly before 1970 [YHr letter Jul70].
✚Closed 30/9/1970, because of diminishing usage, and costs connected with an infestation of death
watch beetle and fire precautionary measures. The property was sold 24/4/1972 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-70.
Alternative names: Burley Wood Head (Nr. Ilkley) (1945); Burley Wood Head (1946-55).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 12/1/1945 as Moor House).
Property profile: mid 19th-century mansion, modelled on an old English castle and built for a Leeds industrialist, in
substantial grounds. In recent years the north-west elevation has been extensively remodelled.

70
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Very cold in winter. Closed (death watch beetle – high maintenance costs) [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
When I was a teenager I lived in Bradford. I would cycle to this hostel and stay there on a Saturday night
as there was always a good dance there. Then I would ride home again on Sunday morning [Frank
Robertshaw, reporting in 2004].
£5,000 [would be] needed to eradicate dry rot and install a fire escape as required by the local fire
prevention department. It is felt that this expenditure is not warranted on a hostel which does only 5,000
bednights a year out of a possible 24,000. Most of the £3,000 spent recently was necessary from a safety
or hygiene standpoint. It was also hoped that improvements to the hostel’s appearance would increase
usage. Members must use their own local hostels if they want them kept open. Organized week-end
rambles arranged at four Yorkshire hostels for National Footpath Week, and publicized well in advance
through local groups, hostel notice boards and YHA publications, were attended only by the four leaders.
It is expected that the sale of Burley Woodhead and its fairly extensive grounds will release more than
enough capital with which to establish a new and smaller hostel (50-60 beds) in the Ilkley area. An
attractive property is at present in view [response to closure by the Yorkshire Regional Secretary, YHr
7/70].
(s)
BURNBANKS 1970s proposal. Did not open.
Haweswater Construction Village site, now (2006) rebuilt.
▼According to the Bampton Local History Society, the Haweswater Authorities (Manchester Corporation, now United
Utilities) were considering raising the level of Haweswater in the 1970s. This would have flooded the old Burnbanks
construction village. Part of the package would have been improved road infrastructure to the area and the provision
of a YHA hostel on a site higher than the original village, the centre of which was GR:NY 507161. This was not
pursued.

BURNHILL 1939 only.
Stationmaster’s House, Burnhill Station, Co Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NZ 064446*

▲Opened 7/1939. This was a very brief arrangement between YHA and the LNER (not North
Eastern Railway, as stated in minutes) in 1939 to lease the station house of the desolate and isolated
Burnhill Passenger Station, at the foot of the Waskerley Incline near the reverse fork of railway
lines, to act as a relief hostel in July and August, the YHA premises at Edmundbyers being nearby.
104 visitors were accommodated in the period. It was provided to meet increased membership and
was deemed successful during its short existence [NOTar39].
✚Closed 9/1939 [YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: the intention was to lease again in the summer of 1940, but on the outbreak of war the LNER
was obliged to recall its leased properties, including Burnhill and Wooler hostels, though not Rosedale, for some reason
[NOTmins39,40].
Property tenure: tenancy with the London North Eastern Railway.
Property profile: the station site is on the Waskerley Way cycle path; all traces of the station, platforms and buildings
have been erased.
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/b/burnhill/index1.shtml
(v)

BURRINGTON 1942 to 1954.
Keeper’s Cottage, Ham, Burrington, Bristol, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 490587*

▲Opened end of 7/1942 [GSEar42].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. The hut to the left on the postcard view
was the common/dining room, that to the right the men’s dorm: this hut had come from Dursley Hostel [GSEmins
3/7/1942]. Women were accommodated in the house [F Blampied]. The hostel was difficult to find, and ten painted
signs were erected [GSEmins 30/10/1942].

✚Closed 31/8/1954 [YHAF], or 30/9/1954 [GSEar54].
Handbook 1943-54.
Property tenure:
Property profile: house and outbuildings in an isolated position.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Burrington 751 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc

71
Reports, recollections and observations:
It lay somewhere between Blagdon and Burrington, and soon the road dropped steeply out of sight into
the valley below. A side turning was marked Youth Hostel. It was uphill, and we were soon pushing our
cycles. Then it entered to a rough track, unmarked, which we were told was the right of way. A little
further on was another Youth Hostel sign. Still no trace of habitation met the eye, as the track dwindled
to stones and mud, led through a dank wood, out onto an upland full of bracken. We followed what might
still be the track through the bracken, onward and ever upward, the view growing more lovely, and the
immediate vicinity more lonely. At last, a broke stone wall appeared, and by a gate another youth hostel
sign. Over the field we went, and down a slope to a house and outhouses. [The men’s dorm was] a small
army hut in the yard. The women’s dorm was one of the house bedrooms, mullion-windowed and with
panorama of rolling valley, spread out far below. The house was about a four-bedroomed one, solidly
built in stone, and presided over by a lady warden, no meals provided [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].

BURTON LAZARS 1938 to 1939.
Burton Lodge, Burton Lazars, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 794174

▲Opened about 6/1938, replacing Eastwell.
✚Closed 1939, before the season was fully completed. Unfortunately this model hostel had to close
[NMIar39].
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1938amendments-39.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: former keeper’s cottage.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastwell YH
Profile
(v?)

BURTON LE COGGLES 1939 to 1940 or 1941.
Wood Farm, Burton Lane, Burton le Coggles, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 956258*

▲Opened 7/1939 [NMIar39].
✚Closed late 1940 or early 1941.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940. National notices of 5/11/1940 and 7/4/1941 advised that the hostel
was operating. Yet there were only 38 bednights in 1941SY.
Handbook 1940.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
Reports, recollections and observations:
[My wife] Beryl and I helped found this hostel, along with a Grantham business-man, and set it up [Jack
Whiting, recounted in 2006].
(v)

BURWASH WEALD 1936 to 1937.
The Weald Tea Rooms, Burwash Weald, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 649232*

▲Opened 1936. The hostel was run in conjunction with the village stores, warden Mr R Randall.
✚Closed before 30/9/1937. It was now closed [Rucksack New Year 1938].
Handbook 1936 supplement-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: now (2012) a private house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Burwash 751 † RG37.tif
(v)

BUSTON MANOR (see Yalding)
BUTTERMERE Planned hostel 1937. Did not open.
High Park Farm, Loweswater, Cumberland. GR:NY 146203
▼Described as Crummock, High Park Farm, at the foot of Melbreak and five minutes from the Lake [Lakeland
Rambler 1937 p102: LAKar35-36]. The hostel was acquired to open at Easter 1937, but was lost at a late stage. The
local Medical Officer of Health reported that there was a danger of pollution of the water supply if the premises were

72
used by large numbers of people [Rucksack Spring 1937]. Extended negotiations with Workington Corporation for the
lease were unsuccessful [LAKar37].
BUTTERMERE Planned hostel 1950. Did not open.
Buttermere, Cockermouth, Cumbria. GR: NY 1717 approx.
▼A hostel here was a possibility [Handbook 1950 (late news), no details]. There was an instruction to delete
[Rucksack May/June 1950]. This may have been a hotel at Hassness, Buttermere, as Lake District Region minutes refer
regularly to it as a potential hostel up to July 1954.

BUTTERMERE 1955 to present.
King George VI Memorial Hostel, Buttermere, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9XA.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 178168*

▲Opened 1/9/1955, in an unfinished state [LAKar55, press reports having indicated a prospective
Buttermere or Lake District Memorial Hostel Grant early in 1954. YHA had considered a newbuild hostel in Buttermere [LAK mins 1954]. The hostel was officially opened by the Princess
Royal at Whitsun 1956 [LAK mins 1956]. Buttermere family annexe was opened in the converted
garage at an anticipated cost of conversion of £1,200 in mid 7/1957, or 17/8/1957 [YHr 8/1957],
partly funded by the sale of St Bees Hostel, which realised £903 [LAKar57].
Handbook 1955 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided for equipment) (to YHA Trust 1/7/1955 as
Buttermere Hotel). Currently [2012] freehold. Top House Wood, adjoining, was purchased 9/11/1978 as a Memorial to
the late Walter Martin (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: formerly the Buttermere Hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Holland
House YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Buttermere became another Christmas favourite, where Sid and Trudy Gannon were always welcoming.
Of course we went to the Lakes at other times of year but Christmas seems to stand out and the delicious
meals provided, too. Few hostels had electricity then, so candles and Tilley lamps were essential [Alice
Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the 1940s and 1950s, reporting in 2013].
From the common room a truly captivating view enthralled us. We stared in wonderment at the picture of
Sourmilk Gill pouring out from the gap between Red Pike and High Stile [Elizabeth Ann Humphries
(17), holiday log, 1962].
There were bedrooms instead of bare dormitories, spring mattresses at least four inches thick, and
washbasins in the bedrooms [Carol Fraser (15), holiday log, 1962].
Take a look around the family annexe. Veronica [Cresswell] has really gone to town to make
accommodation first class for families, with colourful duvets and curtains and every convenience [HN
Autumn 84].
(s)

BUTTERTON A Camping Barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Waterslacks Barn, Fenns Farm, Wetton Road, Butterton, Leek, Staffordshire. GR: SK 087561
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.

BUTTERTON B Camping Barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Wills Barn, Fenns Farm, Wetton Road, Butterton, Leek, Staffordshire. GR: SK 083564
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.

BUXTED 1931 to 1934.
Lepham’s Bridge, Coopers Green, Uckfield, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 482237*

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 76 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
✚Closed 1934, after Christmas. Buxted was to be closed at the end of that year as it did not
conform to standards laid down [LONar34].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-34.
Alternative name: Lepham’s Bridge (1931(1st edn)-33).

73
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: farm buildings with adjoining oasthouse.
Another hostel that will always live in my mind is Lepham’s Bridge, We came to it, a party of fifteen,
after twenty-five miles’ walking on that August bank holiday Sunday when the heat was beyond ninety in
the shade. Hour after hour we had walked on in the hot, fresh sunshine, regretful that we could find no
lake to bathe in, but still cheerful, and in the fading evening light as the air grew cool and large and quiet
and a light mist rose on the streams, we came over Ashdown Forest and by valley and woodland,
stumbling at last in the dim twilight away from the path through a copse and field to the hostel. There we
found a scene almost, one felt, as it must have been in the days when the pilgrims went to Canterbury. By
the glimmer of oil lamps we could see hostellers crowded on every bench, drinking tea and eating
tomatoes and eggs and cheese – there was hardly space to cook or eat anything more elaborate – and in
the doorway Mr Martin handing out blankets and stores. Somehow we found our sleeping quarters – we
latecomers were put on stretchers in the barn – and our supper. And when we were fed and rested a little,
Mrs Martin came in and played, and we sang fitfully and not very tunefully maybe, but with our hearts
full of the afterglow of sunset. Some of the old songs, one above all, “Annie Laurie,” I shall never forget;
it was one of those rare moments when time stands still. And so to bed in the barn.
I hope I may go to Lepham’s again many times. It will never be one or those neat and orderly places dear
to committees. You cannot expect the mechanical perfections of a Corner House in a range of
outbuildings grouped round a farmyard, where you fetch water from a pump and when the kitchen is
overfull do the rest of your cooking on a fire of old wood in the yard. But Lepham’s when it is full has a
gaiety of its own; it hums merrily like a slightly disordered beehive, as “Jack” Hobbs with his busy smile
flits to and fro [Southern Pathfinder article, Spring 1934, by Herbert [Gatliff?]].

BUXTON 1940 to 2003.
Sherbrook Lodge, Harpur Hill Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9NB.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN+NMI Jt,
(MAN from 1947); PK; C

GR: SK 062722*

▲Opened 12/10/1940.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941
stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the
Potteries and West Riding.

Initially Buxton Hostel was jointly managed by MAN/NMI regions; it was MAN only from 1948
[MANar48]. The interior of the hostel was completely stripped and modernised [Staffordshire
Knot, Autumn 1967].
✚Closed 28/2/2003 [YHAF] and sold for £360,000, in the aftermath of the foot and mouth
epidemic. Possible closure during 2003 had been advised [Handbook 2003/04 and 2003/04 Update
1 only].
Handbook 1941-2003/04.
Property tenure: leased initially from the National Council of Social Services, 1/9/1940 (to YHA Trust 20/1/1941), with
a proviso that the house might be needed for evacuees, but with an option to purchase; it was gifted by the subsequent
lessor to YHA on his death (to YHA Trust 6/3/1947).
Property profile: former quarry owner’s house, recently demolished and the land developed with new flats.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Buxton 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
I’d cycled a massive distance to Buxton (can’t remember where from, but it was well over 100 very hilly
miles). The queue of hostellers waiting to book in took one look at me and told me to get to the front of
the queue. When I got home (Leeds) the following day I slept for 17 hours! [Tony Hartley, reporting in
2013].
The house and grounds were offered to the National Council of Social Service by a blind man in 1940.
The NCSS passed it on to YHA on condition we paid the man £1 per week till he died, which wasn’t
much later.
A joint committee of the then Manchester and North Midlands Regions took over the property and
volunteers adapted the house as a hostel. It was run as ajoint hostel until after the end of the war but was
then handed over to Manchester Region and later came to Peak.
When Peak took over, the hostel was given a major facelift, and new accommodation built for the warden
alongside. Work was done by direct labour and by the maintenance men. Heating was installed: oil- fired
hot-air blown, to the common room open-plan and thence percolated to the dorms. Last year we closed in
the stairs for fire protection and then installed central heating gas fired for the dorms and for the wardens’
quarters. This has proved somewhat costly to run, but maybe the new warden is using the system badly.
The hot air blower still gives heat to the ground floor of the hostel. Victorian stone-built [Notes from
Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].
(v)

74
BYRNESS 1972 to 2014
7 and 8 Otterburn Green, Byrness, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland NE19 1TS.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD; N

GR: NT 764027*

▲Opened 3/1972 [YHAF], the start of season being 24/3/1972. Officially opened 27/5/1972 by
Arthur Blenkinsop, M.P., Border and Dales Regional President.
In 1968 Border and Dales Region had put forward an initial plan for a small Pennine Way purposebuilt 24-bed self-catering hostel on a found site at Byrness [the same site?], but the scheme
floundered because of lack of funds.
Central heating was installed in the late 1990s [YHA News spring 1997].
The Board agreed the hostel’s purchase by YHA in 2001, not completed until 3/5/2003. However,
the hostel was constantly under threat in the early 2000s because of low usage. It was put on the
market 5/2006, sold 7/2006 and nominally closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info, owner]. The
purchaser continued from the next day under the YHA Enterprise scheme, the business trading
under the name Forest View.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 1972-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold for 7 years from 1/1/1972 from MoAFF, later Forest Enterprises, extended (eg) for a further
7 years from 1/1/1979 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB] and from 1987 [YHAar87]. From 1/10/2006 a YHA Enterprise
arrangement.
Property profile: two adjoining former Forestry Commission houses in a longer terraced block.
(s)

CAE DAFYDD 1933 to 1958.
Cae Dafydd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Merioneth (the hostel was in Caernarfonshire).
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 615457*

▲Opened 1933.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated 1940-41, sometimes for advanced booking only. During 1942, extensions
were built, but the hostel was requisitioned and closed at Easter [MERar42]. It remained unavailable in 1943-44, and
for the first part of 1945.

Cae Ddafydd Hostel reopened after the war, 7/1945.
✚Closed 30/9/1958 and replaced by Bryn Gwynant.
Handbook 1933 supplement-42; 1945-58.
Alternative names: Aberglaslyn (1933 supplement); Cae Ddafydd (1934-42 and 1945-47).
Property tenure: leasehold.
Property profile: solid stone and slate-roofed house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cae Dafydd & Bryn
Gwynant YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu &
Snowdon Ranger YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We were particularly taken with the flowering shrubs at Cae Dafydd which were almost tropical [Bertha
Gough diary, Sunday 25th March 1934].
At 4pm we were allowed in the hostel, which was a very pleasant place. I was struck by the smell which
was just like an old farm house. Some of the Geographical Magazines were dated 1925 [Pat Packham,
International Tramping Tours, Holiday for Railway Enthusiasts, 13 August 1958].
(v)

CAISTOR 1936 to 1939.
Hundon Manor, Caistor, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TA 115024*

▲Opened before 4/1936 [NMIar36]. Lincolnshire Ramblers’ Federation (also Grimsby Wayfarers’
Association) hostel.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war. The premises were advised as fully open
[Sheffield Bulletin Autumn 1939], but there were 0 bednights in 1940SY [NMIar40].
Handbook 1936-40.

75
Property tenure: rented or owned by the YHA-affiliated group, as at the Tealby hostels.
Property profile: old brick and flint manor house with extensive outbuildings. At the turn of the 19th/20th century the
owner, a Mr Ford, developed a commercial Trout Farm here. The house and associated ponds survive, though adjacent
buildings have been demolished.
(v)

CALDBECK 1932 to 1933.
Brewery House, Caldbeck, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 322398

▲Opened 1932. There were 38 bednights 1932 and 130 in 1933 [LAKar32&33].
✚Closed 1933. It was deleted from the list [Rucksack Spring 1934].
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: brewery building in village.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Caldbeck 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

CALDBECK
Fellside Centre, Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 304375

2Use of this facility was restricted to Group use [Escape to leaflet 2005,2006 and Website 20072008]. It has more recently been advertised generally as a YHA facility devoted to exclusive group
hire.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type arrangement
Property profile: Georgian house, a former shooting lodge and country retreat.
(v)

CALSHOT ACTIVITIES CENTRE 1993 to 1995; 2006-10 (see below)
Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot Spit, Fawley, Southampton, Hampshire SO41 1BR.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: S

GR: SU 488023*

▲Opened 2/1993, with the stated intention of opening to members on a Youth Hostel basis on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights throughout the year and all nights during the Easter, Whitsun
and school summer holidays. Nevertheless, only 12 bednights were registered in the first statistical
year up to 28/2/1994).
✚Closed late 1995 (16/12/1995 in the Handbook) and no longer available afterwards; arrangements
were described as unsatisfactory [mins 9/6/1995], one difficulty being the provision of facilities for
families and individuals.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2006-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1994-95.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Calshot Activity Centre in Hampshire, located at a former seaplane base. The Centre arranged all
kinds of watersports, navigation, dry slope skiing, track cycling, climbing and archery. The price of an overnight for
YHA members was to be £5.50 for Under 18s and £8.40 for Adults. Accommodation was in line with YHA standards
and meals were available at prices similar to those of YHA meals. A self-catering kitchen was provided.

CAMBO (see Wallington)
CAMBO Intended hostel 1935, then 1945 et seq. Did not open.
Cambo, Northumberland. GR: NZ 024855.
▼A hostel here was first mentioned in 1935 [Rucksack Autumn 1935]. After the war a site in a field on the north side of
a track leading west from the road at the south end of the village was offered by Sir Charles Trevelyan, Regional
President, to build a hostel in stone replacing the existing inadequate barn at Wallington [NOTar45 et seq, YHr
3/1958, Archive plan]. Plans were drawn up by John Dower in July 1945, and appear to show a mirror-image
arrangement to the contemporary Malham Hostel plan. As at Wallington Hall, the land at Cambo was vested in the
National Trust. There was a tenancy agreement dated 11/11/1946, offered for 100 years, and vested in YHA Trust on
12/3/1947. However, building operations were postponed [NOTar47]. The site was visited annually [NOTar49] and
preparation for levelling it was anticipated [NOTar52]. It was a great disappointment to Sir Charles Trevelyan that
YHA dragged its feet [YHr 3/1958]. Sir Charles arranged the installation of mains water to the site [L Langley].
The site was not surrendered until 19/4/1971 [YHAPB].

76
CAMBRIDGE [Claremont] 1934 to 1938.
6 Claremont, Hills Road, Cambridge.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: CAM

GR: TL 457573*

▲Opened (probably 1/5/) 1934. It is not known if the hostel was in the house or the outbuildings.
However, when open it was not altogether convenient. The hostel was small, and closed in winter,
for two weeks in August and after 8am in term time. It had been opened by Cambridge University
Group, before Houghton Mill in 10/1934. Its future existence was in some doubt [CAMar35], but
the regional group managed to renegotiate for it to be in use again Easter-30/9/1936, extensive use
being made by overseas visitors [CAMar36]. The next year it was again widely used despite
restricted accommodation, and would stay open if a hostel could not be found nearer the centre
[CAMar37].
✚Closed 1938.
Handbook 1934 supplement-38.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: a private house in a still gaslit courtyard [GD, 2002].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cambridge A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs Profile

(v)
CAMBRIDGE [Cherry Hinton Hall] 1939 only.
Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: CAM

GR: TL 481564*

▲Opened 24/3/39 in part of the building. It had been hoped to open here at Whit 1938; but
increased ARP activity delayed this. The hostel was officially opened 13/5/1939 [Rucksack
Midsummer 1939] by Professor GM Trevelyan. It also housed Cambridge Regional Group office.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the property was still requisitioned in [at least] 1941 [CAMar41].
Handbook 1938amendments-39.
Property tenure: rented [YHAar38]; lent by Cambridge Town Council.
Property profile: a country mansion, former home of Sir Phéné Neale, former Lord Mayor of London. It has survived,
with its grounds, despite the continued growth of Cambridge [GD, 2009].
It is now [2014] the home of the Cambridge International Preparatory and Upper School. The Cambridge Folk Festival
is held in the grounds each year.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cambridge B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs Profile

CAMBRIDGE [Tenison Road] 1945 to present.
97 Tenison Road, Cambridge CB1 2DN.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: CAM; EA; C

GR: TL 460575*

▲Opened 28/3/1945 [CAMar47].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the final months of the war.

In 1954 the hostel was regarded as too small, and a replacement was being sought [CAMar54]. In
1958 there was another attempt, followed by failure, to secure a new hostel for Cambridge; a site on
Cranmer Road would have been ideal but was refused by the ground landlords, Jesus College, and
the present hostel would instead be upgraded [CAMar58]. It was redesigned and enlarged by
YHA’s own National Surveyor, John Parkes, in 1967 and officially reopened 11/5/1968, after a
lengthy closure and a reliance on temporary hostel accommodation had reduced the bednights by
half.
In 1976 the wardens were provided with separate, self-contained quarters, thanks to grant aid
[EAar76].
A former electricity substation adjacent to the hostel was converted to a 16-bed dormitory
(EAar82); in 1984 proceeds from the sale of Naughton Mill were used to finance the purchase of 57
Devonshire Road, Cambridge, to house assistants and release four rooms with ten beds in the main
building for members [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, Dec84].

77
The hostel was redesigned and modernised in 2013, closing on 2nd September and reopening in
April 2014. There were considerable changes to the internal layout, with an entirely new entrance
from Tenison Road, leading straight to reception and the all-day Scholars’ café. A large selfcaterers’ kitchen, dining room and were provided. The number of beds increased to 122 in 31
bedrooms, many en suite. A nearby staff house was refurbished in line with these improvements.
Handbook 1945-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided), bought with help of British War Relief Society
of America (to YHA Trust 15/3/1945). Currently [2012] freehold. 57 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, in the next street,
was a freehold purchase 14/2/1985 [YHAPB] and currently [2012] freehold. 158 Coleridge Road and 57 Devonshire
Road (staff houses) are owned by YHA.
Property profile: former maternity home.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Nearly all the girls seemed to be German but I did espy an Indian and heard three French [Pat Packham,
A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 26 July 1961].
We fit 96 beds in at Cambridge only by making use of a converted transformer building. There is
sufficient space for 14 beds, but below standard in heating, light, flooring and décor. We intend to
remove those beds and utilise the area as a games and activities room. The beds will go into the assistant
wardens’ rooms in the house once we have acquired new staff quarters. There is tremendous demand for
our accommodation and we turn people away regularly [YHA letter to DoE, July 1984].
(s)

CAMBRIDGE Overspill accommodation, operating 1950s-71.
Near Tenison Road, Cambridge.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: CAM; EA

GR: TL 4657 approx.

▲✚Additional hostel accommodation with 40 beds [EAar62] was provided in the nearby
Headquarters of the University Rover Scouts and Guides until 1971 [EAar72]. Over 800 used the
hut in 1956; it is not clear whether this figure is included in the Cambridge bednight figure, or is
extra to it. It was used for many years [100 Miles around London guide, CAMar56].
Property tenure: rented at £75 per season, according to records for 1969-71 [EA memo 1973].
Property profile: Scouts’ and Guides’ Hut in Tenison Road [CAMar58].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs Profile

CAMBRIDGE Overspill accommodation, operating 1972-73.
Cambridge.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: EA

GR: TL 4558 approx.

▲✚Open in 1972-73. The accommodation was provided courtesy of St Matthew’s Church. A
regional memo for 1973 claimed that there were 130 beds, possibly a mis-typing, as the temporary
accommodation for previous years was in the 20-40 range
Property tenure: rented at £75 per season [EA memo 1973].
Property profile: headquarters of a local weightlifting club.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs Profile

CANNOCK CHASE (see Wandon)
CANTERBURY OLD HOUSE 1931 only.
4 Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 144581*

▲Opened 1931, about April or May. There were (eg) 121 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931
[LONar31]. The hostel was located on the upper floor of this curious building. There were two
large rooms, bathrooms, etc. Mrs Boake, who was willing and capable, would take over the
wardenship for a remuneration of 35s a week for the summer months; apart from this and the rent
the London Region received all revenue from this hostel, though in all probability it ran at a loss.
✚Closed 1931 and replaced by Canterbury (All Saints Lane).
Handbook 1931(1st edn-4th edn).

78
Alternative name: The Old House, Canterbury (1931(1st edn only)).
Property tenure: rented from TocH for £1 per week for 16 weeks from Whitsun; a small sum was specially given, it is
not clear by whom, for furnishing. Perhaps this was the £25 offered by the National YHA to set up a Canterbury hostel.
Property profile: the Old House, or Quaint House, was a TocH property [LONmins5/1931]. It was a remarkable
testimony to the work of local historian Walter Cozens, who in 1906 had rescued the 14th-century timber-framed
building from demolition at its site on Upper Bridge Street and had it moved wholesale to a new position on Station
Road West, where the various sections were reerected in a new configuration. Once reconstructed, it housed swimming
baths on the ground floor and a museum of antiquities collected by Mr Cozens on the first floor. The building was
destroyed in the 1942 Blitz.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Jordans YH Profile
(v)

CANTERBURY [All Saints Lane] 1932 to 1939.
All Saints Lane, Canterbury, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 147579*

▲Opened 1932, replacing Canterbury Old House Hostel, and rented by the group [LONar32]. An
extra cottage was taken over [LONar37]. By 1938 it was a fully controlled hostel, with Mr and Mrs
Hemmings in charge [LONar38].
✚Closed 1939 and eventually replaced by Canterbury (Alcroft Grange) Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war [LON mins].
Handbook 1932-39.
Property tenure: tenancy, at first of only two cottages. In 1937 a third was rented. In 1938 it became a fully controlled
hostel.
Property profile: early 16th-century house, rich with timbered oak and the historical associations of a Cromwellian
headquarters, or, (later for YHA) three 17th-century≠ cottages around a square garden, on the bank of the River Stour.
They had previously been used as weavers’ cottages. After youth hostel use it became a dancing school.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Canterbury B 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Canterbury B 752 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile
(v)

CANTERBURY [Alcroft Grange] 1946 to 1962.
Alcroft Grange, St Stephens Hill, Canterbury, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 153608*

▲Opened 1946, replacing the pre-war Canterbury (All Saints Lane). It would probably open Easter
[Handbook 1946]. In 1954 it was decided to maintain the present hostel, though much expenditure
was needed [LONar54].
✚Closed 23/9/1962 (or 30/9/1962 [LON memo 1963]). and replaced by Canterbury (Ellerslie)
Hostel. It had finally proved too difficult and expensive to maintain, and there were problems over
a private road.
Handbook 1946-62.
Property tenure: purchased 1945 [LONar45].
Property profile: large, rambling mock-Tudor mansion designed by the renowned Victorian architect Norman Shaw and
built in the late 1880s by the local artist, Sydney Cooper through the sale of one of his paintings to a Mr Alcroft, hence
the name. It lies on the north-eastern outskirts of the city.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Canterbury C 751 ≈† RG61.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile
(v)

CANTERBURY [Ellerslie] 1963 to present.
Ellerslie, 54 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3DT.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TR 157569*

▲Opened 1st April 1963, on a limited basis at first with only 20 beds, and no members’ kitchen.
The number of beds available varied according to where work was being done and the facilities
available [LON memo 1963]. It replaced Canterbury (Alcroft Grange) Hostel. The official opening
came on 25/4/1964, by the Mayor of Canterbury. The hostel was smaller than the previous one, but
could accommodate 55 members on approved standards.
Because of delays with developments at Dover Central in 1985 it was decided that the best option
in the short term at Canterbury was to buy a separate house for warden’s accommodation, to release

79
space in the hostel for additional beds and more facilities for members. A property was bought and
a scheme was being worked up. The property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89]. It was
reported as very full and frequently needing overflow accommodation, though it is not known
whether this was provided [mins 9/6/1995]. The hostel was closed for renovations 4/11/2012 to
11/03/2013.
Handbook 1963-2009. f
Property tenure: the property was a freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 18/12/1962 [YHAPB] (to
YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold. The warden’s house was at 10, Tunstall Road. It was sold in 2002.
Property profile: late Victorian house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Canterbury D 751 ≈† RG64.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile
(s)

CANTERBURY [Temporary] 1964 only.
Canterbury, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: unknown

▲✚Open in 1964 only. While the new hostel, Ellerslie, was finding its feet, a temporary facility,
location unknown, was made available in the city as a summer seasonal hostel. 154 bednights were
recorded here [LONar64].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile

CANTERBURY [Temporary] 1970 to 1977.
Prince of Wales Youth Club, Northgate, Canterbury, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 153584

▲Opened 1970. It is not known whether the property was the same as the 1964 temporary hostel.
✚Closed 1977 after only 177 bednights had been registered, when the building was destroyed by
fire [SEar77]. Another site for a temporary hostel was being sought [Wightwash Oct1977].
Property profile: Youth Club. This whole area has completely changed, with large scale demolition and the
construction of a new road system. The site of the hostel was behind nos 135 & 136 Northgate and is now the south
part of a roundabout and adjacent roadway, at the apex of Northgate & Tourtel Way [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Canterbury YHs Profile

CAPEL 1932 to 1942.
Woodside, Coles Lane, Capel, Dorking, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 169403

▲Opened 1932, arrangements being confirmed 2/32 and hostel opened after May [LONmins 6/32,
GD]. M12W6. The warden in 1935 was Mrs D Procter.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, at least in November and December. Records are missing for 194142, but it is likely that there was usage in both these years.

✚Closed 1942. Closure was advised in LRN 6/1942 for 30/6/1942.
Handbook 1933-42 (1935 as addition at end of Handbook).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Capel 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

CAPEL CURIG 1946 to 2011.
Plas Curig, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 OEL.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 726578*

▲Opened early 1946. £240 was granted by the Carnegie Trust for equipment [MERar46]. The
property, a mix of walkers’ guest house and private hostel, had been discovered early in 1941
[History of MYH].
A much improved drying room was provided in 1972.
In ca1984 and 1987 the hostel was refurbished [PDMP 1986, YHAar1987].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [HN Winter 2001-02].
✚Closed 4th January 2011.
Handbook 1946-2009.

80
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 1/9/1945 as the Guest House) [YHAPB]. There were grants of
£2,400 from the Ministry of Education and £1,000 from the Regional Development Fund, YHA, both towards
purchase. In 2010 the hostel was freehold.
Property profile: built as a private house in 1903, enlarged as a private hotel 1928, acquiring the name the Guest House.
Since YHA withdrew, the premises have continued as Plas Curig Bunkhouse [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
When I reached the cycle-shed I found that the warden had gone out another way and was already
examining my wheel. He found the puncture and mended it for me [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in
North Wales, April 1966].
As Capel Curig was once a private guest house, it has small dormitories, mostly sleeping four or five
people. All now have central heating, carpets and washbasins, making them ideal for families or small
groups. New wardens are being appointed and they will have a new kitchen from which to serve full
meals and a variety of snacks. The self catering kitchen has been improved and there is both a lounge and
quiet room. The large dining room has a pool table, for use outside mealtimes! New shower and toilet
facilities include an outside toilet. For those who arrive early in bad weather under-cover seating makes
the wait more comfortable [HN Spring 1985].
(s)
[CAPEL-Y-FFIN: there follows a summary of the uncertain history of the four earlier youth hostel premises in the Nant
Bwch valley, to the west of the small settlement at Capel-y-Ffin. The story of the YHA locations here in the period
1943-52 is complex and as yet incomplete. As well as the usual Handbooks and South Wales Annual Reports, sources
include some (sadly not all) of the contemporary South Wales Hosteller Magazine. These often give explicit
information about developments at Capel-y-Ffin, though gaps in the Archive and a tendency to publish historically
incomplete statements frequently hamper understanding. Of particular value have been the personal memories passed
on to JM in 2007 by Len Clark, original volunteer Fred Blampied, Marjorie Harmer (a tireless SWA worker) and Mary
Griffiths (daughter of H Williams, the warden of the Old Rectory (Grange Farm) and Monastery hostels; she still lives
at the Farm). Understandably, after a period of 60 years, not quite all aspects can be remembered by these contributors
with absolute sureness.
All four early hostels were connected in some way to Capel-y-Ffin Monastery. This cluster of buildings had been the
focus of the project by Father Ignatius to establish an Anglican monastic centre along Cistercian lines, first at
Llanthony Abbey, but when that idea was rejected, at a new site at Capel-y-Ffin. The Monastery was built as a
cloistered abbey, and a church constructed alongside. The church structure was poorly constructed, unsound and soon
fell into disrepair and the roof removed, creating a ready-made if inauthentic ancient ruin. The religious centre lasted
barely 40 years. The Monastery then became the home of Eric Gill for a few years; he left in 1924.
The first youth hostel here (1943) was at a small house, St David’s Bungalow, about ½ mile further up the valley, on
the north side of the tiny road running up Nant Bwch. It was presided over by Father David, a curious non-conformist
figure who acted as hostel warden. When he left in 1945, the continuation of the hostel here was in constant jeopardy,
mainly because of wardening provision, but it managed to last until 18/7/1948, when it transferred to a pleasant stone
building at the entrance to the Monastery. This was called the Old Rectory in YHA literature (it is now Grange Farm) a
short distance west of the Abbey. There were 20 beds.
The three hostels close to the Monastery: this Old Rectory, the Monastery (or Abbey) itself, and the enigmatic tin hut,
were by now in the ownership of the family of Mr H Williams, who was running his home in the Monastery as a guest
house. Mr Williams daughter, Mary Griffiths (who lives now at Grange Farm) recalls that there was a fire there in
1948, which seriously damaged the east side of the building, including the monks’ cells and the roof. While it was
repaired, the builders also prepared some rooms in the Old Rectory for youth hostel use, including the provision of
bunks. It seems perfectly possible that the original intention was therefore to move from St David’s Bungalow directly
to the Monastery, but that events were altered by the fire.
The term Old Rectory was not an address, but may have referred to its function as being the retirement abode of the
Rev Williams (no relation) from Cwmyoy in the period leading up to the bad winter of 1947. The property had been
built in 1870 for the mother of Father Ignatius, the founder of Capel-y-Ffin Monastery, and was called Plas Genevieve
in her name. After the Rev Williams vacated the property, it was available for use as an accommodation hostel in 1948.
Hostellers took meals in the Monastery itself, and there were members’ cooking facilities there also.
As the Old Rectory in turn proved inadequate for members and inconvenient for the warden, the hostel premises were
moved again in 1949 into the Monastery accommodation itself, the large extant building adjacent to the ruined church.
Perhaps this move was in stages, or the two operated at first in tandem. 50 beds were now advertised. The monastery
cells (men) and Abbotts quarters (women) were in turn surrendered at the end of the 1951 season when Mr Williams
wished to concentrate on his guest house at the Monastery.

81
As a temporary measure for 1952, the original St David’s Bungalow was readvertised in the annual Handbook, with a
Grid Reference to match. However, a persistent conundrum arises from the distinct memories of Marjorie Harmer and
Mary Griffiths of the use of a further building as youth hostel, a corrugated iron structure that had formerly served as
the convent accommodation for the monastery. It had many years previously been sited between the Monastery and the
church ruin adjacent, but was demolished and reconstructed on a site below the Old Rectory, adjacent to the road and
only a 100 yards or so from the Monastery and the Rectory. It was a green painted hut sometimes referred to as Willys
Hut. Mary Griffiths at Grange Farm remembers that the hostel operated here at some time, and SWA voluntary worker
Marjorie Harmer (who helped prepare the hostel) is sure for personal reasons that it was in 1952 (which conflicts with
the advertised resurrection of St Davids Bungalow). Its period of use remains unclear (it may have replaced St Davids
Bungalow for some reason at the start of or during the 1952 season, have operated in tandem with it, or may even have
been the controlled hostel referred to in 1947-early 1948).
No hostel was available in the valley in 1953. An intended King George VI Memorial Trust model hostel was to be
built 1954-55, but could not be afforded, and eventually Castle Farm was opened in 1958.
There is still room for refinement in this summary and the paragraphs below.]

CAPEL-Y-FFIN [St David’s Bungalow] 1943 to 1948. Reopened and closed (possibly) 1952, but
see Lower Bungalow entry below.≠
St David’s Bungalow, Capel-y-Ffin, Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. The hostel was in
Brecknock.
GR: SO 245318*
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the reference SO 247317 (1948 supplement), though quite inaccurate, seems to refer to the Old
Rectory, or perhaps even to the Lower Bungalow; SO 245319 was given in the1952 Regional Guide.

▲Opened 30/7/1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

The hostel was due to close after 12/9/1945, but reprieved, thanks to the warden Father David,
though he was leaving [SWAHr 7/1945, 9/1945]. It was thought that it would not reopen in 1947
[SWAHr 3/1947], but it did as a controlled hostel for 14 on Good Friday 1947 [SWAHr 4/47], but
only at weekends until the warden was appointed [SWA 6/1947]. Soon it was open every night
until September, warden Mr Wynford Jones [SWAHr 7/1947]. It was held on a 6-month lease
[SWAHr 10/1947]. It was closed at the end of the 1947 season (30/9/1947), but reopened
20/3/1948.
✚It was finally closed 18/7/1948, when the hostel moved to the monastery locations, at first only at
the Old Rectory, later probably in tandem with the monastic accommodation before transferring
fully to it.
▲This St David’s Bungalow accommodation (or possibly the Lower Bungalow: see below, or a
combination of the two) was readvertised for use in the 1952 Handbook; something was reopened
15/6/1952 as a special temporary hostel. Arrangements were made to reopen this hostel in the
bungalow which we had used for several years prior to the move into the monastery, for the
summer months; it may not be available 1953 [SWAar52].
✚In fact youth hostel facilities on this side of the valley closed for good 15/9/1952.
Handbook 1944-47; 1948( supplement only) and 1952.
Property tenure: tenancy; a controlled hostel from 1947
Property profile: St David’s Bungalow was built about 1937, of timber and probably asbestos sheeting [Fred Blampied,
2005]. It is still a residence.
Reports, recollections and observations:
During the war [years unspecified] the hostel was occupied by the misses Ewyns / Ewings / Iwans: they
evacuated themselves from Sussex [Fred Blampied, recalled in 2006].
The warden of Cleeve Hill Hostel told me of Father David [Dewi Turton], who taught at a boarding
school near Monmouth and lived in a bungalow at Capel-y-Ffin, who was planning to set up a
Benedictine Order of monks on the lines of the famous Father Ignatius. I cycled up the Llanthony Valley
to seek him out. He was interested in the youth hostelling movement and I managed to persuade him,
over a boiled egg tea, to open what became a very popular hostel in his bungalow. Father David was
definitely charismatic and his hostel, based on the bungalow, became a cult one, with Christmas parties
etc. It ran for several years and then suddenly closed [Len Clark, reporting in 2007 and 2015].
(v)

CAPEL-Y-FFIN [Old Rectory] 1948 to about 1948.

82
The Old Rectory
Monmouthshire.

(nowadays

Historic County: Brecknockshire

Grange

Farm),

Capel-y-Ffin,

YHA Region: SWA

Llanthony,

Abergavenny,
GR: SO 250314*

▲✚Opened 18/7/1948. The hostel moved here to replace the former uneconomic and difficult-torun hostel ½ mile away. There was accommodation for M12W8 [SWAHr Hrvst1948,
SWAar1948]. Described as the Old Rectory, ¼ mile up the left fork from the Chapel [SWAHr
10/1948]. Mary Griffiths, who still [2007] lives at the Farm and whose father H Williams was
warden in the late 1940s / early 1950s, remembers that Grange Farm, close to the monastery
complex, was used as YHA accommodation. These premises were used exclusively as the hostel at
first (1948), when the hostel was not in the monastery itself. The Farm may have continued as
overflow after that.≠
Property tenure:
Property profile: the property had been built in 1870 for the mother of Father Ignatius, the founder of Capel-y-Ffin
Monastery, and was called Plas Genevieve in her name. It was later called the Rectory, and nowadays [2007] Grange
Farm, an equestrian centre.
(v)

CAPEL-Y-FFIN [Monastery] 1948 to 1951.
The Monastery, Capel-y-Ffin, Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. The hostel was in
Brecknockshire.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

SO 251313*

▲Opened about 1948. The Rectory hostel had been so popular that the hostel was transferred into
the monastery building itself and beds increased to 50, at the request of the warden, Mr H Williams
[SWAar1949].
✚Closed 30/9/1951 at the warden’s request, though a temporary replacement for summer 1952 was
obtained at one of the Bungalows [SWAar1951].
Handbook 1948 supplement-51.
Alternative name: Capel-y-Ffin (1949).
Property tenure:
Property profile: originally the 19th-century monastic quarters of a newly-formed Anglican Benedictine community, a
quarter mile west of Capel-y-Ffin Chapel, and adjacent to their own church (now in ruins, not through age but through
poor design). Eric Gill lived here in the 1920s. After closure in 1951 of the youth hostel here it became a private guest
house run by the erstwhile warden, and latterly under different ownership.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Men slept in the monks’ cells, women in the former Abbott’s quarters. The accommodation here was
moved around [F Blampied, voluntary YHA worker].
We arrived in the dark, and first visited a farmhouse thinking it was the hostel. Our attention was now
turned to a larger building a little higher up, and we made our way to this. An encounter with an unseen
elderly gentleman in the yard which was patrolled by hens, and had at one end what served as a bicycle
shed, produced the information that the door was round the other side... we were greeted by the Warden,
and admitted to the ill-lit monastery. Having booked us in, he showed us the way up to our room, our
dorter. It was a tiny cubicle, just big enough to hold one double-tier bed, and a small amount of space to
stand in. A dozen or so of these cubicles opened onto a long corridor, narrow, and dark. Here was a place
quite in keeping with the other awesome things we had seen in the Honddu Valley, and while Ken went
along to the kitchen to prepare to cook our supper, I was left to make up my bed, in the insufficient light
of a small paraffin lamp. These moments were perhaps the most frightening of all. What I had
experienced before was a feeling of fear, but made less frightening by a feeling also of awe, and Ken was
with me. But now it was sheer fear, of nothing at all save the wandering spirit of a monk, and my own
imagination. How foolish, but I had almost looked forward, ever since I knew I was to stay at a
monastery, to being met by a hooded and cowled figure, on a dark corridor, and here was a corridor dark
enough, and an imagination strong enough, and a situation likely enough, to produce just anything I
wished. But good sense prevailed, I made up my bed, got washed, and went down to relieve Ken, perhaps
mentioning, in passing, the figure I had seen in the cubicle as I left [Rev G Greenhough, 1951].
(v)

CAPEL-Y-FFIN [Lower Bungalow] ca1952 only.≠
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 250315*

83
▲✚Mary Griffiths at Grange Farm remembers that the hostel operated here at some time, and
SWA voluntary worker Marjorie Harmer is sure that it was in 1952. How it ties in chronologically
with the other early hostel sites here is not yet clear.≠
Property tenure:
Property profile: a corrugated iron structure that had formerly served as the convent accommodation for the monastery,
when it stood between the Monastery and the church ruin adjacent. It was then moved and reconstructed on a site below
the Old Rectory, adjacent to the road. It was a green painted building with a tin roof, said to be known as Willy’s Hut,
and was inhabited still in 2007.
(v)
CAPEL-Y-FFIN Intended model hostel, 1954-55. Did not open.
Chapel Farm, Capel-f-Ffin GR: SO 254315*(v)
▼A special design of model hostel was to be erected (King George VI Memorial Trust) in the Ewyas Valley. A site was
found at Capel-y-Ffin [caption on photograph, SWAar54]. Site difficulties and building costs would seem to rule out
provision of a new building [SWAar55]. Attention was thus switched to Castle Farm, acquired in 1956 [SWAar56].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Holland
House YH Profile
(v)

CAPEL-Y-FFIN [Castle Farm] 1958 to 2007.
King George VI Memorial Hostel, Capel-y-Ffin, Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7
7NP.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SO 250328*

▲Opened Whit 1958, and officially opened 12/7/1958 [SWAar58]. When opened the original
doors ad windows were replaced, but beams were retained that dated the house to the 17th century
[South Wales Argus 1959]; beds were obtained from the Cunarder Ascania. For many years the
hostel was a YHA equestrian centre.
Planning approval was obtained for a car park, possibly without cost to the Region [WSar73]. A
house for the warden was brought into use in 1986, such improvement being traced back to
consideration in 1977 [WSar77]. There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions
during 1993 [War1993]. 1979 was the final year of Home Tours Pony Trekking here [WSar79].
✚Closed 1/10/2007.
Handbook 1958-2008.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 24/7/1956), bought by YHA
from Marlborough College with King George VI funding [Len Clark].
Property profile: formerly Castle Farm. Before YHA use it had been for some years the summer camp of Marlborough
College.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Holland
House YH Profile
Published material: article, Capel-y-Ffin [Len Clark], Youth Hosteller February 1958.
Published material: article, Ambition Realized [Pony Trekking], Youth Hosteller October 1961.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 101, Capel-y-Ffin, Youth Hosteller July 1965.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I will never forget the official opening. On the Friday night 4 of us were met at Abergavenny Station by a
taxi and taken to the hostel. Some of the curtains were uneven so we had to work on them. The next
morning the Regional Chairman drove into Abergavenny to pick up another member and buy a few
items, including a cucumber. It was almost 3pm when the Chairman returned. A prayer was to be part of
the opening programme. A letter had been sent to the vicar of Cwmyoy, the nearest village, but no reply
had been received. The chairman called there and found he had died 2 years earlier. He eventually found
a vicar who followed in his car, then broke down. The opening took place without further ado at 3.15 [Pat
Packham, 1958].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 5,300 bednights.
Capel-y-ffin is a Welsh farmhouse converted into a most comfortable hostel used extensively for pony
trekking. The ceilings are low and beamed with wooden beams. Some floors are tiled and the wooden
floors are close-boarded and varnished.
The Dormitories in the main building (a men’s with 9 beds, a women’s with 6 beds and a switch
containing 6 beds) are all heated and in a fair state of decoration. Good wooden floors. The bed space is
between 26 and 30 ft. All rooms are well equipped.
The outside Barn contains 20 beds and is not so comfortable as the main building. There is a high ceiling
open to the roof. The cold concrete floors go up in series of steps. The 2 heaters must have a hard time
warming a room this size.

84
In the main building are the Members Kitchen, Common Room cum Dining Room and the ablutions: the
Members Kitchen is rather small for a 38 bedder and with only 7 gas points plus a grill is under
equipped. There is one sink and draining board, but a separate meals provided wash-up with a sink and 2
draining boards. The Common Room is comfortable and has atmosphere. Thick walls and low ceilings
must make a building snug; but is the fire large enough? For meals 24 can be seated without
overcrowding. There are also 7 easy chairs. There is a pay phone for members.
There are 2 WCs for each sex and the 3 hand basins are just enough for a Standard hostel. I was pleased
to see a roller hand towel in the women’s wash near the basin. The Drying Room is in the front entrance.
A good Standard hostel which does credit to its warden [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report,
22/1/1973 (extracts)].
The road from Hay-on-Wye is now sign posted ‘Capel-y-Ffin’ so the hostel should be easier to find from
the north. Visitors are not able to drive to the hostel to unload cars; they must park in the lay-by to the
south to avoid congestion [YHA News spring 1998].
(s)
CARCLEW Planned hostel, 1940. Did not open.
Carclew, Cornwall. GR: SW 7838 approx.
▼Arrangements in hand to replace Falmouth Hostel [Handbook 1940, no details].

CARDIFF [temporary] 1958 only.
Glan-Taf School, Cardiff.
Historic County: Glamorgan
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for Glantaf School in 2017.≠

GR: ST 150787

▲✚Open in 1958, temporarily for 9 nights, 18-26/7/1958, for the duration of the British Empire
and Commonwealth Games. 400 (or 392) overnights were recorded, in 40 beds, fully occupied
throughout [SWAar58]. There was an earlier hope to provide a hostel, permanent or temporary, for
this occasion [SWAar55]. Earlier in 1958 schools were being planned [YHr 4/1958].
Property tenure:
Property profile: school premises.
(v)
CARDIFF Planned hostel 1970. Did not open.
90 Cathedral Road, Cardiff
▼ An accommodation hostel for 24-32 hostellers was proposed in 1970 in a substantial semi-detached villa, the former
residence of the French Consul, on Cathedral Road. Seven rooms would be available, and the costs of conversion
would be small [WS memo, 28/06/1969]. It was owned by Dewi Turton, widower, who wished to be warden. According
to notes from Clive Packham, hehad been warden at Capel-y-Ffin Hostel in 1942 (1943?)-45 (the well-known warden
Father David). Elsewhere, 40 beds and 4,000 overnights were projected.
(v)

CARDIFF [Wedal Road] 1986 to 2014.
1-2 Wedal Road, Roath Park, Cardiff CF14 3QX.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: ST 184788*

▲Opened 1/7/1986, though first considered as early as 1982 [press report]. The 70-bed hostel was
provided with assistance from the European Commission [YHAPB, YHAar86]. By 2014 the hostel
was considered old-fashioned and incapable of renewal. The lease was due to end on 31/08/2014,
but Cardiff City Council, the Landlords, were allowing YHA to remain until 30/09/2014, giving
time for clearance as required.
✚Closed 07/09/2014, the last night for bookings. After YHA left, the premises were first used by
squatters, then the Council let it to an Arts Group for increased security. In July 2017 the building
was boarded up, the Arts Group was moving out and demolition was threatened.
Handbook 1986-2007/08.
Alternative name: Cardiff (Caerdydd) (1988-91).
Property tenure: tenancy: YHA took a leasehold of no. 1 Wedal Road in 1987 from Cardiff City Council.
Property profile: originally built between 1894 and 1900 as headquarters for the City Gardens Department.
(s)
CARDIFF BAY Planned hostel over a long peiod, eg 1992-2000. Did not open.
Next to headquarters of Cardiff Yacht Club, Cardiff. GR: ST 1876 approx.

85
▼There is a memo reference to talks between YHA, Cardiff Yacht Club, Cardiff Bay Development Corporaton and
Wales Vice President Alun Michael MP as early as 1992 [Wmemo9/92].Eight years later, a possible new hostel here
was advised; if funding were in place work was expected to begin later in 2000, in which case expected opening would
be 1/2004 [YHA News, Summer 2000].
CARDIFF Planned hostel 2006. Did not open.
▼There are new YHA properties on the drawing board in many parts of the country, including Cardiff [YHA eNEWS,
12/2006]. This and the above reference are not for for the same project [J Cant, YHA].

CARDIFF (Central) 2015 to present.
East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BB.
GR: ST 193759

Historic County: Glamorgan

▲Opened 6/3/2015.
Property tenure: freehold
Property profile: built as the Hotel Mercure, and bought by YHA to replace the Wedal Road hostel in a £4m
development, including a £500,000 facelift. The building is laid out as L-shaped, with 3 storeys. It is designed to
provide 150 beds in 92 modern en suite hostel bedrooms. YHA Cardiff Central also has premium rooms available on
the upper floor. Classrooms are planned.
(s)

CARISBROOKE (ISLE OF WIGHT) 1947 to 1949.
The Governor’s House, Carisbrooke Castle, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SZ 485877*

▲Opened 9/7/1947. The wardens were Mr and Mrs Yeo. Mr Yeo was a distinguished artist and
designed the hostel postcard.
✚Closed 30/9/1949, and replaced by Cowes Hostel. It is with regret that we have to announce that
H.M. the King has now decided that the Governor’s House at Carisbrooke Castle shall be used as
a study centre and Folk Museum, and will be closed 30/9/1949 [SOUar48].
Handbook 1947 supplement-49.
Property tenure: tenancy, rented from the Ministry of Works [SOUar47].
Property profile: a substantial Norman castle was built within pre-existing defences and later military work was
influenced by the threat of invasion from France and Spain. It was also used as a prison: Charles I was imprisoned here
in 1647-48 prior to his execution in 1649. The castle remained the official residence of the Governor of the Isle of
Wight until the death of the last resident governor, Princess Beatrice (1944). The Governors’ domestic buildings,
mostly of the 13th century, with upper parts of the 16th, were in good repair and rented to YHA on a short-term basis.
The buildings were required for an expanded Carisbrooke Castle Museum, transferred to this building in 1951 and are
still open today [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wasdale YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel opened on 9th July and Mr and Mrs AW Yeo, the popular wardens from Winchester, are in
charge. We should like to draw members’ attention to the rather special conditions pertaining here. As
the hostel is within the Castle walls members booking in advance will receive a special voucher which
will exempt them from paying the normal admission fee chargeable to the public. If a voucher is not
presented to the gatekeeper, 1 shilling will be payable. It is most important that members arriving after
the Castle is closed to the public should not disturb the gatekeeper, but should look for the bell on the
outer gate marked ‘YHA’ This will ring in the hostel. It should be noted that at the request of the
Ministry of Works there will be no facilities for self-cookers. Slippers or light shoes must be worn in the
hostel.
We are grateful to HM the King for the interest he has shown in YHA inallowing us to use the
Governor’s House and we feel sure that this very great privilege will not be abused [Rucksack,
Midsummer 1947].
After this month, no more hostellers. The whole place is to be a showplace and museum. Self-cookers are
not provided for – 5/3d for supper, bed and breakfast [Mabel Pratt, September 1949].
(v)

CARLISLE [Currock] 1935 to 1940.
Currock House, Lediard Avenue, Currock, Carlisle.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 399542*

86
▲Opened 1935. This was a summer hostel provided by Carlisle Council for Social Service. It had
been hoped to open here a year previously [1934 (1st edn only), no details]. The hostel was
reconstructed and improved after the spring of 1937 [Regional Guide].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was no longer available, 10/1939, for national purposes. It continued to serve YHA
through 1940, however, with 1109 bednights [LAKar40].

✚Closed 1940, as Carlisle Social Services were unable to carry on under wartime conditions
[LAKar41].
Handbook 1934-40.
Property tenure: a fully controlled hostel.
Property profile: the hostel was at the Currock House welfare centre in the south of the city. Built around 1842,
Currock House is the oldest of the Carlisle Community Centre buildings. The building and surrounding land was
purchased by the City Council with a view to a housing development in 1931; over the next few years many people
were interested in the possibility of adapting the bulding into a Community Centre and on 6 October 1934 the building
was officially opened as a Community Centre. This was believed to be one of the first community centres in England.
Over the years many alterations have been added, however the main building still houses many original features
[http://www.currockcommunitycentre.org.uk].
There are associated brick gymnasium-type buildings to the side and rear of Currock House. The larger brick hall, to
the rear, was built in 1937 [as referred to in the Regional Guide]. Hostellers were accommodated on the upper floor of
Currock House itself and in the brick hall behind it [Mr Holliday, 2013].
(v)

CARLISLE [Etterby House] 1953 to 1997.
Etterby House, Etterby, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 9QS.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 386569*

▲Opened 14/7/1953 [LAK mins 1953-07-14] with just 26 beds, and closed at the end the 1953
season for repairs until further notice [THr 11/53]. The premises had been considered as early as
July 1951, but turned down [LAK mins 1951]. They were negotiated late in 1952 for £2,500 [LAK
mins 1952]. 12 young Hungarian men refugees were to be accommodated at Carlisle, Penrith and
Kendal hostels in 1956 [LAK mins 1956]. Extension plans for 32 beds were drawn up in 1957
[LAK mins 1957] and the hostel extended in 1958.
Etterby House was described as for sale and might be closed over a long period [Handbooks 199294 and 1997].
✚Closed 1997 and replaced by Carlisle (Old Brewery Residences). Sold 23/3/1997 [caretaker
manager Linda Rhind was named in 1997-98 North ar].
Handbook 1953 supplement-97.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 24/2/1953).
Property profile: in 2008 Etterby House was the Etterby Country House guesthouse.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 28, Carlisle, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1954.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Members re-visiting Carlisle will find that it had quite a face-lift during the winter. A block of
outbuildings has been remodelled and joined up to the main hostel. This increases the dormitory
accommodation from 43 to 73 and allows for extra toilets and showers, and an enlarged members’
kitchen. As Rockcliffe has closed, the extra room will be particularly valuable [Youth Hosteller, April
1959].
(s)

CARLISLE [The Old Brewery Residences] 1997 to 2014.
The University of Northumbria, (later the University of Cumbria), the Old Brewery Residences,
Bridge Lane, Caldewgate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 5SR.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 394560*

▲Seasonal summer hostel opened in 1997, replacing Carlisle (Etterby House). It was latterly
described as a YHA Campus hostel. [YHA News summer 1997].
✚Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 1998-2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: University of Northumbria / Cumbria Hall of Residence in an award winning development of the
former State Brewery, later the Theakston’s Brewery. The building used by YHA was the modern block to the rear of
the large older property fronting Bridge Street. Both sported the YHA badge. Beds were available in single bedrooms

87
with shared facilities in flats for up to 7 people. Each flat had a fully equipped kitchen/dining area, bathroom with WC
and shower room.
(v)

CARROCK FELL 1982 to 2003.
High Row, Haltcliffe, Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 8JT.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 357354*

▲Opened 1/4/1982 as a 16-bed hostel. It was donated by Mr J Bothamley, who carried out most of
the conversion work. There was an official opening on 11/9/82 [LAK mins].
New electric showers were being installed, each with a private dressing area, and the heating
system was extended to the small room upstairs [YHA News end 1997].
✚Closed spring 2003, on expiry of the lease. Since closure the property has been let to the Essex
Boys’ and Girls’ Club and schools as the High Row Residential Centre.
Handbook 1982-2002.
Property tenure: YHA signed a peppercorn leasehold for 21 years from 15/2/1982 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: two converted farm cottages.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Stayed here in ‘84 and ‘85. A young man [cyclist] was warden and made excellent meals, vegetarian
only. A favourite hostel [various visits by Gerald Hardwick].
(v)

CARTER LANE (see City of London)
CASSINGTON 1932 only.
Manor Farm, Cassington, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 452106*

▲Opened Whit 1932.
✚Closed 1932: 643 bednights were registered for 1932SY, but none for 1933SY [OXFar33]. This
may indicate last use in 1932SY but official closing down in early 1933SY, a common
complication. It had to be closed [Rucksack Summer 1933].
Handbook 1932.
Property tenure:
Property profile: handsome large house with central porch.
Two storey Victorian farmhouse built of alternating red and blue bricks, with farm buildings behind. The house is
double-fronted with gabled bay windows that extend over both floors of the building [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs
Profile
(v)

CASTLE ACRE 1986 to 1989.
The Old Red Lion, Bailey Street, Castle Acre, Norfolk PE32 2AG.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TF 817150*

▲Opened 1986, after 5 years’ preparatory work by the owner [YHA memo], the agreement with
YHA being signed in December 1985. There had been a hope that the facility would be available as
early as 1983 [Handbooks 1983 and 1985, no details]; in 1984 it was planned to open [Handbook
1984, no details]. The warden, Alison Loughlin was a noted vegan.
✚Closed 1989.
Handbook 1983-85; 1987-89.
Alternative name: Castle Acre (near Swaffham) (1983-85).
Property tenure: the hostel was a private enterprise arrangement with YHA.
Property profile: former public house, and the private house of the owner whilst a hostel. Since closure of the YHA
facility, accommodation has continued as a mixed hostel and guest house under the same managership. The building
has been expanded.

CASTLEHEAD 2006 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2006-10 inclusive.
CASTLE HEDINGHAM 1937 to 2008.

88
The Malting, Castle Lane , Castle Hedingham, Halstead, Essex CO9 3BU.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: CAM; EA; C

GR: TL 785356*

▲Opened Easter 1937. The pre-war hostel was in the Malting at the rear of the more recent hostel,
transformed from an empty shell to a simple but attractive hostel thanks to working parties [Rksk
spr37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was
operating only for residents of the restricted area; on 5/11/1940 it was closed until further notice. The hostel was
requisitioned in 1941 and 1943 for sure, and probably 1942, though the tenancy was retained [CAMar41, 43]. It
reopened 5/8/1944, with a Carnegie Trust grant, and functioned also in 1945.

From 1947, the adjacent warden’s house, Porters, 7 Falcon Square, was added to the Malting.
Extensive work was needed at the end of the 1960s. Youth Hosteller of January 1970 advised:
One to be saved?
Eastern Region is making an appeal for funds to avoid closing Castle Hedingham. The building is a
seventeenth century house with a large outbuilding formerly used as maltings. Surveyors have estimated
that at least £5,000 will be needed to refurbish this outbuilding. which is not suitable in its present state
for use in the winter months. Without the completion of this work the hostel cannot remain an economic
unit. A former appeal in 1963 provided sufficient funds for repairs necessary at that time to be carried
out. It is hoped that members’ donations will again save this attractive old hostel.

Following from this appeal, Castle Hedingham Hostel was extensively refurbished, the work
beginning at the end of February 1971. Limited accommodation was still available in April [YHr
4/71] It was officially reopened 22/4/1972, thanks in part to members’ donations appeals. HN
Spring 1972, published this description:
Thanks to the success of an appeal launched at the end of 1969 and a generous donation by the Augustine
Courtauld Trust, it has been possible for Eastern Region to rebuild and modernize carefully the
seventeenth century building formerly known as the Maltings [sic] at Castle Hedingham. If you were a
male visitor during any summer up to 1970, you probably spent the night in the Maltings Dormitory.
The Maltings first became a youth hostel nearly 35 years ago, and nine years later, with the assistance of
a gift from Dr GM Trevelyan, OM, the Association was able to purchase and adapt for hostel use an
adjoining building, a seventeenth century lath and plaster house in the grounds of which the Maltings
stands. Earlier in its history the Maltings has been associated with a variety of pursuits, including beer
brewing, toffee making and skittles.
In 1970 it became necessary to refurbish the Maltings as a matter of some urgency as the facilities
provided did not accord with modern-day standards. At first it was thought that the problem could be
overcome without major structural work but investigation revealed that the condition of the whole fabric
was such that it would be necessary to pull it down and rebuild if it were to continue to be used as part of
the hostel.
Restoration work has now been completed and has cost altogether £7,500. All the original facing bricks
have been re-used leaving the appearance of the Maltings to the outside world virtually unchanged, but
with the interior completely modernized.
The facilities provided now consist of two new dormitories with accommodation for 30 hostellers, a fine
modern members’ kitchen, an extra common room and two self-contained, purpose-built family units.
This last contains a kitchen/dining room, bathroom and two bedrooms for use exclusively by families
with children under the age of five. Castle Hedingham Hostel now has accommodation for 50 members.
The rebuilt Maltings will be officially opened on April 22nd at 3pm by Graham Bell of Anglia
Television.

Work involved the demolition of the Malting; it was replaced on the same footprint by a modern
outbuilding [D Simpson, EAar71]. In 1977 the central heating and hot water system were improved
[HN Spring 1977].
In 1978 the positions of the warden’s kitchen and the hostel dining room were reversed [EAar78].
It was planned to close the hostel at the end of the 1983 season, hence its absence from the 1984
Handbook, but there was a reprieve. In 1984 the family unit (never very popular) was to be
converted into a washroom with more privacy [HN Autumn 84].
✚The hostel was finally due to close at the end of October 2007, but lingered until closure on
31/8/2008 [Website].
Handbook 1937-40; 1945-2007/08 (1984 in late news only).
Property tenure: at first a tenancy; from 1947 a freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 8/10/1947); this included the original
hostel and adjoining house Porters [CAMar47].
Property profile: the converted Malting was a barn-like structure. The 17th-century lath and plaster main house was
originally known as Porters. An inscription on the chimney was dated 1675.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Castle Hedingham 751 † RG3x.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc

89
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 8, Castle Hedingham, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1951.
Published material: article, Save Castle Hedingham, Youth Hosteller July 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The members’ kitchen and some of the dorms were in outbuildings. The hostel is beautifully neat and
clean [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].
The supper was excellent and we all agreed it was the best any of us had had in that area. The holes in the
floor of the dormitory reminded me of Crickhowell. The warden said that her husband was formerly
regional secretary of the Northumberland area. They would be leaving Castle Hedingham soon, as she
was not paid, and the hostel would have to close [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 29 April
1962].
A visit to the dining room and – remember the low beam on the door as you go out. I forget that low
beam on the door as I go out [T Connolly, holiday log, 1975].
It is a most attractive hostel, especially for females, who sleep in the old part [HN Autumn 84].
(s)

CASTLETON [Didderhowe Farm, N Yorks] 1931 to 1932.
Didderhowe Farm, Castleton, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 684075*

▲Opened about 8/1931. The hostel was in YHA hands until the end of March 1932, then would
move to another farm nearby, which would be the Association’s permanent home at Castleton, with
baths and good cooking facilities [Tees/EskdaleRGar31].
✚Closed early 1932 and replaced by Castleton (Prospect Farm).
Handbook 1931(4th edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: moorland farm.
(v)

CASTLETON [Prospect Farm, N Yorks] 1932 to 1946.
Prospect Farm, Castleton, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 684079*

▲Opened 1932 [1/1/1932, according to Eileen Wanless, 1/4/1932 advertised in WTE pamplet,
2/1932], replacing Castleton (Didderhowe Farm) Hostel. The warden at first was Mrs Knaggs and
accommodation M15W15.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open all 1940, to all members despite being near to a restricted zone, and
available every year thereafter [WEAar40,41,45, bednights]. The warden offered meals served from her house attached
to the north end of the hostel [relative’s memory].

✚Closed 11/5/1946 [Rucksack], or 13/10/46 [YHAN History Corner], and replaced by Westerdale
Hostel, which was larger [WEAar46].
Handbook 1932-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: stone farmhouse on village street, next to the Moorlands Hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂]: CastletonPH† 1932 LNERG.doc; CastletonPH† YDRG36.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
This Youth Hostel was a house in Castleton village next door to the Moorlands Hotel. The first time I
went to the hostel was in 1935 with the Constantine College Rambling Club. We used to call in during
the day and make a large pot of tea to have with our lunch as most of our members were on the YHA
Tees-side Sub Group Committee. We often walked or cycled there and stayed the night with the
Rambling Club. The first thing we did on arrival at 5.00pm in the winter was to make a good fire in all
the fireplaces.
I met my husband there in 1938 and he said ‘Everyone bring their pots here and I’ll wash up!’ ‘Just the
man for me,’ I thought! If it was anyone’s birthday we used to have a party and some people went to the
hostel early to make trifles etc. On one occasion the trifles were left outside to set and Mrs Knagg’s dog
ate the cream off the top. The cream was duly replaced and although everyone was told about the dog
they didn’t believe it.
Every year we used to spring clean the Hostel – I always had the job of scrubbing the stools. One day I
went for a short walk leaving my Cremola pudding in the pantry, it had gone when I returned ‘Where is
my pudding?’ I cried – ‘On the wall – we were just short of yellow distemper and your pudding was the
right colour.’ It stayed on the Hostel wall for about 2 years.

90
We used to take turns wardening the Hostel and in the winter we used to break the ice outside to have a
wash, but Castleton Hostel had a flush toilet, there’s luxury.
We stayed at the Hostel on VJ night (August 1945) and attended the village bonfire and fireworks
celebrations. My brother did his Airforce training in Texas and used to write home ‘Oh, to be at Castleton
Hostel in the pouring rain.’
The Hostel closed on Sunday, 13 October 1946 and we moved most of the chairs and equipment on a
lorry to Westerdale Hall. This marked the end of one YHA chapter and the beginning of another [YHA
News August 1993].
(v)

CASTLETON A (DERBYSHIRE) 1936 to 1946.
Hollowford, Castleton, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire
YHA Region: MAN
GR: SK 148835
Positional note: the hostel was in the close vicinity of the above grid reference, according to a Regional Handbook map.

▲Opened 25/7/1936, a small timber hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was intermittently used for billeting in 1940
[MANar40], but a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. An internal circular of 18/3/1941
stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the
Potteries and West Riding. It was kept on as an overflow facility for a few years when Castleton Hall opened.

✚Closed permanently 2/1946 [MANar46].
Handbook 1937-45.
Alternative name: Castleton (Derbyshire) (1937-42).
Property tenure: adopted hostel by arrangement with the owners, Sheffield Educational Establishment, whereby groups
could use part of their premises at Hollowford (their country house) [MANar36].
Property profile: hut or huts, subsequently demolished. The plot is now developed as the Hollowford Centre of the
Lindley Educational Trust for disadvantaged young people.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Castleton Derbys A&B 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

CASTLETON [Hall, Derbys] 1943 to 2012.
Castleton Hall, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 8WG.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN; PK; C

GR: SK 149828*

▲Opened 20/3/1943; opening was delayed after many setbacks [MANar42,43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. There is a strong body of opinion that in
1943 and 1944 the property was used exclusively by an evacuated school, though YHA published healthy bednight
figures for those years and was not in the habit of publishing somebody else’s figures. Furthermore, a membership card
for 1943 bears the hostel stamp.

New extensions opened on 22nd March 1975, though planned for 1973 [PKar72, 75, HN Spring
1975] to bring the hostel to Superior standard; the old tithe barn in the rear grounds of the Hall was
converted into a new dormitory block, with three dorms, large games room and showers. 30 extra
beds were provided, along with modernisation and improved facilities throughout the hostel.
A PDMP project for the winter of 1993/94 planned for smaller dormitories in the Barn, new
showers and toilets, a new games room, a refurbished kitchen and external repairs [YHA News
November 1993, March 1994]. To the original manor house was added the vicarage adjacent to the
right. Two self-contained family flats were advertised following work on the vicarage barn [YHA
News spring 1997].
The vicarage and the old barn in the rear grounds of the Hall were available separately for group
rental bookings [RAH leaflet and E2 Website, eg 2003-2004, 2007/08].
A substantial fund was put aside by YHA ca2010 for the renovation of the hostel, but events altered
with the sudden availability of Losehill Hall in 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive.
✚Closed end January 2012, the final guests being a group. A fortnight was allowed for transfer to
Losehill Hall.
Handbook 1943-2009.
Alternative names: Castleton B (Derbyshire) (1943-45); Castleton (Dbys) (1946-51).
Property tenure: purchased freehold 1942 (to YHA Trust 28/1/1943). Currently freehold [2009] on the Hall and the
Vicarage.

91
Property profile: former village manor house dating from 1410 or earlier and 1755, plus adjacent vicarage and barn. A
board in Losehill Hall dates this building to William Peveril, son of William the Conqueror and the rebuilding in its
current shape by Charles Potts to 1710.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Castleton Derbys A&B 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The common room was bare except for table tennis at one end. I read the one magazine in there [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
Bought by Manchester Region in 1943 for £2,600. Don’t know who did the adaptations, probably
contractors.
It had several bad wardens for some years, and looked and was a mess (we usually find that messy
hostels bring bad wardens), till Jim and Edith Powell took over [in 1958]. They keep the hostel looking
very well indeed for what is an old Scheduled building [Notes from Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison,
1972].
Castleton (Superior). A nice hostel, whose warden implements YHA’s refund policy with more regard to
goodwill and humanity than most south of the border, but spoilt by too many banging doors and not
enough fresh air. And the kitchen. Oh, the kitchen! It’s improved since last time I went, but it’s still most
unsuperior. Lots of parties use it – one weekend I was there, 9 people self-cooked. It has 16 gases, 5
grills, a fridge, an oven, one fish-slice, 6 frying pans, 2 potato peelers (one useless), breadknives. It is
short of knives, teaspoons, frying pans, bowls, space for sitting down and eating, space for storing and
cloths for wiping. And the tiled floor sometimes gets slippery [WightWash 12/1976].
(s)

CASTLETON [Losehill Hall] 2012 to present.
Castleton, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SK 153838*

▲Opened mid-February 2012 for group use and 1 March 2012 for general use, with a formal
opening on 1 May. Negotiations for Losehill Hall had begun late in 2010, when the Peak District
National Park Authority relinquished its outdoor learning and residential centre. Prior to that time
YHA had determined to refurbish Castleton Hall Hostel, but Losehill was seen as a much improved
prospect. YHA was the preferred bidder, and purchase was completed on 21 July 2011.
Property tenure: purchased freehold.
Property profile: Grade-II listed country house built in 1882 by Robert How Ashton, a local business man with interests
in farming, lead mining and the Manchester cotton trade, and son-in-law of the owner of Castleton Hall. It had 9
bedrooms when new and was said to host many lavish parties. The parkland was laid out in the Victorian style with dell
and ha-ha, still intact. The Peak Park Planning Board (predecessor of the National Park Authority) purchased Losehill
Hall from the Co-operative Society in 1971. Prior to this the Hall had operated as one of the Co-operative Society’s
four residential youth centres, its objective being to meet the educational and recreational needs of members of the
societies; CYC (Co-operative Youth Centres Ltd) ran from 1943 to 1972. From 1975 to 1983 the property was used as
a Holiday Fellowship Short Season Centre. Losehill Hall now provides an environmental learning, residential and
activity centre for young people and holiday-makers, with 144 beds in 36 rooms, the majority of which are ensuite. It
also uses an adjoining modern accommodation block and the adjacent Mews building, and sits in 27 acres of ground.
(s)

CATBELLS Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Skelgill, Keswick, Cumbria. GR: NY 243208
Handbook 1998-2006.
Property profile: in part of a traditional set of 14th-century farm buildings. Mattresses were supplied.

CATON 1934 to 1937.
The Hermitage, Caton, Lancaster.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 521645*

▲Opened 17/3/1934 [WESmins 3/1934]. The first mention was in late 1933: approval was given to
the adoption of the Hermitage Annexe as an adopted hostel, and Mr Lumb was thanked for offering
this finely situated premises for our use [LAK mins 1933-11-12]. Outbuildings at the south-east
corner of the Hermitage, employing the coachman’s house (common room, kitchen and girls’
room) and single storey stabling (men’s room in the loft, washrooms in the stables) of the mansion
[Lakes RG 1937, Hermitage Web-site]. No meals were provided. The warden was Mr Lumb.
✚Closed 30/9/1937. The Committee had resolved to delete this hostel from the list for the year
1937-38 [LAKar37].

92
Handbook 1934-37.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a mansion originally built in 1849 for John Sharp, Mayor of Lancaster, at the Crook o’ Lune. It passed
to the Ormerods (the British Home Stores people) in the early 20th century. During the war it was requisitioned for the
RAF, and was advertised as accommodation known as ‘Crook o’ Lune’ in 1951 [KF] and also an Elderly Persons’
Home. It is now converted to six luxury apartments. The coachman’s house referred to above is now Turner House and
stabling is now Hermitage Cottage [P Pendlebury, owner, 2008].
Reports, recollections and observations:
25th-26th May 1935: Northern Advisory Board meeting. ‘Homestead’, Caton: the back part of this house
is used as a hostel, but the quarters were very cramped and had very little equipment [Bertha Gough
diary].
(v)
CATON Planned hostel, to open early July (1939 amendments). Almost certainly did not open.
Caton, Lancaster. GR: 5264 approx.
▼There is no evidence of this in Annual Reports or bednights. It may have been the same address as above.

CAWSAND BATTERY

Open 1931 only.

Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 433503*

▲✚Opened 6/1931. Little-recorded pioneering hostel. In 1931 it was the Region’s only Cornish
hostel [PlymouthRGar31]. The warden was Mr Hammant.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a naval defence fortification, overlooking Cawsand Bay, used from 1779 until 1926. In recent years it
has been converted to residential use.
YHA Archive file: Y260001 & Y260002 (1931 report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
…to Cawsand. Here at Mr Hammant's, at the Battery, we start our tour in Cornwall or finish our round of
Youth Hostels on Dartmoor and the South-West Devon cliffs, according to the way we choose to look at
it [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931 article in unknown magazine by F Sandon, Headmaster of
Plymouth Grammar School].

CEFN-Y-COED 1953 to 1957.
The School, Cefn-y-Coed, Llandyssul, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 184934*

▲Opened 1/3/1953, replacing Abermule. Warden Mr Stret Wright left at the end of the year 1956;
the 1957 Handbook described the hostel as closed, but with the possibility of reopening, or a
replacement might be found. The hostel continued for one more year, opening late in 1957, though
a committee was already investigating other possibilities [BMWar56,57].
✚Closed 1957, when there were 673 bednights, to be replaced by Newtown (Old School) Hostel.
Handbook 1953-57.
Property tenure:
Property profile: attractive former isolated Montgomery CC school, built in Ruabon red brick with half-timbered gable
ends, which in YHA days proudly displayed the build date of 1910, Montogomeryshire County Council Cefn-y-Coed
School signage and the YHA triangle. There was one large high-ceilinged classroom, divided by a folding partition:
probably making the two hostel dormitories. To the rear of this were two cloakrooms (probably the hostel kitchen and
common room), while the toilets were in outbuildings. The school closed in 1950 or 1951, when three small local
establishments were merged into new premises in Abermule. In 2015 a private residence, the Gables, and somewhat
altered, though bricks bearing the signs Men and Women remain on the outbuildings.
Reports, recollections and observations:
My siblings attended the school. A stone barn at the neighbouring farm was occasionally used as an
overflow for male hostellers. I remember grand Christmas parties held at the school for the local people,
possibly even when the place was a hostel, as it was mainly used as such during the summer. I remember
cyclists complaining that from whichever direction the hostel was approached, it was always uphill [John
Hamer, 2015, local resident, who remembers the hostel].
(v)

CERNE ABBAS 1932 to 1955.
Giant View, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: LON/SOU

GR: ST 661017*

▲Opened 1932. The hostel was passed from LON Region to SOU during 1936 [LONar36].

93
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It had evacuees from a London school, who did not
stay long; afterwards it was available to YHA [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42]. A national notice of 8/10/1940
advised that the hostel was operating.

✚Closed 1955, with 21/12/1955 intended [SOUar55].
Handbook 1932-55.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: former Poor-Law Institute. The building has been much modernised and expanded and is a nursing
home in 2017.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cerne Abbas 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Cerne Abbas hostel still had many of the original workhouse beds [Arthur Dunabin, recalled in 2017].

CHADDESLEY CORBETT 1944 to 1965.
The Malthouse, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 892737*

▲Opened 5/8/1944 [BRR].
Wartime arrangements: London Region News had announced that the hostel was already open [LRN 6/1944], but
things were delayed. It was then hoped to open here in July [Summer Rucksack] or towards the end of summer 1944
[BMWar44]. The hostel was officially opened 7/10/1944. There was good usage in 1945.

Later, the chalet in the garden was removed to form the men’s dormitory at Glascwm.
✚Closed 1965, before October. The property was sold 4/12/1968 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-65.
Property tenure: donated to YHA by the Charles Henry Foyle Trust in 1944 [BRR 4/1949] (to YHA Trust 5/6/1946).
Property profile: partially half-timbered building, with brick panels, dating from the early fifteenth century. A Georgian
front was added later. A malthouse, it was later a paper shop, cycle shop and a horse-breaker’s premises. About 1937 it
became a small workers’ hostel to serve a factory owned by the Foyle family in Bournbrook.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Chaddesley Corbett≈† BMW.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 86, Chaddesley Corbett, Youth Hosteller December 1961.
Published material: article, Chaddesley Corbett’s Mural, Youth Hosteller January 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Almost every 1946 comment in the B&B-style Visitors’ Comments book is about the hospitality and the
plentiful and excellent food…
hope to come again and have some more of that delicious apple tart…
quite the cleanest hostel I have ever had the good fortune to use…
the food is excellent and the wardens extremely kind…
wardens [Mr & Mrs Hodges] friendly and hospitable.
One negative comment: Will come again, but hope the warden next time has a sense of humour…
…received a small note in the margin: Temporary warden – we were on holiday – signed warden
We really loved Chaddesley, a lovely old black and white building. Twisty stairs! There were slabs on
the path with indentations on them, and the loos were at the bottom of the garden. Nice lady warden
[Mary Jephcott, February 1946, recounted in 2015].
Dear Mum and Dad – We are now at Chaddesley Corbett. We are the only two here. No wonder. It’s the
worst hostel so far, very old and full of beams to bang your head on. Grub’s good [Ben, postcard
message, 1952. The postcard had a sellotaped fragment, ‘bit of the ceiling’].
The warden called to ask if I would like a cup of tea. He said, ‘We do not usually do this sort of thing,
but as you are alone…’ He and his mother invited me into their sitting room. They had only moved there
on the Saturday…
The warden said that supper was ready: he had laid a table in the dining room for their supper as well as
mine [Pat Packham, A Holiday around Worcestershire by Bicycle, 9 April 1956].
(s)

CHALDON 1936 to 1965.
Tollsworth Manor, Chaldon, Caterham, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN

GR: TQ 305545*

▲Opened 1/3/1936 (Croydon Local Group). The 1936 Handbook expressed a hope to open the
hostel, but with only brief details [details in 1936 supplement].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war [LON mins] to house Czech refugees, but was
reopened on 28th September 1940 [LRN 10/1940], with room for a few permanent residents who do not mind
accommodation of a primitive kind [LRN 11/1940]. Records are missing for 1941-42, but it was almost certainly
operating. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was the nearest hostel to

94
London and much used by young people who wanted to get away from the air raids: it would be very difficult to
replace. Bednights were recorded in the years 1943-45.

A work party was due to assist with the construction of a new sanitation block [LRN, 3/49].
✚Closed 1965 [YHAF], as the warden of 25 years was in ill-health.
Handbook 1936-65.
Alternative name: Chaldon (Tollsworth) (1938-45).
Property tenure: after the war the property was bought to secure continued use [LONar47]. It was sold, however, late in
1958 (it being no longer economical to manage) to the warden, who continued to operate it as a hostel on an
accommodation basis. The sale would pay for two small hostels in the Chilterns [LONar59].
Property profile: Tollsworth Manor is a small manor house dating from the 15th century with 17th-century and 19thcentury additions, although there is evidence that the site was occupied long before this. It was originally a three bay
hall house (with a three bay cross wing) later extended with a two bay addition to the north west and a single storey
extension to the rear. A variety of building materials has been used: timber framing, Merstham stone cladding and
brick. Many original interior features remain [GD].
Tollsworth manor was once the property of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Part of the house is engraved 1602, and there
are two secret rooms. It is a private residence registered [2009] with the National Gardens Scheme.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Chaldon 751 ≈† RG37.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 11, Chaldon, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1951.
Published material: article, A Hostel Spring Clean [Working Party], Youth Hosteller July 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I remember Christmas 1938 in the house very clearly. We had to cook a turkey for a party of 25
hostellers. The only cooking facility other than primus stoves was a 3 burner oil stove with a small oven
on the top. We decided to cook the turkey in the bread oven in the hall which was the main common
room for the hostel. After a wood fire the ashes and embers were raked out and a slice of bacon used to
test the temperature which was much too hot. So we removed the metal door to let it cool down. The
turkey cooked perfectly and we had a very jolly Christmas dinner. The next day the oven was still hot
enough to heat plates. There was no mains electricity so power for lighting was provided by an old petrol
generator across the yard kept in working order by a YHA member with the necessary skills. Hostel rules
of lights out at 10pm was simple: one just stopped the generator. As wardens we had good oil burning
lamps so had light for longer. It was an old manor house with dark oak beams, dim lamplit rooms, smoke
begrimed and oddly shaped. The place had recently been used to house Czech refugees and one of them,
an elderly doctor with a cut on his cheek, did some conjuring tricks for us and they were very good.
Nesta was the warden for a short time until the hostel closed on the outbreak of war [Douglas (and Nesta)
Tovey, wardens, recalled in 2012]
Chaldon hostel is a historic building of great charm, a monument of dilapidation, and a hostel par
excellence. There are dark corners galore to retire into with primus and frying pan, there are floors with a
camber that would appeal to a racing motorist, there is a mechanic’s nightmare of a domestic generator,
and there are staircases where angels would fear to tread. Angels may fear, but ghosts do tread them, if
you are credulous enough to believe the legend.
There has been a house here since 947; in 1602 the house was erected which stands to-day. The common
room is the hall of the old manor house, as romantic as it is draughty, and has served in the course of
history as court-house and as butcher’s shop. Dominant features are the great chimney and the king-post
[Douglas (and Nesta) Tovey, wardens, writing in London Region News, October 1940].
Stone hot water bottles were provided, at 1d a time. You wouldn’t dare mention hot water bottles in most
hostels; the idea is to be tough, but it’s not always a good idea [anonymous holiday log, January 1941].
About 6 miles north of Redhill, up a rough lane off a side road, a Tudor Farm House. It was oak-beamed,
low-ceilinged and the common room had a wonderful old fireplace with a brick oven at the side. The
doors opened by lifting a latch. Two girls and I were the only hostellers [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].
The warden lit a fire which smoked so much we had to go outside, where we did some folk dancing
while one member of our party played the recorder [Pat Packham, 1952].
The dining / common room was a weird old place and I remarked on what a grand place it would be for a
hallowe’en party [Pat Packham, a Holiday in Kent and Surrey, May 1959].

CHALFONT ST GILES (WEEK-END HOSTEL) 1942 to 1943.
The School, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 988934*

▲Opened late 1942 [YHAF].
Wartime arrangements: this was an experimental week-end hostel in a village school, established with the cooperation
of the Buckinghamshire County Education Committee. The sleeping accommodation was provided by mattresses on
the floor. There were 135 bednights in 1944SY, suggesting final use some time late in 1943.

✚Closed 1943. The experiment was unsuccessful [LONar44].

95
Handbook 1943.
Property tenure:
Property profile: school.
(v)

CHARING OLD BARN 1931 only.
Charing Old Barn, Charing, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 954494 or TQ 948487≠

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 181 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
✚Closed 1931 and replaced by Charing (Picquets) Hostel.
Handbook 1931(1st edn-4th edn).
Alternative name: The Old Barn (1931(1st edn))
Property tenure:
Property profile: antiquated 15th century wooden structure on two floors.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Charing YHs Profile

CHARING [Picquets] 1932 to 1937.
Picquets, Charing, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 952495

▲Opened 1932, replacing Charing Old Barn Hostel.
✚Closed (probably October) 1937 and replaced by Stalisfield Green. There were 25 bednights in
1938SY, suggesting a closure in October 1937.
Handbook 1932-37.
Property tenure: the hostel was not owned by YHA, but in 1937 there was a choice of whether to close or purchase, the
former option being taken.
Property profile: modern wooden building with double the number of beds of The Old Barn. The correspondence
address was still the Old Barn.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Charing B 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Charing YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We took the road into the centre of the village of Charing. We did not like the look of the address given
in the NCU [National Cyclists’ Union] Book but we had noticed a Youth Hostel on the way in, so we
went back and asked the lady is she could take us in, although we weren’t members. She seemed very
agreeable to do so and first showed us over the place – the Ladies’ dormitory being attached to the main
building, in which was the Common Room, Kitchen and the Warden’s quarters and the Men’s dormitory
in a barn at the top of the garden. Being fairly satisfied we decided to stay and after a wash filled in the
book while the Warden got our tea. We sat down at 4pm sharp to a huge pile of bread and butter and
honey and cake and then after a smoke the Warden took us to see the old cottages in the village and we
left her to go to a farm now partly in ruins which was once a palace of the Archbishop Morton, first
Archbishop of Canterbury. We knocked at the farm but the lady who after much difficulty succeeded in
opening the great doors of the barn [the Old Barn Hostel of 1931?] did not seem to know much about its
history, but we said if we could see their cowman he would tell us all about it. Just then the cowman
appeared wheeling a milkcart and he reopened the doors and explained the history of the place
thoroughly even taking us into little alcoves of the ruined walls so that we might see the bricked in
windows. It was while we stood in one of these corners with the evening sun streaming through the gaps
which had once been windows that he said the view reminded him somewhat of Suffolk where he said he
was born, and lived the poet Bloomfield who wrote the poem the Blind Ploughman and straightway he
began to recite a few lines and seeing we were appreciative carried on and completed the whole poem. It
was a scene I shall not easily forget. Thanking him and saying goodbye, we left him wheeling away his
milkcart and hurried back to the Hostel, as the evening was chilly. The Warden had lit a stove for us, so
we sat in the Common Room reading and by way of a change I went into the garden with the shears and
cut the grass and rolled it with a big stone lawn roller I found there. When I returned I was healthily
warmed and at about 8pm the Warden got our supper – boiled eggs, ham, bread and butter and cheese
and bovril and we all had it together. [Ann Chaplin, 2013, quoting from the holiday diary of Ronald John
Hay and Irene Phyllis Murgitroyd, her future parents, October 1932. Her correspondence continues…]
Then my father explains how my mother went to bed and the linen sleeping bags which were provided by
the hostel. The men’s dormitory was a large bare room with cracks in the walls which he stuffed with
paper in case of the rats. In the morning he had to run down the garden from the men’s dormitory to the
house for his shaving water. A good breakfast was ready at 7.30.

CHARLBURY (COTSWOLDS) 1946 to 2001.

96
The Laurels, The Slade, Charlbury, Oxfordshire 0X7 3SJ.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF; MD; C

GR: SP 360197* (house);
SP 361198* (glove factory)

▲Opened 18/4/1946 (Easter) as a small hostel with 21/28 beds [OXFar46]. Legal proceedings were
prolonged. In 1946 the house had been converted to provide five small dorms, washing and
lavatory facilities, but the factory portion was not yet developed; the house would be the hostel in
winter, and women’s dorm’s in summer. Work on the factory was undertaken in 1947 [OXFar47].
Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
A decision was made to close the hostel on 1/11/1970, hence the omission from the 1971
Handbook and inclusion only in the supplement. It was reprieved, largely through local and
regional actions, and reopened 4/1973, with an official reopening 5/1973.
Family/leader rooms were constructed [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, Dec84].
It survived another round of hostel closures in the early 1990s through being purchased privately
[Handbooks for 1992-93 described the hostel as for sale, and might not be available].
✚Closed early 2001: Mr & Mrs Elderkin decided to close for financial reasons. The final Rent-aHostel group stayed in late January 2001, and the hostel closed in February [YHA internal memo].
Handbook 1946-2001.
Alternative name: Charlbury (1946-2000).
Property tenure: freehold purchase after military occupation of the Laurels and Glove Factory (Ministry of Education
grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 1/6/1946).
Property profile: 19th-century house and glove factory. Now (2006) developed as flats.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Charlbury YHA is clean, commodious and well run by an efficient warden and wife. There are bare
floors and bare tables, but all mod. con. One sleeps on army beds, one above the other, either in dorms or
rooms. I was in an attic with two charming young girls and the fire escape. (One knotted rope coiled on
the wide sill, and fixed to a stout staple on an overhead beam. Far below, at the receiving end, was a
mound of straw. Dinner was in progress when we arrived, and we were soon enjoying a large helping of
excellent soup followed by stew and stewed apple and custard. Our knife, fork and spoon was ours to
keep and wash, until departure.
Everybody is expected to render half an hour’s work for the general comfort, before leaving. In this way,
all rooms are swept and tidied, washing and washing up achieved, and garden kept in order. I was greeted
with enthusiasm by the warden’s wife, when I let it be known that I would wash sleeping bags, and not
be too heavy on soap or hot water.
If you don’t bring your own, you pay 9d for hire of a sleeping bag. This is of light cotton, with a fold
over to receive the pillow, and serves the purpose of two sheets with the material of one. Must make my
own before next tour…
Army beds are undoubtedly hard, but after a few miles of cycling, they are quite capable of providing a
good night’s rest… [Mabel Pratt, August 1947].
We were given such a huge supper that the two schoolgirls were unable to eat their sweets of jelly and
blancmange. They asked the two New Zealanders, who were self-cooking, if they would like them. They
felt a bit guilty as they ate them [Pat Packham, A Holiday in the Cotswolds by Bicycle, 14 April 1955].
Oxfordshire RA member Miles Hardie is one of the key figures in a fund-raising campaign to save
Charlbury youth hostel from closure and conversion into three houses. The hostel was placed on the
Youth Hostel Association’s closure list at the end of 1990 together with 18 other hostels in order to help
finance a programme of ‘upgradings’ and to pay off some of its mounting debts (the YHA had a deficit
of £1.5 million on its income and expenditure account for the year ended 30th September 1990).
Together with members of local organisations and the parish, district and county councils, including
fellow RA member and parish councillor John Merriman, Miles has helped form the Charlbury Youth
Hostel Support Group. It aims to raise £140,000 to buy the hostel buildings and £60,000 to spend on
them. If successful, the appeal, launched in December with the knowledge and agreement of the YHA,
will be used to finance the purchase of the hostel and enable it to continue as a part of the YHA network
under the joint management of the YHA and representatives of the trust fund.
The hostel was put on the market last March for £225,000 but an offer of £140,000 put in by the support
group in October was accepted in principle by the YHA [South Eastern Rambler, Spring 1992].
There were notices everywhere – even in the toilet: ‘Please do not waste the paper – it is needed for
notices’ [Russell Parsons on post-war hostelling, recounted in 2004].
(v)

CHARNEY BASSETT 1943 to 1948.

97
Rectory Farm, Charney Bassett, Wantage, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SU 379946*

▲Opened in time for Whit 1943 [OXFar43], with opportunities for expansion if needed
[OXFar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 30/9/1948 [OXFar48].
Handbook 1943alterations-48.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old farmhouse in centre of village.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
A lovely village. The members’ kitchen was right over the other side of the garden [Mary Jephcott, July
1945, recounted in 2015].
Charney Basset Youth Hostel is a farm, a rambling, disjointed and confusing old place, and the
accommodation for hostellers is scattered far and wide. The farmer’s wife seemed surprised to see us. It
is three days since any hostellers have shown up at all. As soon as we explain that we are self-cookers we
are looked upon as harmless. Self-cooking arrangements were scattered – crockery was in the house,
water was outside it, and Calor gas rings were through the gate and across the yard [Mabel Pratt, April
1948].

CHARNWOOD FOREST 1933 to 1940.
Forest House, Bardon Hill, Leicester.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 452124*

▲Opened 5/1933 [NMIar33].
Wartime arrangements: at first the premises were advised as closed [Sheffield Bulletin Autumn 1939]. The hostel
operated fully in 1940, but was lost by 30/9/1940.

✚Closed 1940 and replaced briefly by Bardon (Stud Farm) Hostel.
Handbook 1933-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Forest House was demolished in the 1970s. It was very susceptible to damp. There is a new house of
that name standing a few yards away, and a Lodge House still standing between the old hostel site and the main road
[JM, 2004].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Charnwood 741 plan.tif
(v)
CHARNWOOD FOREST Planned hostel 1936. Did not open.
Charnwood Forest Convalescent Home.
▼Plans for securing this replacement hostel as a Jubilee Trust Hostel, Bardon Hill being the most popular of the
Region’s smaller hostels, were blocked by local influences at the last minute [NMIar36]

CHARTERHOUSE 2008 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2008-10 inclusive.
CHEDDAR 1952 to present.
Stone Barton, The Hays, Hillfield Lane (or Hillfield), Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3HN.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: ST 455534*

▲Opened 1/8/1952, a week ahead of the scheduled 9/8/1952, to assist with up to about 20
unbooked members. It replaced Biddisham Hostel. The wardens and accommodation hostel owners
were Mr & Mrs KW Tyler. The following year accommodation was increased [YHAar53].
At the end of the 1960s a separate wash-up was provided to give more space in the members’
kitchen [Youth Hosteller March 1969].
Cheddar Hostel was closed temporarily, possibly until the end of February 1973, due to
circumstances beyond the YHA’s control [HN Winter 1972-73].
In 1991 dormitories were divided into smaller bedrooms [Sar 91]. By early 1997, the Hostel
Improvement Programme (HIP, formerly PDMP) was now nearing completion. The entire hostel
has been transformed with central heating, new showers and WCs, new hostel kitchen and servery
and conservatory dining room, along with a larger self-catering kitchen and dining area. Improved
security and facilities in the annexe were planned [YHA News spring 1997].

98
Handbook 1952 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: at first it was an accommodation hostel leased from the Borough of Axbridge. Later it was purchased
(Ministry of Education grant-aided) 1/9/1960 (or 14/9/1960 [YHAPB]) (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: attractive stone and pantiled valley-roofed Victorian house with outbuildings, one an annexe newly
built by YHA.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Cheddar youth hostel always seemed to be one of those hostels that wasn’t quite approved of, because of
its proximity to kiss me quick tourism at the Gorge. When I was Operations Manager there around 199596 it was really popular with school groups so it certainly accommodated more than its share of young
people. For a long time it was run by a very dedicated, kindly couple, Arthur and Maureen Thompson. I
think their daughter ran the hostel at Lulworth. The hostel was an awkward place, a conventional family
home with a youth hostel crammed into it and an annexe with a washroom off the lounge and a tiny
kitchen where I remember it was hell to cook. During a series of staff illnesses, my wife Caroline went
over to help from the hostel at Salisbury. We mulled over plans and considered all sorts of ideas of how it
could be improved. Eventually an extension was built into the garden for the dining room [Duncan
Simpson, recalled in 2015].
(s)

CHEDINGTON (see Winyard’s Gap)
CHELTENHAM 1931 only.
YMCA, The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SO 947223* (YMCA)

▲Opened 13/6/1931, according to Handbook. The men’s room and the common room were in a
hut at the rear of the YMCA; women’s quarters were at Bayshill Lecture Room, 2 minutes away
[GSND Regional Guide 1931].
✚Closed 1/10/1931.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn-4th edn).
Property tenure:
Property profile: YMCA at the rear of a street of distinguished classical architecture.
(v)

CHELWOOD GATE 1934 to 1939.
Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 415304*

▲Opened 21/7/1934 [LONar34] and officially opened 8/1934.
✚Closed 1939 on the outbreak of war [LON mins].
Wartime arrangements: closed for the duration of the war. The 1945 Handbook stated that it might reopen, but with no
details. It was not returned from requisition, however [LONar1946].
Handbook 1934-39; 1945.
Property tenure: lent to YHA by the Manor Trust.
Property profile: this specially-designed hostel was constructed by the Manor Trust on behalf of YHA. In 2006 the
property was advertised as divided into flats.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Chelwood Gate 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Holmbury YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We got in at bedtime. The hostel seems a huge place in the dark and we were not quite sure if we had
arrived at the right place, but a young woman with a friendly smile opened the door. She and her husband
were temporay wardens while the others were on a cycling holiday on the Continent. We went straight to
bed, passing through the common room where there were half-a-dozen people, some not so young,
playing ping-pong, eating dinner or strumming on the piano.
Instead of the usual bunks, ten little iron bedsteads, with a mattress, three grey blankets and one pillow
per bed.
At 8am next morning we had porridge, bacon and tomato, toast, bread and butter, marmalade, and tea in
china mugs for 1/3d [anonymous holiday log, September 1938].
(v)

CHENSON Camping barn 1995 to 2008≠.
▲Chenson Farm, Chawleigh, Chulmleigh, Devon. GR: SS 705099
An official opening for south-western camping barns was held here 1996.

99
Handbook 1996-2008. Open from April 1995 [leaflet]. Closed before 2009.
Property profile: a former cob and timber barn used for cider pressing.

CHEPSTOW (TUTSHILL) 1932 to 1935.
Ty-Gwilym, Tutshill, Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 537950*

▲Opened 1932, the season being from 15/6/1932 to 30/9/1932 [List of New Hostels Opened in
1932: South Wales Hostel leaflet]. Tutshill was a rare tented hostel, considerably extended
[SWAar33]. It was one mile above the town on the Gloucestershire bank of the river. The common
room was a marquee and the sleeping quarters were bell and patrol tents (with wooden floors and
camp beds).
✚Closed 1935, and replaced by the Old Labour Institute Hostel. The Rev RJ Stockdale, founder of
the local group, with keen scouting interests, and Hon. warden of Tutshill, had resigned
[SWAar35]. The hostel was unable to continue because he was setting up West Hythe Hostel
[SWAar36].
Handbook 1933-35.
Alternative names: Chepstow (1933); Tutshill (1934).
Property tenure:
Property profile: in tents, the Watch-Tower Camp in 1935. Tut is a local name for watch-tower.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Rev JR [sic] Stockdale made a loss of £90 in running Tutshill [South Wales Hosteller November
1946].
Fred Travis [b1915] stayed at Tutshill YH in 1932: boarded floor to bell tents – no doubt ex-army tents
from WWI – had to sleep with feet to centre pole – an old boot was used as WC during the night. The
common room and the dining room were large white marquees [B Berry, daughter, reporting in 2004].

CHEPSTOW [Old Labour Institute] 1936 to 1940.
Old Labour Institute, 1 Albion Square, Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 532937

▲Opened 9/4/1936, replacing Tutshill Hostel. In 1939 accommodation was increased [YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: the strength of use in 1940 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. In that year the
premises formerly rented by YHA were now leased to the local Welfare Committee, who had allowed the youth hostel
to continue. It was not ideal, but better than nothing [SWAar1940]. Nevertheless, it failed to survive beyond that year.

✚Closed 1940, the end of season being 31/10/1940.
Replaced Chepstow (Tutshill). Replaced by Chepstow (Plough House).
Handbook 1936 supplement-40.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: the hostel adjoined the bus station.
The building has since been demolished [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
18th July 1936. ...a long, dark, narrow place with frosted windows.. but it is far more comfortable than
most I have been in, and very well fitted up, with gas for cooking at no extra charge and good crockery –
cups and saucers, not mugs, egg cups, plates (not enamel) that you miss in small hostels. Described as the
Old Labour Institute. The bus station was the ‘Red and White’ offices. On the opposite side, between a
methodist chapel and a public house stood the unattractive Lab Institute. We looked first into the big
arched yard at the side. There seemed to be no entrance there. In the middle of the building itself was a
small door and next to it a tiny shop window. I nosed into the small door. A boy, obviously belonging
there, said we could bring our bikes in to a bare dark hall with cycle stands. Meanwhile the little wizened
man of the house appeared. We left our cards with his wife in the shop and made arrangements about
milk and eggs. Then through to the men’s dorm at the far end of this long narrow building [Diaries of FJ
Catley, 1936].
(v)

CHEPSTOW [Plough House] 1941 to 1945.
Plough House, Upper Church Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 535939*

▲Opened 1941, by April [Rucksack Easter 1941], replacing Chepstow (Labour Institute) Hostel.

100
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1941-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded, but it almost
certainly remained in operation. A 1943 membership card is stamped Chepstow. The hostel was busy in 1944 and 1945.

✚Closed 31/10/1945 and replaced by Chepstow (Mounton Road).
Handbook 1941-45.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a Grade II listed building. A private house in 2009.
(v)

CHEPSTOW [Mounton Road] Opened 1946 to 1991 or 1992.
St Lawrence, Mounton Road, Chepstow, Gwent NP6 6AA.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: ST 522934*

▲Opened 1946, replacing Chepstow (Plough House). The 1946 Handbook announced that in all
probability there would be a large new hostel opening at Easter; no details were given, though it
opened during the year [SWAar46].
Major repairs to the roof were being carried out [SWAar64]. Extensive external repair work was
completed at Chepstow [SWAar65]. Proposals were been submitted by the Region to the National
Finance Committee for considerable improvements at Chepstow hostel [WSar66]. The outlying
dormitory building was severely damaged by fire. In making plans for repairing the damage it was
decided to give the hostel a major face-lift, and an expenditure of £1,900 for this purpose was
approved. This work is nearing completion and includes a complete renovation of the members’
kitchen, improvements to the men’s washroom and provision of a drying room [WSar67]. It was
externally renovated and a first class self cookers’ kitchen provided. An improved men’s
Washroom and Showers were completed [WSar69], while an old garage was convereted during
1973 to improve the hostel’s amenities [WSar73].
A cottage adjoining was purchased for wardens’ accommodation, while the wardens themselves
had carried out extensive remodelling of the hostel to give a much improved members’ kitchen
washrooms [WSar76].
✚Closed 1991, or [YHAF] 1992. There were 172 bednights in 1992SY, almost certainly indicating
a late 1991 closure; as does the omission from the 1992 Handbook. YHA News as late as the May
1993 edition stated that the Youth Hostels Trust had agreed terms for the sale of Chepstow Hostel
though at a much reduced price from the original asking of £250,000, reflecting the serious
downturn in the property market.
Handbook 1946-91.
Alternative names: Severn Bridge (Chepstow) (1/10/1966-79); Chepstow (Severn Bridge) (1980-84).
Property tenure: a fully controlled hostel [SWAar46], purchased freehold (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA
Trust 5/5/1947); a further property, West Cottage, Mounton Road, Chepstow, was purchased freehold on 16/2/1976 (to
YHA Trust) [YHAar76].
Property profile: a large detached house, known as St Lawrence, which survives.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 48, Chepstow, Youth Hosteller September 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
An imposing but neglected house with the blessed sign on the door, YHA. The self-cookers’ kitchen was
an ugly place not yet done up, with hideous old-fashioned boilers and dusty pipes, large shabby sinks,
chocolate paint and black slate floor. It possessed, however, electric light, one tap which gave forth hot
water, and a row of Primus stoves. Roger advanced upon these with enthusiasm. Beatrice stoves bore
him, but the poor misunderstood and ill-treated Primus stoves have personalities which appeal. Our
supper, beginning with fish and fried potatoes, and ending with the blessed pot of scalding hot tea, was
soon on the table. Chepstow Hostel, once an opulent house in a superb position, and rich in lofty rooms,
wide panelled doors and large marble overmantles, looks strange now, bare of all furnishings save tables,
chairs and bed units. There are outhouses of every sort, courtyards, and strange water systems, all long
neglected. For the purposes of a youth hostel there is plenty of room, but one wonders just where
anybody would begin, who wanted to turn the place into a civilised, modern home.
[A few days later] the tap in the women’s dorm obligingly yielded very hot water… The energetic and
cheerful young warden seemed pleased to see us again, and was in and out of the self-cookers’ kitchen
engaged upon running the hostel seemingly single-handed. His was the hand that cooked for the other
hostellers and managed boilers, jobs and bookings. His simple garb was shorts, sandals and brown
torso… In the evening and early morning he added a tweed jacket… he said it was a grand life [Mabel
Pratt, April 1948].

101
The sound-proofed cellar aat Severn Bridge was used in February for the hostel’s first discotheque.
About 40 hostellers were there and a buffet arranged by two members of West Birmingham Group [YHr
6/71].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 9,100 bednights.
The downstairs rooms are good. Common Room, Dining Room and Members’ Kitchen are all first class.
This is a stately, elegant building and the Common Room and Dining Room show to advantage. The
Members’ Kitchen has all that a self cooker could wish for.
The second floor dormitories are still in need of redecoration and retain a great deal of worn out
furniture. Beds, mattresses and blankets all need renewal. There is also some overcrowding. I counted 78
beds, 18 over the Handbook figure, mostly on the second floor but in Dorm 1 as well. The bare floors
need to be brightened up somehow.
The men’s WC in the main building shows signs of wear and the flooring is in bad condition. The
women’s WCs are in contrast, in far better condition. Their room also contains 4 hand basins, a shower
and a hot towel rack. I couldn’t find a sanitowel dispenser.
Much has already been said of the Games Room in the basement which is such a feature of this hostel. It
certainly seems to fascinate young members and few who I talked to who had been to Severn Bridge
omitted it from the conversation. One must congratulate the warden on his enterprise and initiative.
The Annexe is excellently arrayed and furnished. This is the only part of the dormitory accommodation
with heaters. There are 2 old type bunks and the floor needs treatment. Also the locks in the WCs are
showing signs of strain. Otherwise it is in very good condition. The connecting stairs between the 2
floors however need decorating badly.
I feel that Severn Bridge is like the curate’s egg. It is a mixture of Simple on the second floor, Standard
on the first floor and Superior in the ground floor and annexe. To my way of thinking, it should remain
Standard but I would hope to see some improvement to the upper rooms shortly [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report, 28/4/1974 (extracts)].
(s)

CHESHAM 1934 or 1935 to 1945.
Colwyn, Chartridge Lane, Chesham, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SP 944032*

▲Opened late 1934 or 1935, replacing Amersham Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war [LON mins] but reintroduced in 1940, at least in
November and December and probably much earlier in the season [bednights record]. Records are missing for 1941-42,
but it almost certainly remained in operation. Bednights were recorded in the years 1943-45.

✚Closed late September 1945, or possibly earlier: it was described as permanently closed [LRN
8/1945].
Handbook 1935-45.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: a bungalow.
Colwyn still exists, at 331 Chartridge Lane. It has recently doubled in size with a new extension on the eastern elevation
[KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Chesham 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
…an entirely different kind of hostel [from Jordans], a modern small house. It was a howling windy night
and you had to go outside to get water, to empty it, to go to the lavatory or to get to the kitchen. If you
did your own cooking you had to go down to a shed in the corner of the garden and the hot water taps
were carefully tied up so you shouldn’t use them. If anyone is going to run a youth hostel, they should do
it wholeheartedly, or not at all [anonymous holiday log, March 1939].

CHESTER [Girls’ Friendly Society] 1932 to 1933.
The Girls’ Friendly Society, 14, Stanley Place, Chester.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER

▲Opened 1932. There was accommodation for women only, if previous notice given.
✚Closed 1933.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: handsome red-bricked building, now the library of the Queen’s School.
(v)

CHESTER [Roodee House] 1934 to 1952.
Roodee House, Watergate Square, Chester.

GR: SJ 401662*

102
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 401661*

▲Opened 5/1934 [first bednights, MERar34], the intention being to open by Whit Saturday,
19/5/1934. There was an official opening by the mayor on 27/6/1934.
Wartime arrangements: this was an army billet during the Second World War (MYH History). In 1940 the hostel was
in use by the military and for men only, and withdrawn by 14/10/1940. Thereafter it was unavailable to the Association
during the hostilities.

The hostel was reopened after the war, Easter 1946.
✚Closed 1951 or 1952 on opening of Chester (Hoole Bank), intended to be 1/1951 (but delayed):
8188 bednights in 1951SY, indicating a full season [see details below].
Handbook 1934-40; 1946-51.
Property tenure:
Property profile: tall Georgian terrace building, demolished when the racecourse was redeveloped and YHA moved to
Hoole Bank.
The site of the YH is land immediately to right of The Watergate Inn, now a footpath and westbound carriageway of
New Crane Street [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
George and I went to inspect the proposed Chester hostel. We spent a long time measuring up all the
rooms and making notes [Bertha Gough diary, Sunday 3rd March 1934].
Roodee House was between two pubs, and where iron tyres on the cobbles disturbed the night [G Smith].
A further disturbance was the illumination through uncurtained dormitory windows from adjacent traffic
lights throughout the night [Max Kirby].
It was owned by the Chester Racecourse Company and the building was used to accommodate jockeys
and other staff when race meetings were being held, and was not available to YHA members. This
usually meant disinfecting the property before YHA could use it again [Max Kirby]
(v)

CHESTER [Hoole Bank] 1952 to 1962.
Hoole Bank, Mannings Lane, Hoole Village, Chester.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 429691*

▲Opened 1952 [North Wales Handbook], replacing Chester (Roodee House) Hostel. The hostel
opened its doors to one member on the evening of the day on which Roodee House closed
[Manchester Guardian report, 21/3/1952], but officially opened 3/3/1952 [Liverpool Daily Post] by
Tom Stevenson. It had been hoped to transfer from Chester (Roodee House) 1/1951, but this was
delayed by the theft of fittings from the house. Hoole Bank was to have 120 beds, 46 in the house
and the rest in Nissen huts in the grounds [M Guardian], but actually held 100. The hostel was fully
open by mid-1952 [Rksk May-Jun52]. It developed profound water and dry rot problems and was
always a drain on resources. Over the winter of 1956-57 contractors were busy giving a muchneeded face-lift to the hostel. The outside was repaired and painted and the inside redecorated. The
garage was turned into a men’s dormitory, a second dining room was installed and the members’
kitchen improved [YHr 3/57].
✚Closed 1962 and replaced by Chester (Hough Green House) Hostel. The property sold 2/8/1962
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1952-62.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 25/3/1952).
Property profile: a large detached Georgian house in private grounds on the northern outskirts of Chester. It is now
[2016] the Hammond School, an independent school.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The buildings and grounds had been used in wartime by USAF as a Rest and Recovery site by American
forces [Max Kirby].
The house was built and extended between 1840 and 1860, replacing an earlier house built by the road.
It remained a modern and fashionable family home (lived in by five different families) at the centre of a
large estate until World War One. The house was used as a Red Cross Convalescent Hospital from 1914
– 1919 and was then bequeathed to the National Institute of the Blind as a guest house in 1921. It was
sold in 1937 and appears to have been let out and then used by American soldiers during the World War
Two (most likely the source of the Nissen huts). After ten years as a youth hostel it was sold and became
home to Hoole Bank School.
In 1969 the house was bought by The Hammond school (a vocational performing arts school) where it
housed the education unit. By 1994 the entire school was now housed at Hoole Bank. The main body of

103
the house still exists. The grounds have now been extensively built on to accommodate the growing
school [Caroline Hamilton, house archivist, with permission].
(v)

CHESTER [Hough Green House] 1962 to 2009.
Hough Green House, 40 Hough Green, Chester CH4 8JD.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SJ 396650*

▲Opened 1962, replacing Hoole Bank Hostel. The intention was to open early June 1962.
Central heating was being installed at Chester [HN Winter 1972-73].
A garage annexe was converted to provide dormitories and toilets and assistant’s accommodation,
and the main house improved, by 14 men on a Job Creation programme to enable 7-day operation
in 1977 [Wightwash 10/76, HN Winter 1976-77]. In 1977 the hostel gained a new members’
kitchen and dining room and improved toilets [HNsum1977]. In 1978 the number of beds was
increased to 120 with the rehabilitation of the annexe [HN Summer 1978].
Major improvements were effected under PDMP; work started in January 1990 on the annexe in
phase 1 of the total refurbishment. The provision of separate staff accommodation over the winter
of 1990-91 would allow more flexible hostel space and improved catering, dormitory, shower and
toilet provision [War90].
✚Closed 2009. It had been due to close in 2008, but this was delayed until the end of summer 2009
because of a slump in housing values. The YHA Website, 13 September 2009, indicated that it was
now closed; the sale was completed 5/10/2009.
Handbook 1963-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 5/1962 [MERar62] or 16/7/1962 (to YHA
Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: large victorian house, built in 1856. Formerly the Hough Green Hotel. Since closure the property has
been acquired as University of Chester accommodation, and renamed De Bunsen Hall.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 94, Chester, Youth Hosteller March 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Chester hostel comes of age this year. The handsome Victorian house has been used for 21 years has the
facilities the modern hosteller has come to expect. We aren’t sure what the Victorians would have
thought of the café in the elegant dining room, or the pool table in their drawing room, but these are
certainly proving popular with our miners. The building has been totally redecorated in the last year –
brightening the hostel yet recapturing the charm of the larger rooms [HN Summer 1983].
(s)

CHILTON 1934 to 1936.
Prospect Farm, Chilton, Didcot, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire
YHA Region: OXF
Positional note: marked on OS map as Angers Farm [1934 Handbook supplement].

GR: SU 498852*

▲Opened Summer 1934 by the Oxford University Group, who were specially charged with
opening a hostel in this area [YHAar34]. This self-supporting hostel had been operating for 15
months [thus open about 7/1934] by the time of the 1935 annual report; there was soon the threat of
closure, but a new warden was found and the hostel had not had to close [OXFar35]. The warden in
1935 was Mrs Roberts.
✚Closed end 9/1936; it made a slight loss and was not well managed; Chilton Hostel was replaced
by Weston [OXFar36].
Handbook 1934 supplement-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a small cottage at an isolated farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Chilton 751 ≈† RG35.tif
CHINNOR Planned hostel, 1981-82. Did not open.•••
Chinnor
▼A hostel for the Watlington / Christmas Common area had been investigated for 12-15 years, and was at the
planning stage in 1982. A property owned by the Rugby Portland Cement had its front gates actually on the Ridgway
Path, was of the right size (35 beds), extendable to 60; permission was declined by National YHAas finances were
especially tight [EAagm82].

104
CHIPPING Camping Barn 1990 to 2015.
▲Clarkhouse Farm, Chipping, Lancashire. GR: SD 616435
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1992-2009. Also open 2010-2015.
Property profile: in former stable and hayloft.

CHISWORTH 1933 to 1947.
Rarewood, Chisworth, Manchester.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SJ 994923*

▲Opened 1/6/1933: negotiations were proceeding [Handbook 1933, with details; the 1933
supplement described the place as open]. Accommodation was 19 at first [MANar33].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West
Riding.

✚Closed 28/2/1947, or 1/1947, after the death of Miss Deas, the long-standing warden [MANar47].
The 1947 official closure announcement was probably some time after last use in 1946.
Handbook 1933 supplement-46
Property tenure: accommodation hostel, a private house with common room and bedroom for YHA members [holiday
log].
Property profile: in a cluster of houses serving a large cotton mill. All these properties are now flats or being converted
to that use [JM, 2008].
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel was a private house, once owned by a mill-owner. A common room and bedroom is portioned
off for YHA members. The cook-house and washing-place are downstairs in another building. All along
the path to the house are large kennels with red setters who make a great deal of noise at one’s approach.
The common room is reached by woode steps leading up to the window which opens like a door, the
room being an upstairs one. There were only five of us but we were all infected by laughter. The warden
was a plesant spoken Scotswoman; besides being the warden she was a schoolteacher and bred dogs
[Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, July 1934].
(v)

CHITCOMBE (see Brede)
CHOLDERTON HILL 1953 to 1957.
Hugh’s Settlement, Quarley, Andover, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 251435*

▲Opened 11/7/1953 [LRN 8/1953]. The property had been obtained 5/1953 [WILar53]. There
were at first only 12 beds. As the hostel was often overcrowded additional accommodation was
made available in a 50 feet long marquee forwarded to this hostel by the National Council
[WILar54-56]; this idea would suffice until the hostel could be extended [YHAar54].
✚Closed 9/1957 [YHAF]; the hostel was uneconomical to the owners, Hugh’s Settlement [YHr
10/1957, WILar57].
Handbook 1953 supplement-57.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Hugh’s Settlement, started about 1928, was a 120 acre experimental model settlement as prototype for
other rural and overseas settlements. Hugh’s Settlement built its own houses and aimed at community food production
and industries [Website]. The Settlement was acquired by a Mr Nixon in memory of his friend, Hugh, who did not
survive the First World War. With assistance from the Rowntree Trust, the area was set aside for conscientious
objectors in the Second World War. They built their houses, including the hostel, from chalk dug out of the ground, and
thatched them with grass. They grew produce for the local markets at Amesbury and Andover. Little remains
today. The old Cholderton Youth Hostel was modernised and a second floor added. It is now a private house [Website].
It was at Buckingham House, formerly known as Windy Dido [David Preston, local resident].
Web resource: http://www.utopia-britannica.org.uk/pages/HAMPS.htm
http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/pdf/Plan_AmportVDS.pdf

CHOLDERTON (STONEHENGE) 2004 to present.
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Wiltshire SP4 OEW.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: S

GR: SU 209423*

105
▲Opened 1/2/2004. Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners
and YHA, and the hostel lost its YHA status. There are 70 beds in a combination of family, en-suite
and dormitory rooms.
Handbook 2003/04-2009 (2003/04 in Update 3 only, some details).
Alternative names: Cholderton (2003/04 Update 3).
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise bunkhouse.
Property profile: a heavily restored farmhouse, with bunkhouse, café, bar and rare breeds farm park.

CILIBION 1950 to 1969.
Rosemead, Cilibion, Reynoldston, Swansea, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA; WS

GR: SS 515914*

▲Opened Easter 1950 [SWAar50]. Opening 7/1950 was advertised [BRR 3/1950]). Extra land
adjacent was acquired for a hut, leasehold from 25/3/1947 [YHAPB]. The hostel was offered by
two local members, Mr & Mrs John and Ray Owen, at their home; the hut formerly at Penlanwen
was moved here [SWAar50].
✚Closed 30/9/1969. The hostel tenancy was cancelled 15/5/1972[YHAPB]. Upon closure, a hut
was moved to Poppit Sands to become the family annexe there [WSar72].
Handbook 1950-69.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel with a tenancy arrangement. In the 1960s there was a leasehold of further land
(to YHA Trust).
Property profile: house and simple outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Poppit Sands YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Port Eynon YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
31 July 1953. I found the YH situated by the side of cross-roads. Although it was only a small hostel it
was by no means full. The dormitories were situated some distance from the house itself. The girls
outnumbered the men by 5 to 2.
1 August 1953. I arrived back in the hostel just after 8pm and discovered that many more hostellers had
arrived: a German girl and her brother slept in a tent, and one fellow spent the night on the table in the
members’ kitchen.
I was given another rather unusual duty when I was asked to go and pick tomatoes from the two
greenhouses. As a reward the warden gave me two of them with my packed lunch [Pat Packham, A
Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and Rail Runabout Ticket, 12 August 1953].
I found a ‘Girl’ party there [‘Eagle’ and ‘Girl’ YHA tours] and Mrs Owen asked if I would like to go in
the new dormitory with them. I chose the latter! [Pat Packham, July 1960].
(v)

THE CITY MILL (see Winchester)
CITY OF LONDON (see [London] CITY OF LONDON)
CLEETHORPES 1956 to 1961.
Yarra House, Yarra Road, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire
YHA Region: NMI
Positional note: the car park on Yarra Road (qv) is at this precise location.≠

GR: TA 307087

▲Opened 17/5/1956. An official opening was held on 23/6/1956. When acquired the 17-room
hostel was in a neglected state [NMIar56]. Voluntary work parties got the hostel in order for £500;
it accommodated M28W12. A handwritten note of ca1960 stated that the hostel was to be replaced
soon by a smaller and more comfortable hostel in College Street [H Minns], though after 6 months’
negotiations we finally had to admit failure [Lincs Sub-Region ar 1960].
✚Closed by 9/1961 [YHr 9/1961], but as there were only 15 bednights after 1/10/1960 it probably
closed late 1960 or early 1961.
Handbook 1956 supplement-61.
Property tenure: rented on a 5-year lease from Cleethorpes Corporation for £150pa (the house was initially offered to
YHAfor sale at £6,000, though demolition was also mooted).

106
Property profile: a former hotel. On closure of the hostel the local authority’s intention was to pull down the building to
build a swimming pool, but after demolition this plan was never realised and the site is now a car park [former warden
of Woody’s Top].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cleethorpes 711 [newspaper accounts of the opening]
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 56, Cleethorpes, Youth Hosteller May 1958.

CLEEVE HILL 1936 to 1995.
Rock House, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PR.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE; MD; C

GR: SO 982268*

▲Opened end 7/1936 [GSEar36].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it
was closed until further notice. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it
would be increasingly used that summer by young workers from Birmingham, Coventry, Gloucester, Cheltenham and
Bristol. It was in considerable demand for school parties and boys’ club conferences. Thus exemption from further
requisitioning was granted during 1941SY [GSEar41].

A decade later there was a serious dispute with a former warden, which led to closure, except at
Easter, from 19/2-4/7/1953. There was also an extensive and costly fire in the bicycle shed later
that year [GSEar53]; BSA Cycles Ltd replaced damaged machines free of charge [YHAar53].
GP Dooley, Hon Gen Sec, GSE Region, wrote this account in Rucksack:
FIRE AT CLEEVE HILL on August 20th. It was reported that the hostel property, apart from the cycle
shed, was intact. The loss of 29 cycles and equipment to the value of £582 was a severe blow to the
young members concerned, but the officers wished to express their sincere appreciation to the BSA Cycle
Co, Birmingham, for so promptly and generously offering to replace all cycles lost.
There is no doubt the whole property would have been destroyed but for the splendid work done by the
wardens, Mr and Mrs John Pilkington, and all the YHA members staying at the hostel that night. The
Officers wish to express their admiration to all who assisted in saving the hostel, thus preserving a
valuable link in the chain of hostels throughout the beautiful Cotswold country.

In 1974 the wardens converted a store-room next to the members’ kitchen into a bright and
colourful dining area for members [HN Autumn 1974].
✚Closed 1995: surveys showed that the building was in a very precarious state; a small sum was
spent to enable it to operate from April to September that year [mins 28/4/1995]. The end of season
was 30/9/1995. The property was sold [YHAar 2004, dated 2/2005].
Handbook 1936amendments-95.
Alternative names: Cleeve Hill (Cheltenham) (1982-86).
Property tenure: purchased by the Association [YHAar36], but held leasehold (to YHA Trust 27/7/1936), also (eg)
1953.
Property profile: former Cheltenham Golf Club pavilion. Application for residential development was made in 2005.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cleeve 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Cleeve 752 ≈† RG47.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G
Greenhough.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 59, Cleeve Hill, Youth Hosteller August 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ann and Graham Jenkins were recently installed at Cleeve Hill hostel, in the Cotswolds, not far from
Cheltenham. Ann and Graham are pioneer wardens who were the first appointed to Breachwood Green
and later transferred to Kemsing, when Cleves was acquired, thus getting a second hostel into
conspicuously successful running order [London Region News article, June 1940].
I heard of David (Dewi) Turton, [Father David of the first Capel-y-Ffin Hostel] through the warden of
Cleeve Hill, named Jenkins. He too had ecclesiastical tendencies and sometimes held services after the
hostel closed at 10am. Cleeve Hill had unequalled sunsets over the Welsh Hills [Len Clark, reporting in
2007 and 2015].
The water to wash with was beautifully cold, and refreshed me immensely, and it also made me quite
ready for dinner, which was a large enough meal, with potatoes in plenty, meat, a second vegetable, and a
fruit pudding. (The next day) we ate all the meat paste and chocolate spread sandwiches provided by the
Youth Hostel (at a fee of sixpence) [Rev G Greenhough, 1947].
The quickest way to the youth hostel was up some steps in the centre of the village but the easiest for
cyclists was across the common [Pat Packham, A Holiday around Worcestershire by Bicycle, 4 April
1956].
(v)

CLENT 1934 to 1957.
Belbroughton Road, Holy Cross, Clent, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.

107
Historic County: Worcestershire
YHA Region: BMW
GR: SO 923785
Positional note: a Regional Guide sketchmap suggests location at this Grid Reference.≠ 10 and 14 Pool Furlong were
wardens’ addresses, 14 being almost opposite the hostel [Regional Guide 1939].

▲Opened early 6/1934. Officially opened 14/7/1934. George Orwell stayed here in 1936 [BBC –
KF].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it
was closed until further notice.

Electricity was brought to the hostel in 1952 [YHAar52].
✚Closed 22/2/1957, as the site could not be leased further.
Handbook 1934-57.
Property tenure: on a site gifted to YHA Trust; there was a nominal rent for (eg) the first 10 years [BMWar34] (to YHA
Trust 15/1/1936 as property at Clent).
Property profile: a purpose-built single-storey wooden hut model hostel with corrugated roofing. A central common
room and kitchen was flanked by dormitories. After closure it was sold to a scout group, and moved [BMWar57].
The site is now a bungalow, Owls Nest, the last building on the left heading south out of village, almost opposite 63-65
Belbroughton Road [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Clent 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Clent 752 ≈† RG39.tif;
[∂ & «:]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The air raids on Birmingham started and there was official encouragement to get out of town for a night –
the idea was to get some sleep. What a heaven sent excuse! We started a group going out to Clent on
Tuesday evenings. Most of us cycled but Arthur and Tony walked, railed and hitched. Assemble around
7.00pm. Quick walk up the Five Stones in the dark of a blacked out winter night. From that viewpoint
there was, and is, on a clear night a panorama of the Black Country, Malvern, Cotswolds, Bredon and
parts of Birmingham. Even in the blackout, the chain making furnaces in and around Cradley flared
periodically into the night.
Cook, eat, bed. Alarm clock at 5.00am. Ride home, change into office dress, cycle to work as my office
was by this time evacuated from City Centre to Knowle. The hilly ride through the early morning lanes to
the Austin at Longbridge was quite something in a clear frosty day break. And something quite else in
bad conditions [G Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
The nearest one to Birmingham, a wooden hut, with a ‘tortoise’ stove in the middle of the common room
for inadequate heating. The warden was non-resident [Mary Jephcott, August 1945, recounted in 2015].
We found a wooden hut with a drive, and a black YHA sign. Finding the hostel locked, we went to the
Warden’s house for the keys (and this time found him in). We got these, and hurried back to the gaslit
hostel, which we found out was a specially built place, not converted, as is usually the case [Rev G
Greenhough, 1947].
This was my first youth hostel, in the late 1940s. I remember the large central room, with stove at the
centre. Cooking was on gas rings at one end of the room, and like the rest of the hostel, things were
primitive. The bedlinen was damp [Olive Thoumine].

CLEOBURY MORTIMER [Manor House] 1932 only.
The Manor House, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 671756*

▲Opened 16/4/1932 [BirminghamRGar32 and Handbook]. All accommodation (M8 bunks, W 8
bunks) was in the Manor House, warden Mrs Page [1932 pamphlet].
✚Closed early 8/1932 and replaced by Cleobury Mortimer (Styper House). The hostel was moved
during the August Bank Holiday [Birmingham Region circular]. An emergency transfer was
effected by members at very short notice, before the September mass meet at Styper House
[BirminghamRGar32].
Handbook 1932.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a substantial Queen Anne (or possibly William and Mary) style house, built of brick. It was altered
and extended in the early eighteenth century. Despite the name it was never the house of the Lord of the Manor. Manor
House has been a nursing home from 1989 to 2008 or later [GD].
It is now [2014] empty and in poor condition.
(v)

CLEOBURY MORTIMER [Styper House] 1932 to 1936.
Styper House, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 669763*

108
Positional note: an 1894 map shows the location of the workhouse at this Grid Reference.

▲Opened 8/1932, replacing Cleobury Mortimer (Manor House) Hostel.
✚Closed 30/9/1936 [BMWar36]. It was hoped to replace it with a new hostel at Easter 1937
[Rucksack New Year 1937].
Handbook 1933-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former union workhouse to the north-west of Cleobury, demolished in the 1940s. This union was
unusual in including parishes from three counties: Shropshire, Worcesershire and Herefordshire. The site is still known
locally as Workhouse Bank and is occupied [2008] by the Glen Caravan Park.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cleobury B 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif
CLEOBURY MORTIMER Planned hostel, 1937. Operation extremely unlikely.
Charlton House, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcestershire. (Historical County Shropshire). GR: SO 6775
approx.
▼There was a report that the old hostel in the disused workhouse at Cleobury Mortimer had now been replaced by
Charlton House Hostel, Cleobury Mortimer, with accommodation for 100 [Rucksack Springtime 1937, p52]. Elsewhere
in the same issue, however, it was reported that Wheathill hostel, replacing Cleobury Mortimer, was now open (p45).
To add further uncertainty, a Cleobury local historian has no knowledge of Charlton House other than as an
alternative name for the workhouse (a postcard of what is apparently the workhouse building is labelled Charlton
House) [GD].
It seems very unlikely that Charlton House opened, and that the plan was overtaken by events.

CLEVEDON (KENN) 1952 to 1961.
Orchard House, Kenn, Clevedon, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 413691*

▲Opened 1/4/1952 [GSEar52]. The small hostel was owned by the warden, and was almost
doubled in size in 1953 [GSEar53]. Two huts were taken from the old Burrington Hostel to
increase accommodation [GSEar56].
✚Closed 30/9/1961 [GSEar63].
Handbook 1952-62.
Alternative name: Clevedon (1952-60).
Property status: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: a double fronted stone house with rear extension and outbuildings [F Blampied, YHA volunteer].
Mr Harris already finds it difficult to remember the semi-derelict outbuildings which he and working
parties have made into a pleasant little hostel [Rucksack May-June 1952].
(v)

CLEWER (WINDSOR) (see Windsor)
CLIFF COTTAGE (see Bishops Stortford)
CLIFTON Planned hostel 1934-35. Did not open.
Bristol, Somerset. GR: ST 5673 approx.
▼A hostel was mooted close to the Suspension Bridge and Downs.

CLIFTON-ON-TEME 1951 to 1960.
Bury’s Place, Clifton-on-Teme, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 713614

▲Opened 20/10/1951, replacing Great Witley. The warden of the 48-bed hostel was Mr H Painter.
✚Closed 30/9/1960. The hostel was at the end of a lease and time-expired. It was sold 11/10/1960
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1951 supplement-60.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 27/10/1951 as land and
buildings), though there was an element of tenancy, as 30/9/1960 was the end of the lease.
Property profile: an ex-government agricultural hostel (and a POW camp for Italian prisoners, established in 1943),
purchased from the Ministry of Works, with a distinctive brick water tower and a mixture of block and curved top
barrack buildings. It has since been demolished.
According to a local correspondent, the hostel was located on Pound Lane, the last building on the right if leaving the
village on a lane to the south. It was thought to have been demolished about when YHA left. Occupying the site today

109
are four small cottages and a property called Blue Shot. The timber framed house (Bury’s Place) overlooking the
village green and 200 yards north was perhaps the warden’s address [KF].

CLOUGHTON 1931 to 1934.
Cober Hill Bungalows, Cloughton, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 015950*

▲Opened 1931, the start of the season being 1/5/1931.
✚Closed mid 7/1934 [YSHar34].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-34(1st edn only).
Alternative name: Cober Hill Bungalows (1931(1st edn)-32).
Property tenure:
Property profile: chalet-type holiday bungalows built in 1921 by the neighbouring Cober Hill pioneers as an
experimental provision for the needy families of Durham miners. The bungalows were reconstructed First World War
army huts. All were demolished by about 1951.
Cober Hill [the mansion] was the vision of John Wilhelm Rowntree, of York’s great chocolate family, to develop a
centre where people working in education, social service, and other voluntary and charitable activity could gather for
residential courses and conferences. And it was his cousin Arnold Rowntree who brought that vision to fulfilment by
the purchase in 1920 of a splendid Victorian mansion in Cloughton, Cober Hill. Arnold wanted to provide space and
facilities for groups reflecting his interests in Adult Education and also for families who wanted something more than a
conventional holiday by the seaside. For the past 90 years that vision has been amply fulfilled, and under the guidance
of its two principal shareholders, two of the Rowntree Trusts, Cober Hill’s buildings, facilities and grounds have been
steadily enhanced and its user groups widened [Cober Hill website].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Jordans YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
(v)

CLUN MILL 1932 to present.
The Mill, Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 8NY.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 303812*

▲Opened 15/7/1932 [Birmingham Region circular]. The warden in 1932 was Mrs Cleeton, the
Lake House, Clun [Birmingham Region circular]. The Lake House was opposite the Mill.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering
Commandant for a time in autumn 1940, but released for 26/7/1941 [BMWar41, Handbook 1941, LRN 8/1941].

As late as 1950 dorms were accessed by the use of ladders while the men’s washroom was in the
stables. Electricity came to the hostel in 1952 [YHAar52].
On a working party at Clun Hostel, members of West Birmingham Local Group cleared out coal
from round the old milling gears. This left a long, narrow room for which a bowling alley was
planned [HN Winter 1972-73].
A telephone was installed in 1982.
Clun Hostel was renovated in 2005. In recent years it has been staffed by volunteers.
Handbook 1933-2009.
Alternative name: 1933-74 as Clun.
Property tenure: after more than 40 years’ use the hostel was purchased by YHA, freehold, on 8/5/1974 [YHAPB], half
the cost coming from the Small Hostels Fund and half from the Region [MDar74]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: restored watermill and stables. The mill dated in part from 1772 and had last been used commercially
in 1920 [YHAar82].
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y691008-1.doc
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Clun 751 ≈lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Clun 752 ≈† RG39.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600010 Carr Winter
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 50, Clun, Youth Hosteller November 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A ladder to the girls’ dormitory leads out of the sitting room which used in the old days to be the room
where the flour bags were assembled. The old millstones have been kept and flag the floor.
The Men’s dormitory is up another ladder which one reaches by a door outside the living room part of
the building. This, in other times, was where the grain was dried. The large old-fashioned baking oven
and fire can be seen below.
The men’s wash house is where originally the mill ponies were stabled. The scrubbed, clean white basins
fit very neatly in the old trough!
Fresh air blows into both the dormitories by the opened half of a waisted door through which the flour
bags were passed up and down.

110
For well over a century, Clun Mill served farmers and cottagers in a wide district but in 1932 it closed
down and Mr AM Rawlings started negotiations for its conversion into a hostel. It is the property of Mr
Price Jones and leased to the Youth Hostels Association [article by Jaye Tonkin, ca 1950].
It was gone 5pm when we reached 10 Ford Street, which was the address given in the handbook. I
knocked but received no reply so we set off in opposite directions to look for the hostel. Eventually I
found it…after waiting for some time a hosteller appeared and told us we had to return to Ford Street to
sign in. The warden was a most peculiar woman and had no interest in the hostel; she told us not to use
the tap in the washroom. We found the hostel was a decrepit old place with no running water apart from
the forbidden tap. Two male hostellers fetched water from the village, in a tank which leaked.
[Next morning] In the early hours of the morning a mouse could be heard running around the room. I
knew that I had not fastened my rucksack and was hoping that the mouse would not spend the night in it.
I turned over and tried to make a noise loud enough to frighten the mouse but not enough to wake the
other hostellers [Pat Packham, A Tour of Central Wales, 20 April 1957].
Christine Carter has resigned as warden of Clun Mill to take up a full-time post at the hospital where she
formerly worked part-time. During her nine years as warden, she established a reputation for her
endeavours towards the care and preservation of the building and machinery. The mill celebrates its 50th
anniversary as a hostel this year. Still in place is a ‘reaction waterwheel’ or turbine supplied from
Scotland in 1851. Windows have been fitted in the common room and girl’s dormitory to give a view of
this turbine in its deep pit.
The men’s accommodation is in the mill barn, with a washroom downstairs in the cobbled stable. The
layout of the three dormitories above is determined by the position of the grain-drying floor, of which the
large brick kiln still survives and is now used as a cycle shed.
A great deal of restoration and improvement work has been carried out over the last 12 years, but the
essential character of the mill has been retained. There will be a commemorative celebration at the hostel
on September 19 [HN Spring 19 and sum1982].
I was unbooked and had to climb in through a window [Carr Winter, recalled in 2004].
The warden there was fearsome. The hostel had a wood burning stove called Little Cherub [Tony
Hartley].
(s)

CLYFFE PYPARD 2006 to 2011.
The Goddard Arms, Wood Street, Clyffe Pypard, Swindon, Wilts, SN4 7PY
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: S

GR: SU 073768*

▲Opened 1/4/2006, the official opening having been held the previous day, 31/3/2006. The hostel
was a newly renovated 16-bed bunkhouse provided at the village pub. Raymond and Libby Orchard
converted the bunkhouse themselves, creating a kitchen, three bunkrooms, showers and toilets.
✚Closed 2011.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise bunkhouse. Rural Renaissance part-funded the project.
Property profile: set in a converted skittle alley and attached to a real ale pub [GD].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1073617

COALBROOKDALE [Ironbridge] 1980 to present.
Coalbrookdale Institute, Paradise, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7NR.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SJ 670043*

▲Opened 3/5/1980, though an initial meeting about the hostel prospect, between the Ironbridge
Gorge Museum Trust and YHA was as early as May 1972. Officially opened 9/1980. The cost was
predicted to be £65,000, of which YHA would provide £12,000 [WightWash Mar1977]. The
greater part of the cost of conversion was to be met by grants from the Department of Education,
the Countryside Commission and various gifts [MDar79]. It was the 26th Field Study Hostel.
A link corridor was being built at Ironbridge as the first step towards provision of an enlarged
games room [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, Dec84].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1980-2009.
Alternative name: Ironbridge Gorge (1980-2002).
Property tenure: there was a notice that the Licencee was to occupy, dated 30/4/1981 (Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
Ltd) (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold. A Grade II* listed building.
Property profile: former Coalbrookdale Institute, built 1859 as an educational centre by local ironmasters.
(s)

111
COALPORT 1997 to present.
John Rose Building, High Street, Coalport, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7HT.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SJ 695024*

▲Opened 2/1997. Officially opened 30/10/1997. YHA News of spring 1996 advised that it might
open by June 1996.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1998-2009 (included with entry for Ironbridge Gorge from 1999-2002).
Alternative name: Ironbridge Gorge (1999-2002).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold. A Grade II* listed building.
Property profile: former Coalport China Works, founded in 1796.
Reports, recollections and observations:
COALPORT is now open and provides 85 new beds in the World Heritage site of IRONBRIDGE.
Facilities for those with physical disabilities are provided, and there are two good sized classrooms which
are equipped for conference use [YHA News spring 1997].
Adrian and Sally Dyde were the managers at Ironbridge, where they were involved in a huge project to
create a new hostel at Coalport [Duncan Simpson, 1990s operations manager, recalled in 2015].
(s)

COBER HILL BUNGALOWS (see Cloughton)
COCKERMOUTH 1933 to 2016.
Double Mills, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 ODS.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 118298*

▲Opened 13/4/1933 [YHAar33].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed in late 1939, for the duration of the war, turned over to hush-hush purposes
[LAKar1940].

Reopened after the war, Whit 1946. Regional Council considered closing the hostel permanently
when Bassenthwaite Lake Hostel was being set up.
The hostel underwent considerable alterations during the winter of 1973/74. Although some
primitive facilities can give a place a certain amount of character, the Region felt that outside toilets
separated from the hostel by a footpath were perhaps too much of a good thing, especially on wet
and windy nights. The basement room of the old mill was made into a toilet block incorporating hot
showers, and there were some alterations to the dormitories to allow for a more flexible allocation
of beds. To encourage exploration of relatively traffic-free byeways nearby Lakeland Region is
providing two bicycles for hire at the hostel [HN Autumn 1974].
✚Closed at the end of September 2016 for ordinary overnights and completely closed by the end of
October 2016. YHA’s Board of Trustees had made the decision not to renew the lease that it held
with Cockermouth Town Council after December 2016. The previous year the hostel had 20.4%
occupancy and YHA were unable to make the Youth Hostel viable.
Handbook 1933-39; 1946-2009.
Property tenure: the first youth hostel tenancy to be facilitated by an Urban District Council. Leasehold (eg) for 10
years from 1/10/1972 from Cockermouth Town Council [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold. A Grade II listed
building.
Property profile: 17th-century watermill.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cockermouth 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cockermouth YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
By a special arrangement with the Cockermouth Urban District Council, the Double Mill, so delightfully
situated on the banks of the River Cocker, was converted into a Hostel. It is interesting to record that this
is the first Hostel in Britain on which Public Money has been spent on adaptation, and in which a Local
Authority has a financial interest. It is of additional interest to mention that, owing to the Urban District
Council sharing in the revenue, the Housebook is subject to Government Audit along with the other
books of the Urban Council. To the Chairman and Members of the UDC we extend our congratulations
on the distinction of being the first Local Authority to identify itself with the Youth Movement; and also
our warm thanks and appreciation for their interest in the Members using the Hostel. Particular mention
should be made of Councillor Denwood, and Mr Roberts, Surveyor [Lakes Region Annual Report, 1933].

112
(s)

COCKING 1933 to 1935.
The Rectory, Cocking, Midhurst, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex
YHA Region: SOU
Positional note: an 1880 map shows the location of the rectory at this Grid Reference.

GR: SU 876178*

▲Opened 8/1933. The hostel was for men only.
✚Closed 1935, by 30/9/1935: there were 0 bednights in 1936SY [LONar36].
Handbook 1933 supplement-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: rectory.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cocking 751 ≈† RG35.tif

COEDKERNEW 1933 to 1934.
Penylan Farm, Coedkernew, Newport, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 258845*

▲Opened 5/5/1933; the official opening was 7/1933 [SWAar33].
✚Closed 12/1934 [SWAar35]. See also next entry.
Handbook 1933-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
COEDKERNEW Planned replacement hostel 1935. Did not open.
Coedkernew, Newport, Monmouthshire. GR: ST 2783 approx.
▼Alternative premises to the above would be available in the area by Easter 1935 [Handbook 1935]. Later, it was
advised that it had not been possible to replace last year’s hostel, closed Christmas 1934 [SWAar35]. There was to
have been a model hostel at Draethen (qv), which did not open. See also Michaelston-y-Fedw entry.

COLBY, ISLE OF MAN 1945 to 1946 (YHA Merseyside Region hostel).
Burn Brae, Colby, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency
YHA Region: MER
GR: SC 222710
Positional note: this hostel was almost certainly not the same as YHANI’s 1937-40 hostel at SC 221697≠, one mile
west of Colby at Colby Level [map in YHANI Handbook 1939]. Directions in the 1946 Merseyside, North Wales and
IoM Regional Handbook give the address as Burn Brae, 1½ miles north of Colby, past Belle Abbey.

▲Opened 1945. A small hostel was opened at Burn Brae [MERar45]. There were 10 beds in 1946.
The Isle of Man regional secretary lived at Belle Abbey Farm. A YHA hostel record [YHAF]
describes the hostel as under the control of YHANI, probably an erroneous interpretation of several
years later.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known whether Burn Brae Hostel was prepared during the final stages of the war, or in
peacetime.

Both Colby and Ballasalla hostels were operating in 1946 [MERar46] and listed in the Merseyside
Regional Handbook for that year.
✚Closed end 1946 [YHAF].
Handbook 1946 (YHA).
Property tenure: the YHANI hostel was rented, so it is likely that Merseyside Region operated similarly.
Property profile: there is a large house at Burn Brae, with smaller buildings in the grounds [KF].

COLCHESTER [Middle Mill House] 1936 to 1945.
Middle Mill House, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 997256*

▲Opened Easter 1936. The hostel was in the mill house, the mill itself being uninhabitable.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed from October 1939 to February 1940 [LON mins]; a national notice of
20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement;
another of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local residents only, while in October 1940 parts of the
hostel, including the members’ kitchen, had been requisitioned, but there was still ample accommodation for members,
(cooking facilities being withdrawn for the time being) [LRN 10/1940]. The hostel closed late 1940 (early in 1941SY
[LONar41]). It was reopened during 1942SY [LONar42], and operated each year of the war thereafter. With boundary
changes, Colchester passed from LON Region to EAN in 1945, but this hostel stayed in LON until its closure
[EANar45].

113
✚Closed 23/9/1945. It finally closed when the lease ran out.
Handbook 1936-40; 1943-45.
Property tenure: tenancy. This was a fully controlled hostel; the Corporation provided the house attached to the historic
mill at a nominal rent [LONar36].
Property profile: Middle Mill was known locally as Choppings Mill. It is now demolished, and leaves an open space
alongside the south bank of the river at sluice gates and adjacent to a public footpath.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Colchester A 751 ≈† RG37.tif
COLCHESTER Intended hostel 1947.
Colchester, Essex. GR: TM 0025 approx.
▼The Regional Group hoped to be in a position to open a hostel at Colchester in 1947 [Handbook 1947, no details].
This might have been an early reference to East Bay House.

COLCHESTER [East Bay House] 1949 to 1996.
East Bay House, 18 East Bay, Colchester, Essex CO1 2UE.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EAN; EA; C

GR: TM 008251*

▲Opened 9/4/1949. The hostel was closed in the winter of 1970-71 for complete renovation with
grant aid given by Essex CC [EAagm71, EA memo 7/4/71]. In 1981 a study group was set up to
research a major scheme for restoration and enhanced facilities [EAar81].
In the mid-1990s it was deemed necessary for an architect to assess the poor structural condition;
over £320,000 expenditure would be needed for repairs, fire and electrical services, and general
improvements. The City Hostels Executive considered the report [YHA News spring 1996].
✚Closed 1996 because of structural defects; the hostel had been closed for a few months [YHA
News Summer 1996] and there had been 0 bednights after 28/2/1996.
Handbook 1949-96.
Property tenure: freehold purchase of Nos 17 and 18 East Bay (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust
19/12/1948).
Property profile: large late Georgian red brick house, ca1780, 2 storeys, attics (4 dormers on the north front) and
cellars. Parapet, the roofs tiled and mansard. North front has 6-window range, east front 4 window range, all double
hung sashes with glazing bars, painted reveals and stone dressings. Both fronts have similar features. Ground floor bay
window north front, 2 storeyed bay window east front and one on the ground floor. Doorcase with Ionic columns, semicircular fanlights [Website below].
Nos 17 and 18 East Bay were designated of Special Architectural or Historical Importance, and Grade II listed in 1959.
Web resource: http://colchesterhistoricbuildingsforum.org.uk/drupal/node/263
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 38, Colchester, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It is proposed to form a canoe group. The hostel has an ideal landing place on the tideway of the Colne
and ample room to accommodate the craft [article, Rucksack Jul-Aug52].
The house at East Bay was originally owned by the Doe family who ran an animal feed and grain
business. They sold East Bay House to YHA and moved to live in a house behind the hostel. They
operated the grain and feed business from the warehouse to the left of the hostel. The wall front was a
horrible concrete block affair. It was forever getting knocked down by coaches or lorries turning off the
road. I always assumed that it was put up by the army when they requisitioned the house during the war.
The house to the right was separately owned. When we ran the hostel, Gordon and Dorothy Doe, brother
and sister, were running the business. Their father, having sold the hostel to YHA had died sometime
before. Their mother lived still for a while when we were there, completely bedridden; she used to hang
her arm from a bedroom window and ring a bell to summon help. They were a lovely couple, always
friendly and helpful and they supplied us with fresh eggs. After we left, at some stage, they sold up
everything I think. Ah happy days! [Duncan Simpson, 1980s warden].
(v)

COLCHESTER [Wivenhoe Park University Campus] 1975 and probably 1976.
Wivenhoe Park University Campus, near Colchester.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA

GR: TM 028239

▲✚A summer temporary hostel was described below as operating in 1975. It may have continued
into 1976 [EAar80].
Property tenure: probably leased.

114
Property profile: University campus temporary summer accommodation, tied in both with Colchester East Bay hostel
and the temporary Dovercourt hostel in 1975. The 1,389 overnights allotted to Dovercourt in 1975 may have been for
both Dovercourt and the University overflows, while the 1976 figure could ave been for both or either. The reference
below to accommodation for men only (accommodation elsewhere was found for women) is ambiguous in its location.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Those members who believe in collecting unusual hostel stamps and others who visit every hostel that
ever opens should note that a temporary overflow hostel will be available from 17th July to 31st August
at the University of Essex in Wivenhoe Park, near Colchester. The University is noted both for its
architecture and as a centre of ‘progressive’ thought. All hostellers with revolutionary ideas should try
and visit this hostel because not only is it temporary, but it is also Superior Graded; at 70p per bednight it
will cost more than staying at East Bay House (the regular standard hostel in Colchester). Wight Wash
would welcome reports from members who stay here. Most will be overseas visitors sent on from
Dovercourt. Despite rumours in the last issue that it would not open this year, it has done so – for men
only, but through the kindness of a sympathetic neighbour, five girls can be accommodated nearby. A
year’s subscription to Wight Wash for the first male who succeeds in staying in this most select of
temporary hostels [WightWash 7/1975].
WIVENHOE PARK UNIVERSITY CAMPUS.
This was arranged for overflow use only and only for people directed there by us. It was insisted on by
my Management that the hostel had to be full before people were sent there. If these facts had been
correctly reported in Wight Wash, Mr Leslie would have been aware that there was no cooking
equipment and that he could only expect bed, access to cafe etc as an alternative to having to move onto
another, possibly full, hostel. He would also have been given detailed instructions and map of how to get
to the campus and the information area housing the Accommodation Desk. I hope that in future you can
get your facts correct, as you are unable to do at present. Yours, Bernard Whitley, Warden, Colchester
[WightWash later edition, 1975].

COLD BLOW Camping barn 2002 to 2014.
▲Cold Blow Farm, Cold Blow Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone, Kent. GR: TQ 822580*
Handbook 2001-2009. Opening delayed to 2002 [booklet]. Also open 2010-2014. The barn had disappeared from the
website by late 2014.
Property profile: expanded for 2003 season; two barns are available with bunk beds, plus a camping barn.

COLWYN BAY 1954 to 1996.
Foxhill, Nant-y-Glyn, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire LL29 6AB.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 847776*

▲Opened 31/7/1954 [MERar54].
✚Closed end of 1996 season; the roof of the annexe was reported as in a poor state [mins
28/4/1995]. Replaced by Conwy Hostel.
Handbook 1954 supplement-96.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 23/7/1954). A lease was taken
here for a Regional Office (to YHA Trust) [YHAar83].
Property profile: red-brick half-timbered villa, with attractive staircase, stained glass, fireplaces and door frames [KF].
There were substantial outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ro Wen YH
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 34, Colwyn Bay, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was surrounded by trees and in the grounds were two thick ropes hanging from a branch which were
really good to swing on. We found that we had been given the room with the balcony, it had a really
good view [Suzanne Vernon (14), holiday log, 1975].
(s)

COMBERTON 1936 to 1938.
Old Manor House, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 956425

▲Opened 28/6/1936 [press article]. It had been hoped to open here on 13/6/1936. This was a
popular little hostel [BMWar38].

115
✚Closed end of season 1938, 30/9/1938 being the end of season; it was already closed [Autumn
Rucksack 1938].
Handbook 1936 supplement-38.
Alternative name: Great Comberton (1936 supplement).
Property tenure:
Property profile: ancient manor house, also referred to as Kent’s House.

CONISTON (MINES) / CONISTON COPPERMINES 1931 or 1932 to present.
Coppermines House, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8HP.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: SD 289985*

▲Opened late 1931 or 1932. Mrs Mowat was the warden. The hostel had reportedly been open 12
months by the time of the Annual Report, Sept 1932, and HN April 1992 gave 1931 as the opening
year.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

The hostel had to be summarily closed for a period, early 9/1950, because of severe weather
damage to the approach track [YHAB 10/1950]. The regional council considered closing the hostel
permanently after August 1951, but decided on a trial extension of one year. For many years the
members’ kitchen was in a separate wooden hut to the north-east of the cottage, by 1986 just about
time-expired [PDMP 1986]. In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
YHA funds and a grant from Chris Brasher facilitated the refurnishing of the dormitories, the fitting
of an LPG-fired boiler, improvements to the Hostel kitchen and some daytime access [YHA News
spring 1997].
Handbook 1932-2009.
Alternative names: Coniston (1932-49); Coniston (Mines) (1950-63); Coniston Coppermines (from 30/9/1963).
Property tenure: at first this was an adopted hostel. In 1943 it was reported that the warden had retired; arrangements
were being made to take over as a leased fully controlled hostel [LAKar43]. A freehold purchase was effected
12/7/1972 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: mine manager’s house on the flank of Coniston Old Man.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Coniston A 751 † RG32.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600007
anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Patterdale YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Connie [Alexander] and I went to the Coniston hostel [24th-25th February 1934]. Having Connie with us
always helped greatly with getting privileges from the wardens. Mrs Mowat had a very interesting invalid
husband who was exceptionally well read. This hostel was an accommodation hostel, which as a member
of Council, I objected to strongly, but as an individual, liked best [Bertha Gough diary].
***, food vg, position good, especially for lake (skating), washing fair only, warden v good [anon
holiday log, ca1944].
Drying room not working. Chimney bust. Lav. outside of course. But warden later allowed some wet
stuff in kitchen. Hot water to wash in, thank goodness. Good supper: meat, spuds, and peas, and
goosegogs and evaporated milk – and tea, only we daren’t drink too much. Common room – large fire
[Mary Jephcott, 1956, reporting in 2008].
Bicycles surrounded an outbuilding. The dormitory was almost full; a queue was waiting for the two
wash basins. However, I found one outside which I had to myself. [The warden was] Mr Portwine [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 26 July 1962].
Always remember this hostel because of the goon warden there. Really mad goon language. Huge
cauldron of soup [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, 1960s].
…a determined little squat grey building sitting comfortably at the foot of the Old Man… our assigned
task: peeling potatoes [Rosalind Norgate holiday log, undated].
The warden’s bedroom was at the back of where the dining room is now. The present toilet/washrooms
were built, with the new warden’s flat above, in the winter of 1975-76. We remember the hut for the self
caterers’ / games room and it being blown over in a gale [Duncan & Caroline Simpson, recalled in 2014].
(s)

CONISTON (FAR END) / CONISTON HOLLY HOW 1949 to present.
Holly How, Far End, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8DD.

116
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: SD 302980*

▲Opened late in season 1949 [LAKar49], or opened (by 6/) 1949. The hostel was purchased for
£5,500 plus £100 for a cooker, and grant applications were made. Adaptations were estimated at
£1,212 and approved [LAK mins 1949].
In the late 60s the hostel received a major face-lift, changing the appearance dramatically. The
green Lakeland slate was rendered to preserve it. Central heating was also installed [YHr 1/69].
Larger dormitories were split into smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-08 inclusive.
Handbook 1949 supplement-2009.
Alternative names: Coniston (Far End) (1949-77).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 2/6/1949). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Lakeland stone villa, a former guest house. Recently it has lost its distinctive wide verandah.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 102, Coniston, Youth Hosteller September 1965.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Hot water, new, posh [Mary Jephcott, 1952, reporting in 2008].
I was sent to a large dormitory with only 10 beds and plenty of space [Pat Packham, August 1960].
(s)
CONWAY VALLEY (Conwy) One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open
summer 1931. Did not open.
▼Conwy, Caernarfonshire. GR: SH 7768 approx.
Negotiations were in progress for the use of a commodious building by the side of the tributary of the Conway [BYHA
prospectus, 1930]. This probably referred to Pont Wgan (qv).

CONWY 1996 to present.
Larkhill, Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy LL32 8AJ.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SH 774773*

▲Opened 26/7/1996 on a reduced basis, fully from 14/2/1997, and replacing Colwyn Bay Hostel; a
Conwy Hostel project was under way as early as September 1992, but had to be halted because of
capital expenditure restrictions [Wmemo9/92]. Officially opened 16/5/1997.
The hostel was given a major renovation in 2009.
Handbook 1997-2009.
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former private home, built in the 1960s, then a TGWU Convalescent Home. When opened Conwy
YHA offered extremely comfortable rooms with 2, 4 or 6 beds (originally designed for single persons), all with en-suite
private shower and washing. The dining room, with its splendid views, catered both for YHA provided meals and for
self caterers [YHA News summer 1997].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ro Wen YH
Profile
(s)
COOMBE MARTIN (Combe Martin) Hostel planned 1934. Did not open.
Combe Martin, Devon SS 5846 approx.
▼A new hostel was under negotiation here to complete the chain for Exmoor [YHAar34].

COPT OAK 1959 to 2003.
Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 481129*

▲Officially opened 21/11/1959, marking the end of a twenty-year search for a replacement for
Charnwood Forest Hostel. It was for many years a weekend only hostel. A bathroom was provided
for the warden in 1968 [PKar68]. Night storage heaters were installed in 1970 [PKar70].
Showers were provided for the first time in 1992, with a grant from the Small Hostels Fund
[Car92].
✚Closed 9/2002 [BBC Website] or 31/1/2003 [YHAF] (in the aftermath of the foot and mouth
epidemic, along with similar planned closures at Aysgarth, Linton, Dufton, Elton, Buxton, Thurlby,
Norwich and Windsor). The Handbook 2003/04 and its Update 1 advertised that it might close
during 2003. It was sold by 31/1/2003 for £160,000 [YHA internal memo].

117
Handbook 1960-2003/04
Property tenure: freehold purchase 17/4/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former school and teacher’s house. Since closure by YHA it has become a private residence.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 73, Copt Oak, Youth Hosteller January 1960.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Old schoolroom with adjoining cottage. It was for sale in 1959 for £750. The vicar and a churchwarden
signed a contract of sale and we paid them a ten percent deposit. It was then found that the local church
did not own the property, in fact the ownership had lapsed with the years. Ten years later the Department
of Education assumed ownership and handed the deeds to the Leicestershire Diocese who then honoured
the contract signed by the Vicar and sold to us for the balance of the £750. In the meanwhile we had had
the use of the property for ten years.
Adaptations were done in 1959 by the Leicestershire sub-Region. Later work (septic tank, toilets, drains
etc) was done by maintenance men with extra labour. A very well-run simple hostel in the Charnwood
Forest [Notes from Bernard Edwards to Dave Allison, 1972].
I was the only female there. More and more males arrived and the warden kept taking beds and
mattresses out of the women’s dormitory [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 21 July
1962].
Copt Oak Youth Hostel in Charnwood Forest, Leicester, reopens for the 1994 season virtually rebuilt to
bring fire safety and kitchen hygiene up to modern standards. Fire doors and protected corridors will
result in a warmer, quieter stay. There are comfortable new beds, seating and carpets. The alarm system,
lighting and ventilation are improved and there are gleaming new stoves and worktops in the self catering
kitchen. The old fire is being replaced with an efficient new multi fuel stove which can utilise local coal
or the increasing supplies of timber trimmings which will result as the new National Forest becomes
established in the area.
Old friends will remember the venerable bus seats. They are gone but not forgotten – a chrome cigarette
stubber and ‘Lower your head when leaving your seat’ notice has been respectfully preserved as a link
with the Copt Oak of the past [YHA News March 1994].
Billed as ‘your finest M1 stopover’ the former village school and long-time Youth Hostel in the village
of Copt Oak has recently undergone a major refurbishment.
A smart closed stove has replaced the open fire, which although an attraction also held dangers for
youngsters. There are new beds, cookers, cooking bench and even common room chairs – in short the
place is now really smart... except there wasn’t enough cash to make the outside attractive. Then, along
came the Rotary Club of Melbourne (Derbyshire that is). Each year their president nominates a charitable
cause and this year David Bellaby chose YHA.
At just 10 miles distant Copt Oak is the nearest Hostel to Melbourne and following a site meeting they
agreed to paint and renovate the outside of the Hostel. This involved replacing or repairing the gutters as
well as a quite extensive paint job in smart green and cream. As the warden Dave Keogh says ‘Copt Oak
is now looking a lot brighter as a result of the hard work put in by some ten or more volunteers’ [YHA
News June 1994].
(v)

CORNEY 1934 to 1939.
Charles Ground, Corney, Bootle, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 119921*

▲Opened 1934; available summer 1934.
✚Closed 1939, after 198 bednights. The hostel was withdrawn at the request of the hostess
[LAKar40].
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1934 supplement-39.corn
Property tenure: an adopted hostel.
Property profile: old Lakeland farmhouse. Dormitory space was in the loft of the farmhouse, gained by a vertical
ladder. It still functions a a farmhouse.
(v)

CORRIS 1962 to 2004.
Canolfan Corris, Old School, Old Road, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9QT.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER; WS; W

GR: SH 753079*

▲Opened 3/3/1962. The 1962 Handbook expressed a hope to open here [no details; these were
given in the 1962 supplement]. A Drying Room was installed at Corris [WSar69].

118
On 21st March 1970, the Region opened a Family Annexe at Corris Youth Hostel. The unit was
separate from the Youth Hostel but semi-detached to it, details as follows:
To use the annexe at least one child must be under five years old and both parents must be members of
the YHA. The accommodation provided is for two families. Cots are available and other special
equipment for the under fives. There are no meals provided by the warden but the annexe has an adequate
kitchen with cooking and washing facilities. The cost for a family of three would be £6. 9s. 6d. per week
[WSar69].

It was given separate bednight statistics for a few years from 1970SY. Equipment came from the
closed Nantllanerch YH. The family annexe was sometimes available for ordinary use [HN
Autumn 1975].
Only 252 bednights were recorded in 1992SY, when the hostel was open only 27 days. It was put
up for sale and was advertised as perhaps not available [Handbook 1992]. Canolfan Corris hostel
was purchased from YHA in 1992 and the new owner entered an arrangement to operate under the
aegis of the Association.
✚Closed 2004 as a partnership with YHA [YHA News February2005]. Since then Canolfan Corris
has been a purely independent hostel.
Handbook 1962-2005/06
Property tenure: freehold purchase 4/10/1969 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust); there followed an accommodation
arrangement between 1992 and 2004.
Property profile: old stone and slate-roofed village school and schoolhouse.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I put my bicycle in the common room as the corrugated iron sheet did not give adequate cover in the rain
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in North Wales, April 1966].
The revamped building now includes smaller rooms and an improved members’ kitchen and is just about
as ‘environmentally friendly’ as you can get. There are various energy saving schemes, ranging from
heating by high efficiency wood fires, to a polytunnel constructed out of green willow. This ‘living
structure’ has just been completed and will supplement the drying room in the summer for drying out wet
gear. Small moats alongside the walls feed the willow and a pond has been constructed to act as a
reservoir.
Mike Parish, the Hostel Warden, has worked with a Friends of the Earth local group and the Centre of
Alternative Technology, just two miles from the Hostel. Mike is very keen to maintain the building and
its grounds as an example of ‘energy efficiency’ and welcomes members to come and stay at this
delightful Hostel [YHA News August 1993].
(s)

CORRIS (see Ratgoed)
COTSWOLDS [Cirencester] 2016 to present.
New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

GR: SW 782181*

▲Opened April 2016. On 23rd April 2014 the Wilts and Glos Standard announced via its website
that plans were in place to transform the Cirencester art group’s New Brewery Arts building, then
used as a 70 seat theatre and workshop at its Niccol Centre on Cricklade Street, into a 48-bed
hostel. It would accommodate up to 49 persons with communal cooking and dining areas. The
proposals for the building, which is currently. Funding of £400,000 came from Arts Council
England.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel building was originally built in the 19th century as a barrel warehouse in stone for the
adjoining Cirencester Brewery that closed in the 1930s. It had links to Vaux Brewery. When the Brewery closed the
building was used to build WW2 aircraft parts before becoming a town council store, it was even a theatre in the 1980s.
In 1990 it became a part of New Brewery Arts, bringing the three remaining brewery buildings together as a creative
hub in the town. Before conversion to the hostel was used as a 70 seat theatre and workshop. The new 14-bedroom
hostel design was by Gloucester and London architects Potter and Holmes, experts in the green ‘Passivhaus’ style of
building, with excellent thermal performance gained through high levels of insulation, air tightness and controlled
ventilation to minimise heat loss; the application of this concept to a youth hostel presented challenges such as many
rooms needing a water supply and ventilation. Furnishings and fittings were to be designed and made by craftspeople.
Today New Brewery Arts offers classes and workshops in a range of contemporary and heritage crafts, and is home to a
gallery as well as craft makers including glass-blowers, a potter and a stone carver.

119
COUNTESS WEAR (EXETER) (see Exeter)
COVENTRY 1962 to 1963.
The Charterhouse, London Road, Coventry, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 344782*

▲Opened 7/4/1962, to coincide with the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral the following
month and an associated festival. It was a 20-bed self-catering establishment. It reopened here the
following year [Handbook 1963, late news, brief details only; details followed in the 1963
supplement]. It did so, but the same message in 1964 [Handbook 1964, late news, brief details
only] did not come to fruition.
✚Closed 14/9/1963.
Handbook 1962 supplement-64.
Property tenure:
Property profile: this old building is a patchwork of construction over many years. It is owned by the city council and
used for functions and events largely associated with adjacent sports fields [Geograph text].
Published material: article, New Hostel at Coventry, Youth Hosteller April 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was a Tudor house opened temporarily as a hostel while the cathedral festival was being held. Only 8
beds had been put in a huge dormitory but 3 other beds had been made on the floor [Pat Packham, A
Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 20 July 1962].

COVERACK 1976 to present.
Parc Behan, School Hill, Coverack, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6SA.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SW 782181*

▲Opened 1976, the start of the season being 1/4/1976, and officially opened 7/5/1977. For the first
few years the hostel did not do well; it made a loss each year to 1981, and numbers staying were
always below 3,000. It gained in popularity, however, achieving 6,000 by the 1990s.
In the late 1990s a new self-catering kitchen was provided; a secure cycle store was also added
[YHA News spring 1997].
There was considerable modernisation in 2010, when the manager’s accommodation on the top
floor was made available for extra bedrooms. Five of the nine bedrooms were given en suite
facilities. In July 2010 Coverack Hostel began hosting holidays for the organisation FAB, a
partnership between YHA, the three armed services and the Ministry of Defence, to give families
who had lost a loved one the chance to rebuild their lives through meeting others in the same
situation on a holiday at a youth hostel. In that year more than 50 families took part in holidays at
Coverack, Conwy and Whitby.
Handbook 1976-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 15/8/1975, with assistance from the Countryside Commission (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Victorian building (1901), a former guesthouse that features a fine pitch-pine staircase salvaged from
the SS Mohegan, a local wreck of 1898 [press article].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lizard Peninsula YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Robin Hobson, who started at Coverack Youth Hostel in the spring of 1981, has retired this year after 14
years with the Youth Hostels Association. All part of the lively, relaxed atmosphere he created were
windsurfing, fishing trips, BBQs and visits to the Minack Theatre and his own sense of humour and fun
[YHA News August 1993].
(s)

COWES (ISLE OF WIGHT) 1949 to 1969.
Medham House, Medham Farm Lane, Northwood, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU; SE

GR: SZ 495937*

▲Opened 15/7/1949 [SOUar49], replacing Carisbrooke Hostel.
✚Closed 1969, as the property had become too expensive to repair [SEar70]. The property was sold
12/1/1971 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1949 supplement-69.
Alternative names: Medham House (1949 supplement); Medham House (Isle of Wight) (1950-58).

120
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 29/7/1949).
Property profile: a fine building with classical-style columns and balcony; the building has since been demolished.
The YH site is immediately NE of Medham Farm and mainly open ground today [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cowes B 751 ≈† RG50.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
A newly opened hostel. It was inland a little, a beautiful stone house with pillared terrace, overlooking
the Medina. The Foreign Office had demanded that several of the Isle of Wight hostels take from 20 to
50 German girls to the end of September [Mabel Pratt, August 1949].
The hostel was situated off the road to Newport and it seemed a long mile and a half [Pat Packham, A
Tour of the Isle of Wight, 21 July 1957].

CRAFNANT 1950 to 1953.
Blaen Nant Farm, Trefriw, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 738602*

▲Opened 7/1950 (bednights recorded), or opening 1/7/1950 [BRR 7/1950, YHAB 6/1950]),
8/1950 [MERar50].
✚Closed 1953, the end of season being 30/9/1953. The lease expired and the farm was sold
[MERar53].
Handbook 1950 supplement-53.
Alternative name: Trefriw (1950 supplement).
Property tenure: short-term tenancy.
Property profile: simple farmhouse.
In 2013 in use as the club hut of the Mynydd Climbing Club [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was leased to provide seasonal overflow self-caterers’ accommodation for Capel Curig Hostel
[Max Kirby].

CRAGG Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Buttermere, Cumbria. GR: NY 174172
Handbook 1998-2006.
Property profile: in farmyard buildings.

CRANBORNE 1945 to 1992.
Crane Lodge, 2 Crane Street, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 5QD.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW; S

GR: SU 055133*

▲Opened 3/1945 [SOUar45].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was purchased and opened in the last months of the war. The previous year it had
been advertised as opening when negotiations were complete [Handbook 1944, no details], though elsewhere it was
unlikely to be available in 1944 [Rucksack Summer 1944].

✚Closed 1992, when a limited number of bednights was recorded; the hostel was open 112 days in
1992SY. During that year it was advised as for sale and might not be available [Handbook 1992].
The hostel was still under offer and remained empty in February 1994 [Sar1993-94].
Handbook 1944-92.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 5/2/1945), a fully conrolled
hostel from the opening.
Property profile: former royal hunting lodge. A private house in 2002.
It is more recently offices and flats [KF].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1279449
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 65, Cranborne, Youth Hosteller March 1959.

CRICKHOWELL 1938 to 1982.
Ivy Towers, Tower Street, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1BL.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS

GR: SO 217183*

▲Opened 14/4/1938, replacing Abergavenny Hostel. In 1937 a hostel, clearly not this villagecentre property, had been expected between Crickhowell and Gilwern in the early Spring
[Handbook 1937, no details]. In 1939 accommodation was increased [YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. The hostel was occupied by troops 2-5/1940, then
released (a national notice of 20/6/1940 being issued to state that the hostel had been reopened), but again occupied

121
[SWAar40]. A circular of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice; it was requisitioned by the Sub-Area
Quartering Commandant, Cardiff about this time. Crickhowell Hostel was re-released and had a good 1941 season, then
let for the winter to Social Service for a recuperation centre. It would reopen as a youth hostel at Easter 1942
[SWAar41]. Though no record save the Handbook entry is available for 1943, a membership card for that year is
stamped Crickhowell. Many hostellers stayed in 1944 and 1945, by which time it was back in YHA’s own hands
[SWAar45].

Structural alterations were in progress during the summer of 1953 [[Rksk Sep-Oct53].
In 1968, Mrs Manley, warden, provided pony trekking from a centre 4 miles from the hostel. When
she retired in 1972 she had been warden at Crickhowell for 19 years. A family annexe was being
created for 1977, and an ancient gas generating machine was removed [HN Autumn 1976 &
win1976-77]. In 1977 warden Graham Hall created a study room out of the old cellar; showers and
an improved members’ kitchen were also provided [WSar77].
✚Closed 1982 (1/11/1982 was end of season) following much advice from surveyors and architects
[WSar82]. A minute as early as 20/3/1982 described the hostel as ‘closed due to a main structural
fault’ [WSmins 3/82]. Renovation was quoted at £200,000-£300,000.
Handbook 1937-82.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 11/10/1939). It was opened with the aid of a grant from the Special Areas
Fund.
Property profile: large house, Georgian externally but with winding staircases and low beams internally and dating back
to 1719. A folly resembling an old castle is a remnant in the grounds. Below the hostel cellars was a mediaeval
dungeon. The house was a cottage hospital after WWI, moving to new premises in 1937 [SWAar37].
The property had been converted to flats by 2002 [KF].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1299470
Reports, recollections and observations:
I recall an occasion when, arriving at Crickhowell, I found a radio in the common room broadcasting a
Prom concert. One hosteller made it clear that he had come 50 miles or so in the hope that he would be
able to hear the programme, which prompted another to retort that he had also come a long way in order
not to hear it! That was before TV [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].
I was the only female hosteller and slept in the small room at the end of the corridor. As is usual at that
hostel I was awakened periodically by cats [Pat Packham, Touring Wales on a bicycle, April 1959].
Presently Standard – Recommended Simple. Approximately 6,500 bednights.
Crickhowell is a beautiful old house incorporating part of the old ruined city wall in the garden. Georgian
in character on an older foundation it is externally a credit to the village and to YHA. Its interior, equally
old, shows many imperfections. Walls are crumbling, floors are warped, sloping and broken, and doors
either do not close or when closed show gaps.
Some recent interior decorating has hidden up a few of the imperfections but many of the fixtures and
fittings need to be repaired. More importantly there are a number of Dormitories overcrowded. I roughly
measured those rooms where overcrowding seemed apparent and discovered:
Dorm 1: 14ft by 13ft, 10 beds; Dorm 2: 13ft by 17ft, 10 beds; Dorm 3: 12ft by 18ft, 11 beds; Dorm 6:
10ft by 12ft, 5 beds; Annexe to Dorm 6: 17ft by 8ft, 6 beds. The total was 56, or 8 beds additional to that
stated in the Handbook. I found broken windows in Dorms 3 and 4. In Dorm 3 the broken window was
sloping inward and therefore rain was certain to come in.
The sanitary facilities are inadequate for a 48 bed hostel let alone for 56 beds: men’s wash – 3 hand
basins, women’s wash – 3 hand basins, men’s WC – 2 , women’s WC – 2. In the men’s wash there was a
broken window. No WCs had curtains.
The Members’ Kitchen is very much in need of face lift. The 8 gas points plus 4 grills are insufficient,
and insufficient food storage as well. There is a hot tap which refuses to be turned off and a profusion of
notices.
Both the Common Room and Dining Room I found depressing as little imagination had been used to
make them cheerful. The curtains are drab and there is no fireside carpet to offset the cheap lino. The
Common Room wallpaper is the saddest I’ve seen. All in all a depressing, overcrowded, hostel which
quite belies its warm mellowed exterior. I would recommend downgrading to Simple until these defects
have been put right. The hostel is clean throughout [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report,
24/4/1973 (extracts)].
As part of the improvements to Crickhowell Hostel, a gas generating machine has been removed.
The machine was installed about 1900 and used petroleum spirit to produce gas for lighting and possibly
cooking. It was in use when the building served as a hospital between the first world war and 1938, when
the YHA took over. The machine was made obsolete when piped town gas became available in
Crickhowell. It has been donated to the National Museum of Wales and the room it occupied has been
converted into an efficient drying room [HN Winter 1976-77].
(s)

122
CROCKHAM HILL 1947 to 1991 or 1992.
Crockham Hill House, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6AB.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 441504*

▲Opened 1947 [100 Miles Around London Regional Guide]; late summer 1946 had been projected
in the Handbook. It seems that the intended 1945 or 1946 opening was much delayed: negotiations
were proceeding [Handbook 1945, no details]; the hostel would be available shortly [LONar46].
The first bednights were recorded in 1947SY [LONar47]. There is a carelessly ambiguous
Rucksack reference: closed 1946, though perhaps there was some kind of false start, as another
source, perhaps erroneously based on the preceeding, has reopened July 1947 [YHAB]. Finally,
opening was set for 7/1947 [LRN 6/1947].
Kev Reynolds was long-time warden, and representative on the management committee [E Meeks].
In 1977 the hostel future seemed uncertain due to a backlog of building work and impending fire
requirements – Peter Knottley in Cycling mag].
Fire Precaution work was carried out [SEar85].
✚Closed 1991 or 1992. Crockham Hill almost certainly closed late 1991 or early 1992, as a limited
number of bednights was recorded in 1992SY; it was for sale and might not be available
[Handbook 1992], and already closed [Triangle Autumn 1992], finally selling in 1993 [Sar199394].
Handbook 1945-92
Property tenure: purchased by YHA [YHAar46].
Property profile: three-storey mansion built in late 19th century, a private house in 2002. There were extensive grounds
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 97, Crockham Hill, Youth Hosteller June 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Heinz’s wife Fay seemed to add pedigree to the wardenship. After the end of the War I recall meeting up
again with her [after Winchester in 1940] when they were at Crockham Hill Hostel, but oddly enough
I do not remember him there [Len Clark, recalled in 2014].
During supper the warden warned us against the potent cider in the village pub [Pat Packham, a Holiday
in Kent and Surrey, May 1959].
As a youngster I spent a lot of time at the Crockham Hill Youth Hostel, Kent, in the late 50s. The warden
was Heinz Castles, and his wife Fay was an interpreter. Heinz was a German, (Australian). I used to help
with booking-in in the kitchen, and other tasks, and learnt how to listen to classical musik under his
watchful eye. Language courses were run, and I used to take the course on local walks. I even had the
responsibility of going with a coach to collect a group of Swiss from Dover. Heinz was a naturalised
Australian. He did not talk a lot about his past. Probably he left Germany before it got too hot. Fay
worked a lot for the Trade Union movement as interpreter; she was fluent in 6 languages, therefore the
language courses [John Cole, recalled in 2012].
Hostel evening meals at Crockham Hill usually include fresh home grown vegetables. The warden’s
wife, ‘Min’ Reynolds, cares for the hostel garden, producing carrots, beans, cabbages,lettuces, potatoes,
etc,for members to enjoy [HN Spring 1978].

CROFT FARM 2006 to 2008.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2006-08 inclusive.
CROSCOMBE (WELLS) 1942 to 1966.
Ashley House, Long Street, Croscombe, Wells, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW

GR: ST 588443*

▲Opened 20/6/1942 [FC Catley diary], 7/1942 [GSEar1942]. YHA was first alerted to the property
by the Ministry of Health and Education. When taken on it was found to be very dirty [GSEmins
27/2/1942].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. It served as a temporary home for 80
evacuee London children, probably before the hostel opened.

✚Closed 30/11/1966 when the owners and wardens Mr and Mrs Twelvetrees sold up.
Handbook 1943-67.
Alternative name: Croscombe (1943-55); the later Wells attachment was to distinguish it from Crowcombe Hostel.
Property tenure: this was an accommodation hostel, but the property changed from leased by YHA to a private
purchase on 1/1/1952 to save it from closure [GSEar52].

123
Property profile: 17th-century building, a former weaving factory, later for many years a dwelling-house, built of
Mendip limestone. In 2009 a medical services centre.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Croscombe 751 ≈† RG47.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Two Australian women were signing in before me. They asked, could they have an evening meal? The
warden said they were too late. So I signed in and he said, would you like a meal? I said I was too late.
He said, not for you – where had I cycled from? I said Derby, only 150 miles. Those days they were only
interested in cyclists and walkers [Roy Frost, 1961 cycle tour].
(v)

CROSSCLIFF 1957 to 1959.
The Red House, Crosscliff, Langdale End, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 894926*

▲Opened 12/7/1957. This 20-bed self-cookers’ hostel was offered by Mrs Calvert [YSHar57].
✚Closed 1959, 14/12/1959 being the end of season.
Handbook 1957 supplement-60.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: pantile-roofed stone country farmhouse with very extensive land given to dairy cattle. The middle
section was the first constructed in 1760. There were many phases of additions, especially to the left and the rear, while
the final section to the right was added in 1923. The entire property at one time accommodated separately several
families connected with the farm, there being four staircases and at least four entrance doors. The farm and farmhouse
were once owned by the Cunard shipping line. At the time of the hostel a Colonel Palmes was resident in the front
upper rooms. Five or six hostel bedrooms were to the rear of the property, subdivided from larger rooms. The building
is undergoing restoration [owner, 2012].
(v)

CROSS-IN-HAND 1936 to 1940.
Moor Top, Cross-in-Hand, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 558217*

▲Opened August Bank Holiday [03/08/]1936. The hostel was enlarged in winter 1938-39.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed between October 1939 and March 1940, and again in May 1940 [LON
mins]. In mid-1940 the hostel lay in the new Defence Area and was, on a literal interpretation of press announcements,
out-of-bounds to members who do not live in the area, it might nevertheless be possible to visitand stay: the warden
stated that Brighton members had so far experienced no difficulty in journeying to the hostel [London Region News,
August 1940]. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local residents only, while on
5/11/1940 it was closed until further notice. It was so badly damaged while requisitioned during the war that the owner
could not afford to reopen.

✚Closed 05/1940 and replaced by Blackboys.
Handbook 1936-40.
Property tenure:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cross in Hand 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Property profile: the hostel was purpose-built by the warden, who shared the accommodation.

CROSTHWAITE 1931 to 1963.
Damson Dene, Crosthwaite, Kendal, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: SD 425912*

▲Opened 1931. The warden was for many years Mrs Barraclough, the owner. It was resolved that
a loan of 50% be granted towards the cost of extra equipment, such loan to be repaid in 12 equal
monthly instalments [LAK mins 4/3/1934].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 1963 [YHAF], the end of season being 30/9/1963. There were no bednights after that
date, despite the hostel’s inclusion in the 1964 Handbook
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-64.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel, put up for sale by Mrs Barraclough in 1959 [YHr, 7/1959].
Property profile: farmhouse. A hotel in 2009.
The building has been much altered in recent years [GH].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Crosthwaite 751 † RG32.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was resolved that a loan of 50% be granted towards the cost of extra equipment, such loan to be repaid
in 12 equal monthly instalments [LAK mins 4th March 1934].

124
Tommy W Thompson (LK region CEO up to 1969) met his wife-to-be Grace when as an evacuee teacher
from Tyneside she was billeted at the Damson Dene hostel [FW Parrott, Westmorland Gazette article,
29/1/71].
I was pleased to find it a pleasant little place with not a great deal of luxury [Pat Packham, August 1960].
Crosthwaite Hostel for sale: catering business, damson orchard, soft fruit, greenhouse, £3,000 ono [Youth
Hosteller small ad, June 1959].
CROWBOROUGH Planned hostel, 1945. Did not open.
Crowborough, Sussex. GR: TQ 5130 approx.
▼Negotiations broke down at the last minute as the owner would not allow his house to be used as anything other than
a private residence [LRN 3/1945].

CROWCOMBE HEATHFIELD / CROWCOMBE 1939 or 1940 to 2006.
Denzel House, Crowcombe Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4BT.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: ST 137338*

▲Opened 25/5/1940 officially, though probably before that [YHAar40]. It would be open as soon
as circumstances permitted, thanks to the late Mrs Esther Bright Clothier of Street (an early
supporter of YHA). Arrangements for purchase had been completed during 1939 [GSEar39].
Wartime arrangements: economy in fitting out the new hostel would be necessary because the Physical Fitness grant
had been lost [GSEmins 13/10/1939]. The hostel was now open [Rucksack New Year 1940] and registered its first
bednights 1940SY. The official opening followed on 25-26/5/1940 but the hostel was withdrawn by 14/10/1940 and
requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Taunton, on 31/10/1940. There were only 81 bednights in
1941SY, probably late 1940, not 1941. There was no YHA usage in 1942 or 1944; and figures for 1943 are missing,
though it was probably out of use then. The hostel reopened during 1945.

Students at Oakley Training College, Cheltenham were billeted here and recorded 753 separate
bednights in 1947SY. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
In 1976 the former field study workroom was rebuilt to provide a new and much larger members’
kitchen [HN Spring 1976].
Showers were provided in 1985 [SWar85].
The hostel was one of 19 originally earmarked for disposal to help finance hostel improvements
under the PDMP scheme in the early 1990s, but the plan was reversed by the Board [YHA News
November 1993].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005.
✚Closed 7/4/2006 [YHAF], or 1/5/2006 [YHA departmental info]. The Handbook 2005/06 had
advised that the hostel might close during 2005, but bookings were taken to the end of 3/2006. The
property was sold 1/2/2008.
Handbook 1940; 1945-2005/06.
Alternative name: Crowcombe Heathfield (1946 and 1972-99).
Property tenure: purchased with the aid of a King George’s Jubilee Trust grant (to YHA Trust 7/10/1939) [YHAPB]
and a bequest by Esther Bright Clothier of Street Somerset to whose memory a tablet was dedicated in May 1940.
Property profile: large detatched country house built ca1902. After closure by YHA the property was considered for
various public functions, but is now [2014] a private residence.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Crowcombe 751 ≈† RG47.tif; Y699017 (dedicatory plaque and its digital image)
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 32, Crowcombe, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Crowcombe YH (new). Sat 25th May 1940. A good supper and a good crowd. Next morning... good
speeches by Haynes and Clothier. Lunch at hostel, with talk about pacificism, vegetarianism and the
Brüderhof [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1940].
In a Class on its own!
Crowcombe was one of the first hostels to provide special facilities for field studies. An existing room in
the hostel was converted to accommodate about 16 students – the then usual size of party. Increased
interest in this activity has severely overloaded this facility and now a separate building has been
provided.
This new up-to-date complex consists of a large room with sinks and laboratory benches, also illuminated
specimen viewers, angle-poise lamps and other equipment including a small library. Full heating, toilets
and kettles enable up to 40 students to study in comfort and at any time of the day without disturbing the
warden.
South West Region are grateful for the combined efforts of National and Regional technical staff and for
financial aid.

125
The volunteers have done their bit, too – Bristol Group, equipped with five sewing machines, made and
hung attractive curtains of a special material which also provides day-time black-out when projecting
slides. The new workroom was provided by F Pratten & Co Ltd [HN Winter 1975-76]

CROWDEN 1965 to 2006.
Peak National Park Hostel, Crowden, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 1HZ (previously Hadfield, Hyde,
Cheshire SK14 7HZ).
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 073993*

▲Opened 1965. Easter was intended. The hostel was officially opened 4/6/1965. Many years
earlier [YHr 9/1958] there was correspondence about this project. Accommodation was available to
the general public, but YHA members were allowed to stay at normal prices. At first there was a
public café, but this closed about 1983 [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, July 1983].
✚Closed 28/10/06 [KF, from warden]. The closure was advised as due late 2006, with transfer to
the property listed below [YHA eNews, December 2006]; rather prematurely, the next news was
that the hostel had moved down the road [YHA Supporters’ eNews, December 2006].
Handbook 1965-2005/06.
Alternative name: Crowden-in-Longdendale (1965-99).
Property tenure: owned by the Peak National Park and run on its behalf by YHA.
Property profile: a long terrace of former stone-built quarrymen’s cottages (also described as railwaymen’s cottages).
The original hostel was to be returned to residential use after 2006, but remained unused in 2009.
Since then the building has been converted to private homes [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
At 5 o’clock the warden called, ‘the door is open.’ She informed us that it had been open all day as it was
also a café [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
Rob Weston, the new warden of Crowden-in- Longendale hostel, on the Pennine Way, has an important
job on his hands. Over the past few years there has been a steady decline in the use of Crowden and
unless this trend can be reversed, it is possible that the hostel will have to close. Some alterations are
already under way which, it is hoped, will make the hostel more attractive to visitors [HN Summer 1983].
(s)

CROWDEN 2007 to 2014.
Crowden, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 1HZ.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SK 069995*

▲Opened 26/1/2007 [YHA Website]. Open for the first YHA bookings end 2/2007 [Geograph
info]. A message that YHA Crowden was relocating one mile down the road in September 2006
[YHA Website, late 2006] proved a little early. There were 32 beds in 8 4-bedded rooms. Selfcatering facilities were not provided at first, but were belatedly offered from about 2013.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2008-09 inclusive.
✚Closed 30/3/2014. In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel agreement (which was a loss maker)
with Rotherham Borough Council would expire at the end of March 2014; it would be handed back
to the Council, with the YHA input closing at the end of March 2014.
Handbook 2009.
Property tenure: the hostel was a joint undertaking between YHA and Rotherham Borough District Council. It is not
owned by YHA but operated by YHA under a Management Service Agreement. United Utilities own the building and
Rotherham BC have a 21 year lease.
Property profile: Rotherham Borough’s previous educational outdoor centre, a large stone-built structure, rebuilt after
fire damage to accommodate YHA also.
(s)

CROXTON 1936 to 1950.
Dalziel House, Croxton, Thetford, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TL 873867*

▲Opened Easter 1936, for men only in the first year. The Handbook states that beds for women
could be found in the village at a standard YHA charge.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was open in 1941 [for instance], with improved
accommodation for parties [EANar41].

126
Other addresses given are for the warden, Mrs Mayes. After some years she moved into Dalziel
House itself, so that transportation of meals across the village street was no longer necessary
[EANar48].
✚Closed 10/1950 [EANar51], the final bednights being in 1950SY. Mrs Mayes’ resignation led to
closure [EANar51].
Handbook 1936-51.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village house.
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y001014 Croxton 190250 800pho- sm.tif
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Croxton 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Croxton 752 ≈† RG39.tif

CUCKOO HALL, TICKHILL (see Tickhill)
CUDHAM 1951 to 1965.
Cudham Court Farm, Cudham, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN

GR: TQ 444598*

▲Opened 22/3/1951 after unavoidable delays. The 1950 Handbook was premature in advising that
the hostel might be open. It seemed for a time that the hostel would not open at all [1948 Regional
Guide amendment sheet 1].
✚Closed 31/12/1965. It was not possible to agree on the terms of the tenancy and the heavy
expenditure required [LONar65]. For a time afterwards the regional body considered purchasing
the old hostel for £3,500 and effecting a replacement or rebuild, but it could not be afforded, and
the idea was abandoned by 1969 [SEar69].
Handbook 1950-65.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: the main part of the hostel was built in the 18th century using beams from ships broken up on the
Medway.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I can recall going there on a working party the week before it opened [early 1951]. It was certainly winter
time – we were both prepared with down sleeping bags to supplement the provided blankets. However
the men’s dormitory was under the eaves with just the tiles as a ceiling – the eaves were open and the
ground visible. In the morning our water for washing was frozen solid. ‘Happy days’ [Keith DerryBennett, recounted in 2013].

CWM YSTRADLLYN 1949 to 1951.
Plas Llyn, Cwm Ystradllyn, Garn Dolbenmaen, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 561451

▲Opened 4/1949; in this first month there were 35 bednights [MERar49].
✚Closed 30/9/1951 [YHAF].
Handbook 1949-52.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: farmhouse or small country house. After YHA closure the building was demolished when the lake was
extended to form a reservoir, though the footings are well clear of the waterline.
Plas Uwch Llyn (mansion above the lake) was the home of John Evans, the Welsh-speaking manager of Gorseddau
Quarry, who left to manage the Hendre-ddu Quarry (SH5144) after the failure of the Gorseddau Quarry in 1867. The
last use of the house was as a youth hostel, but it was by then so badly haunted that the last warden abandoned it one
wild and windy night and refused ever to set foot in it again [Geograph Webpage].
This story may be apocryphal, however [K Moran, N Wales warden].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/266952 http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/272660
Reports, recollections and observations:
Small equipment was delivered on a service bus and carried up to the hostel. The warden was a woman
who came from Scotland each year [Max Kirby, recalled in 2009].

CYNWYD 1932 to 2005.
The Old Mill, Cynwyd, Corwen, Denbighshire LL21 0LW.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SJ 057409*

▲Opened 11/7/1932 [MERar32] with 26 beds. Emergency overspill accommodation was
sometimes provided in Cynwyd School and probably the Institute [MERmins, MERar38].
Members used to have to wash in the stream.

127
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940 is uncertain as bednight figures are
unrecorded, though a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. An extension scheme was
carried out and the hostel was open all 1941 [MERar41], as well as in 1942-45.

The outside toilet block was converted and improved in 1958 [YHA memo].
Gwyndy Cottage, a family cottage, was available from 1970, with sitting room, two bedrooms and
kitchen. Five could stay for £7pw [YHr 1/70], and a bath was fitted [YHr 11/71]. The hostel was
converted to self-catering only, with the members’ kitchen enlarged and improved [YHr 4/70].
Fire precaution work costing £1287 was carried out in 1985.
In 1994 a working party took down the old plasterboard ceiling in the dormitories to expose the
original beams and improve the ambiance of the. Under the Small Hostels Fund, the common room
was to have a new ceramic tile floor and Gwyndy Cottage, the family annexe, would be reroofed
[YHA News March & June 1994]. A new office and reception were announced [YHA News spring
1998].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [HN Winter 2001-02].
✚Closed 2005. Cynwyd Hostel was to be put up for sale the following year [press article,
15/12/2004], and was to close [YHAN 51 early 2005]. There were 338 bednights after 28/2/2005.
Gwyndy Cottage was advertised on 28/1/2005. Both properties sold on 28/10/2005.
Handbook 1933-2005/06.
Property tenure: the property was purchased in 1957 [MERar57], but the freehold was transferred from Merseyside
Youth Hostels Ltd to the National body 1/2/1984 (liquidated assets to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former woollen mill. During the first world war the mill became a cheese factory after which it
remained empty for a time. After YHA closure the property was bought by Northampton District Scout Group, who
still maintain it [JM, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cynwyd 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
Reports, recollections and observations:
I spent the weekend [opening weekend, July 3rd-4th 1932] at Cynwyd with Tod. Bill Griffith was warden
there. Although I liked this hostel the best of the lot, and it is now the cleanest and freshest, Griffith did
not keep it too well (although he himself was most excellent company)…
… to Cynwyd where we stayed the night. There were only 4 of us in so Ena and I slept in the common
room in front of a fire and the boys had a fire in their bedrooms. Ena and I could not sleep at night for
queer sounds [Bertha Gough diary, 4th-5th February 1933].
At 11.50pm the warden shouted and at last peace reigned [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in North Wales,
April 1966].
Mrs J Roberts, whose husband is the present caretaker / warden, obviously loves the mill. She has good
reason to do so for her mother was warden for 12 years and she herself looked after the running of it for
26 years. She has vivid memories of the place and just bubbles with pleasure when she recounts the good
times and the funny experiences she has had. ‘The mill is simple but there is an atmosphere which makes
people come back to see us,’ she told me. Mr and Mrs Roberts live in their own cottage which is a
stone’s throw from the hostel. Besides owning the mill the Regional Group also owns a self·contained
cottage near the hostel used for family accommodation. The cottage which sleeps five at a weekly rent of
£11 is booked far in advance [John Caine, article in HN Autumn 1972].
One of the largest projects ever tackled by the North Wales Area Panel was at Cynwyd at the beginning
of this year. We turned up at the Youth Hostel armed with dust masks, goggles and boiler suits one
snowy weekend in January to commence taking down the plasterboard ceilings in the dormitories to
expose the original wooden beams and planks. What a task! In a very short time we were all up to our
eyes in dust and cobwebs and all sorts of rubbish that had accummulated in the loft. Part two of the task
was to actually floor the loft so that it could be used for storage in the future and also to stop the dust
falling through the cracks between the planks. The only problem was how to get 8ft x 4ft sheets of
hardboard into the loft space. Fortunately we discovered a trap door that had been covered over by the
plasterboard just before we cut through the beams to make an entrance! The third stage of our task was,
(I’m sure everyone who was there will agree) definitely the worst thing we have ever done – to stand
down the beams and plank ceilings of all the lime wash. Within seconds no one could see a hand in front
of their face, and we all turned white in minutes! But the end product was well worth the effort, choking,
and dust in our eyes! When the final beam was painted there was much relief and thanks for a job well
done [Wales annual report 1993].
Wales has four youth hostels with separate self-catering accommodation for families, including Cynwyd.
Each self-catering unit (sleeps 4 plus a baby), is self-contained and includes bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge
and toilet/washing facilities. They are generally booked by the week (Sat Sat), but shorter stays may be
available in non-peak periods. Facilities and comfort vary between the four locations from modern

128
apartments with a colour TV to an old farmhouse lit solely by gas and this is reflected in the price. Prices
start at £82 per week. This type of family accommodation is very popular and gets booked up quickly
[YHA News spring 1998].
(s)

DACRE / DACRE BANKS 1931 to 1987.
The Old School, Dacre Banks, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 4ER.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SE 193618*

▲Opened 1/12/1931. In 1933 men were accommodated in the old school and women enjoyed the
hospitality of Mr & Mrs Atkinson in the schoolhouse. In 1936 the warden was Mrs Atkinson, and
accommodation M14W10. Two years later a frank review described the hostel as suffering from
cheerlessness [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. It was
requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, York, probably early in 1941, but was released for Whit 1941
[WESar41] and a few bednights were registered in that year. In 1942-45 the hostel was busier.

The hostel was improved over the winter of 1977-78, externally and with a new false ceiling fitted
by the warden [HN Winter 1977-78].
✚Closed 1987, the end of season being 31/8/1987. The property was disposed of in 1988
[YHAar88]. This was despite stirling efforts by Bradford YHA Group to modernise it (see below).
Handbook 1932-39; 1941-87
Alternative name: Dacre (1932).
Property tenure: at first a rented property [WESar31], the charge being £3 in 1933. The Regional Group received a
proportion of the overnight fee [WESar35]. It was vested in the YHA Trust 10/3/1936, and later was purchased
freehold (to YHA Trust 28/10/1955).
Property profile: former Council School, built 1885, following on from the provisions of the Education Act of 1870. A
date stone of 1695 has been discovered amongst the masonry. Since YHA closure the property has been converted to
two residences. A painted YHA sign is still to be found on a stone gatepost [2009].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Dacre 751 ≈† RG36.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Dacre Banks YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Popular with cyclists and walkers in the 1950s – closed due to lack of use and high maintenance costs
and now a private residence [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
We have been converting Dacre Banks hostel for use by the disabled and have installed new toilets and
cubicles, involving major plumbing work and decoration. Several weekends with over 16 members
present, and numerous odd days and evenings, have brought us within sight of finishing the project. A
leaflet for use by the disabled as a guide to the surrounding countryside and places of interest is planned
[Bradford Local Group news, HN Summer 1983].
Thanks to the help of Bradford YHA Group, the hostel can cater for up to eight disabled people on the
ground floor. It was the culmination of two years’ work by Bradford Group when Miss Margaret Petyt,
President of Yorkshire Region YHA, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the new
facilities. The project began with the raising of £500 through a sponsored walk. Dacre Banks was chosen
because the former school house has most of its facilities on the ground floor.
Access to toilets has been improved, a ramp has been installed and the toilet and washroom floors have
been treated to provide a non-slip surface [HN Autumn 84].
(s)
DALTON Planned hostel 1976. Did not open.
Dalton, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. GR: SN 7376 approx.
▼The prospect of a hostel here was discussed in Yorkshire Region News, January 1976: Planning Permission for
change of use has now been obtained for two new hostel projects in North Yorkshire [the other being Lockton]… at
Dalton, south of Thirsk and near to the River Swale, the former school is being made available by courtesy of the
owner, Mr Moxon, who lives in the neighbouring schoolhouse. This will be a small simple grade hostel and should be
available to accommodate 22 visitors and have a reasonably sized members’ kitchen cum dining room cum common
room.

DAN-Y-GRAIG 1946 only.
Dan-y-Graig, Grosmont, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 388209*

▲Opened by 4/1946 [LRN 4/1946], 1/4/1946 being the intended date [SWAHr 3/46]. It was a 30bed hostel [Rucksack Midsummer 1946], with meals provided at standard prices. The warden, Mr J

129
Kasteel, was headmaster of the school that shared the premises [SWAHr 4/46]; he went on to be
warden at Blackbrook, which closed peremptorily by orders of South Wales Regional Council.
✚Closed by 8/1946 [LRN 8/1946] and replaced by Blackbrook.
Property tenure: adopted
Property profile: farmhouse.

DANYWENALLT 2004 to present.
Danywenallt Study Centre, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Powys LD3 7YS.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SO 107205*

▲Opened 1/5/2004. A launch party was held on 29/4/2004, and the first guest registered 7/5/2004
[managers].
YHA entered an agreement with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to manage the
accommodation in this National Park study centre. Bookings were at first taken on a room-only
basis, soon modified to normal use.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005.
Handbook 2005-09.
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold. It is not owned by YHA but operated by YHA under a Management
Service Agreement.
Property profile: converted farmhouse.
(s)

DARTMEET 1931 to 1933.
Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 668738*

▲Opened 3/8/1931. £33 was spent on work at the hostel [PlymouthRGar31], where Mr Down was
warden.
✚Closed 1933, the end of season being 31/10/1933, and replaced by Bellever Hostel.
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-33.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
YHA Archive file: Y260001 & Y260002 (Report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
Accommodation was set up in a large barn, with straw palliasses and canvas camp beds, the barn still
housing a corn grinding machine that was still in use, and which created clouds of dust over everything;
although it had a light partition around the machine for safety, the dust was such that if the machine had
been in use during the afternoon, it took a good hour or more for the dust to settle before one could go
into the barn, although the farmer could not understand why one was so hesitant to enter.
On entry, one had to remove the blankets outside for a good shake to clear the settled dust before making
up the bed. The barn was so large that it accommodated the dormitories, members’ kitchen, and
dining/common room. All self-cooking, no meals being provided.
This hostel was always difficult to keep going because of the domestic squabbles that were always going
on at the farm, and the difficulty of members being able to find anyone of the farm folks on arrival at the
hostel, so it was with great joy that we were able to find the alternative accommodation at the Forestry
Buildings at Bellever [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Here at Brimpts Farm [the hiker] will find his accommodation, with glorious views over all the moor. So
attractive a spot might well be his centre for several days. Here, as at other Hostels, the farmer is the
warden, and bookings shonld be made with him in advance. If the warden has not booked up all his
accommodation, the rambler can stay for more than one day [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931
article in unknown magazine by F Sandon, Headmaster of Plymouth Grammar School].
(v)
DAVENTRY Hostel considered for 1940-41. Did not open.
4 and 5 Market Square, Daventry, Northamptonshire. GR: SP 573625 approx.
▼Warwicks and Northants Region were negotiating to buy a house here for £550 of their own funds to replace Badby
[Rucksack, Spring 1941]. The National Office encouraged the acquisition, but no more is heard of it.
DELAMERE FOREST Planned hostel 1935. Did not open.
Forest View Inn, Oakmere, Northwich, Cheshire. GR: SJ 579713
▼It was hoped to open here at Whit 1935 [Handbook 1935], as the Warrington Area Club of the Merseyside Group
were anxious to develop their own hostel in mid-Cheshire. A second-hand army hut was purchased, after many

130
frustrated searches for a house. A site was pegged out at Forest View but had to be abandoned, and the hut was sold.
Negotiations for [this] Delamere Forest site had fallen through [Rucksack, Whitsun 1935]. The previous June, Bertha
Gough described inspecting ‘a wooden structure called ‘Dark Ark’ at Mouldsworth, which we thought might serve as a
hostel for this area. We were not at all taken with it, and although at one time we nearly took it, we eventually got the
present hostel instead. It belonged to a Scout Company.’

DELAMERE FOREST 1936 to 1972.
Fox Howl, Ashton Road, Norley, Warrington, Cheshire WA6 3PA.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER; WN

GR: SJ 528712*

▲Opened 1/1/1936, though used by workparties late 1935. Officially opened 4/4/1936 by the
Mayor of Warrington. The men’s dorm was in an isolated hut known as the ice box.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open throughout.

In 1945 plans were made to supply water to the hostel [MERar45]. In 1966 the hut which for so
long formed the men’s sleeping quarters was being replaced with the aid of a grant from the
National Small Hostels Fund [WNar66]. Two years later a new extension was built and flush toilets
and a hot water system were installed [WNar68].
✚Closed 1/12/1972, because of declining usage. It was offered for auction on 22/2/1973, complete
with its chalet annexe and ¾ acre of land.
Handbook 1936-73.
Property tenure: leased at first, then purchased 1942SY [MERar42].
Property profile: small secluded house in the shadow of a railway line.
Now the Delamere Forest Outdoor Education Centre [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Delamere 751 ≈† RG44.jpg; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Warrington Area Committee was first formed about three years ago, primarily to attempt to get a
closer contact between members by social events, and for propaganda purposes… we began to turn our
thoughts to a wider scope for the work of the Area and the nucleus of the idea of a hostel in which we in
Warrington would have a personal interest, was formed. The natural place for such a hostel was in the
Delamere Forest Area, our own beauty spot, the object of so many of our week-end walks and rides, and
so the search for suitable premises began.
We began by forming parties of two or three to spend weekends searching for empty houses in the area
where we wished to establish the Hostel. Large and small houses, barns, old coach-houses, buildings old
and new, wooden and brick, were inspected, and all turned down for various reasons, sometimes they
were too small, sometimes too large or too expensive. All kinds of difficulties cropped up, until but for
the tenacity of our committee and the encouragement from the Merseyside group at Liverpool, I think we
would have had to admit defeat.
The housing problem became so acute, that we decided on another course of action; We bought a secondhand Army hut, 80 feet by 16 feet, and a member of the committee drew up plans for the alteration and
fitting up of the hut as a hostel to hold twenty people, all the work to be done by voluntary labour. The
plans were approved at Liverpool, and the search began again, this time for a suitable site. We had been
well tried before in our search for a house, so our frequent disappointments were received quite calmly.
Our chief difficulty was a suitable water supply to sites offered, but owing to restrictions on temporary
buildings in the rural district, the idea of the hut had to be abandoned, even though we had pegged out the
site for the hut at Forest View. The hut was sold to a local youth organisation, where it is doing good
service, and we were as far off our ambition as ever, after two and a half years’ work.
Then almost before we realised it, we were offered and had accepted Fox Howl, the house on the
switchback road through the Forest, as a hostel. The committee visited the house at the end of last
November, and planned the necessary equipment and fixtures to make it suitable for a hostel. Then the
work began - we shall always remember the week-ends spent there, getting dusty and dirty, not having
sufficient cups to go round at meal times, the fun we had cleaning windows, staining and polishing
floors, cleaning grates, putting up the two-tier beds when they arrived, and sorting out the equipment and
finding suitable places for everything. How the boys made lockers in the common room to hold blankets,
etc., and built cupboards, shelves and tables. How the girls washed and scrubbed, made curtains, and
lastly how we all tried our hands at cooking and making toast.
We gradually saw the house becoming a hostel, and at Christmas we had a party to celebrate our efforts,
when everyone who had helped had an enjoyable evening and the first sleep at the hostel.
The first week-end of the New Year saw the hostel open to visitors, and we have had members from
various districts spending week-ends there since. Everybody does their own cooking and seem to enjoy
both the cooking and eating of their efforts, the latter is the vital test. Each week-end until Easter two
members of the Warrington district acted as voluntary wardens, and did their duties in true warden style,
even to wishing each guest God-speed.

131
Such is the brief story of our search and the end of it. The house is now ready for as many guests as it
will accommodate. We have some keen gardeners amongst our members and the garden is looking
attractive. I feel that we are all the better for our effort and our achievement. Now we have to go on and
keep the hostel up to the high standard we have set, with every portent of success, at Fox Howl, the house
with the delicious names [Booklet produced by Warrington Area Club on the opening of Delamere Forest
Hostel, 1936].
14th September 1935: We went to see some possible houses round Delamere Forest. We looked at three,
including the one we eventually took [Bertha Gough diary].
Delamere Forest Youth Hostel – a welcome sight indeed. Not so welcome, however, was the sight of
men hostellers walking down the road to the wash basins, a small dam in the stream which passes
underneath the road, having escaped from the forest. Also, their cries of Don’t go there! Keep away!!
were not very encouraging. We were soon making our beds, which were in a wooden outbuilding, not too
far from the hostel, but much too near a railway line (fortunately not a very busy one) for anticipation of
a peaceful undisturbed night. I had nearly got to sleep after about two hours, when I was roused by a
voice in my ear. You haven’t got a regulation sleeping bag. It was the Warden, who had, instead of
asking to see our sleeping bags when we signed in, decided to come and look at about 10 oclock. Finally,
to cap it all, at about 10.45 (after lights out), the Warden came spying again, and had a heated argument
with one rightfully indignant member. Eventually, this was settled by the member hiring a sleeping bag
after the Warden had threatened to keep his card. We got the job of cleaning up the dormitory. We didn’t
think this was too bad for the two of us, but we found that not everyone was out of the dormitory, so we
had to wait some time for that to be cleared. When we finally started on the job, it didn’t take long, and
we finished it quickly, and, to our minds, satisfactorily, and returned to the Warden, confident that we
would be able to set off within the next hour or so. However, we had to wait about 10 minutes while he
found his spy, whom he detailed to go and inspect the work. We went down with him, so as to be able to
effect any repairs on the spot, but he decided that all the blankets had to be placed on the beds in a
particular way, and a way I have never come across before or since in a hostel. This was, not piled up one
on top of the other, but laid out separately along the length of the bed. This, it appeared, was our job. He
also told us to put all the rucksacks on the floor, and collect any paper that was lying about on the beds.
Then we could go [Rev G Greenhough, 1949].
This was the only hostel I ever cycled to (from Liverpool). I remember a very cramped old-fashioned
kitchen, with a novel modernist wallpaper formed from tin labels roughly torn and pasted to the kitchen
walls and enhanced by a film of running condensation. There was a huge unkempt garden. Our duty was
to remove the molehills. My pal may still be there completing the job. Throughout the evening great
freight trains clanked by on the embankment running past the back of the hostel [author].
(s)

DENTDALE 1944 to 2006.
Deeside House, Cowgill, Dent, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5RN.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 773850*

▲Opened Easter 1944 [WESar44].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel was busy in 1944 and 1945.

In 1957 Dentdale Hostel was unavoidably closed for roof repairs for the whole season [WESar57].
Central heating was installed [HN Autumn 1974].
Improvements to disabled access and the provision of family rooms were carried out over the
winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
✚Closed 23/12/2006 [YHA departmental info], having been placed on the market June 2006
[whyha.org.uk].
Handbook 1944-2005/06.
Property tenure: in 1944 Deeside House was leased from the Helwith Bridge Road Stone and Granite Co (to YHA
Trust 23/9/1944); the property was later purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 25/3/1958 and 25/4/1958).
Property profile: Grade II listed early 19th century house, with coach house, built by John Elam of coursed rubble, part
rendered, and used by the Bentinck family for a shooting lodge. After YHA use it became an independent large-group
hostel, operating 2008, but was for sale again as a going concern in late 2009. It was operating again in late 2011.
Web resource: http://www.deesidehouse.co.uk/
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 25, Dentdale, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1954.
Reports, recollections and observations:
…it was already fully booked. The good lady there put me up on a couch in the common room, as
comfortable as a bed, but without the accompanying snores [MJ Buckland, holiday log, undated].
Another favourite hostel with us was Dentdale; often for cycling weekends but also a good place to end
the Three Peaks walk. Here Fred and Alice Cook dispensed great hospitality. You could arrive just before
the evening meal, without having booked, and know that there would be plenty for all. Not all wardens

132
were so accommodating, but many were [Alice Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the 1940s and 1950s,
reporting in 2013].
Dormitories were named after the Three Peaks – we were in Ingleborough. We had a massive supper of
vegetable and leek soup, sausage rolls, peas, potatoes, cheese and biscuits in an extravagant plastic box
[Simon Smith, aged 14, Chinnor, 1975].
(s)

DERWENT HALL 1931 or 1932 to 1942.
Derwent Hall, Ashopton, Sheffield.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN+NMI Jt

GR: SK 176889

▲Opened and officially opened 2/6/1932, though it was apparently in some kind of use as early as
24-25/10/1931 when Merseyside Region’s Bertha Gough stayed there; 1735 bednights were
recorded in 1932 [MANar32].
Derwent Hall Hostel was operated jointly by NMI and MAN regions; MAN region equipped the
hostel, while the CHA prepared and furnished the common room [MANar32]. The empty house
was prepared by volunteers [YHAar3/1933]. The Ladybower Scheme would not interfere with the
hostel for some time [MANar37].
Wartime arrangements: the Hall was compulsorily purchased in 1939 and closed to YHA on the outbreak of war. It was
used as a school from September 1940 until conditions grew so bad that it had to be closed the following August. The
youth hostel was thus reopened 9/8/1941 [LRN 8/1941] and was exceptionally busy until final closure, with 9164
bednights in 1942SY.

✚Closed 19/9/1942: it finally surrendered to demolition parties [MANar42] and had been erased by
1944.
Handbook 1933-40; 1942.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the house, built 1672, was a former residence of the Dukes of Norfolk. The building was rented from
Derwent Water Board (it had been empty for 7 years). The foundations now lie under Ladybower Reservoir, completed
in 1945.
Web resource: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/06/a1982306.shtml
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600005 John Davies.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Derwent Hall YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Yoxall YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We spent the weekend [24th-25th October 1931] at Derwent Hall. Although the hostel is a very beautiful
one, the self-cookers room and equipment was terrible. This hostel was opened by the Duke of Windsor,
when Prince of Wales, and a plaque to this effect hangs in the Hall. It will be submerged when the
reservoir is lengthened, which is expected to be in 1939 or 1940 [Bertha Gough diary].
YOUTH HOSTEL OPENED
The Prince of Wales, who made a tour of Derbyshire, yesterday opened as a youths’ hostel, Derwent
Hall, a former residence of the Duke of Norfolk. The old mansion is now the property of the Youth
Hostel Association. In opening the hostel, the Prince referred to social welfare activities, and said that
there was none which he could commend more than that people should be able to take tramping holidays
and get a complete change of atmosphere from their work in our big cities.
RURAL ACTIVITIES – THE TRAMPING HOLIDAY
The Prince’s first engagement in Derbyshire was to open Derwent Hall as a youth hostel. It is a
wonderful old-world house, once a residence of the Duke of Norfolk, and has been taken over by the
Youth Hostels Association. It will be one of the cheapest and most picturesque hostels in England. The
charge for accommodation is one shilling a night, with meals throughout the day for three shillings.
The Prince walked through the fine oak-panelled dining-room, and stayed a while in the beautiful garden,
from which there is a glorious view, of the Derwent valley.
In a short speech, the Prince referred to the great interest he took in social welfare activities, and added,
‘There is none I can commend more than that people should be able to take tramping holidays, and get a
complete change of atmosphere from their work in our big cities. I know what a great benefit such a rest
can be to people who lead, in many cases, very dreary lives’ [The Scotsman 3/6/1932].
Those who stayed there speak of the beautiful interior, with its polished floor and extensive oak panelling
(some of which ended up in the Mayor’s Parlour in Derby when the hall was demolished) [Peak District
Magazine, 2001].
My parents (Herbert John Davis and Clare Davis) were very active youth-hostellers in the late 1920s [sic]
and early 1930s. My father taught at Bemrose School, Derby for a short time ending 1934 when he was
appointed HM of Whitby Grammar School. While in Derby they helped clean Derwent Hall for it to be

133
used as a hostel. I believe my father was treasurer of the local branch and so appears as part of the
welcoming committee showing the future Edward VIII around. (My father is the one in Scout uniform.)
The YHA knew they had it only for a short time. The Hall was, of course, pulled down before being
flooded by the Ladybower Reservoir [John Davies, Canada, reporting in 2004]
What a glorious surprise the Hall was! Inside was equally surprising, one could get lost in its corridors
and stairways. The common room… was a wonderful room, more like a hall, with oak chairs and table
and panels of great antiquity; also it boasted a grand piano [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, July 1934].

DERWENTWATER 1931 only; 1961 to 2011.
Barrow House, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5UR.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 268200*

▲Opened 1931 (or, improbably, 12/1930). According to the very first Handbook the hostel was
open from mid December to 31/10 (year unspecified). This ambiguous statement might suggest that
the first use was intended to be at the same time as Pennant Hall, in 1930, though this seems
unlikely.≠ In 1931 the 16-bed hostel was in quarters at the rear of the property. The hostel closed
1931.
In 1949 an offer to lease the premises for three years at £170pa was unsuccessfully proposed [LAK
mins 1949].
The hostel was reopened Whitsun 1961 [hostel stamp ‘First Night 20th May 1961’], but under quite
different circumstances from 1931, as the whole of the Georgian mansion was now occupied. At
first there was scratch accommodation for just 40 [LAK mins 1961], expanding to 80 [LAK mins
1962]. Work started in 1979 to redevelop the hostel. The first stage was to re-house the wardens in
a most imaginative conversion of the old coach-house [LKar79].
The Adams room (the large 20 bedded dormitory) was repartitioned to provide additional privacy,
storage, and bunk lights [YHA News spring 1997].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2007-10 inclusive.
✚Closed 04/11/2011, with immediate transfer of business to a not-for-profit youth hostel
organisation under the same wardenship. The managers who were in charge for more than 20 years
would continue to run it and were given the green light to keep things much as they were in terms
of their ethos and the ambience, with one charity (YHA) relinquishing its tenure of the hostel and
another charity (Derwentwater Youth Hostel Ltd) taking over.
Handbook 1931 (1st edn-4th edn). Handbook 1961 supplement-2009.
Alternative name: Barrow House (1931).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 11/4/1961 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: a former manor house then hotel. The purchase included extensive grounds and a waterfall.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The dormitory was a pleasant surprise for its ceiling was adorned with blue and white looped and knotted
flower chains giving it a Wedgwood appearance [AW Thomas, Youth Hosteller February 1971].
(s)
DEVIL’S BRIDGE Planned hostel(s) about 1951-55. Did not open.
Devil’s Bridge, Cardiganshire. GR: SN 7376 approx.
▼The prospect of a hostel here was being investigated [BMWar51,54 and YHAB 2/1955].

DEVIL’S BRIDGE (YSTUMTUEN) (see Ystumtuen)
DIMMINGSDALE [The Bungalow] 1940 to 1958.
The Ranger, Dimmingsdale, Oakamoor, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 052435

▲Opened 29/6/1940.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though the numbers staying in 1940SY, 117, might
suggest some disruption, and by 5/11/1940 it was normally available at weekends only. The accommodation was
increased to 50 in 1941.

An incentive to rebuild came with the closure of Sharpcliffe Hostel [NMIar55]. It was to be rebuilt
in more permanent materials in 1955, and £600 was received in a fund-raising drive. The proposed
reconstruction proved too costly, however, and a newspaper report of 14/10/1955 Alterations to

134
this collection of huts were made in gradual stages, 1956-58, and it seems that the hostel was
always open during rebuilding. The hostel was fully open in 1956 [YHAB]. Reduced bednights
were evident in 1956SY and 1958SY, but in 1957SY they were at a high level. and it was decided
to dismantle the larger men’s dorm, replacing it with a brick annexe, to bring the hostel under one
roof (though there was a separate common room); a new access road was constructed [NMIar57].
The first stage was completed when the new men’s dorm was brought into use; the Regional
Council then decided to proceed further and to rebuild the common room block, with the girl’s
dorm included; this was now in progress [NMIar58]. The rebuilding was nearing completion
[Staffordshire Knot, Autumn 1958]. North Midlands working parties had built a new brick
dormitory for men, while they still had to tackle one for the ladies and a common room; in the
interim of reconstruction, the old, rickety and draughty men’s dormitory would serve as common
room and rough conditions should be expected [YHr 3/1958]. The footings for the new hostel were
now ready and there was a great deal of work to be done [YHr 6/1958]. Windows had been put in,
but plasterers and other workers were still required [YHr 1/1959]. [There is some uncertainty about
the location of the old buildings and their role in these renovations].
Handbook 1940alterations-ca1958.
Property tenure: when the warden retired in 1950 £1,000 was raised towards freehold purchase (to YHA Trust
31/3/1950) [NMIar50].
Property profile: wooden hostel. YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Dimmingsdale A 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
There were several huts, the main one being a former henhouse [Lindsey Porter].
The site was purchased largely through members’ own efforts; they erected huts with their own hands
and kept it in repair [unnamed local newspaper, 14/10/1955].
One of my first youth hostel; I went with Derby CTC. It was a brick building but the washing place was
outside. There was no mains water. Next morning my job was to get some clean water, so I was sent with
a metal bucket to a pump at the end of the drive near the gateway, about 100 yards. I pumped, but no
water, so I went back to ask the warden and he said, have you primed it? He told me to go to the river and
get some water to put into the pump at the top, where the rod came out, and then pump. Sure enough, the
water came. I took it back to the hostel where they were all waiting. The water did not last long, so I had
to go and get another bucketful from the pump [Roy Frost, 1958 cycle tour].
(v)

DIMMINGSDALE [Rebuilt] 1959 to 2016/2017.
Little Ranger, Dimmingsdale, Oakamoor, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 3AS.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 052435*

▲The new building was built in brick in stages, 1958-59: see previous entry. It was [almost]
completed and brought into use by June 1959 and electricity promised for 1960; an electric pump
would be installed to overcome water supply problems [YHr 6/59, 7/59, NMIar59]. The new
building had large windows overlooking the valley. Painting was nearly complete and work had
finished on the men’s dormitory floor, though floors in the common room and women’s dormitory
were still in concrete [YHr 7/59]. It was a complete rebuild by working parties under the direction
of Bill Banton, the Region maintenance man, with generous donations towards the cost from
Staffordshire Members [Lincs Sub-Region ar 1960]. There was a reduction to 20 beds in the 195860 Handbooks.
In August 1966 plumbing work was completed in the new ablutions block, the final phase of the
long drawn out rebuilding [Staffordshire Knot, Autumn 1966].
Night storage heaters were installed in 1970 [PKar70].
Thanks partly to a fund-raising effort by YHA local groups, the hostel at last had a shower and new
toilets, and a new entrance [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed at the end of September 2016 for ordinary overnights and due to close for group bookings
and completely in spring 2017.
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Handbook ca1959-2009.
Property profile: purpose-built single-storey hostel.
Reports, recollections and observations:

135
At 6pm I entered a new building and found common room and dormitories but no warden. I looked in
several derelict buildings and then knocked on the door of a house, where the warden’s mother answered
the door [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 22 July 1962].
About 1962 a mural of Snowdonia was painted on the hostel wall by East German refugee Henry Pausch
[Staffordshire Knot, Autumn 1962].

(s)
DINAH HOGGUS Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Rosthwaite, Cumbria. GR: NY 259151
Handbook 1998-2006.
Property profile: a former field barn.

DINAS MAWDDWY 1962 to 1984
The Old School, Minllyn, Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9LR.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS

GR: SH 858139*

▲Opened 3/3/1962. The hostel was beset with problems from early on; there were several
complaints about standards, and the non-resident warden could not spend much time on it. The
building was reported as damp and dangerous, and South Wales Region recommended closure from
the end of October 1968. At this stage it was rented for £36pa. In 1973 a frank assessment by the
region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the following ‘defects’: Dinas
Mawddwy: very primitive, inadequate heating, outside WCs. No meals provided.
Considerable improvements were made by voluntary labour in 1975, when the common room was
reconfigured in open plan to include a much improved members’ kitchen. New wash basins were
put in the dorms, and the hostel redecorated [WSar75].
✚Closed 1984. The end of season in 1984 was 31/10; in the 1984 Handbook (late news) it was
described as closed for major building works, but 437 overnights were registered in 1984SY and
187 in 1985SY (probably at the tail-end of 1984).
Handbook 1962-84.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 27/11/1979 [YHAPB].
Property profile: former village school. A small area of land was sold as late as August 2005, for £2,000.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We helped set up Dinas Mawddwy hostel. It was so cold when we were being shown round that we ran
round a billiard table to keep warm. Dinas Mawddwy and Corris opened on the same day, and Bob
Powell had the job of getting us from one hostel to the other as quickly as possible – on illegal forestry
roads [Sylvia Errington, reporting in 2013].
(s)

DIRT POT 1950 (partially), 1951 (fully) to 1971.
Dovespool, Allenheads, Hexham, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD

GR: NY 853461*

▲Opened 1/7/1950 for a limited number of men; there were 145 bednights in 1950SY [NOTar50].
There had been a long delay: the previous year it was unlikely to open for some time [Rucksack
Autumn 1949]. Official opening was planned for Easter 1951 [NOTar51], but not held until
4/10/1952 [NOTar52, Hexham Courant 10/10/1952]. The old floor, due for replacement, partially
collapsed during country dancing; there was sufficient dormitory accommodation inside the hostel,
so YHA’s tenancy of a nearby cottage had ceased [NOTar52]. The following year volunteers
constructed a new 8-bed dormitory [YHAar53].
✚Closed 1971. Closure was announced in the 1972 Handbook Late News, though the last
bednights had been in 1971SY. The property was sold 11/4/1972 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1949-72.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 11/6/1949); stables etc. were acquired 12/10/1951 [YHAPB]. Early
on, a cottage nearby was rented.
Property profile: former mid 19th-century grey stone Methodist chapel, operating until 1947 along with, at first, a
neighbouring cottage.
Now the Allenheads Lodge Outdoor Adventure Centre and B&B with 22 beds in 4 dorms [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rock Hall YH
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 83, Dirt Pot, Youth Hosteller May 1961.

136
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was a converted chapel and I was delighted to find a fire and hot water [Pat Packham, A
Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 9 August 1962].
(v)

DODDINGTON 1947 to 1980.
Ellenscourt, Lady Margaret Manor, Doddington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 ONT.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE

GR: TQ 925551*

▲Opened early 6/1947. The Union between the Stansfield Association and the YHA was originally
instigated by Harry Higgins just after the war, when we were seriously thinking of closing down
our boys’ home at Doddington [memo from Stansfield Association, 1980].
✚Closed 1980 when the Stansfield Association withdrew from YHA.
Handbook 1947 supplement-80.
Property tenure: there was an arrangement that the hostel be operated by the Stansfield Association.
Property profile: the buildings incorporated an oast house and had been a private hospital for the aged unemployed. In
2012 the Ellens Court provides long term care for nine in a rural setting.
YHA Archive file: Y050001-Doddington 701 [reasons for termination]
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Charing YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 2, Doddington, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1950.
Published material: Doddington, Youth Hosteller December 1971
Reports, recollections and observations:
The building is a rambling place, appearing to have been built at odd times adding a further room or
perhaps a wing when required. Situated on Margaret Manor, the hostel stands high up on the Downs
affording long views as far as the sea on the north side. The Valley of the Pilgrims runs right through the
Estate. On the south side of the Valley, it is possible to trace the Pilgrims Way and there is an old
tradition which states that any weary traveller can demand from the house of ‘Lwttle Greetynge,’ on the
Margaret Manor, one night's hospitality consisting of a straw bed to sleep on and a stoop of ale to depart
with in the morning. In later times, legend has it that there was more demand for the ale than the bed.
Since being an Oast House, Ellen’s Court has a very varied history including a few years as a hospital,
run by the well-known authority on deep breathing, D. Josiah Oldfield. The doctor, now 86, is still to be
seen all aound the manor.
A few words of appreciation to a body known as the Association. From oonversations with Mr JH
Higgins, our Warden at Doddington, the Stansfield Association has in its ideals the establishment of a
communal way of living which will help boys whose environment in early years has left much to be
desired, to make good a gap in their lives and resume their place in the community.
Don't all rush to Doddington, there is only room for 12 men and 6 women. We hope you will enjoy meals
which will be a little different from most hostels, as the Stansfield Association believes in a strict diet~
vegetarian meals only! [LRN, July 1947].
Doddington was a hostel with a progressive link. Half-timbered on the high land near Faversham it
boasted on the entrance Rich and Poor, Same door. It belonged to a well known, Bernard Shaw like,
figure called Dr Josiah Oldfield, lawyer, Colonel (?) medico and enthusastic vegetarian. He had a mini
hospital there for mental problems and the hostel running was by an East End Charity called the
Stansfield Assocation. In turn they employed as warden Ken, the brother of John Parfitt, another
romantic, who subsequently became a postman at Fort William [Len Clark, reporting in 2012].
An Oast House, originally used for the drying of hops, one of Kent’s specialities… then converted into a
private hospital… later on, during the last war, used as a boys’ home for lads from London’s East End…
now, as a hostel, waits to welcome you into its unique atmosphere from all corners of the earth… Ken
Parfitt, warden [postcard printed caption]
A YHA hostel last night – at Doddington. An old Kentish oast house converted to a hostel. In its time it
has been a private hospital – with a maternity ward! For every baby born there they planted a tree in the
rambling garden [Jose, postcard comment, 1961]

DOLGELLEY (see Kings Dolgellau)
DOLGOCH BUNKHOUSE 1976 to 2014.
Dolgoch, Tregaron, Ceredigion SY25 6NR.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SN 806562*

▲Opened 1/6/1976, after two year’s preparation. In 1974 WS Region proposed a purchase of the
property for £10,000, but this was not agreed and a lease would be suggested. Mr George de Roe

137
from Nant-y-Dernol hostel was installed as early as November 1974, without pay [WS memo]. The
hostel was refurbished in the mid 1980s [YHAar1987].
The hostel was due to close end 10/2007, but it continued in use with the Elenydd Wilderness Trust
as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse. Closure through the winter of 2009-10 enabled roof repairs. Late
in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the Elenydd Hostels Trust and YHA,
and the hostel gave up its YHA status. The affiliation itself ceased early in 2017.
Handbook 1976-2009.
Alternative name: Dolgoch (1976-2002)
Property tenure: leasehold for 21 years from 1/4/1974 from the Secretary of State for Wales, effectively the Forestry
Commission for Wales (to YHA Trust); freehold purchase 26/2/1982 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. The property was sold
to the Elenydd Wilderness trust 2/11/2007 under a YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: remote gaslit farmhouse.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1042805
Reports, recollections and observations:
There is a rich collection of warden George de Roe’s sayings and doings. One I recall happened when he
was building a humble hut [adjacent to the hostel] in which to live. Having some problems with getting
local authority planning permission he decided to call it a Mushroom Shelter. He explained that if there
was not ‘Mush Room’ it might get by the planning regulations [Len Clark, recounted in 2011].
The elderly warden, George, told me he was from Cleckheaton, West Riding, Yorks, and didn’t like
cities. He was building an add-on to the hostel for himself [1988 visit by Gerald Hardwick].
(s)

DOLWYDDELAN (LLEDR HOUSE) (see Lledr Valley)
DOUGLAS
Annandale, 12 Stanley View, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1986.
Handbook 1986.

DOUGLAS
Ashfield, 19 Hutchinson Square, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1989.
Handbook 1989.

DOUGLAS
Avalon, 95 Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1986-88.
Handbook 1986-88.

DOUGLAS
Lynley House, 114 Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1986-88.
Handbook 1986-88.

DOUGLAS
Trent House, 112 Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1986-88.
Handbook 1986-88.

DOUGLAS
Waverley, 23 Hutchinson Square, Douglas, Isle of Man. SC 3875
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 3875 approx.

138
▲✚A guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members in 1989.
Handbook 1989.

DOULTING 1932 to 1940.
Temple House Farm, Doulting, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 656447*

▲Opened 3/1932 [GSEar32], the start of the season being 24/3/1932. The rented rooms at Temple
House Farm (warden, Mrs Reakes) would serve in the present state for another season [GSEar32].
Towards the end of the decade the hostel was in poor condition; there were several complaints
about the standard of sanitation, which were excused as being of a country character.
Wartime arrangements: there was some YHA usage in 1940: complaints about the kitchen sink revealed that it had
been choked for some years; it would be desirable to remove the sink altogether and use a bucket [GSEmins 1940]. It
was withdrawn for good by 14/10/1940 because of the war [GSEar40].

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1932-40.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £32.10s.0d, and income £20.11s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: rooms at the large three-storey stone farmhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Doulting 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
We easily found Temple House Farm (Doulting YH), where there is a YH. This is what we had come out
of our way to see. It is a fine farm, with a large quadrangle-type farmyard and a grassy drive leading up
to it. We were just going into the farmyard, where cows were being driven from a barn, when 5 girl
cyclists came in a string up the drive. They were short sun-reddened tousled girls, not attractive, probably
pleasant, with an accent which Harold said afterwards was North Country. They obviously knew the
place, pushed the bikes into the shed and went round to the front [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1934].
22nd Aug 1934 ... to Temple House Farm. A youth in shorts was sitting in the window. Presently Mrs
Reakes appeared and showed me round. The men’s quarters are the attics – 3 rooms, really 2, 1 divided
by a partition and I took one of the little rooms...
We found a cheerful fire burning in the common room. There were two young ladies. They had been in
only one hostel before, Winchester; every other night of the tour they had turned into hotels because
hostels were ‘so primitive’. I found Mrs Reakes a very pleasant little woman...
23rd Aug 1934 ... at Temple House Farm. I slept well last night in my narrow bed in my narrow bare
room. The other five all had their food provided - I was the only one feeding myself. It had been a great
walk, 25 miles, and after I had washed I felt very much at peace. I went downstairs and heated myself
my baked beans. Mrs Reakes wanted to go to bed, though Mr Reakes was going to be up the best part of
the night with the sow [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1934].
23rd Aug 1935. On reaching the hostel we were amazed to find it full of young men, 14 all told. Mrs
Reakes, who knew us, said that she did not know whether there would be a bed for us – there are only 8
men’s beds and 8 women’s beds, but no women had come as yet, so if none came the surplus men could
use the women’s dorm… Lateish to bed in very comfortable women’s quarters [Diaries of FJ Catley,
1935].
A midwinter visit to Doulting, near Wells, to find hot-bricks in the beds and blankets merrily steaming;
we made a cave of mattresses, etc round the common room fire, which resulted in a kind of sauna but
also kept back the draughts [Ken Tyler, HN Spring 1980].
(v)

DOVER [Barnet Hut] 1931 to 1940.
The Barnet Hut [YMCA], Liverpool Street, Dover, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 322413*

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 41 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed 06/1940 [LON mins]. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that
provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement. It was withdrawn by 14/10/1940.

✚Closed 6/1940 and eventually replaced by Dover (Eastcliff).
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-40.
Alternative name: Dover (Barnet Hut) (1931(1st edn)-32).
Property tenure:
Property profile: large wooden hut. It was the building marked Club on the 1:500 1937 OS map, immediately inland
from Guildford Lawn.
The name Barnet Hut arose from a gift by the people of Barnet, Hertfordshire, to the YMCA in 1916 to provide shelter
and comforts for soldiers passing through the port. The hut was severely damaged by a shell on Sunday 20 October

139
1940, and was never to open again [website: https://doverhistorian.com/2013/07/31/ymca-and-dover/. The whole area
was cleared and rebuilt as a large residential block the Gateway with gardens towards the seafront [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Dover A 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Dover A 752 ≈† RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile
(v)

DOVER / DOVER (EASTCLIFF) / DOVER (SEAFRONT) 1947 to 1967.
26 Eastcliff, Dover, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN

GR: TR 328415*

▲Opened Whit 1947 (the 1946 Handbook supplement was published in 3/1947), replacing Dover
(Barnet Hut) Hostel.
✚Closed 1/10/1966, or 2/1967 [inscription on Archive photograph], worn out by the usage of
thousands of hostellers and no longer suitable for present day needs [LONar66] and replaced by
Dover (Charlton House) Hostel.
Handbook 1946 supplement-66.
Alternative names: Dover (1946 supplement-54), Dover (Eastcliff) (1955-59).
Property tenure:
Property profile: four-storey seafront Victorian terraced villa, part of a brick terrace constructed ca1820. Before hostel
days it had been a private house, boarding house, hotel and army billet. When closed, it was sold to Townsend Car
Ferries as a seamen’s hostel. It is now incorporated into the more extensive Cliffe Court Hotel.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 75, Dover Seafront, Youth Hosteller April 1960.
(v)

DOVER [Temporary] 1950 and 1952 (at least).
Dover County Youth Club, Charlton Green, Dover, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 3141 approx.

▲✚In 1950 YHA was searching for, though unable to secure, a temporary hostel; nevertheless
extra accommodation was made available during August 1950, with the co-operation of the Kent
Youth Club [LONar50]. The summer seasonal hostel was again open in mid August 1952. See
entry below, which might have been the same site.
DOVER [Temporary] 1951 only.
Dover, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 3141, possibly

▲✚Extra temporary accommodation was to be provided during the Festival of Britain period 1951
[YHAB 4/1951]. See entry above, which might have been the same site.≠
DOVER [Godwyne Road / Town] 1954 to 2006.
Hillesden House, 14 Godwyne Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1SW.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TR 318420*

▲Opened 1/7/1954 as a summer only relief hostel. This enabled the overflow at Hawkinge to be
dispensed with [LONar54]. In 1958, for instance, the season ran from 21/6 to 6/9 and in 1959 from
27/6 to 5/9.
The last separate Handbook entry was 1981; since then there was a single entry for Dover. In 1982 it was
an annexe, and in 1983 Dover Town in the text of the entry for Dover. It was to have closed end of 1983
season [HN], hence its absence from the 1984 Handbook, but survived. For 1985-87 and 2000 there is no
mention, but the number of beds and overnights clearly takes this hostel into account. In 1988-90 it is
referred to as an overflow annexe; in 1991-99 and 2001-02 two separate properties are mentioned, and in
2005/06 it is on two sites [GD].

✚Closed: the sale of Godwyne Road Hostel was completed 24/2/2006 [YHA info].
Handbook 1955-83; 1985-2005/06.
Alternative name: Dover (Town) 1955-81.
Property tenure: freehold purchase, but subject to a lease (Department of Education grant-aided), 5/1964 [YHAPB] (to
YHA Trust).
Property profile: large townhouse.
(v)

DOVER (GRANDSHAFT) [Temporary] 1961-62 (at least).

140
Dover, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 315411

▲✚Temporary hostel in army accommodation using safari beds. 1076 bednights (1961, from 22/7
to 26/8); 993 bednights (1962) [LONar61&62, memos].
Property tenure:
Property profile: within part of Dover’s historic Napoleonic defences.
Reports, recollections and observations:
During the busy summer holidays many YHA members stayed overnight in the two Dover hostels. The
western height barracks were used as an overflow hostel. It was the line of barracks nearest to the
cliffedge and therefore nearest to the grand shaft.
I and other YHA Dover locals used to meet the Evening Oostende boat at Dover Marine and then escort
them in groups to the overflow hostel taking them up the grand shaft. Others used to find their own way
there. If this hostel was full they were not happy to find this after climbing all the steps in grand shaft. I
had just started working with Post Office Telephones and worked in the communications tunnels under
Dover castle. I asked my boss if I could borrow two field telephones and a coil of wire. I lowered the
wire down the centre of the shaft and connected one field telephone at the bottom and the other in the
entrance to the barracks. People could then check there was room before ascending! This system worked
well. At that time only one of the shaft stair cases was usable. This use of the barracks was for only one
season, I think, as it was not long before the barracks were demolished when a film of nuclear war was
made. Due to conditions at the time this film was not released for many years. [Pete Pennington, YHA
volunteer in the Dover YHA Local Group in the 1960s].

DOVER (TEMPORARY) 1968 (possibly 1964 to 1969).≠
St Edmund’s School, London Road, Dover, Kent. TR 3141
Historic County: Kent
YHA Region: (LON; LN/)SE
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for the present St Edmund’s School, on Old Charlton Road

GR: TR 315426≠

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel in 1968. This was possibly the location throughout 1964-69.
Located on map in From Wight to Wash Regional Guide, ca1968. There were also (some
unlocated) summer seasonal hostels in: 1964 (841 bednights); 1965 (1692 bednights); 1966 (2033
bednights, at St Edmund’s School), 1967 (1887 bednights, at St Edmund’s School) [SOUar64-67]
and 1969 [YHAar69]. These too may have been at St Edmund’s School.
Property tenure: unspecified arrangement with Local Authority [YHAar69].
Property profile: school.

DOVER (CENTRAL) / DOVER [Charlton House] 1966 or 1967 to 2007.
Charlton House, 306 London Road, Dover, Kent CT17 OSY.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LN/SE; S

GR: TR 312421*

▲Opened early 1967 (YHAar67), (possibly 1966 after 30th September [YHAF]), replacing Dover
(Eastcliff/Seafront).
Officially opened 3/1967. An expansion of hostel accommodation was made possible in 1983 by
purchasing the adjoining property. In 1983 the intention was to sell Dover Town Hostel [SEar83],
but both survived for another 20 years. The proposed work at Dover had not proceeded at the pace
YHA would have liked, but a start was expected early in 1986 [SEar85].
✚Closed 2007 [this hostel will close 30 September 2007 – web review] The property was sold
31/10/2007, but remained empty and a target for vandals for 4 years, after which it was converted
into 9 flats.
Handbook 1966-2007/08.
Alternative names: 1966-83 as Dover (Central) (this name is also used in the text of the 1988-94 hostel entries).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 15/9/1965; freehold purchase of adjoining
property 308 London Road 8/12/1983 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB and Annual Report].
Property profile: early 19th-century listed Georgian building. A staff house was situated in the next property to the
south.
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the cycle shed I met two young lads who had come to the wrong hostel: they had wanted Dover Town
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Home Counties, March 1967].
(v)
DOVER CASTLE New hostel, proposed in stages from 1999 to 2005. Did not open.
Dover Castle, Dover, Kent. GR: TR 325419*

141
▼A development proposal for a 200-bed hostel in the Officers’ New Barracks was in its early stages [YHA News
August 2005]. This was one of the new YHA properties on the drawing board in many parts of the country [YHA
eNEWS, 12/2006]. A Feasibility Report was prepared in September 2004, but the project was not proceeded with.

DOVERCOURT BAY [Temporary] 1972 to 1976.
The Towers, High Street, Dovercourt, Essex (1972-74, and probably 1975-76).
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA

GR: TM 252315

▲✚A former school building operated as a summer seasonal overflow annexe to Harwich in 1972,
when there were 972 bednights. 877 and 911 bednights were recorded in 1973 and 1974. After the
1974 season, the annual report stated: owing to local government reorganisation in April the
Guildhall at Harwich was no longer available to us as a summer hostel. In the short time available
no adequate replacement could be found and the limited accommodation at Dovercourt had again
to be pressed into service providing only one third of the normal demand [EAar74]. There were 30
beds and no meals were provided [HN Spring 1974].
Additionally, a seasonal hostel was open 1/6-31/8/1975 [Handbook] and perhaps 1976. The 1975
Eastern Region annual report does not specify a change, but a clue may be that the bednights were
much higher (1389) in 1975. A comparative statistics document for 1971-75 is simply labelled
Dovercourt Towers, suggesting that there was no change of location in 1975. Finally, 194
bednights were registered in 1976SY [EAar1979]. It seems likely that this was either an extension
of the 1975 season into October, or a brief opening in 1976.
The picture is made more complex by information given out in two 1975 issues of WightWash
magazine, which indicate that an overflow hostel for Colchester and/or Dovercourt operated at
Wivenhoe Park University Campus, near Colchester, in that summer (at least – see separate entry
and further operational details under Colchester [Wivenhoe Campus]).
A summer temporary hostel was described as having operated in 1976 [EAar80], location either
Dovecourt or Wivenhoe, or both.
Property tenure: probably leased.
Property profile: a temporary hostel in a substantial building in Italianate style, built for JR Pattrick, a cement
manufacturer. He supplied the concrete for Tower Bridge in London, hence the building’s name. Prior to hostel use the
building had been used by HM Customs and Excise. It was the Grade II listed Tower Hotel in 2009 [GD].
The Towers functioned as a school about this time (Harwich Local History Group]. The reference below to
accommodation for men only (accommodation elsewhere was found for women) is ambiguous as to whether
Dovercourt or Wivenhoe.
(v)

DOVERCOURT [Temporary] 1975 and perhaps 1976.≠
The Towers, High Street, Dovercourt, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

▲✚

YHA Region: EA

GR: TM 252315*[GD]

Property tenure: probably leased.
Property profile: a temporary hostel for men only (accommodation elsewhere was found for women). This was a
substantial building in Italianate style, built for JR Pattrick, a cement manufacturer. He supplied the concrete for Tower
Bridge in London, hence the building’s name. Prior to hostel use the building had been used by HM Customs and
Excise. It was the Grade II listed Tower Hotel in 2009 [GD].
(v)
DOVERCOURT AND HARWICH Planned hostel 1976-77. Did not open.
Dovercourt Rectory, Main Road, Dovercourt, Essex. GR: TM 243312*
▼A Victorian rectory, this was the planned replacement for Harwich Guildhall, which had closed in 1973. According
to the Harwich and Manningtree Standard (9/7/1976) YHA was withdrawing from the project and trying instead to find
a building on a short-term lease or rental. However, according to the same newspaper (23/7/1976) YHA’s application
for planning permission was turned down as camping would be a problem [GD].
YHA advised that it hoped to open here [Handbook 1976, no details] and directed enquiries to the Regional Office
[Handbook 1977, no details].

DOWNDERRY 1934 or 1935 to 1940.
Pavilion Tea Rooms, Downderry, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 315540*

142
▲Opened 1934 [YHAF] or 1935: it was now open [Rucksack Whitsun 1935].
Wartime arrangements: there were some bednights here in 1940SY, before the hostel finished. A national notice of
5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice, but it was never resurrected.

✚Closed 1940, the end of season being 30/9/1940.
Handbook 1935-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the property later became a general store and in recent years, much altered, has been the Blue Plate
Restaurant.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Downderry 751 ≈† YHSWE37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
An accommodation hostel, but not a very successful venture on the part of the YHA The hostel
functioned for just about five seasons including the beginning of the war period. The owners of the
property, Mr and Mrs Carthew, were only interested in the members purchasing meals from the café
which was under their control.
The hostel was set up in part of a garage-type building and the rear part of the café premises, all of which
exited onto the public car park alongside the café. It was truly not a very busy place, hostelling-wise,
even during the short time it was open during the war, and certainly not for permanent occupation by the
YHA, so one looked on the arrangements, especially towards the late days, as a war time necessity.
All the facilities were very cramped, and in fact the men’s toilet facilities were in the public car park.
Fortunately the women were accommodated on the first floor of the café premises. The hostel was not
used after the end of September 1940, and secretly, I was glad to hear from the Carthews after the war,
that they had decided to sell the café and it would be necessary for the YHA to make other arrangements
with regard to having the hostel at the café [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

DOWNHAM (NEW HEY) Camping barn 1990 to present.
▲West Lane Farmhouse, Clayhouse Farm, Downham, Lancashire. GR: SD 795445
Handbook 1992-2009. Also open 2010-present.
Alternative name: 1992-2002 as Downham.
Property profile: a former field barn.
DRAETHEN Planned hostel 1937 and 1938. Did not open.
Draethen, Glamorgan. GR: ST 222875 / ST222876 (possibly at either location)
▼Plans for this model hostel and comments on it were published in Rucksack 1937. The site adjoined Riverside
Cottage, Tredegar Estate.
It was hoped to open in early summer 1937 to replace Coedkernew, closed 1935 [SWAar37]. There was an entry in the
1938 Handbook, but in that year it was admitted that no suitable building was yet found for conversion; the Special
Areas grant had by now lapsed [SWAar38].
See also Michaelston-y-Fedw entry, probably the same intended hostel, though some three miles from that village, and
Draethen entry.

DUDDON / DUDDON VALLEY [Dale Head] 1933 to 1944.••••
Dale Head, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 241006*

▲Opened 1933. Structural alterations were in hand [LAKar37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war up to 1944. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed
the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.
The final bednights here were in 1944SY.

✚Closed 1944 and replaced by Duddon (Troutal).
Handbook 1933 supplement-44.
Alternative name: Duddon (1933 supplement; 1935-36).
Property tenure: adopted hostel from 1933; added to the controlled hostel list on 1/10/1937 [LAKar37].
Property profile: traditional stone-built farm. An outdoor centre for Leeds University since 1949, leased from the
National Trust.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
At Duddon (top) hostel I had to clamber over beams to get to the bed. There was no catering [Mr Hinde
who recalled his 1943 visit in 2010].
At Duddon had to clamber over beams to get to beds - no catering.What a change in youth-hostelling
today from the early days when I used to frequent them. We had often to put up with spartan conditions. I
remember a hostel in the Duddon Valley which was actually a farm house; in those days, the YHA did
not own so many of its own hostels, but it made arrangements with farmers to accommodate its members
at the same price as at their own hostels and the YHA provided the beds and bedding. This one in the

143
Duddon between Seathwaite and Cockley Beck was one of them.
The men’s dormitory was up among the rafters and we had to be careful not to bump our heads against
the beams. Washing arrangements were very primitive; the men had to use a cold water trough in the
farm yard, not very pleasant on a wet day [Stanley Gill, West Cumberland Times article, September
1966].
What a hostel! Chicken for supper! ½ fried egg each for breakfast. Loo down yard [Mary Jephcott, 1944,
reporting in 2008].
(v)

DUDDON [Troutal] 1945 to 1962.
Troutal, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 235987*

▲Opened 1945, replacing Duddon (Dale Head), with the same wardens, Mr and Mrs Longmire
[LAK mins 1944]. It was noted that the warden was trying to purchase the hostel [LAK mins
1948].
Wartime arrangements: 3392 bednights were registered here in 1945.

In the late 1950s the self-catering arrangements were non-existent and members had to use the
warden’s stove and equipment with mutual inconvenience. It was recommended that the hostel be
advertised as lacking self-catering [LAK mins 1958-08-30].
✚Closed 1962 and replaced by Duddon (Black Hall Farm). 30/9/1962 was the end of season, and it
was advised as closed permanently [Handbook 1963, late news]. The owners, the National Trust,
required the building for agricultural purposes.
Handbook 1945-63.
Alternative name: Duddon Valley (1945-57).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: traditional stone-built farm.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel, surrounded by mountains, consisted of an old farmhouse. We were very sorry to hear that it
was to be closed down, for, although primitive, this charming old building had a distinct character… a
piano and a few packs of cards were provided for our entertainment… it was here that we were given the
most homely, wholesome fare and the best packed lunches [Carol Fraser (15), holiday log, 1962].
(v)

DUDDON VALLEY (LOWER) Opened 1950 to 1955.
High Kilnbank Farm, Seathwaite, Barrow in Furness, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 212943*

▲Opened by end 9/1950: there were 158 bednights before the end of 1950SY [LAKar50]. The
warden was Mrs Hibbert.
✚Closed 6/4/1955. Largely destroyed by fire on Easter Tuesday 1955.
Handbook 1951-55.
Property tenure:
Property profile: traditional small farm and outbuildings.
(v)

DUDDON [Black Hall Farm] 1964 to 1984.
Black Hall Farm, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6EQ.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 239012*

▲Opened 20/3/1964, replacing Duddon (Troutal). The warden was Mrs Barbara Temple, the
farmer’s wife. A much improved men’s washroom was provided in 1979 [LKar79].
✚Closed 28/9/1984, on the retirement of the warden and her relinquishing the tenancy.
Handbook 1964 supplement-84.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: Lakeland sheep farm; the farmhouse is a National Trust property.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was pleased I had ordered meals as self-cookers had to use the warden’s kitchen. The warden
mentioned that the CHA had tea at her farm every other Friday. When I went to empty the tea pot I was
almost butted by an old ram which was trying to enter the kitchen [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the
Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
Fond farewell to Duddon

144
It was with great regret that a number of lovers of Dunnerdale gathered at Black Hall Farm on the
occasion of the last night of a favourite and well loved hostel. Some were there because it was their last
opportunity to obtain the hostel stamp in their card but most were there to say thank you to Pat and
Barbara Temple, who welcomed hostellers in a unique way for twenty years.
Those who used the hostel could not help but to have been struck by the hospitality of the Lakeland
sheep farm and the warmth of Barbara's smile as she stood at the hostel door to welcome the weary. Set
at the foot of the Hardknot Pass the farm/hostel – for it was first and foremost a farm – offered a peaceful
and serene setting away from the traffic and hustle of popular Lakeland.
I discovered the hostel as a haven of refuge during its first season, and made at least one visit each year.
Over the years I have introduced at least 200 boys to its attractions. Many revisited time and again with
me and others returned under their own steam [HN Spring 1985].
(v)

DUDDON ESTUARY 1999 to 2007.
Borwick Rails, Millom, Cumbria LA18 4JU.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: SD 186799*

▲Opened 2000, though it had been available under the YHA Rent-a-Hostel scheme in 1999.
✚Closed 30/6/2007.
Handbook 2000-07/08.
Property tenure:
Property profile: purpose-built hostel for disabled and disadvantaged local authority children leased in 1999 from the
Harriet Trust, who owned the building until 2000, when it was purchased by two YHA members, including ex-Earby
warden Phil Webster. From about 2006 the YHA hostel continued for a short time for groups only under new
management.
(s)
DUFTON Possible extra entry, 1934.
The Villa, Dufton, Appleby, Westmorland. GR: NY 6825 approx.
▼The warden’s address is the same as for Sycamore House, as is the 4-bed capacity [Handbook 1934]. The regular
name given to the new 1934 hostel, however, was Sycamore House [LAKar34].
The Villa was surely a duplication of Sycamore House [warden’s relative in village, 2006].

DUFTON [Sycamore House] 1934 to 1943.
Sycamore House, Dufton, Appleby, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 688251*

▲Opened 1934 [Rucksack Summer 1934]. It was advertised as a four bed hostel, though
accommodation was increased [LAKar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war up to 1943. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed
the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 1943, by 30/9/1943. Dufton closed after a record season; the warden Mrs Allan felt unable
to keep to the standard YHA charges, though she intended to continue providing wayfarers’
accommodation [LAKar43].
Handbook 1934 supplement and 2nd edn-43.
Property tenure: adopted hostel. It was always run together with a private guesthouse business where radio and theatre
artistes were often accommodated.
Property profile: red sandstone cottage, part of a long terraced block.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A long low Westmorland house of red stone, where I spent 3 charming days in the care of Mrs Allen [sic]
[Donald Boyd, 1935].
(v)

DUFTON [Redstones] 1975 to present.
Redstones, Dufton, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6DB.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 688250*

▲Opened 1975, replacing Knock Hostel. It was officially opened 11/11/1975, but the transfer from
Knock might take place earlier in September [HN Summer 1975].
Closure was due, or at least a possibility, during 2003 [Handbook 2003/04], but the hostel was
saved after a well-orchestrated local and regional campaign brought assistance from the Cumbria
Rural Development Programme and the Rural Economic Development Zone Fund; it reopened
after refurbishment in 2005 [YHAF].

145
Handbook 1975-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 3/9/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: large red sandstone house in the village, built by a cotton-mill owner as a weekend retreat, opposite
the previous hostel. It was acquired with a grant from the Countryside Commission and a contribution from YHA [HN
Summer 1975].
(s)

DUFTON (see Knock)
DUNSFORD (see Steps Bridge)
DUNSOP BRIDGE 1931 to 1932.
Staple Oak, Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 651503*

▲Opened 29/8/1931: there were 100 bednights in that year [ManchesterRGar]. The CHA had made
arrangements for taking over and equipping suitable hostel accommodation at Staple Oak, which
would then be placed under the control of YHA [letter 19/8/1931, Manchester Regional Group
minutes].
✚Closed by 17/4/1932, after a change in tenancy [ManchesterRGar 17/4/1932] and replaced by
Slaidburn Hostel. The Handbook for 1932 carried a brief inclusion only, with no details.
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-32.
Alternative name: Staple Oak (1931 (4th edn only)).
Property tenure: tenancy arrangement.
Property profile: farmhouse.
(v)
DUNSTABLE DOWNS Hostel planned 1943. Did not open.
Downs House, Isle of Wight Lane, Kensworth, Bedfordshire GR: TL 014192*
▼A new hostel would be opening shortly near Ashridge, Whipsnade and Ivinghoe Beacon [Rucksack Easter 1943].
Certainty had given way to mere possibility, with the description of this facility 700 feet up on the downs south-west of
Dunstable [1943 Regional Guide].

DUNTISBOURNE ABBOTS 1945 to 2000 [or 2001].
Duntisbourne Abbots, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 7JN.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE; MD; C

GR: SO 969080*

▲Opened 1945, late in the season.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was purchased in the last weeks of the war.

Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
In 1997 the Board considered a detailed report on the condition, shortcomings and performance of
four hostels described as sub-standard. Of these, it was concluded that three should close, including
Duntisbourne Abbotts [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed 2000 [or 2001]. The possibility of closing was advised in the 1998 and 2000/01
Handbooks. It was now closed [YHAN Spring 2001]. As there were only 2678 bednights in the
statistical year up to 28/2/2001, it almost certainly closed in 2000.
Handbook 1946-2001.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 19/4/1945).
Property profile: former rectory, built circa 1860.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Duntisbourne 751 † xx.jpg; Y050001-Duntisbourne 752 ≈† RG47.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 35, Duntisbourne Abbots, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The dining room was full at supper time and we had an excellent meal, consisting of ham, potatoes,
salad. The new warden organised a competition in which all the hostellers had to guess the two main
ingredients in the pudding. Many curious things were inserted (including air and water from one wit) but
the answer was carrots and potatoes [Pat Packham, A Holiday in the Cotswolds by Bicycle, 10 April
1955]…
The hostel warden arranged folk dances on some summer weekends. I went to several of those as I could
reach the hostel from Cardiff by 2 buses on a Friday night [Pat Packham, 1957].

146
DUNWICH 1946 only.
Sandy Lane Farm, Dunwich, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 466702*

▲Opened Easter [Handbook 1946]. Details are few as no EAN annual report for 1946 is available.
✚Closed 1946.
Handbook 1946.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small country farmhouse.

DURHAM CITY [Gilesgate] 1935 to 1939.
90 Gilesgate, Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 284427*

▲Opened 1/4/1935 [WEAar35], in accordance with the National plan to open hostels in historic
cities [WEAar35]. Officially opened 8/6/1935. The hostel was difficult to run [WEAar36].
✚Closed 1939, by the end of September. There were 0 bednights in 1940SY.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1936-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a tall Georgian house on the north side of Gilesgate.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Durham A 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

DURHAM [Gilesgate Secondary School] 1977 to 1984, 1985 or 1986.≠
Gilesgate Secondary School, Bradford Crescent, Gilesgate Moor, Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: BD

GR: NZ 286429*

▲Opened 27/7/1977 as a summer seasonal hostel.
✚Closed after 1984, 1985 or 1986 season≠ (see below) and replaced by Durham Sixth Form
Centre. Both the 1985 and 1986 Handbooks advised that the hostel would be doubtful for this year.
Handbook 1977 supplement-86
Property tenure:
Property profile: typical cuboid post-war secondary school building.
(v)

DURHAM [Durham Sixth Form Centre] 1987 to 1995.
Durham Sixth Form Centre, The Sands, Providence Row, Durham DH1 1SG.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: N

GR: NZ 275428*

▲Opened 1987 as a summer seasonal hostel, replacing Gilesgate Secondary School, the start of the
season being 25/7/1987. [Note: a photograph of this hostel by R Sant, showing the YHA triangle, is
dated 1984. This is surely a mistake].≠ The hostel was very full and frequently needed overflow
accommodation [mins 9/6/1995]. It is not clear where this might have been.
✚Closed 1995.
Handbook 1987-95.
Property tenure:
Property profile: typical early 20th-century red-brick educational building.
(v)

DURHAM CITY 2004 to 2014.
St Chad’s College, University of Durham, 18 North Bailey, Durham DH1 3RH (reception); 1, 1522 and 25 North Bailey (accommodation).
Historic County: Durham

GR: NZ 274423* (no. 1);
NZ 274421* (the remainder)

▲Seasonal YHA Enterprise Campus hostel opened 1/7/2004. The hostel accommodation moves
freely between Nos 1, 15-22 and 25 North Bailey, No 1 being the most used.
At first available summer and Christmas: Open 1/7/2004-1/10/2004; 27/12/2004-16/1/2005; 1/7/2005-1/10/2005;
27/12/2005-16/1/2006; 18/3/ 2006-23/4/2006; 24/6/2006-3/10/2006; 14/12/2006-14/1/2007; 17/3/2007-22/4/2007;
(…); 2/1/2008-12/1/2008, 19/3/2008-/4/2008, 29/6/2008-28/9/2008; 2/1/2009-12/1/2009, 21/3/2009-25/4/2009,
4/7/2009-27/9/2009, 17/12/2009-23/12/2009. The Website also stated (2006) that the accommodation was available all
year, though for YHA members this was an error.

147
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise Campus arrangement.
Property profile: hostel in historic buildings in St Chad’s College, many facing the Cathedral East Window, though
some are lower down North Bailey.
(s)

DURSLEY 1933 to 1939; 1941.
Mount Pleasant House, Lower Woodmancote, Dursley, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 757980

▲Opened 4/1933 [GSEar33], replacing Stroud Hostel. Rucksack (Summer 1933) had mentioned a
new hostel at Bull Pitch under the Stinchcombe Hills, with warden Miss Jones. A new hut would
help cope with demand [GSEmins 19/1/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed after the 1939 season. It was occupied 30/9/1939 by the Dursley
Billeting Officer and closed to members probably for the duration of the war [GSEmins 8/2/1940], but on
derequisitioning (it was left in a poor state) was reopened 12/7/1941 [GSEar41, LRN 8/1941]; there were 205 bednights
in 1941SY.

✚Closed 1941. It was hoped it would be available again 1942, but this proved impossible
[GSEar42] and the hostel was replaced by Tiltups End.
Handbook 1933-39; 1941-42.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £33.19s.6d, and income £35.9s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: building at Mount Pleasant.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Dursley 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
15th Jan 1938. Lies up a side alley behind the first house of the Bull Pitch. It had a large garden, worked
by the old man of the house, who had been a farmer. He was, I think, father of the elderly woman
warden. Dursley hostel is small, a long, narrow, crowded kitchen-and-common room, with the men’s
dorm down a step or two from it. In the garden is a wooden hut to take more men in case of overflow,
and as we were the last two men to come, we had to have beds in this hut, all to ourselves. As it had not
been used for some time we had to air and warm our blankets by wrapping them round the hot water
cistern in the common room. The warden gave us hot water bottles as well, so we were very comfortably
placed. The common room was crowded. There were 18 of us, of whom five were girls [Diaries of FJ
Catley, 1938]…
At Dursley YH, there were two girls singing in English, Welsh, Russian, German, Yiddish and French
[Diaries of FJ Catley, 1939].

EARBY 1958 to 2016/2017.
Katharine Bruce Glasier Memorial Hostel, Glen Cottage, 9-11 Birch Hall Lane, (9, 11, 13 Mill
Brow in YHAPB), Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire BB18 6JX.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 915468*

▲Opened 6/1958 [MANar58], replacing Jerusalem Farm Hostel (in the neighbouring Manchester
Region). The hostel opening was much delayed: the 1955-56 Handbooks advised members to apply
for an opening date. It was officially opened 21/6/1958.
Wardens were Mr & Mrs Albert Holt from opening until 1976. On retirement, they moved into the
neighbouring cottage [HN Spring 1976].
Grants from a number of bodies including Pendle Borough Council, Lancashire County Council,
the Rural Development Commission, the Groundwork Trust, and Earby Forum, were utilised
together with YHA money to make improvements at the hostel, including a new roof and window
frames, central heating, and refurbishment of dormitories and wash rooms to provide individual
showers and WCs. The members’ kitchen was also being refurbished, and some improvements
made to the warden’s quarters [YHA News spring 1997]. Also in 1997, after the death of Albert
Holt, YHA regained possession of the cottage [Wmemo1997].
In 2006 closure was averted; it was placed on the market 8/2006 and sold 9/2006 to Pendle
Borough Council so that a YHA Hostel could be kept here [whyha.org.uk].
✚Closed at the end of September 2016 for ordinary overnights and due to close for group bookings
and completely from the end of January 2017. The hostel is continuing in independent format.
Handbook 1955-56; 1958-2009.

148
Property tenure: freehold gift from the Katharine Bruce Glasier Memorial Fund (to YHA Trust 17/10/1955). More
recently, the property was sold 9/2006 for £200,000 to Pendle Borough Council who leased it back to YHA on
31/10/2006 on a peppercorn rent for continued operation. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: row of three 19th-century mill terraced houses on a steep rise at the edge of Earby, encompassing the
former home from 1922 to 1950 of Katharine Bruce Glasier (1867-1950), suffragette and a pioneer of the labour
movement. The Cottage was named after her son, Glen. The cottages were built on the site of a former corn mill.
Published material: article, Glen Cottage Earby, Youth Hosteller July 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was opened in the 1950s as a memorial to Katharine Bruce Glasier who had lived there for the
last 28 years of her life. Katherine was a life-long political evangelist (she was a founder member of the
Independent Labour Party), and social campaigner and although not a ‘professional’ politician was very
well known in her day in political circles. When she died in 1950 a committee was set up to raise funds
for a memorial to her name. After much debate it was decided that the money should be used to buy her
cottage and two adjacent properties, convert them for use as a hostel and present the hostel to the YHA
[Earby Community Association website].
When she died in 1950 a committee was set up to raise funds for a memorial to her name. After much
debate it was decided that the money should be used to buy her cottage and two adjacent properties,
convert them for use as a hostel and present the hostel to the YHA. A very homely place with a
comfortable common room. The dormitory was delightful [Pat Packham, 1960].
(s)

EARL’S COURT (see [London] EARL’S COURT)
EASTBOURNE 1974 to 2004.
East Dean Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 8ES.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SE; S

GR: TV 587990*

▲Opened 1/4/1974 [SEar74]. Officially opened 7/9/1974. A Kingston YHA Group weekend
working party brought a dramatic improvement to the appearance of the hostel [WightWash
11/1975].
Ready for the 1998 season, the hostel now had all small rooms, full central heating, and plenty of
showers and WCs [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed 29/1/2004, destroyed by an arson attack in the early hours of that night.
Handbook 1974-2003/04.
Alternative names: Beachy Head (Eastbourne) (1974-87); Beachy Head (1988-90).
Property tenure: leasehold for 10 years from 19/2/1974, extended by a further 10 years (eg), from Eastbourne CB (to
YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former golf clubhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastbourne YHs Profile
(v)

EASTBOURNE 2009 to present.
East Dean Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 8ES.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: S

GR: TV 587990*

▲Opened 1/5/2009 [YHA Website announcement]. This is a direct replacement on the same site
for the earlier hostel, destroyed by fire.
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: single-storey asymmetrically-roofed modern construction.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastbourne YHs Profile
(s)

EAST COWES 1934 to 1945.
Hunt’s Tennis Grounds, York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 503956*[GD]

▲Opened Easter 1934 [SOUar34], a fully controlled hostel, though accommodation was quite
modest [YHAar34].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-42 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. The hostel
would be available when regulations permit [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42], but there were 0 bednights in (at
least) 1942SY. The hostel reopened in 1943.

149
✚Closed 30/9/1945. After closure [SOUar45], the owner was still prepared to put up members, eg
in 1947 [Rucksack, Autumn 1947] and 1949, see below. However, in response to a post-YHA
complaint regarding the accommodation the place is not recommended [LRN 9/1947].
Handbook 1934-45.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: the hostel was approached through a passageway on the east side of York Avenue, located between
houses subsequently numbered 22 and 26 and opposite the junctions with Ferry Road and Clarence Road. The warden’s
house, Camelia was located where the current modern shop is on Well Road (this now major thoroughfare was a
narrow back lane at the time). The tennis grounds were located immediately to the north of Camelia, on land occupied
by a car park and a redevelopment site in 2009 [GD].
In 2011 a satellite view of the YH site revealed two overgrown tennis courts still covering the the northern half of the
tennis grounds [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Cowes A 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Cowes A 752 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marrick & Grinton
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Foreign Office had demanded that several of the Isle of Wight hostels [including the new hostel at
Medina House] take from 20 to 50 German girls to the end of September 1949. What was a youth hostel
years ago [East Cowes] still kept its doors open… the old man who ran it in a jumble of army huts had
bought the effects from the YHA when they took away the licence. We found a good common room and
beds… The whole place was badly shaken in the bombing, with rotten floor boards [Mabel Pratt,
September 1949].

EASTHOPE 1932 to 1934.
Easthope Manor, Easthope, Wenlock Edge, Much Wenlock, Shropshire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 566952*

▲Opened 1932: a press article dated 2/4/1932 announced that it had just opened. The mess room
and men’s 8-bed dorm were in the farmstead wing of Manor House, while the women’s 8-bed dorm
was in the Manor House [1932 pamphlet]. Easthope Hostel was unsatisfactory and the regional
council was looking for alternatives [BMWar33]. A plan to close, by October 1933 [Handbook
Supplement], was withdrawn when no alternative could be found, and a reasonable number of
bednights, 474, was registered in 1934SY.
✚Closed 1934.
Handbook 1932-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: 16th-century manor farmhouse.
(v)

EAST MARDEN 1951 to 1969.
Battine House, East Marden, Chichester, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SOU; SE

GR: SU 806147*

▲Opened 14/7/1951 [SOUar51]. A cottage was sold 26/8/1952 [YHAPB]. A campaign was
launched in 1968 to save the hostel by building a small 30-40 bed Lee Gate-type replacement in the
grounds. Another proposal was to remove the troublesome roof and upper floor and convert to a
smaller single-floor building [SEmins]. These were unsuccessful.
✚Closed mid 9/1969 [SYHA Echo 8/69] in view of its generally poor condition with woodworm,
dry and wet rot, and sold 13/1/1970 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1951 supplement-69.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 18/6/1951).
Property profile: former home of William Battine, poet, lawyer and rake, originating from about 1700 but modified
later. Walls are up to 22 inches thick. The great philosopher Bertrand Russell lived in East Marden for a while, opening
a school in Battine House in 1928 to 1931. While the older children lived in some style with Russell and his formidable
wife Dora in East Marden, the rest of the children lived at Telegraph House nearby. Although the school did not last
especially long, it helped to pioneer libertarian education and the belief that freedom would bring maturity and
responsibility to boys and girls [www.westsussex.info].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 17, East Marden, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1953.
Published material: article, a Touch of History, Youth Hosteller October 1968.
Published material: letter Dan Wilson (warden), Youth Hosteller July 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:

150
Since Graffham closed in1946, we have been looking for a replacement hostel in West Sussex. We
inspected a suitable property in a secluded village amid the Downs, but were unable to secure it. To
our surprise we were again offered the property Battine House. East Marden, about four months later
and as a result of negotiations we are now the proud possessors of a twenty-roomed manor house in
first-class downland country. The façade in red brick and flint is easily the best piece of hostel
architecture in the Region. Mr and Mrs D Wilson (our Gosport wardens) are taking over this seventybed hostel and are anxious to welcome old friends and new [YHA Rucksack Magazine, Jul/Aug 1951].
The hostel was full and we heard a lady try to bribe the warden to allow her to stay…
Just after 5pm we went into the hostel and changed ready for riding. We were asked if we had any
preference for horses so I immediately asked for Buster [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern
England, April 1964].
…the stately façade of dressed flint with brick quoinings [seasonal warden, 1968].
EAST MEON Planned hostel 1966. Did not open.
East Meon, HAMPSHIRE. GR (presumed SU 683223))
▼South Coast Regional Group drew up plans for a possible 36-bed hostel in the old school, East Meon. It was of brick
and flint construction.

EASTWELL 1933 to 1938.
The Lodge, Eastwell, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 767276*

▲Opened by Easter 1933, by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham. The warden was Mrs Eliza Goodson.
An anonymous local newspaper announced the simultaneous opening of this hostel and one at
Edwinstowe (that didn’t open). Beds of British manufacture were being provided at both by Lord
Trent, at £3 per place, with the donor’s name added to them. Other gifts were expected from
influential county residents.
✚Closed end 6/1938 and replaced by Burton Lazars Hostel.
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: farmhouse (where women slept) and two rooms on the top floor of a barn (one for men, one a separate
common-cum-cooking room).
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastwell YH Profile
(v)

EBFORD (EXETER) 1933 to 1935.
Elmfield, Ebford, Topsham, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 981877*

▲Opened 1933, replacing the temporary hostel at Exeter [Rucksack Summer 1933].
✚Closed 1935. Though the busiest hostel in the region, it had to close [DACar35].
Handbook 1933-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large house.
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel was situated in the small hamlet of Ebford on the Exeter to Exmouth road. A small
accommodation hostel, it was open in 1933 and functioned for three seasons. Only 14 beds, but it had an
annual usage of between 1500 and 2000 bednights a season, which was quite good for a hostel of this
size. Apparently the interest to members visiting the hostel was the cider press that was alongside the
hostel accommodation, and in seasonal daily use. The farmer who operated the press was always keen to
show the members how it worked, and was always quite liberal in giving the members a taste of the cider
as it came off the press. The results were some members became somewhat debatable. The hostel
eventually closed on the sale of the property in the latter part of 1935 [extracts from Charles Allen
Memoirs, 1977].

It is with some regret that we report the closing down of the Ebford hostel consequent on the premises
changing hands. This hostel has in each year it has been open topped the list of overnight visits, and it
is a matter of some concern to our Exeter committee to find a suitable successor to Ebford in the
hostel chain [DACar35].

EDALE / EDALE VALLEY / EDALE A [Lea Farm] 1939 to 1945 or 1946.

151
Lea Farm, Upper Booth, Edale, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 096855*

▲Opened 1939. The hostel’s popularity required additional accommodation in an adjoining cottage
[YHAar39]. A membership card of 1943 is stamped Edale Valley.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel were advised as already operating [Sheffield Bulletin Autumn 1939]. It operated
each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important
to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West Riding.

✚Closed 5/1/1946, when the tenancy terminated, or 12/1945 [MANar46].
Handbook 1940-45.
Alternative name: Edale Valley (1940-44).
Property tenure: tenancy, an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: farmhouse.
(v)

EDALE B / EDALE [Rowland Cote] 1945 to present.
Rowland Cote, Nether Booth, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 7ZH.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN; PK; C

GR: SK 140866*

▲Opened 30/3/1945 [MANar46].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the closing stages of the war.

It was one of the first dedicated YHA activity centres.
In 1970 improvements were made to bring the hostel to Superior standard [PKar70], and there were
plans to extend the dining and self-catering rooms; the works were nearly finished by the summer
of 1973 [PKar72, HN Summer 1973]. In 1978 a car park was provided as a base for long-distance
walkers [HN Winter 1978-79].
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
In January 2014 there was a further £250,000 refurbishment to establish the hostel as a world class
outdoor activity centre; the hostel reopened on 7th February. Most of the bedrooms at the 157-bed
facility YHA Edale were refurbished, all washrooms upgraded, and the reception, lounge and selfcatering kitchen redecorated and refurbished. The dining room was also refurbished and better
reconfigured.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive; Do It 4 Real Easter Camp Site, 2006.
Handbook 1945-2009.
Alternative name: Edale B (1945).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 11/10/1944). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: large country house in extensive grounds. The hostel consistes of three buildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Edale B 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «:]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 18, Edale, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1953.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Another lovely hostel. Good supper [Mary Jephcott, 1947, reporting in 2008].
Edale hostel has the largest and best equipped members’ kitchen in the country [Peak District Regional
Guide, 1966].
(s)

EDALE Camping Barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Cotefield Farm, Ollerbrook, Edale, Derbyshire. GR: SK 132869
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.
Property profile: a former field barn.
EDALE Planned hostel 1938. Did not open.
Edale, Derbyshire.
▼There were considerable difficulties in the Region’s endeavours to open a youth hostel here in 1938; a plan was
drawn up for an entirely new hostel, but postponed when the existing building became available; the new plans had to
be dropped when sanitary arrangements were failed [MANar38]. It is not clear where this hostel was to be located.

EDEN PROJECT 2014.
Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, UK.

152
Historic County: Cornwall

GR: SX 0554

▲Opened 27/6/2014. In 2014, YHA became the official onsite accommodation provider for the
Eden Project, initially with a pioneering provision for the Association of the onsite campsite at
Bodelva. The agreement allows for special entry terms to the Project and is developed along with
Eden Sessions rock concerts. This provision led to the establishment within four months of a semipermanent hostel, effectively a replacement for Golant Hostel. A joint venture between the Eden
Project, YHA and Snoozebox led to the provision of 232 beds in 58 rooms formed from shipping
containers. The hostel was due to open on 24 October. The YHA core business would be school
groups, but ordinary YHA guests would be accommodated at weekends and holidays. Discounted
tickets to the Eden Project are available to hostel guests.
Property tenure: taken by YHA on an initial three-year lease
Property profile: shipping container ‘village’ with a two-year licence on the former site of Eden’s Strawberry car park.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lostwithiel, Golant &
Eden YHs Profile
(s)

EDGAR HOUSE, WALSINGHAM (see Walsingham)
EDGWORTH 1935 to 1940.
Pasture Gate Farm, Broadhead, Edgworth, Bolton, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 749194*

▲Opened 8/6/1935 [MANar35], replacing Heath Charnock. The warden was Miss M Gerrard, who
presided over a M6W6 hostel (M6W16 in 1936 Handbook), with store [DYRG1936].
Wartime arrangements: in 1940 there were 399 bednights before closure for the duration of the war [Rucksack Summer
1940]. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed. Evacuees from Liverpool used the
premises after that date, as at Heath Charnock.

✚Closed 8/1940 [MANar40].
Handbook 1936-40.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: moorland farmhouse and stone outbuilding. The farmhouse was extended at either end in the 1970s,
and the original stone hut replaced by a newer structure [N Russell].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Edgworth 751 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heath Charnock &
Edgworth YHs Profile
(v)

EDMUNDBYERS 1933 to 2014.
Low House, Edmundbyers, Consett, Co. Durham DH8 9NL.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NZ 017500*

▲Opened 1/4/1933, after borrowing beds from Alnham Hostel. The hostel was underused and
threatened with closure in 1934, but a summer tent had to be provided [NOTar34,35]. At the end of
1935, the local sanitary inspector gave notice that he would be compelled to condemn the building
without improvements; fear of closure was allayed by Special Areas funding, which assisted with
purchase.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war but reopened for week-ends, 4/11/1939 to end
3/1940; thence it was in constant YHA use [NOTar40].

Electric lighting was installed in 1950 [YHAar50].
Handbook 1933-2009.
Alternative name: Edmondbyers (1933-45)
Property tenure: at first rented; in 1936 the hostel was purchased [NOTar36] (to YHA Trust 31/7/1936; Annual Reports
list it as leasehold from this date, apparently a mistake). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former stone-built, stone-flagged and beamed inn, of ca1600, then in Victorian times variously an
MP’s house and the Moorland Café and shop. The warden’s quarters to the rear right and the kitchen and washroom to
the rear are later additions. The three staircases in the hostel demonstrate the varied uses of the building.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Edmundbyers 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs
Profile Wardens / managers (examples): Mrs Sanderson was warden from 1933 until some time after 1964 [YHr
9/1964]. In 1981, when Ada White resigned, the wardenship of three generations of the same Sanderson / White family
came to an end [BDar81].

153
Reports, recollections and observations:
The beds were hammocks and the washroom was a junk room with all sorts of furniture there. The taps
all dripped and the wash basins were not particularly clean [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to
Northumberland, 8 August 1962].

✚Closed as a fully controlled YHA hostel on 30/9/2014, when it passed to new owners under the
affiliate Enterprise scheme.
(s)
EDWINSTOWE Planned hostel 1933. Did not open.
Forest House, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
▼A newspaper article local to Nottinghamshire announced the impending opening by the newly formed Notts
Committee of the North Midlands Regional Council of two hostels, one at Forest House, on the cross-roads in
Edwinstowe, and the other at Eastwell. The Edwinstowe Hostel would link to Overton, 19 miles away, would be open
by Easter, and would have beds for 8 men and 8 women. It was reported that Lord Trent had provided the first beds for
the hostel. Furthermore, a search was going on between the Edwinstowe and Eastwell for another site.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastwell YH
Profile
(v)

EDWINSTOWE SCHOOL [Temporary] 1942 only.
King Edwin School≠, Fourth Avenue≠, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire
YHA Region: NMI; PK; C
Positional note: the facility is thought to have been at this location.≠

GR: SK 619664*

▲✚Opened 1942 only.
Wartime arrangements: This was a North Midlands Region facility in response to overcrowding. The experiment from
1941 [elsewhere] continued; here was a peak period hostel intended for non-member children groups, and popular with
members [NMIar42]. There were 200 bednights in this sole year.
Property tenure:
Property profile: historic school, recently (reporting 2009) significantly rebuilt≠.
(v)

ELKINGTON 1948 to 1954.
The Manor, North Elkington, Louth, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 287902*

▲Opened 13/3/1948. The hostel was offered for evacuation after the serious floods of 1953
[Bulletin Mar53].
✚Closed 30/9/1954, because it ran at a constant loss.
Handbook 1948 supplement-54.
Property tenure: leased from Elkington Estates Ltd for 21 years from 1/1/1948 (to YHA Trust 23/2/1948).
Property profile: small manor house. After YHA use the house was for some time dilapidated and used as a grain store.
A restored private residence in 2013.
Reports, recollections and observations:
North Elkington Hostel became very popular amongst young men hostellers, for whom an extra
attraction was the warden’s two daughters [Lionel Creek, reporting in 2014].
(v)

ELLINGSTRING 1940 to 2003.
Lilac Cottage, Ellingstring, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 4PW.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SE 176836*

▲Opened 15/6/1940. The first hope was to open in time for the August holidays 1939 [Rucksack
Midsummer 1939, brief details only in Handbook 1939 amendments]. The regional council
admitted at the end of that year that they had acquired but not adapted yet, owing to suspension of
Fitness Committee grants, and they would be glad to sell the cottage again [WESar39]. The project
was described as a mild flutter [YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. This was a meals-only hostel in 1945,
reversing the arrangement at nearby Kirkby Malzeard [WESar45].

The hostel was closed for a time in 1958 until a new warden could be appointed [WESar58]. At this
time it was a rare example of a hostel with no self-cooking facility, though such was provided in
later years.

154
In the early 1990s much was done to improve the comfort level, with heaters in the dormitories as
well as fires downstairs, and a multifuel stove with back boiler was planned. All the window frames
were replaced thanks to a generous bequest and the hard work of the warden’s husband. The roof
has been fixed and ceilings replaced [YHA News June 1994]. At last, for the 1997 season, a shower
was installed shower was installed; plans had been rejected before because of lack of space [YHA
News spring 1997].
✚Closed 3/2003 [YHAF, Leeds Local Group document].
Handbook 1939amendments-2003/04 (in Update 1 but not Updates 2 and 3).
Property tenure: a property purchased for £250 (to YHA Trust 15/11/1939).
Property profile: small two-storey stone-built cottage in village. The cycle shed was across the road, near the warden’s
house.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 60, Ellingstring, Youth Hosteller September 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Became self-catering after losing its full-time warden. A small but popular hostel holding about 16, it
was handy as a stepping stone for the Dales. Closed – lack of usage [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
Lilac Cottage is a converted double cottage with just 16 beds. The low beams and coal fire help make the
hostel ‘simple but superior’ [HN Summer 1975].
(s)

ELMSCOTT 1948 to present.
Elmscott, Hartland, Bideford, Devon EX39 6ES.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SS 231217*

▲Opened 1948. The former school house housed the common room and dining room, with staff
quarters above, while the large school room was divided into two dormitories.
In 1974, the warden carried out several improvements, including insulation of hot water in the
women’s washroom and a shaver point in the men’s washroom, while in 1977 he fitted out new and
much improved washrooms [HN Summer 1974, Spring 1977].
Better washing facilities were created in the main building [YHA News spring 1997] and the
annexe had showers and full central heating [YHA News spring 1998].
More recently, there has been emphasis on refurbishment with smaller family rooms.
The hostel was closed to hostellers on 30/9/2006, or 31/12/2006 [YHA memo], though it was
available for single-use YHA rental until 1/2007. It was sold by auction for £394,000 on 9/2006 or
30/01/2007 to the neighbouring farmer [whyha.org.uk]. Under the new ownership Elmscott Hostel
reopened for YHA Enterprise business without a break, early in 2007.
Handbook 1948 supplement- 2009.
Alternative names: Hartland (Elmscott) (1948 supplement, 1985-87, 1990); Hartland (1983-84, 1988-89); Elmscott
(Hartland) (1991-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 4/11/1950 as Elmscott school
and school house) from Devon County Council. From 2007 there was a YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: former school and classroom.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 91, Elmscott, Youth Hosteller December 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Another North Devon venture that has proved successful, although I had my doubts in the early days.
The Devon Educational Authorities put on the market a number of isolated country school buildings, of
which Elmscott was one. Negotiations were entered into for the purchase of this school property,
along with the school house attached, which at the time, still housed the one time school mistress, who
was not prepared to move out, even following the purchase by the association. So to get things going we
arranged for the school mistress to act as warden, this arrangement worked for one full season, but the
dear old lady was still living in the Victorian age and could not get on with the present day approach to
life by the youth hostels members.
The hostel was closed for the first winter period, during which time I prevailed upon the good lady that
we would want to take over all the accommodation in the house, leaving just one room for her to make
use of. I also had to inform her that the only arrangement we could make for her meals was that she
would have to share the kitchen with another person, who would be in residence to act as a warden for
the next season. This eventually did persuade her to move out in time for the new season.
Elmscott in the early days was always short of water, having to rely on rainwater storage tanks, and the
school house garden hand pump. So it was necessary to give consideration to another water supply;
therefore it was agreed that we should obtain the services of a water diviner, there being a well known
person by the name of Miss Ironside… Fortunately, in my opinion, we had a very dry summer, which

155
meant that the hostel ran completely out of water, and had to make arrangements for the delivery of water
by tanker, to keep the hostel going. This rather forced the committee’s hand and the following year I was
given instructions to contact the Water Bore Hole contractors to sink a bore at the position indicated by
Miss Ironside, at a cost of £1 per foot. The day arrived for the water boring machine to be set up in the
yard, and for several days boring continued, until on the third day water was struck at a depth of 95ft.
Pumping was continued all night, to see if the level of water would drop; this continued until I arrived the
next morning. The engineer in charge approached me and said ‘well Mr Allen, your association is very
fortunate, there is plenty of water at the depth of 95ft, as indicated by Miss Ironside. The bore was
extended downwards to the depth of 120ft and has one of the best supplies of water in the area. To this
day that bore has never let the hostel down [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Indispensable Elmscott, by KW Tyler
Just after the war, in 1948, a small village school closed in Elmscott, a hamlet 3 miles south-west of
Hartland. The YHA immediately took the opportunity of acquiring it to provide much needed
accommodation; indeed, the newly-retired schoolmistress became the first warden! An old hand pump in
the garden could not keep pace with hostellers’ demands, so a lady water-diviner was called in and found
an ample supply at 100 feet under the school yard, now pumped in by electricity.
Elmscott Hostel, which provides simple accommodation in the former school-house and separate
classroom block, has served hostellers well. The facilities are adequate rather than lavish, but the warden
has painted the house throughout in positive, attractive colour schemes, it is quite comfortably furnished
in traditional hostel style and a welcome is assured. Now a car park is provided in the school yard for
people who will undoubtedly wish to stay several days to explore such attractive rural surroundings. A
small, separate building can be used by leaders of small school parties for briefing sessions. It has also
been of advantage to leaders of the birdwatching or painting and sketching holidays run by YHA’s own
Adventure Holiday department [HN Winter 1972-73].
I was appointed warden at Elmscott in June ‘83. It was demanding work. All cooking had to be on an
ancient Aga, which would burn nicely when the breeze was in the right quarter… The nearest cash and
carry, a second-rate affair, was at Bideford. I closed the place for winter in Sept 83 and since then only
volunteer wardens have served there [David McMinn, writing in 2004].
For 1984, Hartland (Elmscott) hostel, on Devon's Hartland Peninsular, joins the ranks of hostels
wardened by volunteers. The 30 bed simple hostel is in a converted school and schoolhouse with a view
of Lundy Island. The Devon coastal footpath is only half a mile away [HN Winter 1983-84].
Elmscott School opened in 1879. It was built for 70 pupils, and remained a school until 1948, when it
became the youth hostel. The school room (the classrooms) was divided into two. In the two classrooms
there had once been black stoves for heating and warming the children’s dinners. Windows were changed
when YHA refurbished. (Hostel) showers, etc, were added over the years The school house was the
headmaster’s residence, but the layout has been changed with extra toilets, etc. The shed at the bottom of
the garden was the loo for the school house.
The Goamans have lived at Elmscott since the 1600s. We bought the YHA as it seemed the right thing to
do. We have raised the standard from a 1 star hostel to a 3 star and have visitors from all over the world.
It’s amazing that they find us [Thirza Goaman, owner, 2014]
(s)

ELTERWATER 1939 to 2013.
Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9HX.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 327046*

▲Opened Easter 1939: it had been secured at the last minute, with disappointing usage, initially.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was open in 1940, but requisitioned 1/1941
[LAKar41], though the warden had temporary permission to take in members [LRN 8/1941]; it was recovered and
brought into use summer 1942 ‘by the doggedness of the full-time officer and brought into use before the full blast of
the summer season hit us’ [LAKar42]. There was significant usage from 1942.

In 1947 it was agreed that an old iron range be offered to the manufacturers and to the SYHA [LAK
mins 1947]. GD Usher & Son’s estimate of £360 to convert the cart shed to a warden’s cottage was
accepted [LAK mins 1950]. A new members’ kitchen was provided in 1959, previous arrangements
being unsatisfactory.
✚Closed 2/12/2013. In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale. YHA were to withdraw
at the end of the year, when a new independent body would run the hostel, with Nick Owen
continuing as manager.
Handbook 1939-40; 1943-2009.
Alternative names: Elterwater, Langdale (1964-87); Elterwater (Langdale) (1995-2002).
Property tenure: a controlled hostel (to YHA Trust 31/3/1939) [YHAPB]. Currently [2013] freehold.

156
Property profile: Elterwater’s oldest farm, with barn. Messrs Pattinsons of Windermere were thanked ‘for their
noteworthy feat in laying out a specially-built hostel inside the walls of an old farm building’ [LAKar39]. The hostel
accommodation is in the barn, while part of the old farmhouse to the right of it is used as the manager’s kitchen. Staff
accommodation is in a separate building (expanded by YHA) to the left of the barn. In 2013 there were 2 bedrooms
downstairs and a large number of bedrooms upstairs, including ten of 2 beds. The original metal-framed doors and
windows still feature.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Soaked to the skin but forbidden to use taps to clean teeth because they were slow of water. Hostel very
dingy. Oil lamps. 1½ sanwiches, ie 3 slices of bread [presumably for the packed lunch] [Mary Jephcott,
1943, reporting in 2008]
One of our favourite Lakes hostels was Elterwater. Ivor Harrison and his first wife Edith were wardens in
1950 and we had the first of many Christmas visits. We tramped the Langdale fells during the day and in
the evening made our own entertainment. The first year an impromptu fancy dress caused much hilarity;
after that we went ready with sketches and songs – great fun! [Alice Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the
1940s and 1950s, reporting in 2013].
The warden asked me to help with packed lunches. I had to make 85 tomato sandwiches. Two Germans
made date and jam respectively while the supervisor made pork luncheon meat [Pat Packham, August
1960].
Previous wardens were Alan & Bunty Grant, Don & Margaret Elliott, and Ivor Harrison, who with his
second wife Joan moved to Keswick YH and was there until Bob & Judy Barmby took over [historical
memo, undated].
(s)

ELTON 1942 to 2003.
Elton Old Hall, Main Street, Elton, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2BW.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 224609*

▲Opened 6/6/1942 (by the rector of the village), replacing Lathkill Dale hostel as a slightly larger
establishment [NMIar42]. It was obtained with the aid of a grant from the Pilgrim Trust.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. Accommodation was soon reduced to
25 to allow for a resident warden [Sheffield Bulletin 1/1943].

✚Closed 28/2/2003 [YHAF] in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic. The 2003/04
Handbook and 2003/04 Update 1 advised of possible closure during 2003. It was sold by 28/2/2003
[YHA internal memo].
Handbook 1943-2003/04 (and Update 1 only).
Property tenure: freehold property (to YHA Trust 1/6/1942) [YHAPB].
Property profile: 17th-century house, Grade-II listed. It bears the dates 1668 and 1715, and is reputed to be even older.
In 2013 a luxurious self-catering holiday home [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Elton 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The warden I had met before at Conksbury Old Hall [Mary Jephcott, 1947, reporting in 2008].
I was greeted by a small dog called Joe. The warden came into the common room and told me that Joe
was supposed to be vicious. He had bitten three tradesmen but no hostellers [Pat Packham, A Cycling
Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
(s)

ELY / ELY (WITCHFORD) 1947 to 1966.
Witchford, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: CAM; EA (from 1961)

GR: TL 505789

▲Opened 14/7/1947 [CAMar47]. In 1961 the condition of the building was giving cause for
concern; a proposal was made to patch the roofs with corrugated iron from a local school of similar
construction that was being demolished [EAar61].
✚Closed 20/10/1966, because of the poor state of the building, and replaced by King’s Lynn
Hostel. The property was sold 15/9/1969 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1947 supplement-66.
Alternative name: Ely (1948-55).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 23/6/1948 as land & buildings).
Property profile: hutted camp, of brick and Nissen huts, since demolished.
Modern housing, Church View, has been built on the site [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc

157
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ely Hostel was housed in part of what was once an army hospital, of large Nissen huts, all joined by long
corridors – plenty of mod. con. Of the two Primus stoves, only two were inclined to work [Mabel Pratt,
June 1949].
Ravenstor and Ely Hostels were venues for the Wilfred Pickles radio programme ‘Have a Go’ – prizes of
2/6, 5/-. 10/- and a guinea for answering 4 questions correctly – the only cash prizes on the BBC at that
time [Russell Parsons, recounted in 2004].
The hostel consisted of Nissen huts connected together. The common room was near the entrance to one
and then hostellers had to walk some distance to sign in. The women’s dormitory consisted of three
divisions and a tiny room for two [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 27 April 1962].

ELY [Bedford House] 1973 to 1986.
Bedford House, Ely Education Centre, 28 St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4ES.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TL 538803*

▲Opened 1973 as a summer seasonal hostel; in its first year it was taken for 6 weeks only, but it
would be available for a longer period in 1974 [EAagm73, EAar73].
✚Closed 31/8/1986.
Handbook 1973 supplement-86.
Property tenure: rented at £15 in the first season [EA memo 1973].
Property profile: three-storey pale brick building with single-storey extension, part of St Mary’s School.
(v)

ELY [Sixth Form Centre] 1987 to 1995.
Ely Sixth Form Centre, St Audrey’s, Downham Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 1BD.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: C

GR: TL 537808*

▲Opened 23/5/1987. The summer seasonal hostel operated until the end of August,
✚Closed 1995, the end of season being 28/8/1995.
Handbook 1987-95.
Property tenure:
Property profile: typical post-war box-form brick educational building. The hostel offered good clean accommodation,
spacious lounge, self-catering kitchen unit and parking space for cars and coaches [YHA flier].
(v)
EMERY DOWN Planned hostel 1935. Did not open.
Emery Down, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. GR SU 2808 approx.
▼Negotiations were proceeding for a new hostel here [YHAar35].

ENDMOOR 1935 to 1942.
The Challon Hall, Endmoor, Milnthorpe, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 542845*

▲Opened 1935.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure. An internal circular of 18/3/1941
stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West
Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 1942; 43 bednights in 1943SY would indicate a likely closure in late 1942 [LAKar43].
Handbook 1935-42.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: two-storey roughcast rendered farmhouse with greenslate roof, Grade II Listed in 1952 and dated 1760
on a plaque, 1611 elsewhere.
John Wesley first visited Kendal in May 1753. He returned several times, making his last visit on May 9th 1788. Thus
Methodism was born in this area… Chapels were built but from the first, house meetings were popular and
flourishing… Meetings were held for many years at Challon Hall, with special events requiring more space being held
at the Friends’ Meeting House [from website below].
Web resource: http://www.fox73.freeserve.co.uk/page7.html
The Gatebeck tramway, serving two gunpowder works, ran adjacent to Challon Hall. It was built 1875, opened 1876
and closed in 1936 when the works closed. The gauge was 3' 6" and it was horse-drawn throughout.
(v)

158
ENNERDALE / ENNERDALE HALL / ESKETT 1932 to 1950 (or 1951).
Ennerdale Hall, Eskett, Frizington, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 052171

▲Opened 4/1932 [LAKar32]. It was resolved not to spend any further money on the hostel
[LAKmins 5/3/1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns. The general
dinginess of the hostel was reported and a work party recommended [LAK mins 1945].

✚Closed 1950: the last bednights were recorded in 1950SY, so last use seems to have been in that
year. YHAF gave 4/1951 and YHA Bulletin did not withdraw the hostel from listings until 6/1951,
suggesting a lengthy abandonment.
Handbook 1932-51.
Alternative names: Ennerdale (1932-34); Ennerdale Hall (1935-44).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: large old mansion in the vicinity of the old Eskett Limestone Quarry. The building, which was in very
poor repair, is now demolished and the quarry expanded right up to its foundations.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ennerdale A 751 † RG32.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
We left with a sigh of relief [1930s photograph album caption].
(v)

ENNERDALE [Gillerthwaite Farm] / GILLERTHWAITE 1942 to 1967.
Gillerthwaite Farm, Ennerdale Bridge, Cleator, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 139141*

▲Opened early 1942, probably at Easter [LAKar42]. The Forestry Commission offered the farm
buildings at £40pa.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

In the late 1950s the self-catering arrangements were non-existent and members had to use the
warden’s stove and equipment in the private living room, with mutual inconvenience. It was
recommended that the hostel be advertised as lacking self-catering [LAK mins 30/8/1958].
✚Closed 5/1967 [YHAF] and replaced by Cat Crag Hostel.
Handbook 1942-67.
Alternative name: Gillerthwaite (1942-63). Renamed Ennerdale from 30/9/1963.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 20/9/1943). The tenancy was extended yearly from 14/6/1945 (the leasehold
was vested again to YHA Trust 22/10/1952). There was a notice to quit dated 17/9/1963, but the lease finally expired
1967 [YHAPB].
Property profile: farmhouse. Since 1966 [according to a plaque] the property has been run as the Low Gillerthwaite
Field Centre allied to the City of Leeds College of Education.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Now press on to Ennerdale [Gillerthwaite] and the YH, passed the lake but – no hostel! Soon to meet
some hikers coming down the other way, they had not passed the hostel. We had met at the hostel gate.
We washed in a stream that night, with hurricane lamps to guide us to our beds; fir poles and a canvas
hammock, but we slept well [Two young lads’ logbook, 1949].
This was the first of our ‘farm’ type hostels and we did not know what to expect. At 5 o’clock, the
farmer, who was also the warden, unbolted the door and led us into a small room with a bare stoneflagged floor and a large log fire burning. He signed us in and directed us gruffly to the stone staircase
and our dormitory for the night. We pushed open the door and tip-toed into the little room. There was a
deathly stillness all around us. The bunks were the most extra-ordinary contraptions made of wooden
frames with canvas hung limply across them and looked for all the world like stretchers. On a small table
with a little oilskin cloth cover on it was a large china bowl and a china jug full of cold water – that was
the washroom! There was an electric light here, which was surprising, though it was very faint.
The farmer’s wife was a great improvement onjeph the farmer – a jolly country woman with kind eyes
and rosy pink cheeks. She took us to the front door to point out the earth closet. To get to it you had to go
to the far end of the cobbled farmyard, which was wet and slippery, leaping over dung-pats and kittens.
We could take hot water from the kitchen for our washes. The men’s dormitory was in a sort of loft
arrangement over one of the outbuildings.
The supper arrangement here was very interesting. We were led into the kitchen, where there was an
amazing assortment of food. We were each handed a bowl of soup that we carried up some rickety stairs
to the loft, which was set out as a dining room with rough wooden tables and dim lights. All

159
communication regarding second helpings was conducted by shouting to the farmer’s wife down the
stairs.
Later, we settled down for the night, the moonlight streaming in at the window, and all at peace. At
midnight, with the scene so brilliantly lit by the full moon, the cockerel decided it was time to get up. He
heralded the dawn several times before he realised his mistake [from 1957 holiday log, anonymous
female member].
A quaint old farmhouse. The dining room was raised on a separate floor so that to eat meals everybody
stood in a line and passed plates up the stairs. We were able to watch the cows being milked in the
evening and slept soundly with farmyard sounds lulling us to sleep. Breakfast was later than usual, as in
the warden’s estimation, the feeding of his cows came before the feeing of his hostellers [Carol Fraser
(15), holiday log, 1962].
I entered the hostel at 5pm and was delighted with it. We heard cows coming into the yard. The dining
room was above the wardens’ room and the food was conveyed upstairs by a ‘chain gang’ [Pat Packham,
A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
(v)

ENNERDALE [Cat Crag] 1969 to present.
Cat Crag, Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria CA23 3AX.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 142140*

▲Opened 17/3/1969, replacing Gillerthwaite Hostel. The 1968 and 1969 Handbooks had advised
of a new hostel opening, but with no details until the 1969 supplement
Handbook 1968-2007/08.
Alternative name: 1991-99 as Ennerdale (Gillerthwaite).
Property tenure: leasehold for 42 years from 26/6/1968 from MoAFF [YHAPB](to YHA Trust). Currently [2012]
leasehold.
Property profile: block of twin converted forestry cottages and associated bunk barn.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH
Profile
(s)

EPPING FOREST [Buckhurst Hill] 1932 to 1942 or 1943.
Ratcliff Cottage, 79 (99 until 1938) High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
Historic County: Essex
YHA Region: LON
Positional note: the Grid Reference relates to the location on the Regional Guide map.

GR: TQ 408941*

▲Opened 5/1932 [LRN 6/1939] or possibly at the official opening, 3/7/1932 [LONar32].
Wartime arrangements: these were chaotic. The hostel closed 22/2/1940 (until further notice), but was made available
for short periods [LON mins] during 1940 and again open by Christmas. Bednight records are missing for 1941-42, but
the hostel operated again [LRN 8/1941]: there was the proviso that it might have to close again if there was a renewal
of large scale air raids. It may have been used, under these circumstances, in 1942. 679 bednights were registered
before it was requisitioned once more and closed, during 1943SY [LONar43].

✚Closed 1942 or 1943.
Handbook 1933-43.
Alternative names: Buckhurst Hill (1933-37); Epping Forest (Buckhurst Hill) (1938-42).
Property tenure: provided rent free by the trustees of the Ratcliff Settlement.
Property profile: former public house.
The YH was demolished in the early 1960s. On site today is a mid 1960s terrace, 73-79 High Road [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Epping A 751 ≈† RG35.tif

EPPING FOREST [High Beach] partially 1962, fully 1963 to 2008.
Wellington Hall, High Beach, Loughton, Essex IG10 4AG.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; C

GR: TQ 408983*

▲Opened partially 1962, a temporary hostel in that year [YHR 12/1961]. It was officially opened
28/9/1963 and advised on the late news page of the 1963 Handbook. When the hostel opened it
operated at weekends and holidays; the property was a field study centre for Essex schools during
the week. In the 1970s there were several attempts to move to a different local property. There were
minor improvements to the sleeping arrangements [EAar76]. Thanks to the efforts of the voluntary
council who ran the hostel, ablutions were refurbished to allow washing etc, in safety. The Previous
structure was in imminent danger of collapse as soon as there was a storm [WightWash 11/1975].
✚Closed 2008: the hostel was due to close end August 2008 [Website].

160
Handbook 1963-2007/08.
Property tenure: leased on license for 10 years (eg) from 5/4/1963 from the Borough of Ilford (later, Borough of
Redbridge) [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Leasehold (perhaps in a fuller form) was acquired by YHA Trust [YHAar88]. In
about 2007 the lease renewal was refused and the freehold sold 2007 by Redbridge Council to Treehouse Nursery
School.
Property profile: single-storey brick-built structure of 1926. After closure of the YH Treehouse Nursery School
proposed to develop the site using the hostel building; planning application was made for a spa, and refused.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 98, Epping Forest, Youth Hosteller September 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I reached Epping Forest Hostel about 5pm and the warden said I would be sleeping next door. Another
young lady arrived soon afterwards and we were taken to Mrs Temple’s house. She said we could sleep
in her daughter’s room as two school parties from Holland would be occupying the hostel dormitories
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Home Counties, March 1967].
In the wall is a stone tablet telling what it was originally, in 1926: a holiday home for children or the
elderly run by the Christian Community of Bethnal Green, founded in 1685 [Thumbprint, Newsletter of
YHA members in Eastern England, Summer 1994]
(s)

ERRWOOD FARM / ERRWOOD HALL FARM (see Goyt Valley)
ERWOOD 1936 to 1945.
Llanerchcoedlan Wells, Erwood, Breconshire.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 098407*

▲Opened 9/4/1936. The hostel premises, were in the more recent extension to the left of the
farmhouse, reached by a rear outside stair. The hostel boasted electricity, inside sanitation and
running water. The wardens were Mr and Mrs Phillips. In 1939 accommodation was increased
[YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded, though the
inclusion in every Handbook would suggest that it functioned. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel
was operating. There were good bednight figures in 1944 and 1945.

✚Closed 31/10/1945.
Handbook 1936 supplement-45.
Alternative name: Llanerchcoedlan Wells (1936 supplement).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farmhouse hostel. In 2007 a Bed and Breakfast establishment run by the wardens’ daughter-in-law; it
features the warden’s room and common room.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/442750
(v)

ESKDALE / ESKDALE (A) [Taw House] 1933 to 1938.
Taw House, Boot, Holmrook, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 210015*

▲Opened 1933. A sub-committee was appointed to inspect and report on this prospective hostel
[LAKmins 5/3/1933].
✚Closed 7/1938, on the opening of the new Eskdale hostel.
Handbook 1933-38 (1936 in supplement only).
Alternative name: Eskdale (1933-37).
Property tenure: adopted hostel, also called Wha House [YHAPB].
Property profile: farmhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Eskdale A 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Taw House, where we had real beds [article on 1935 tour in YHA News, spring 1999, by Francis
Johnson].
(v)

ESKDALE (B) / ESKDALE [New] 1938 to present.
Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1TH. The address was still New Eskdale Hostel until 1963.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 195010*

161
▲Opened late 7/1938, replacing Taw House. The opening was delayed [LAKar38]. Misses Amy
and Nora Ellwood, sisters, wardened for almost 30 years.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

A major improvement scheme was completed and the provision of mains electricity implemented
[LAK mins 1964].
In 1973 building work at Eskdale was to reduce the number of beds available [HN Summer 1973].
In 1976 a new classroom was built with assistance from the Countryside Commission [YHAar76].
Handbook 1938-2009.
Alternative name: Eskdale (B) (1938).
Property tenure: YHA leasehold 1937 (to YHA Trust 11/6/1937 as land at). Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel in local stone designed by John Dower ARIBA. It cost £4,000, partly met by a
grant from the Special Areas Fund.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600007 anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 12, Eskdale, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Eskdale had additional facilities, including a drying room which was greatly appreciated. We were very
fond of Eskdale hostel; for one thing, it was off the approaches to the Lakes and was used more of a midweek hostel, and so we never had any difficulty in getting in at week-ends [Stanley Gill, West
Cumberland Times article Early Days of Hostelling, September 1966].
Three star hostel [out of three], facilities v excellent, bit big, food v good, warden v good, position [anon
holiday log, ca1944].
Everyone soaked. Minute drying room. Warden did try to dry soaked clothes [Mary Jephcott, 1956,
reporting in 2008].
…every luxury such as showers and a bath. It seemed out of place here in the hills and yet we appreciated
the comfort, for when conditions are harsh one learns to appreciate every small thing [Carol Fraser (15),
holiday log, 1962].
(s)

EWDEN 1944 to 1966.
Ewden, Bolsterstone (Deepcar 1945-53), Sheffield.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding
YHA Region: NMI; (PK)
GR: SK 273962
Positional note: the precise location of the premises within the Water Board village has not been determined.≠

▲Opened 25/11/1944. The first wardens were Mr and Mrs Cutts. Accommodation was 32,
complete with all amenities. There were two dormitories, each fitted with triple bunks.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was found and opened in seven weeks in the latter stages of the war.

✚Closed 1966 [YHAF] [YHr 1/1967]. The 1966 Handbook advised that it might be replaced;
Langsett Hostel was the replacement. There were 716 bednights for this hostel and Oakenclough
combined in 1966SY.
Handbook 1945-66.
Property tenure:
Property profile: part of Sheffield Corporation Water Department hutted village, a large wooden building originally
used for housing workmen engaged in the construction of, and situated between, the two reservoirs. After closure the
Sheffield Water Board dismantled the huts at Ewden, including the former hostel, though this was one of the last
buildings to survive [L Cartledge].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ewden 751 ≈† RG46.doce
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Greenmoor YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Wooden sheds [plural, sic] [Russell Parsons, recounted in 2004].
[Once, in wartime] a party of YHA members went to stay at Ewden Hostel which was situated by the
side of the dam. We slept in 3-tiered bunk beds, the men in one room and the girls in another. The sirens
went and out we tumbled onto the floor as planes overhead seemed to be tearing off the roof. Next we
thought we heard one come down and, sadly, in the early morning when we were walking towards the
moor we saw it. The plane was British but it wasn’t until many moons later we learned that the pilots that
night had been practising to become dam-busters [Constance Dixon, unknown source, recalled 1987].
(v)

EWHURST GREEN 1935 or 1936 to 1983.

162
Ewhurst Green, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7RT.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE

GR: TQ 093398*

▲Opened end of 1935: the hostel was expected to be ready 12/1935 [LONar35], or it was opened
Whit Saturday 1936, along with the official ceremony [LONar36]. It was provided largely through
the generosity of Sir Philip Gibbs and the Imperial College of Science [YHAar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was only partly available during winter 1939-40 [LON mins]. In 1940 it operated, at
least in November and December. Records are missing for 1941-42, but it almost certainly remained in operation. An
internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was within easy reach of London, in a
favoured walking district. Bednights were recorded in the years 1943-45.

✚Closed 20/12/1983 [SEar84]; there were 705 bednights after September 1983.
Handbook 1936-83.
Alternative name: Ewhurst (1937).
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 16/10/1935).
Property profile: purpose-built hostel designed (as was Holmbury St Mary) by Howard Vicars Lobb, the London
Region Honorary Architect and a committeee member of the Region on a site donated (+ £500 towards building costs)
by Sir Philip Gibbs, who also helped to raise an additional £300. It was originally intended to be built entirely of brick,
but was partly built with untreated Western Red Cedar as a money saving measure. It used local hand-made roof tiles.
The hostel was demolished in the 1980s and a large house, Chanrossa, was built on the site [N Balchin].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ewhurst 751 ≈† 300 RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Holmbury YH
Profile
Recollections:
Stayed at one of the really super youth hostels specially built for the purpose, with hot and cold water,
showers, electric cookers and bright painted furniture, and of course full up on the Saturday night. It
accommodated 48 and an extra 11 were put up on camp beds [anonymous holiday log, April 1940].

EXETER [Temporary] 1932 to 1932 or 1933.
Exeter, Devon. SX 9193
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 912936 [GD]

▲Opened 1932.
Run by Plymouth YHA Group and established late season 1932; this was a successful temporary
Exeter hostel, with 109 bednights in that year [PlymouthRGar32]. This hostel was likely to be that
now open at Mount View, Lower Cowley Road, Exeter St David’s Station approach [undated
postcard headed YHA D and C Group, Exeter Branch]. The warden was Mrs WAJ Strudwick. It
was open all year round, and meals were provided, M8W8.
✚Closed 1932 or early 1933 and replaced by Ebford [Rucksack Summer 1933].
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: Lower Cowley Road is nowadays termed Cowley Road; GD adds that the hostel would have been in a
private housing estate built in the grounds of Taddyforde House, near St David’s Station. The estate was developed for
housing from 1926 and is now a conservation area.
The staff at Exeter local studies used electoral roles over a few years matched with house (no name - to named) and
compared to old & current maps and are fairly certain the hostel was the house now known as ‘Two Ways’. The ‘ grid
ref given by GD is correct. The house can be seen near the SW corner on map
http://committees.exeter.gov.uk/documents/s2059/Taddyforde%20Conservation%20Area%20Plan.pdf [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Exeter A 751 † 300 lfltc32.tif

EXETER [Mount Wear House] 1938 to 2013.
Mount Wear House, 47 Countess Wear Road, Countess Wear, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LR.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 941898*

▲Opened 1/4/1938. The 1938 Handbook advised that arrangements were in hand, but gave no
details; these followed in the 1938 amendments. This was the first fully controlled hostel and the
first large hostel in the Devon and Cornwall region, the first to have full-time wardens there.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel did not operate in 1940, the 362 bednights for that statistical year probably being at
the tail-end of 1939. The hostel was let to the evacuated Ashford High School for Girls in 1940-45, (the senior school
being housed at Countess Wear House near to the hostel. Improvements were made during 1943, against the future; it
was not available for general usage [DACar43].

Countess Wear Hostel reopened after extensive renovations 1/8/1945 [DACar45].

163
After the establishment of a temporary overflow hostel at Melbourne House in 1956-57 more beds
were put into use in 1958 [DACar58] by using outbuildings (shown as 97 beds in DACar59). There
were some triple-deck bunks in the barn, which was in use as a dorm until 1970.
In 1970 the hostel was taken out of service during extensive works, but was officially reopened
after more than 12 months on 1/5/1971, with newly-constructed two-storey Lodge accommodation
to the rear and the most up-to-date facilities; extensions and modernisation cost over £30,000. The
18th century manor-house had central heating installed, wash basins in all dorms, and new toilets,
showers and laundry facilities [YHr 6/71].
Improvements under the PDMP plan were undertaken in winter 1993-94, with new showers, WCs
and leaders’ rooms with new bunks and bedding [YHA News August 1994].
✚The hostel was detailed for closure in 2010; sale contracts were exchanged in December 2012 for
completion on 29 April 2013.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006.
Handbook 1938-40; 1946-2009.
Alternative name: 1939-40 as Countess Wear (Exeter).
Property tenure: rented in 1938; freehold purchase for £1,450 in 1939 (to YHA Trust 24/6/1939). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: 17th-century building. A number of the walls are built using the traditional local cob method, and are
very thick in depth, as in the Main House self-catering kitchen.Originally the land that the house is built on was part of
the estate of Wear Park. By the reign of Henry III this estate belonged to the Buckenton family. It then passed down
through successive male heirs of the Bathe family, the Melsed family and by the mid 14th century the Holland family.
Little information survives about the style, shape, size and purpose of the original property. A number of the walls are
built using the traditional local cob method, and are very thick in depth (see the Main House self-catering kitchen). In
1610 we know that the Holland family extended the property adding the areas that currently include the dining room
and upstairs bedrooms. In 1805 John Duckworth bought the property and greatly improved the house and the 134 acres
accompanying it. It is likely that the Main House staircase and its panelling date from this period.
Over the following 134 years the house passed through a number of different owners, never remaining with one person
for much more than ten years. In 1939 the YHA bought the property and surrounding land for £1,250. The estate at that
time included all the land between the hostel and Topsham Road (now part of the King George V playing fields), the
area now occupied by the surrounding residential properties, including down to the river. The first warden was Mrs
Sharland.
When the Second World War broke out the building was used as a boarding house and school for evacuees from
Ashford School for Girls. The senior school was held at ‘Countess Wear House’ near to the hostel (left out of the gate
and 50 yards along the road). This was formerly a hotel and named ‘The Clock House’.
By 1947 the building was once again open as a Youth Hostel with Mr Denscombe as its warden, followed by Mr
Rimmer, in 1950 by Richard Simpson, in 1956 by Jack Walton, and then by Len and Freda Adams who oversaw the
building of the Lodge extension in the late 1960s during their 14 years as wardens. This area was refurbished in 2003.
In 2009 the management team were Chris and Linda Harrison, at YHA Exeter since 2005. They had managed YHA
Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales for 7 years [from pamphlet at Exeter Hostel, 2009].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Exeter B 751 ≈† RG38.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; Y050001-Exeter B
701.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1941, after only being opened for a season, the YHA found it necessary to alter the usage for the
hostel, and arrangements were entered into, whereby the Ashford School for Girls, Kent, took on a lease
for the duration of the war, and along with the Clock Face Hotel next door [Countess Wear House?]
moved in, the hostel being used for all the catering and staff quarters, whilst the hotel was used to
accommodate the pupils.
When the association took over the hostel again after the war, the demand for accommodation was very
heavy, and we had to give some consideration as to how we were to increase the number of beds
available. The Exeter members set to and cleared out the one time stable building that was attached to the
cottage, this being a good sized building, some 12-14 foot in height, with the roof beams exposed. They
thought of the idea of erecting a series of three-decker beds, and set about building the beds of timber by
having 12ft x 4in x 3in uprights fastened to the roof beams with three lengths of timber running the
length of the building. At every 5ft 8in run they inserted a head board and bed spring to form three beds
in each row, which being three tiers high, and erecting four sets in all, allowed for an extra 36 beds, there
being no Ministry standards in those days. Small ladders were fixed to each bed set, to allow the
members to climb into the bunks they required.
I am sure that great fun was had by members that stayed in this dormitory, certainly I was not aware of
any complaints [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Warned that the warden made people sweep under beds. So moved them all and went for cards – only to
be sent back to move the bunks [Mary Jephcott, 1945, reporting in 2008].

164
In the floor of dormitory 3 was a fire escape and the boys in the dormitory underneath kept climbing up
the ladder and opening it. They had a wireless and asked the young girls to join them. The young lady
under me threatened to go and tell the warden [Pat Packham, A Holiday in South-West England, 3
August 1958].
I knew Exeter pretty well from when I ran Steps Bridge. Caroline and I ran it for a few weeks and of
course it was my nearest hostel so I went there to use the washing machine, have a shower and get some
company during my first year at Steps as Caroline was still working in the Lakes. Very historic property,
with a horrible modern extension crammed onto it. The maintenance man for the South West, John
Fairgreave, lived in one of the cottages at the back – lovely old Devon cob buildings as was the selfcatering kitchen. John’s brother ran Penzance and then became one of the first regional managers in the
South West [Duncan Simpson, reporting in 2013].
(s)

EXETER OVERFLOW HOSTEL [Temporary] 1956 and 1957.
Melbourne House, Friars Walk, Exeter, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 922920*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel, open 11/7/1956 to 4/9/1956, with 30 beds and 933 bednights
[DACar56, 1956YHAar]. Open 13/7/1957 to 7/9/1957 with 921 bednights [DACar57]. The facility
would not be available in 1958, for which there is a reference to the overflow accommodation in
the outbuildings of Countess Wear Hostel being fully established [DACar57,58].
Handbook 1957 supplement and 1958 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Grade II listed large detached Georgian house with pronounced entrance steps and porch. Flats in
2009.
(v)

EXETER OVERFLOW HOSTEL [Priory School] [Temporary] 1970 only.
Priory School, Earl Richards Road South, Topsham Road, Exeter.
Historic County: Devon
YHA Region: SW
GR: SX 934908
Positional note: the hostel is assumed to have been at Priory Secondary School, a short distance from Countess Wear
Hostel.≠

▲✚1808 bednights were registered solely in 1970, during the closure of Countess Wear Hostel for
rebuilding.
EXFORD [Cottages] 1934 to 1940; 1955 to 1960.
Exford, Minehead, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 853383*

▲Opened 6/1934 [GSEar34].
Wartime arrangements: closed during 1940, as it was unsatisfactory and always in need of repair [GSEmins 8/2/1940].
640 bednights were recorded in 1940SY [GSEar40]. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel
was closed.

Reopened 1/3/1955 in the same building as the original hostel [GSEar54], but with a different
warden.
✚Closed 30/9/1960.
Handbook 1934 supplement-40. Handbook 1955-60.
Property tenure:
Property profile: hostel converted from two cottages in the village centre.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Exford A 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 44, Exford, Youth Hosteller May 1957.
(v)

EXFORD (EXMOOR) [Exe Mead] 1964 to present.
Exe Mead, Exford, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7PU.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: SS 852383*

▲Opened 18/7/1964, after a fortnight’s delay [YHr]. At first only 18 beds were offered, with the
full complement of 50 available from Spring 1965 when the newly-constructed annexe was opened.
The hostel was officially opened 7/5/1966 by Mrs Pauline Dower, Deputy Chairman, National
Parks Commission. Initially, 12 loose boxes and 6 acres of paddocks were used to provide pony-

165
riding facilities under the YHA’s Adventure Holiday Scheme. Considerable refurbishment
throughout under PDMP was completed in 1991 [Sar 91]. Stables and land were placed on the
market in 1999 [YHA memo].
Exford’s PDMP scheme in the early 1990s involved a major refurbishment of all the hostel’s
facilities to provide a comfortable and popular hostel [Sar91]. Late in the decade the hostel received
a refitted members’ kitchen and a new reception [YHA News spring 1998].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006.
In 2014 the hostel was placed on the closure list, but would survive under its original arrangement
until switching to Enterprise status on 13th February 2015.
Handbook 1964 supplement-2009.
Alternative name: Exford (1964 supplement-89).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (substantially Department of Education grant-aided) 16/7/1964 (to YHA Trust). It
had been purchased by Somerset County Council under the provisions of the National Parks Act and sold to YHA for a
nominal sum [YHAar64].
Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Victorian house in extensive grounds, originally with stables, paddock, etc.
(s)

EYAM 1971 to present.
Hawkhill Road, Eyam, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 5QP.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 219769*

▲Opened 3/1971, delayed from 9/1970, replacing Leam Hall. A stroke of good fortune put the
property again on the market; it was bought with the assistance of National and Ministry funds
[PKar69]. Some dormitory partitioning was due to be carried out early in 1985 [YHA memo Dec
1984].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2009-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1970-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 13/8/1969 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Victorian folly, formerly known as Beech Hurst.
(s)

FAIRLIGHT 1939 to 1940.
Fairlight Croft, Martineau Lane, Fairlight, Hastings, East Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 845124*

▲Opened Easter, 4/1939 [LRN 3/1939, LON mins].
✚Closed 6/1940.
Wartime arrangements: closed 6/1940 on police instructions [LRN 7/1940, LON mins]. The 1945 Handbook suggested
it might reopen (there were no details), but there was to be no post-war resurrection.
Handbook 1939-40; 1945
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: elaborately valley-roofed large Victorian country house near the junction of Mill Lane.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Fairlight 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

FALMOUTH 1938 to 1951.
YMCA, Bank House, Grove Place, Falmouth, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SW 811324*

▲Opened 1938, replacing St Mawes Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed on the outbreak of war and unavailable for its duration. A prospective
replacement at Carclew had to be cancelled .

Closed 1939, but reopened after the war at Easter 1946 [Rucksack Summer 1946] or due to open
25/5/1946 [DAC Handbook 1946]. In late 1949 it was reported as closed temporarily [Rucksack
Autumn 1949].
✚Closed 30/9/1951 [DACar51].
Handbook 1938-39; 1946 supplement-51 (1946 supplement published 3/1947).
Property tenure:

166
Property profile: Grade II listed (1949) valley-roofed detached Georgian building with porch, dating from 1788.
Originally the home of the Fox family, then a biscuit factory and the Bank House Hotel before becoming YMCA
property about 1930. When a hostel it displayed both insignia.
Now converted to flats [2013].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Falmouth 751 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The first hostel in Falmouth Town was at the YMCA premises, Bank House, Falmouth, which in this
joint operation proved quite successful [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
(v)
FALMOUTH Planned hostel 1963.
Falmouth, Cornwall. GR: SW 823319
▼A proposed hostel here was described [Handbook 1963 (late news page), no details], with a hope to open by Easter.
This is probably a reference to Pendennis Castle (qv).
FALMOUTH Planned hostel 2001. Did not open.
Falmouth, Cornwall. GR: SW 8032 approx.
▼Discussions were under way with the local authority to find a replacement for Pendennis Castle Hostel [YHAN
2001].

FARFORTH 1934 to 1948.
Farforth House, Farforth, Louth, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 318784*

▲Opened 2/6/1934, the date of the first visitor recorded in the house book.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war with the possible exception of 1940: 1940SY bednights
totalled only 108, which might have been at the tail-end of 1939. There was a note that the hostel had reopened
permanently [Sheffield Bulletin Summer 1942].

✚Closed by 5/1948 and transferred to Woody’s Top Hostel across the fields [YHAB 5/1948].
Farforth Hostel was needed for a newly-married family member and Woody’s Top was offered
instead.
Handbook 1934 supplement-48.
Alternative names: Farforth (Louth) (1934 supplement-1935).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farmhouse accommodation hostel, a private residence in recent years.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/483443
YHA Archive file [∂]: Farforth≈† 46RG.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Farforth was only wardened at weekends in the 1930s – a lady nearby kept the key for other times. My
wife Beryl, then girl-friend, was the acting warden [in the first few years]. A cycling group operated
Farforth YH before the YHA, possibly the Grimsby CTC.
During the 1930s a group of about ten Borstal boys from Lowdham, Notts, were taken to Frieston Shore,
near Boston, where they helped build huts for the North Sea Camp. As part of their integration back into
society they were allowed to stay in tents at Farforth YHA during the summer, and even allowed into the
hostel during the quiet winter periods. Early local YHA members were also Toc H members, and
facilitated this.
The 3 rooms upstairs on the left were for women – one included the washroom and the only proper toilet.
The men’s 3 rooms were on the right upstairs. Their toilet was a ramshackle affair in the grounds, a
sentry-type hut with a bucket, which had to be emptied by the hostellers. On one occasion, any visit to
the gents was greeted by a very loud buzzing. I took the apparatus apart to find many large honeycombs.
The local farmer agreed to make it safe free of charge, except to keep the honeycombs [Jack Whiting,
recounted in 2006].
(v)

FARLEY HALL 1936 to 1939.
Farley Hall, Oakamoor, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 068441*

▲Opened by 4/1936 [NMIar36]. The hostel was in part of Farley Hall, a suite of rooms being
retained by the owner, Colonel Bill.
✚Closed late 1939.
Wartime arrangements: since the war, Farley Hall has been closed [NMIar39].

167
Handbook 1936-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large country mansion with half-timbered façade, dating back to the early 17th century. In recent years
the home of the Bamfords, owners of JCB.
(v)
FARNDALE Planned hostel 1946. Did not open.
Farndale, Kir(k)bymoorside, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 6697 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel on the Water Committee’s Farndale Estate, at a farmhouse on a hilltop. It might be
open by Whit 1946 to replace Rosedale [Rucksack Easter 1946]. Later it was announced that it was unlikely to be
ready that year [Rucksack Summer 1946]. Later still, advice was that it had to be abandoned [YSHar46].

FARNDALE 1956 to 1963.
Farndale Vicarage, Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 672975*

▲Opened 7/1956 [YHAF], replacing Lastingham Hostel. There was very limited usage, 184
bednights, in 1956SY. The first wardens were Mr and Mrs Tivey, from Filey Hostel. Farndale
Hostel was in difficulties late in 1959, not available until further notice, though intriguingly the
wardens Mr and Mrs Taylor placed a small ad to say that it was still operating in their own home
[YHr 12/1959]. They raised money for improvements, including provision of water to the kitchen
[YHr 2/1961].
✚Closed 1963.
Handbook 1956 supplement≠-63.
Property tenure: adopted hostel [YHr 12/1959].
Property profile: redundant stone-built vicarage, now [2008] a private residence, adjacent to still-used church.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Farforth 751 ≈† RG46.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Farndale YH Profile
Published material: article, Operation RSF [Rough Stuff Fellowship], Youth Hosteller August 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The picture of Farndale YHA was just as I remembered it. Mr Tivey (Jack) was a head master. I wasn’t
aware at the time that it had been the vicarage, but I do remember an outhouse or similar that had a big
old fashioned hearse in it in which we used to play.
I also remember one of the bed rooms that had metal bunk beds in it and we were all allowed to sleep on
a top bunk as a treat. My only other memory is of a little quarry tiled scullery at the back of the house
where one of the youth hostellers was peeling a load of potatoes into a galvanised bucket [Glenys Austin,
relative of the Tiveys, recalled from visits in the 1950s in 2014].

FARNDALE Camping barn 1993≠ to 2014.
▲Oak House, High Farndale, North Yorkshire. GR: NZ 659986
Handbook 1993-2009. Also open 2010-2014. . The barn had disappeared from the website by late 2014.
Property profile: in farmyard of a goat dairy farm.

kilda
FARNHAM [Bourne Mill] 1932 to 1933.
Old Bourne Mill, Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 852474*

▲Opened by the end of 1932 [Rucksack Winter 1932, 1932 (October) Handbook]. The hostel
served good teas to ramblers [press article].
✚Closed early 1933, before the publication of the 1933 Handbook, which makes no mention. It was
given an extension until the end of 3/1933 [LONmins].
Property tenure:
Property profile: mill mentioned in Domesday Book, with its strange old machinery, its maze of timbered rooms and its
pleasant gardens [LONar32]. It was an antiques centre in 2011.
The current rambling building (grade II listed) has a mix of styles dating from the 17th century onwards. It was badly
damaged by fire early in 2016 [GD].

FARNHAM (WRECCLESHAM) 1938 to 1939.
Shortheath House, Shortheath Crescent, Shortheath Road, Shortheath, Farnham, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 829449

168
Note: the location is uncertain and Crescent may be a misrepresentation of Crest.≠

▲Opened Easter 1938 (Good Friday was 15/4/1938). ✚Closed 11/1939.
Wartime arrangements: closed November 1939 [LON mins]; the 1940 Handbook advised that it might reopen, but it
was no longer available [Rucksack Easter 1940].

The property was not sold by YHA until 1952, when this was necessary to alleviate financial
difficulties [LONar52].
Handbook 1938-40.
Alternative name: 1938 as Farnham.
Property tenure: purchased property [YHAar38].
Property profile: double fronted and fully-bayed town house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Farnham B 751 ≈† RG38.tif

FELIXSTOWE [Cosy Cot] 1936 to 1945.
Cosy Cot, Spriteshall Lane, Walton, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 287362*

▲The hostel was to open Easter (4/) 1936 [Rucksack 2/1936,EANar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, but with tiny numbers. 93 bednights were recorded in
1940SY, probably late 1939. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was
uncertain because of the restriction of movement. By mid 1940 at the latest the hostel was not operating [Rucksack
Summer 1940], though 93 nights were registered that year. In 1941 the hostel did not function. Further bednights were
reported in 1942SY (11), 1943SY (77), 1944SY (53) and 1945SY (178). The 1943-44 Handbooks had advised may
reopen.

✚Closed 10/6/1945 and replaced by Felixstowe (Tangley House).
Handbook 1936-40; 1943-45.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small 2-storey cottage of unusual design on a plot of land just to the south of the Royal Felixstowe
Laundry. Maps suggest that it was built after 1926.
In street directories held by the museum George Rose was resident at Cosy Cot in 1932 [Mrs Ellen Rose was the YH
warden]. He continued to live here up to 1964 (last available directory). The house was called Cosy Cot right up to the
fifties. However by the 1964 entry the houses are no longer named but numbered: George Rose is listed as residing at
no 31 Spriteshall Lane. No 31 still stands but is hemmed in by new housing [Felixstowe Museum, KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Felixstowe A 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Felixstowe A 752 ≈† RG39.tif

FELIXSTOWE [Tangley House] 1945 to 1959.
Tangley House, 6 Montague Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 306346*

▲Opened 10/6/1945, largely due to the initiative and hard work of Mr Eaton. The 40-bed fullycontrolled establishment replaced Felixstowe (Cosy Cot) Hostel [EANar45].
✚Closed 1959 [YHr 10/1959], the closure being announced in May, 1958. The Regional Group
was seeking a replacement in the Saxmundham area [LAK mins 1958]. The property was sold
2/12/1959 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-59.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 17/5/1945).
Property profile: double-fronted and fully-bayed brick town house.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel, two minutes from the front, is a villa with basement and attic. It possesses, however, hot and
cold, and hot showers… Mr and Mrs warden are from Yorkshire, run the hostel with efficiency and
briskness, call you love but see to it that you toe the line [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].

FELL END Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Thornthwaite Farm, Woodland Hall, Woodland, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria. GR: SD
239881
Handbook 1998-2006. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn here as open in that
year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: a bank barn.

FENWICK 1946 to 1954.
The Manor House, Fenwick, Beal, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NU 066400*

169
▲Opened 18/4/1946. The excellent interior contrasted sadly with the sorry state of the exterior
[NOTar51]. Fenwick Hostel was to close Easter 1954, with warden Mr Clough moving to Wooler
[NOTar53].
✚Closed 2/5/1954 and replaced by Wooler Hostel.
Handbook 1946-54.
Property tenure: tenancy. The expected new tenancy agreemement in 1952 did not materialise [NOTar52].
Property profile: village house, a manor house in press reports. It is functioning as the Manor House guest house,
[2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rock Hall YH
Profile
(v)

FERRYSIDE 1937 to 1938.
Broadlay House, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire.
Historic County: Carmarthenshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SN 371092*

▲Opened 25/3/1937.
✚Closed (probably 9/)1938. The local group regretted that it was necessary to close [SWAar38].
LRN 12/1938 advised that it had closed.
Handbook 1937-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Broadlay House was part of the estate of Colonel Buckley. At one time it was a pub, but was derelict
by 1980 and demolished shortly afterwards [local resident].
(v)

FESTINIOG [Bryn Llewelyn Cottage] 1937 to 1937 or 1938.
Bryn Llewelyn Cottage, Llan F(f)estiniog, Merioneth.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 696419*[GD]

▲Opened 1/5/1937 (4/1937 in MERar37). The hostel was just outside the village on the
Maentwrog road.
It adjoined [GD] the Home of St Francis, whose warden Mr G Penrhyn Jones, would also be the
warden of the new hostel [SYHCN 1937].
✚Closed 1937 or early 1938 and replaced by Ffestiniog (Caerblaidd).
Handbook 1937.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Home of St Francis has been a nursing home in recent years [GD].
Closure was approved in 2009, but the home was still operating in 2011.
Reports, recollections and observations:
February 9th-10th 1935: First went to see an old school at Ffestiniog belonging to ‘the Home of St
Francis’. At this time a schoolmaster was living there, so we could not see over it properly and we turned
it down, but later on, eventually we got it as a hostel...
… 20th-21st March 1937: On Sunday we went to Ffestiniog and had a long talk with Captain Penryn
Jones of the Home of St Francis. We had finally taken the cottage here and we made all the arrangements
with him. We had dinner at the Home and then went sown to the cottage and had a cup of tea there whilst
we talked things over. He was a very interesting man to talk to [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

FFESTINIOG [Caerblaidd] 1938 to 1994 or 1995.
Caerblaidd, Llan Ffestiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 4PH.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 704427*

▲Opened 1/5/1938, replacing Ffestiniog (Bryn Llewelyn Cottage). The property had been viewed
as early November 1933 by the Merseyside Group: a very fine place for a hostel but it looked very
gloomy [Bertha Gough].
Wartime arrangements: in 1940 the hostel was rented to International Tramping Tours for 3 months on condition that
ordinary members could stay [History of MYH]. The hostel operated in 1941-45, though sometimes for advanced
bookings only. It returned to full YHA use in the last year of hostilities [MERar45].

In 1974 the floor of the men’s wash was renewed [HN Spring 1974].

170
In 1979 aid from the Countryside Commission enabled a drying room and partial central heating to
be provided [HN Spring 1979].
✚Closed permanently over winter 1994-95: the hostel was on the 1991 disposal list, but proved
difficult to sell, so decisions were made to operate to the end of the 1995 season. However, surveys
over the winter of 1994-95 showed that damp penetration rendered the building unfit for occupation
without spending £25,000. The hostel therefore did not reopen [mins 28/4/1995] and was sold on
20/10/1995 for £75,000.
Handbook 1938-95.
Alternative name: Festiniog (1938-55).
Property tenure: purchased outright. Leasehold (to YHA Trust 24/10/1938), aided by a grant from the Jubilee Trust. An
outbuilding, formerly used as a cycle shed, was leased to the neighbouring farmer in 1978.
Property profile: large country house dating from 1879. Now [2011] a country guest house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ffestiniog B 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 46, Kings, Youth Hosteller July 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The drying room was some distance from the hostel. The members’ kitchen was also outside [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour in North Wales, April 1966].
(s)

FFYNNON WEN 2007 to 2008.
Ty Nant, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy LL21 0RH.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SH 949461*

▲Opened 16/3/2007 as a newly converted bunkhouse with about 40 beds.
✚Closed end 2008.
YHA Enterprise hostel.
Handbook 2007-08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: traditional farmhouse. Since withdrawal of the YHA arrangement Canolfan Ffynnon Wen has
continued to trade as an independent residential centre, providing arts and environmental activities for children and
young people.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1234437

FILEY [Royal Oak Farm] 1938 to 1940.
Royal Oak Farm, Filey, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 111782*

▲Opened Easter 1938.
Wartime arrangements: usage in 1940 was restricted to 132 bednights. The end of season was 30/9/1940, but the
Yorkshire Coast had been closed to visitors during the summer of 1940 [YSHar40].

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1938-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Royal Oak Inn, substantially unchanged externally in 2008.
(v)

FILEY [Clarence House] 1946 to 1958.
Clarence House, West Avenue, Filey, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 116802*

▲Opened 1/2/1946. Officially opened 10/5/1947 by Lord Feversham, vice-president of the
Regional Group [YSHar47]. In 1958 the National Executive considered making it a family hostel to
stave off losses.
✚Closed 15/9/1958 as a drain on resources. The property was sold 28/1/1959 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-58.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 6/11/1945).
Property profile: huge four-storey house in red brick at the north-west corner of West Avenue and Clarence Avenue. It
was substantially unchanged externally in 2008, and converted into flats.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Farndale YH
Profile
(v)

171
FINNINGHAM 1942 to 1968.
Pilgrim’s Cottage, Finningham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA

GR: TM 060705*

▲Opened 1942.
Wartime arrangements: 87 bednights were recorded in 1942 and 254 in 1943. The operating pattern in 1944 is uncertain
as bednight figures are unrecorded, though the hostel is likely to have seen use. In 1945 312 souls stayed.

✚Closed by 8/1968, due to the ill health and retirement of the warden [YHr 8/1968].
Handbook 1943-68.
Property tenure:
Property profile: two 17th [YHr 1/1969] or 18th-century houses, formerly known as Sunnyside Cottage, and a caravan,
possibly of railway rolling stock origin.
Published material: article Well Done Florrie [Youth Hosteller January 1969].
Reports, recollections and observations:
I have a glimpse in my mind of a very old lady standing at the cottage door [Mary Jephcott, August 1959,
recounted in 2015].
A memory I have of the hostel – the bunks and the very low beams which my chum managed to nearly
decapitate himself with –- he was rather stunned by a hefty crack on the forehead [Geoff Dewing,
recounted in 2013].
As I was the only female booked the warden asked me if I would like to sleep in her caravan. I made my
bed on one of the two bunks in there… We all seemed to have something different in our fruit pie…. The
sink was stopped up…
[Next morning] the warden saked me to sweep out the caravan. It could have done with a thoroughly
good clean [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 26 April 1962].

FISKERTON 1936 to 1937.
Fiskerton Grange, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 723506*

▲Opened 1936, after September, as all bednights (608) were confined to 1937SY.
✚Closed early 1937: now closed [Rucksack Spring 1937], and replaced by Kneeton Hostel.
Handbook 1937.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm buildings close to the River Trent.
(v)

FLACKWELL HEATH 1931 to 1940.
Woodspring, Northend Woods, Flackwell Heath, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire
YHA Region: LON
GR: SU 902892
Positional note: the location shown in the Regional Guide map of 1935 suggests a position between Northern Woods
and Beckings Way, now covered in modern housing.

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 82 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
Wartime arrangements: there was some YHA use in 1940 but the hostel closed in September [LON mins].

✚Closed 9/1940.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-40.
Alternative name: Woodspring (1931(1st edn only)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: collection of wooden huts in a cherry orchard setting. There were beds for M8W8 when opened, but
by 1934 this had expanded to M20W20.
The site is now occupied by nos 6,7,8,9 & 10 Beckings Way and parts of the gardens belonging to houses in Northend
Close. The YH went by the name of The Limberlost [KF].
Web resource: http://www.flackwellheath.net/photo-gallery.htm (vintage village section, image 72 of 73).
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Flackwell 751 ≈† RG35.tif

FLAGG 1931 to 1931 or 1932.
Flagg, Chelmorton, Buxton, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 1416838*

▲Opened 8/1931 [ManchesterRGar31].] This was an eight-bed barn opened by the British
Fellowship of Youth, later renamed FOY. YHA members were able to use it on a reciprocal basis,
but it was available to conducted parties only. There were just 20 bednights in 1931.
✚Closed [probably] 1931 or by 26/5/1932. It was now closed (MANmins26/5/1932).

172
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-32.
Property tenure: early reciprocal arrangement.
Property profile: barn.
It is still operated by FOY as a small bunkhouse in 2012 [KF].
Web resource: http://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/foy/history.htm http://www.flaggbarn.org.uk/index.htm
(v)

FOLK HALL (see Kirkby Stephen)
FORDINGBRIDGE (see Godshill / Old School House)
FORDINGBRIDGE 1978 to 1980.
Fordingbridge and District Community Centre, Shaftesbury Street, Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SE
Positional note: on the junction of Shaftesbury Street and Bartons Road.

GR: SU 145141*

▲Opened 9/7/1978 as a 30-bed seasonal summer hostel for ten weeks; only 163 bednights were
recorded in its first year, because of poor publicity [SEar78]. The 1979 and 1980 Handbooks gave
brief details only about expected operation from mid July to the end of August.
✚Closed 1980, because of disappointing use.
Handbook 1978 supplement-80.
Property tenure: the Youth Hostel operated with the cooperation and assistance of the Fordingbridge and District
Community Association.
Property profile: village hall.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Godshill &
Fordingbridge YHs Profile
(v)

FOREST GREEN 1939 to 1940.
Red Triangle Club, Forest Green, Dorking, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 124412*
Positional note: the location shown in the Regional Guide map of ca1942 (probably somewhat out-of-date) suggests a
position just south of the Forest Green Inn.

▲Opened 7/4/1939. The hostel was open on Saturdays and bank holidays only.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was advised as closed in August 1940 [LON mins, probably 10/1940]. Despite a
national notice of 8/10/1940 advising that the hostel was operating, it was closed by 5/11/1940 until further notice, in
effect, for good.

✚Closed 8/1940, or somewhat later (see previous comment).≠
Handbook 1940.
Property tenure:
Property profile: YMCA building, also Forest Green Library.
The hut dated from 1920 and was located between the Parrot Inn and the Congregational Chapel (a postcard view
shows a pair of huts). The hut was destroyed by fire in 1954 and a village hall constructed on the site in 1988
[http://www.forestgreenvillage.co.uk/history3.php].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Forest Green 751 ≈ RG42.tif

FOREST LODGE [first hostel] 1933 to 1940.
Forest Lodge, Libanus, Brecon.
GR: SN 961241
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: possible locations are SN 961241 (Forest Lodge Cottages, main block), SN 959243 (barns to the west
of the second hostel) or SN 960242 (farmhouse).≠ The first seems much the most likely.

▲Opened 12/7/1933. The warden was Mrs Ferguson. The hostel was described as in a cottage.
✚Closed 1940.
Wartime arrangements: There were 341 bednights in 1939. In 1940 records are incomplete, but national notices of
8/10/1940 and 5/11/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. The hostel was killed by the war [SWAHr 2/48].
Handbook 1933 supplement-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: cottage in hills, probably in the cluster of cottages east of the farm.
(v)

FOREST LODGE [second hostel]

1948 to 1950.

173
Forest Lodge Cottages, Libanus, Brecon.
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the SN 959249 Grid Reference given in 1949/1950 Handbooks is incorrect.

GR: SN 959243*

▲Opened by Easter 1948 [SWAar48]. Work Parties began 2/1948; the premises had been
uninhabited for 14 years, (therefore not the pre-war hostel), with plaster crumbling, windows
unglazed, a blocked chimney and the kitchen range ruined; adaptations cost £48, and the cottage
was taken on a 6-monthly renewal basis [SWAHr Smr48]. Mrs Lewis was warden [SWAar48]. The
1948 Handbook announced an expected Easter opening, but with no details; details appeared in the
supplement.
✚Closed 9/1950 [YHAN], the end of season being 30/9/1950. There were only 3 bednights in
1951SY, suggesting an overnight on 30/9/1950. The cottage would be required for housing, and not
be available in the future [SWAar50].
Handbook 1948-50.
Property tenure: short-term tenancy.
Property profile: cottage west of the farm [SWAHr 10/48] on the loop road. A different building from the first hostel,
now somewhat altered in outline, and called Shepherds Cottage.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/439851
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heol Senni YH
Profile
(v)

FORT PURBROOK 1937 to 1939.
Fort Purbrook, Portsdown Road, Cosham, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 678064*

▲Opened Whit 1937, replacing Horndean, after much necessary voluntary labour [SOUar37]. The
hostel accommodation of M25W16 was in the rooms of the old fort.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: notice to terminate was given, hastened by the war [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42].
Handbook 1938-39.
Property tenure: fully controlled hostel.
Property profile: Palmerston Fort built 1862-1870 to defend Portsmouth during Napoleonic wars [GD].
The War Office granted the necessary permission for part of the Fort to be used as a hostel [Rksk spr37].
The Peter Ashley Activity Centre. Some of the film Tommy was filmed here [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Fort Purbrook 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
One of our most memorable stays was in a ruined naval fort (Fort Purbrook). We reached the place very
late one evening. It was already getting dark when we came upon some grass-covered port-holes leading
to a huge, iron-bound wooden door and incredibly there was a YHA sign. If we hadn’t been so dog-tired
we’d have tramped back to Portsmouth to look for less eerie quarters. I’m glad we didn’t as we lived on
our ‘horror’ story for months afterwards.
We pulled on the rusty bellpull. The clanging sound was weird enough but when the door creaked back to
reveal the hunched figure of an old man carrying a lantern and a bunch of jangling keys, we nearly fled.
However, he muttered and jerked his shoulder indicating we should follow him. ‘Mind where you walk’
was all he said and no wonder. We picked our way over rubble and what seemed like the brick
foundations of a building from which leapt a couple of yowling cats. The old man showed us into a very
dim room, dusty and musty. It seemed quite out of place that he should produce the book for us to sign
in, but he did.
It was like a dream or a scene from a Hitchcock film when, lantern held high, he led us up a creaking
wooden staircase that wound round in a tower. We passed the washroom labelled ‘Nelson’. Our
bedroom, bare apart from iron bunks, was ‘Collingwood’.
In making our hurried exit nect morning, we were surprised and cheered to find two lads in the galley
cooking their fried bread and bacon, who admitted to being as scared as we were. Looking back, we
wouldn’t have missed it for the world [Eileen Norris, HN Spring 1980].

FOUR MARKS [Holly Bush House] 1931 to 1931 or 1932.
Holly Bush House, Four Marks, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 6634 approx.

▲Opened 1931. The hostel was at the Holly Bush Tea Rooms, four miles from Alton. It was
advertised in 1931 as a good drive in for cars (Kelly’s Hampshire Directory 1931). There were (eg)

174
203 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31]. The hostel was relocated during 1932
[LONar31].
✚Closed 1931 or (possibly) early 1932. Replaced by Four Marks (Fairview).
Handbook 1931(1st edn-4th edn).
Alternative name: Holly Bush House (1931(1st edn-3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: Tea Rooms accommodation.

FOUR MARKS [Fairview] 1932 to 1936 or 1937.
Fairview, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 672353

▲Opened 1932 as a small hostel to replace Four Marks (Holly Bush House).
✚Closed late 1936 or 1937: early in the statistical year [LONar37], or by May 1937 [LON
Newssheet 5/37]. As the 1937SY bednights totalled only 36, the hostel probably closed in late
1936.
Handbook 1932-37.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: small double-fronted detached house [postcards] and thought to be demolished.
A house on the main Winchester road, possibly another of the several roadside tea providers in the area (a CTC cycle
run stopped for tea here in 1928) [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The people here are ever so nice – old country couple. We had nice supper – meat salad and apple and
blackberry tart, with extra helpings [postcard comment, August 1934].

FOUR MARKS [Belford House] 1940 to 1941.
Belford House, Lymington Road, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: LON
GR: SU 667340
Positional note: the location shown in the Regional Guide map of ca1942 (possibly somewhat out-of-date) suggests the
hostel was on the east side of Lymington Bottom, and half-way along.

▲Opened 2/1940, [LON mins], though the opening was originally planned for 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940 and for part of 1941.

It was half a mile south of the previous hostel, down a lane.
✚Closed end 8/1941, because the warden sold the house.
Handbook 1940-41.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the extensive Belford House is now [2009] a retirement home.
Substantial six bedroom gabled Victorian house, with outbuildings and land. The house was substantially demolished
in 1989 (Alton Herald 24/11/1989), although the end part abutting the road, with unusual semicircular slated tiles, has
been incorporated into a replacement building that functions as a nursing home [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Four Marks C 751 ≈ RG42.tif
FOWEY Planned hostel 1943. Did not open.
Fowey, Cornwall. GR: SX 1251 approx.
▼A hostel here might be opened in 1943 [Handbook 1943, no details].
FREMINGTON Planned hostel 1937. Did not open.
Fremington, Barnstaple, Devon (unknown location). GR: SS 5132 approx.
▼A hostel here was mentioned as a potential neighbour to the Gloucestershire, Somerset and North Devon Group:
Fremington and Bude will afford easy access to the hostel at Westward Ho!, hitherto somewhat isolated [Rucksack
Midsummer 1937]. There is no record of this hostel opening.
FRESHWATER Planned hostel 1939. Probably did not open.
Freshwater, Isle of Wight (unknown location). GR: SZ 3487 approx.
▼A hostel here was mentioned in Rucksack,
would probably open for the August holidays [Rucksack Midsummer 1939]. There is no record of this hostel opening.

FRESHWATER / FRESHWATER BAY (ISLE OF WIGHT) 1971 to 1972.
Westwind, Bay Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE

GR: SZ 344861*

175
▲Opened by 8/1971 [YHr 8/1971]. A Southern Region proposal dated 13/4/1971 described the
arrangement with Mr Briscoe, the owner / warden, whereby the YHA would keep 10p or 12p of
each overnight stay.
✚Closed 1972, 30/9/1972 being the end of season, as the owner could not give the hostel the
attention it deserves [HN Winter 1972].
Handbook 1971 supplement-73.
Alternative names: Freshwater (1971 supplement); Freshwater (Isle of Wight) (1972).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: modest-sized detached house, extant in 2016, on the southern outskirts of Freshwater.
(v)

FRON HAUL GUESTHOUSE (See Bodfari (Fron Haul Guesthouse))
FROSTERLEY 1934 to 1940.
East End School, Frosterley, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 028370*

▲Opened 1/4/1934, in rented accommodation [WEAar33,34]. Officially opened 5/5/1934.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned, given back to YHA then requisitioned again all by June 1940
[WEAar40]. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed. Another of 7/4/1941 advised
that it was operating again, or about to resume, but this use is uncertain. The 1942, 1943 and 1945 Handbooks advised
that the hostel might reopen, but the final bednights were in 1940SY.

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1934-40; 1942-43; 1945
Property tenure: rented
Property profile: former village school.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Frosterley 751 † RG36.doc
(v)

FULSHAW 1941 to 1951.
Fulshaw House, Fulshaw Cross, Thurlstone, Sheffield.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SE 208015*

▲Opened 1941 [NMIar41].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. The warden was Mrs Beard.

✚Closed 31/12/1951; the Region did all it could to keep the hostel, but the warden wished to close.
137 bednights were shared with Brassington in the final 3 months of 1951.
Handbook 1941-52.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: stone barn adjoining moorland farm. It was one of the North’s most primitive hostels. Water was
fetched from the horsetrough down the road, and the dormitory roof was of corrugated iron [LRN 2/1952]. This was a
tiny hostel with Spartan facilities that included a vertical plank with footholds to the very low-ceilinged loft. There was
a Scottish Stove.
The loft was divided for 8 men and 4 women by a curtain [GA Norris], or provided the men’s dorm (6 beds), the
women’s dorm (4) being downstairs [L Cartledge]. These layouts may have been at different times.
The barn has since been substantially remodelled, though some internal features remain.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Fulshaw 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600008 George Napier.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fulshaw YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Greenmoor YH
Profile
(v)

GALMPTON (see Maypool)
GARA MILL [Chalet] 1931 to 1934, or up to 1937.
Gara Mill, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon (on Farm Road, Burlestone, Slapton in 1932-33).
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 817480

▲Opened 1931, in which year it was the region’s most popular hostel. £8 was spent by the region
on work at Slapton; the warden was Mr Baker [PlymouthRGar31]. The notice opened 1932
[Rucksack 1949] is therefore incorrect.

176
✚Closed 1934. The 1935 Handbook gave a change of position after 1934: ¼ mile south of
Burleston rather than ½ mile west, ‘marked Mill on OS’
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: chalet on a hillside, a converted army hut.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gara A 751 ≈ RG36.tif
Y260001 & Y260002 (1931 report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the early days of the hostel being established, it was with the use of a large nissen hut and wood chalet
situated up a steep hillside overlooking the Mill house, approached by way of a very steep and muddy
path over which all the water requirements for the hostel had to be carried. Members reduced this
necessity by washing in the river that served the mill, in those days it was all taken as part of the fun of
hostelling [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
The YHA, in accordance with its usual practice, has not put its Hostel at Dartmouth, but a few miles out
at Gara Mill, Slapton. Mr Baker is the Warden, and his farm is hidden away In a little glen a mile or so
above Slapton Ley. It is best approached from Strete and then down the farm road below Burlestone. At
the Mill the YHA member can get his rest at the hut, and his milk and eggs and bread and any farm or
vegetable produce that he wants from Mr Baker [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931 article in
unknown magazine by F Sandon, Headmaster of Plymouth Grammar School].

GARA MILL [Mill House] 1935 (or up to 1938) to 1949.
The Mill House, Gara Mill, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 817479*

▲Opened 1935 at the Mill House, according to handbooks from 1935, in which a change of
location from 1934 is notified. There is some uncertainty with the date and exact nature of the
move, as the hostel was reportedly rehoused in the Mill House with complete interior
reconstruction [DACar38] in 1938, replacing the chalet. The inclusion of this new hostel in the
1937 Regional Guide is noteworthy.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940-42. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it
from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth, Devonport, etc. In 1942 the hostel had no cooking
facilities, pending the completion of a rebuilding scheme [Handbook 1942], perhaps the reason for the 0 bednights in
1943SY and 1944SY, the hostel being closed until further notice [Handbook 1943 alterations]. It was reopened
19/5/1945.

✚Closed 30/9/1949, when the lease expired.
Handbook 1938-43; 1945-49
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: old corn mill, built 1559 [Website].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gara B 751 ≈† RG37.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Situated in the deep Gara valley, a fine old mill house complete with water-wheel making a very
picturesque post card. The mill was still in use for the grinding of corn for the local farming community,
also for the repair of the farm carts and ploughs that were brought along. After a year or so, and with
farm supplies being more readily available from the new farm industries that had opened up, the mill
inevitably closed. It was then that the owner Mr Baker, who was also acting warden for the hostel,
decided to develop the mill section of the mill house and utilise it as the hostel. This was very exciting
news for the Plymouth Committee and it was no trouble to organise work parties to help out in the
adapting of the mill.
The building consisted of three large open floors, and after the removal of the corn bins and milling
machinery, was easily adaptable for the provision of dormitories on the two upper floors leaving the
ground floor for the Dining room/Common room and the adjacent engine shed becoming the members
kitchen. A complete toilet block, built at first floor level made it all a very compact hostel.
All the work presented quite a major job for the work parties, in conjunction with Mr Baker, the cleaning
down, from all floors, the corn dust, whitewashing the walls and I can remember scrubbing the dorm
floors, none of which daunted the working parties, who were kept going with tea and soup in buckets,
leaving one to help oneself. What fun we had! One other attraction that Mr Baker created at this hostel
was that he lectured for the Devon County Authorities on Bee Keeping, and had quite a colony of bee
hives on the hillside with which he used to demonstrate to members on the care and attention they
required. He also gave talks, and film shows were always going on to which any of the members could
attend. Another sideline was his boast of Home Made Bread straight from a hot Aga cooking range, and
he in fact put on regular afternoon teas for the Dartmouth College Cadets who made regular calls for his
home made bread, cakes, jam and cream teas.
The hostel, which functioned for eight years [?] was very popular with the members. Mr Baker, being

177
Irish was a very likeable character and always helpful to members on cycles, repairing them when
required. The hostel was opened in 1932 [1931] and closed in 1949 [extracts from Charles Allen
Memoirs, 1977].
Warden said 6 of us were unbooked. Produced return half of booking card to prove we were. People
slept in 5 beds. On finger-post to hostel it read: Gara Mill YH Buchenwald. Food simply dreadful. Notice
in hostel said Beware of rats – beneath in pencil, the Warden and Medical Students [Mary Jephcott,
1945, reporting in 2008].

GARSDALE HEAD 1949 to 1983.
Shaws, Lunds, Sedbergh, Cumbria (formerly High Abbotside, Yorkshire).
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK

GR: SD 796948*

▲Opened Easter 1949.
✚Closed 29/10/1983. Sold at auction in April 1984 [YKar84].
Handbook 1949-83.
Alternative name: Garsdale (1949).
Property tenure: part freehold purchase, part leasehold (to YHA Trust 9/5/1949).
Property profile: isolated former farmhouse and outbuildings, the retirement home of RA Scott MacFie, authority on
gypsy folklore and cofounder of Liverpool University. According to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the
outbuildings were the male and female dormitories serving the youth hostel, that at the highest part of the site being the
timber female dormitory.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Honister YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was one mile from the B6259 up to Shaws Youth Hostel. The drive crossed a river, where we sat and
read, and threw stones and paddled for a while. We looked round Lunds Church and went through a
farmyard and up the fellside to the hostel – quite a climax towards the end.
The dormitory was a gigantic old barn, and the hostel lived up to its grade – simple, but probably it was
here that we discovered what seemed the most traditional hostel-like atmosphere [Simon Smith, Chinnor,
aged 14, 1975].
Self-catering. Remote location and summer use only [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
(s)
GATESHEAD Planned hostel 1990. Did not open.
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. NZ 2563
▼Temporary hostel anticipated for duration of Garden Festival (18/5-21/10/1990). Handbook 1990 (no details).

GAYDON 1931 only.
Ye Olde Gaydon Inn, Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 366540*

▲Opened 7/1931 [Handbook]. The Rugby Regional Group opened the hostel here [press article,
before 19/9/1931]. The warden was Mrs Litchfield.
✚Closed end 9/1931.
Handbook 1931(4th edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Gaydon Inn in 2002. A photo of Ye Olde Gaydon Inn hangs in the saloon bar. There was evidence
in 2002 of partly demolished outbuildings [GD].

GAYLE Camping barn 1993≠ to 1993≠.
▲West Duerley Farm, Gayle, North Yorkshire. GR: SD 857867
Gayle featured in the 1992 North Yorkshire Camping Barn leaflet, opening Easter 1993. It is not known whether it saw
service. A Countryside Commission folder of 1993 did not include an entry.
Property profile: a traditional Dales barn.

GEE (see Upper Booth)
GERDDI BLUOG 1976 to 1982.
Gerddi Bluog, Harlech, Gwynedd.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: WN

GR: SH 619308*

178
▲Opened 1/10/1976 and officially opened 30/4/1977. The hostel, which boasted underfloor
heating, was opened to provide accommodation on the proposed Cambrian Way, devised in 1968.
There was a seasonal warden [M Kirby]. It was graded simple in its first year, with a view to
standard grade later [HN Autumn 1976].
✚Closed 30/9/1982 and disposed of [YHAar85].
Handbook 1977-82.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 7/1/1976 with assistance from the Countryside Commission (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB]. It was disposed of [YHAar85].
Property profile: built 1677, though the first reference to Gerddi Bluog is 1420. It is thought to have been the home of
Edmund Prys (1544-1623), Archdeacon of Merioneth, who translated psalms into Welsh. The farm lies on a narrow
gated road.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The most isolated hostel in North Wales. Originally built as a farmhouse in the 15th century, much of the
present building is more recent, having been completed over the past 15 years. Designed by the late Sir
Clough Williams Ellis, all the rooms are large with panoramic windows. The dormitories are spacious
and airy, the members’ kitchen large and well equippped, and the baronial hall style common room [with
wide fireplace] now boasts soft chairs and gas heating [HN Autumn 1980].

GIDLEIGH 1932 to 1988.
Gidleigh Cottage, Castle Farm, Gidleigh, Chagford, Newton Abbott, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 670883*

▲Opened 1932. It would be open by Easter 1932 [PlymouthRGar31], and was described as a
cartshed or coalshed (for one sex, the other sex using a tent), with 8 beds in 1933. The logshed
formed the kitchen. Mrs Osborne (who died shortly after the war) was warden. This simple
arrangement finished in 1933 or 1934 [Marie Bright, Lindsey Porter], when a purpose built timber
chalet was provided, with extensions, helped by a grant from the Regional Development Fund –
presumably YHA’s [DACar35]. Ken Tyler wrote, however, that the later hostel buildings were
completed by 1937 [HN Spring 1972].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth, Devonport, etc. Considerable improvements were
made in preparation for peace time [DACar42].

In 1982 the hostel celebrated the unique distinction of having been wardened by the same family,
the Osbornes mother (Margaret) and daughter, for 50 years. They also ran the village Post Office
from Castle Farm.
✚Closed 2/1988, due to the death of the warden/owner [YHAF]. There were no registered
bednights after 30/9/1987.
Handbook 1932-88.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: timber buildings. It is not know whether Castle Farmhouse itself was ever used by members.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gidleigh 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Gidleigh 752 ≈† RG37.tif
‘The Building of Gidleigh’ – article in Rucksack, Y500001-1943-1
Reports, recollections and observations:
Gidleigh hamlet comprised of two small cottages, Gidleigh Castle ruins, Castle Farm, one bungalow and
the rectory. The hostel opened in 1932 in an old army tent in a field adjacent to one of the cottages. The
tent was used as the female dormitory (6 beds) whilst the males slept in a cowshed on the farm. The
village pump, which had a lean-to shed with a built in bench seat, served as the outside dining room.
The hostel was a success from the word go, Mrs Osborne being just like a mother with her hens, always
concerned with the brood to see that they were well and truly housed for the night and that they were well
fed for the day. She became quite famous for the large roast dinners and cream tarts, which were a special
feature of her catering for the members.
Eventually the tent and the cowshed were not large enough to accommodate the number of people
wishing to visit, so the association entered into an agreement for the building of the hostel premises that
are now in use. One feature of the hostel dormitory adjacent to the cowshed is that the cows are tethered
by chains which create quite a rattle during the night. This has tended to prompt one to say that the
Gidleigh Ghost is on the prowl again [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Meals were provided until just after World War II and clotted cream turned up in the porridge of wartime
days, contrary to regulations [KW Tyler, HN Spring 1980].
It was a large hut behind the village post office. We had been expecting to find a very primitive place and
were pleasantly surprised at the accommodation. The warden asked us to sign in at the Post Office. She
returned our cards immediately [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern England, April 1965].

179
(v)

GILLERTHWAITE (see Ennerdale)
GIGGLESWICK Camping barn 1990 to 1996≠.
▲Giggleswick, Settle, North Yorkshire. GR: SD 795632
Handbook 1992-96. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 advised the camping barn here was operating in that
year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: built in 1761. In the farmyard opposite Grain House.

GILSLAND [Dacre House] 1932 to 1935.
Dacre House, Gilsland, Carlisle, Cumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NY 635664*

▲Opened 5/1932 [LAKar32].
✚Closed 1935 and replaced by Gilsland (Thirlwell Villas) Hostel, opposite.
Handbook 1932-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: stone-built village house that had an established trade in serving refreshments, etc.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gilsland A 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

GILSLAND [Thirlwell Villas] 1936 to 1940.
Thirlwell Villas, Gilsland, Carlisle, Cumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NY 635664*

▲Opened 1936, probably later in the year, replacing the former hostel at Dacre House, opposite.
Gilsland. The position here is very difficult. The husband, a miner, has been out of work for several
years; they own their own house, but there is a mortgage on it of £600. The warden is a very hardworking poor soul and is making frantic endeavours to keep the house. She has overcrowded the house
badly, and there is no doubt she has too many beds. I saw no evidence of dirt, but the self-cooking
facilities are inadequate. She has had some pretty rough people in, who smashed her WC bowl, and also
the metal arm of her lavatory cistern.
There is a house coming empty soon, which might be rented and of which I shall have particulars later.
There is also a vacant space behind the house where a wooden hut might be put, in which the men
members might be accommodated and also the self-cookers.
In either of these schemes we should have to help her, as she has no funds available. I suggest we do
nothing this season, but that in the autumn we investigate the position. The situation is a good one, and
there is much need, according to Mr Thomson of Currock House, of a hostel at Gilsland [Report,
Lakeland memo 2 June 1939].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1939 and 1940. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel
was operating, though by 5/11/1940 it was closed until further notice. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the
need to keep it from requisition, but the hostel was not to be used again.

✚Closed (after 9/) 1940: the hostess was unable to carry on under wartime conditions [LAKar41].
There were just 9 bednights in 1941SY, which would suggest closure in October 1940.
Handbook 1936 supplement-40.
Alternative name: Gilsland Lakes (1936 supplement).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: part of a double terraced property.
(v)

GISBURN 1934 to 1940.
Park Hostel, Main Street, Gisburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 829487*

▲Opened 19/5/1934. The 1934 Handbook advised that negotiations were proceeding, with no
details; these were to follow in the 1934 supplement. Officially opened 8/9/1934.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1939 and 1940. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice.

✚Closed 10/1940.
Handbook 1934-40.
Property tenure: tenancy, taken over by YHA in 1934 [YHAar34]. The lease was regrettably given up 10/1940
[MANar40].

180
Property profile: formerly the Park Hotel, an old temperance hotel, opposite the church [MANar34].
Now a luxury guest house [KF].
Web resource: http://www.parkhousegisburn.co.uk/location.htm
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gisburn 751 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gisburn YH Profile
(v)
GLAMORGAN COAST Planned hostel 1937.
Near Breaksea Point, Glamorgan. GR: ST 023657 (Breaksea Point)
▼A hostel was expected to open near Breaksea Point during Spring 1937 [Handbook 1937, no details]. Breaksea Point
is close to St Athan, which closed in 1937 and Llantwit Major, which opened in 1937: this is possibly a reference to
Llantwit Major Hostel.

GLASCWM 1947 to 1997.
The School, Glascwm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5SE.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS; W

GR: SO 158532*

▲Opened Easter 1947 [BMWar47]. Usage was described as low, to be closely watched
[BMWar52]. The men’s dormitory hut placed to the east of the school originated from Chaddesley
Corbett Hostel. In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school
parties listed the following ‘defects’: Glascwm: Elsan toilets, small members’ kitchen. No meals
provided.
A new layout was under consideration in 1977 [WSar77] and a new men’s dormitory block
completed and flush toilets provided in 1979 [WSar79]; the existing hut building was due to be
transferred to Llanddeusant.
In 1997 the Board considered a detailed report on the condition, shortcomings and performance of
four hostels described as sub-standard. Of these, it was concluded that three should close, including
Glascwm [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed 1997, the end of season being 6/9/1997.
Handbook 1946 supplement-97 (1946 supplement was published 3/1947).
Property tenure: at first a tenancy; a later freehold purchase was made 4/4/1977 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former school.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Glascwm 751 ≈† RGc47.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
In January we confidently announced the opening of the new Radnorshire Hostel. We reckoned without
the weather! For nine weeks Glascwm was cut off from the outside world – the road into the village was
opened again on 25th March – one week left to Easter, but we made it. If the Easter users found it not
quite the bright and shining place we had planned, no doubt they excused us when they heard the story
[Rucksack, Easter 1947].
Here it was not unusual to find the hill sheep nosing in the dormitory at dawn [Len Clark, reporting in
2007].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 850 bednights..
Glascwm is situated in the old school house in the centre of the village. There is one main building that
houses the women’s dormitory and wash room, the Common Room / Dining Room and a small
Members’ Kitchen. This is a simple Simple hostel. Although lights and cooking are on calor gas, the
washing facilities are cold water and plastic bowls. There are elsan lavatories.
The girls’ dorm holds 8 beds; mattresses are mixed and there are still a number of the old straw type.
These should be replaced as soon as possible by the foam rubber type. The floors are bare. Women’s
wash is primitive with a cold water tap and plastic bowls.
The boys’ dorm, a wooden hut in the grounds, is overcrowded, has bad lino, some straw mattresses, no
curtains, no stools, few hooks and more importantly there is no space. I measured tile room 18ft by 9ft or
about l6sq ft per bedspace. One double bunk must come out of this room. A dark windowless room at the
end of the dorm serves as a wash, has no water laid on and consists of a plain wooden bench and a couple
of bowls. This room needs improving. There is a urinal and elsan toilet for men in the yard and an elsan
for the girls.
Glascwm passes for a Simple hostel. I have no real complaints except for overcrowding in the boys’
dorm. However, a little money and energy, especially in the washing facilities and lavatory (Question: is
there no mains sewerage in the village?), could greatly improve it [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel
Report, 1/8/1973 (extracts)].
(v)

181
GLASGWM HALL Planned hostel 1938. Did not open.
Glasgwm Hall, Penmachno, Caernarvonshire. GR: SH 773503* (Plas Glasgwm)
▼It was recommended that this building should be provided as an additional hostel by the Government’s National
Forest Park Committee; the Forestry Commissioners had already leased out Gwydr Uchaf to YHA [Rucksack New
Year 1938].

GLENRIDDING (see Helvellyn)
GLENTHAM 1937 to 1941 or 1942.•••
The Chestnuts, Glentham, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire
YHA Region: NMI
GR: TF 008904*
Positional note: the Chestnuts is now the village pub, a quarter mile east of the village crossroads, and is thought to
have been the location of the hostel.≠

▲Opened 1937.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1939-41. National notices of 5/11/1940 and 7/4/1941 advised that the
hostel was operating, and it was shown as operational the following year [WES Newsletter 7/1942], though there were
only 50 bednights in 1942SY, suggesting closure in late 1941.

✚Closed 1941 or 1942.
Handbook 1937 supplement-42.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Chestnuts has had a chequered history, starting life as the new vicarage in 1862, taking over from
the rector’s previous residence the Parsonage. It was used by the Church until 1925, when it became an unlicensed
guest house. In 1962, it became a licensed restaurant eventually adding a cabaret room in 1973 [Glentham Village
website].
Reports, recollections and observations:
An old property that had been both a rectory and a chicken farm with huttage for 10,000 birds in the
grounds [Jack Whiting, recounted in 2006].
(v)

GLOSSOP 1938 to 1940.
2 Jordan Street, High Street, Glossop, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 040942*

▲Opened 3/9/1938 [MANar40]. The accommodation was 20 beds.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1939 and 1940. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice.

✚Closed 8/1940 [MANar40], though a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was
operating.
Handbook 1938amendments-40.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: corner terraced property, a wine shop in recent years.
(v)
GLYN CEIRIOG Hostel planned in 1941 or 1942. Did not open.
Pandy Mill, [or Berwyn Mill, YHAPB], Pandy, Glyn Ceiriog, Denbighshire. GR: SJ 195359
▼This was a derelict mill purchased in 1941 by Merseyside Youth Hostels [MYH History] This Ministry of Education
grant-aided freehold purchase is also dated as 15/12/1942 . It was vested in YHA Trust on 21/4/1944. It was
purchased to be a large youth hostel, but would not be available till after the war. Extensive alterations were needed
[MERar42]. The expensive adaptation was never carried out. Useful materials were cannibalised and the shell
disposed of, the property being sold on 21/5/1951 [YHAPB]. Pandy Fulling Mill was the first fulling mill in Wales. It is
now (2006) an art gallery.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile

GODSFIELD 1932 to 1938.
Godsfield Manor, Armsworth, Alresford, Hampshire.
NOTE: the 1932 (October) Handbook gave the address as Godstone Manor in error.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 604370*

▲Opened later 1932. The ancient derelict chapel became the common room, converted by
members, the adjoining monastic buildings contained the men’s dormitory and cooking facilities;
women were housed in the farm house.

182
✚Closed 1938, the end of season being 30/9/1938. This was at the request of the owner [LRN
11/1940].
Handbook 1932 (October)-38.
Alternative name: Godsfield (Old Alresford) (1933).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: 14th-century chapel of the Knights Templars and moated monastic farm. The Chapel had been derelict
for 300 years.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Godsfield 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Y500001-1933-1 Rucksack.pdf
Reports, recollections and observations:
THE KNIGHT’S HOSTEL
‘A faire chappell adjoining a convenient dwelling-house for a gentleman, builded of tymber with viii or
nyne good lodging chambers ... watered with a well of excellent good water, with garden, orchard,
barnes, stables and all other outhousing of all sortes sufficient.’ So runs an entry in a sixteenth century
survey of Hampshire, while a certain twentieth century survey describes the same place thus : OLD
ALRESFORD. Route – PILGRIMS WAY. Address GODSFIELD MANOR, OLD ALRESFORD. *10.
†10. Open all the year. HANTS. OS map no.123. To Winchester 11 miles.
It will be seen that some changes have occurred in the time. Room for “a gentleman” now welcomes ten,
to say nothing of the ladies. It must be admitted that “viii or nyne good lodging chambers” is somewhat
of an exaggeration of the hostel’s present capacity, but “excellent good water with garden, orchard” is
still to be found, and “all other outhousing of all sorts sufficient” today caters adequately for cyclist
members.
There is a strange history attached to this Godsfield hostel, standing upon the ancient Lun Way, more old
than the Pilgrims Way itself, in this remore forgotten park-land of central Hampshire. Towards the
middle of the twelfth century Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester, gave Godsfield to the Knights of St
John of Jerusalem, and here (their title ratified by King John) they raised a home for their fraternity.
Between 1360 and 1370 they erected a building, half chapel, half lodging room for monks and passing
pilgrims. The lovely lofty chapel, its thick flint walls pierced with lancet windows and a great eastern
light, abutted the living quarters. Here was a low kitchen, whose broad fireplace will soon serve to cook
YHA meals, and a dormitory above, where the monks slept and where five double deck beds now cater
for later wanderers. In a dark recess below the level of the ground a hermit once lived in meditation.
Bur to the good hospitable life of the Commandery, the pestilence and the dissolution of the monasteries
brought evil times. The other buildings fell into decay and crumbled. Gypsies and animals sheltered in
the empty desolate chapel; peasants lived where the monks had worked. A new farm grew up, for which
the ancient buildings were mere outhouses.
And now at last the tide of its fortunes has changed again. Throughout the autunm and winter week-ends,
parties of members, working under a charming and knowledgable young guest from the German
movemcnr, have been busy with barrows and shovels, cement and bricks and mortar. The old building,
still heavy with its slow strong monastic atmosphere, begins a new lease of life. The chapel – hen-house,
dovecote, and casual shelter successively – is being dug down to its old floor-level, cemented, and fitted
as a cheerful common room, where the great brickhearth (built in by some peasant) will throw flickering
lights up into the dim gabled roof. The monastic kitchen is almost equipped, the ancient dormitory stands
ready, bicycles occupy the hermit’s cell. The rambling friendly farmhouse alongside provides room for
the women.
Nor is this all sacrilege. It is, in a sense, a rededication of the ancient labour of ministering to pilgrims
and wanderers. Here is a true story told by the leader of the working parties. A stranger came to the
building while they were at work. She watched them for a while. Then she casually suggested the idea
that the monks might be watching the party at its work, and fancifully described them – a prior and a
physician. They were happy and benevolent, because they felt at last after many hundred years the spirit
of their work and service was once more come to the place in which they had lived. When the stranger
had gone, research showed her description to tally exactly with that of the two last monks to serve this
ancient foundation before its dissolution.
At all events, here is an old and beautiful place, rich with the quiet and dignity of history, set in littleknown romantic country, once again extending the eight-hundrcd-year-old welcome of its hospitality to
all comers. Members will not be slow to avail themselves of its invitation [YHA Rucksack, Spring 1933]
We came upon the lonely Godsfield Manor Farm. The hostel was full and a family bedroom [in the
farmhouse] was sacrificed for us and hence we were not required to sign the housebook. At the hostel we
had a jolly sing-song – there were twenty-five of us – until midnight. The hostel was once a chapel and
when repairing it, bones were found and reburied. The story goes that Old Matin, onetime hermit – his
cell now used as a larder – walks abroad at dark.
The common room is something to be proud of. It is the chapel and has the artistic lamps and windows of
a religious house. The fireplace is a wonder: the lads had built a tremendous fire, burning not logs but
trunks [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, April 1934].

183
[GODSHILL: this is a summary of the uncertain history of the youth hostel premises in Godshill, Hampshire.
The earliest reference to a Godshill hostel was in a news cutting, almost certainly of 1931. This referred to the Folk
House, Sandy Balls estate, and a sketch of a chalet-type building under trees was provided. However, all the 1931
issues of the YHA Handbook, and all other publications up to 1938, advise that the Hostel was at the Old School
House, ¼ mile further along the road to the east. It is possible that the location was moved after a very short spell, or
that there was some other tie-up between Sandy Balls and the Old School House.≠ The Grid Reference for the Old
School House conforms with the 1935 Regional Handbook map and present position. The Folk House chalet was
indeed brought into use in 1943-45, if not in 1931.≠]

GODSHILL [Old School House] 1931 to 1938.
Old School House, Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON/SOU

GR: SU 172146

▲Opened 1931. Despite a newspaper article and sketch of 1931 describing the hostel as The Folk
House, Sandy Balls Estate, all other published references in the 1930s are to the Old School House.
The warden in 1935 was CK Rutter. There were (eg) 212 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931
[LONar31].
✚Closed 30/9/38, by circumstances beyond our control [SOUar38].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-38.
Alternative name: Old School House (1931(1st edn-3rd edn)-1938).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the Old School House is now known as the White House and operates as a B&B establishment. The
building was formerly known as Godshill Manor and dates back over 400 years.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Godshill 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
We arrived at the ‘Old School House’ Youth Hostel. Luckily, there was a spare room [it was a downstairs
room] with a double-decker bed, and we had a fire lit in the kitchen. It certainly was a primitive place.
The common room was small, holding a dresser, a wooden table fashioned for garden use and three
wooden forms, also a rough looking (home-made) sofa. There was a good crowd, over twenty. We used a
hurricane lamp and found that nothing would induce it to go out. It was still burning in the morning. My
funny bed, except for the lack of a pillow, was very comfortable [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, April
1934].
(v)

GODSHILL [The Folk House] possibly 1931; 1943 to 1945.
The Folk House, Sandy Balls Wood, Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire (1931 and wartime)
Positional note: the 1943 Handbook gave the location as 1¼ miles from Fordingbridge on Southampton
Road, top of hill, left at pillarbox. This accords with the Sandy Balls estate.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON/SOU

GR: SU 172146

▲Opened (possibly for a short time) 1931. A newspaper article and sketch of 1931 described the
hostel as The Folk House, Sandy Balls Estate. The 1931 Handbooks placed the hostel at the Old
School House, however. There were (eg) 212 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
▲Opened 1943. The Folk House property was obtained, perhaps for a second time, to appease
wartime demand.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1943-45, opened again after Whit 1943 by Southampton sub-regional
group. It was already popular, and an extension was required [SOUar43]. It was referred to as the new hostel
[YHAar43].

✚Closed 30/6/1945 [SOUar45].
Handbook 1931≠, 1943alterations-45.
Alternative name: Fordingbridge (LONar31).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel, at least in its first stint.
Property profile: a press release sketch of 1931 and a snapshot during the war show a chalet-type building in a sylvan
setting. Sandy Balls, founder/leader Ernest Westlake, was an estate on the northern edge of the New Forest bought as a
base for the Code of Woodcraft Chivalry. Annual folkmoots were held here from 1919 to 1934 and Westlake is buried
there in a replica Bronze Age burial mound [Website below].
Web resource: www.utopia-britannica.org.uk/pages/HAMPS.htm
The Folk House was demolished in 1991. The site is now occupied by chalets numberss 69 & 71 [KF 2017].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Godshill &
Fordingbridge YHs Profile
(v)

184
GODSTONE 1932 to 1936.
Surrey Crest, North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 338527*

▲Opened Whit 1932 (Whit Sunday was 15/5), a 39-bedded hostel with verandah.
✚Closed 1/4/1936, (discontinued 18/3/1936) as the establishment refused to allow YHA cooking
facilities, a situation at variance with LON Region policy.
Handbook 1932-35.
Alternative name: Surrey Crest (1932).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: since demolished.
Contemporary pictures show a wooden main building and several smaller huts; advertisements for Surrey Crest offered
home cooking, dancing and games. A paragraph in the Southern Ramblers’ History, ‘We Won’t Go Cosy’ claimed that
a 1946 walk through deep snowdrifts was made by 30 members in time for Christmas dinner at ‘the Surrey Crest youth
hostel’.
The site was lost to construction of M25. Currently (2014) a bungalow is sited at or just to the north of the original site.
It retains the name Surrey Crest [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Godstone 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Had set breakfast at the ‘Surrey Crest’ [Note on previous all-night ramble, 1934, by Will Rutter, later
warden of High Halden Hostel].

GOLANT 1970 to 2014.
Penquite House, Golant, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1LA.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SX 118556*

▲Opened 21/5/1970, replacing Lostwithiel Hostel, and officially opened 12/6/1971. Much of the
work was done by Plymouth Sub-Regional Committee. Field Study facilities were provided from
the outset [YHAar70]. The boathouse was disposed of about 1982 [D Simpson, YHAar85]. In the
1990s, as part of the PDMP, facilities were upgraded internally including washrooms, kitchen etc
and new staff accommodation on the left hand side of the drive on approaching the hostel was built
creating more beds and amenities in the hostel (the justification for the investment) Considerable
refurbishment throughout under PDMP was completed in 1991 [Sar 91]. Repairs to the
conservatory were carried out as a separate project to the PDMP work. They were done by a builder
and architect who failed to install sufficient ventilation and as a result the damp caused the wood to
rot quickly. [D Simpson]
In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale.
✚Closed 31/5/2014, with the last hosteller leaving on the morning of 30/5/2014. Completion of the
sale was due 17/6/2014.
Handbook 1970-2009.
Alternative name: Golant (Fowey) (1970-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 17/3/1970 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Georgian house, built by Col John Whitehead Peard of Fowey, who led a company of 1000 English
mercenaries in the Italian civil war of the mid-1850s. Penquite House stands in 6½ acres of grounds. In addition, 14
acres of woodland at the riverside and a boathouse (soon vandalised) and slipway came into YHA’s possession at the
outset [opening invitation].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lostwithiel, Golant &
Eden YHs Profile
(s)

GOODINGS 1964 to 1971.
Woodlands St Mary, Newbury, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: OXF; LN/SE

GR: SU 352753*

▲Opened 22/3/1964 for women only; men were admitted from 22/3/1967. Field Study facilities
were provided [YHAar67].
✚Closed December 1971, regrettably, as the nuns who ran the hostel wished to transfer to another
location [YHAar71, SEar72]. This was at Cross Bush, Arundel [GD].
The property was too large for YHA to consider taking it over [YHr Feb72].
Handbook 1964 supplement-71.

185
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: built 1931 by an oil magnate: a nunnery from 1953.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Farewell to Goodings
Goodings would like to say au revoir to their many good friends in the YHA. We have such happy
memories of all whom we have met among the officials and wardens, and all the hostellers who have
stayed with us. It has been a great pleasure to make such friends, and we say a heart-felt ‘God reward
you’ for all they have done for us, from equipping us to advising us, from peeling potatoes to cleaning
out the swimming-pool. We shall never lose our deep admiration for so fine a movement. Please pray for
us, and we will not forget you. God bless you all – Franciscan Monastery, Goodings [HN Spring 1972].
Goodings Youth Hostel closed over twenty years ago when the Franciscan Order of Nuns who ran the
Hostel, had to close owing to dropping numbers which made it difficult to manage the everyday work of
the Order. Most of the nuns transferred to the Poor Clare Convent at Arundel, including Sister Christine
Bernard who was the Hostel warden. She ruled with a kind but firm hand. I remember hostellers falling
over themselves when a request was made for help to lay the table, wash-up the dishes etc.
There was a homely atmosphere with the usual books in the lounge, plus record player, but no television.
In fine weather there was a swimming pool for use by the hostellers.
The meals were marvellous. The nuns grew a lot of their own vegetables, produced their own eggs,
butter, honey, and such thick cream to go with the home-made fruit tart! The breakfast included milk
from the Goodings cows, home-made bread, marmalade and jam. and thick rashers of bacon.
There was usually a cat or two, and a dog to help the homely feeling of the place.
I used to lay in bed hearing the squirrels scampering overhead – they awoke earlier than I did
[retrospective article by Deanna Bailey in YHA News, August 1994].
I found Deanna Bailey’s piece about Goodings of particular interest and would like to add just a brief
anecdote from the period when I was a Regional Officer.
The Hostel, set up under the former Oxford Region, was for girls only, as might have been expected at a
convent. Then one day the Mother Abbess and Sister Christine Bernard asked to see Gerald McGuire and
myself. The Mother Superior explained ‘we have been thinking that where there are girls, boys are bound
to pop up’ – thereafter it was a special experience enjoyed by both sexes [reply to above article by Len
Clark in YHA News, November 1994].

GOSPORT 1950 to 1960.
Frater Lane, Elson, Gosport, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 604025*

▲Opened 10/6/1950. The hostel was converted quickly from an almost derelict hospital [SOUar50]
into a facility accommodating M28W20.
✚Closed 31/12/1960 and replaced by Portsmouth Hostel.
Handbook 1950 supplement-60.
Property tenure: tenancy from the Borough of Gosport for 3 years from 1/6/1950 (to YHA Trust 18/10/1950).
Property profile: former isolation hospital consisting of two single story buildings at right angles that appear from aerial
views to survive in 2013. They are built on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gosport 751 ≈† RG50.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was hailed by Joan, Jean and Norma who had made their beds in Nelson’s room [Pat Packham, A Tour
of the Isle of Wight, 20 July 1957].
The present hostel at Gosport was erected in or about 1900 as an isolation hospital. It is constructed as
two separate buildings - one being of corrugated iron and one of rough cast walling. One building is used
as a women’s dormitory as well as the warden’s quarters and a members kitchen while the other is used
for cooking, dining room and men’s dormitory.
It is rented from the Gosport Borough Council at £60pa who are not prepared to spend money on its
maintenance. The window frames and doors are rotting. Its site is very damp. It is situated, as one would
expect an isolation hospital to be, down an old lane, off Elson Road. It is over a quarter mile to the
nearest street.
It has gas lighting and the meter is 1 mile from the hostel. The gas pipes are corroded and need complete
renewal. The Gas Company claim it is our responsibility from the meter (placed there on account of
being an isolation hospital). The water meter is also situated in the same place and constant trouble is
experienced from damage by youths. When the gas is used for lighting there is not sufficient power for
cooking and no alternative means.
It is a mile to the bus to take members to the Ferry to the Isle of Wight. The Region has been looking for
a replacement since 1954 but have not found a suitable place.
While it has been a very useful hostel and no doubt well liked by many members it is not up to, and
cannot be made up to, the standards we now expect.

186
The value of a hostel in this area is undisputably as primarily a stepping off place to the Isle of Wight,
and as a link along the South Coast road a poor second. A hostel in easier reach of the A3 and A27 roads
would fulfil these requirements better [memo from South Coast Region Secretary to YHA, 17th May
1960].
(v)

GOUDHURST 1943 to 1983.
Twyssenden Manor, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE

GR: TQ 713352*

▲Opened Easter 1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. The hostel was established by wardens
of the former Fairlight Hostel [LONar43].

There was a temporary closure 11/1946, but the hostel reopened 5/1947 [LONar47]. This may have
caused by the fire referred to as some time ago [Wightwash May1975]; a new staircase was
planned. An experimental forestry scheme to match High Halden’s farm scheme was not wholly
successful [LONar48].
Plans were drawn up in 1972 to improve toilet facilities to easrn standard grading, but a small but
serious fire in October 1973 required expensive, much enhanced fire precautions requiring a new
staircase and reconstructed washrooms, and the hostel was in jeopardy because of falling revenue
[SE memo 14/01/76]. The hostel was downgraded to simple late in 1975 because of the poor toilet
facilities. Nevertheless, there was investment in major building work in from 1976, when an
investment in fire precautionary work was deemed worthwhile [Wightwash April, May&Jul1977].
Altogether, the improvements cosg £11,350, though getting electricity to the annexe was proving
troublesome.
✚Closed at the end of the 1983 season when the lease expired; the new owner wished to use the
property.
Handbook 1943-83.
Property tenure: Goudhurst started as an accommodation hostel owned and wardened by Mr and Mrs Hutchins, but
passed after a short hiatus in 1947 into full control as a tenancy, [LONar47]. The lease was rented from the crown,
extended on a yearly basis [LONar54].
Property profile: red-roofed stone and timber manor house, with fragments dating from the fourteenth century. The
ground floor and basement (members’ kitchen) have stone flag floors, and the other floors are built from wide oak
planks. The ceilings are oak-beamed, with plaster infill. The front dates from ca1500. The Oak Room (common room)
was built in 1625. Upstairs is a Priest’s Room [YHA memo].
YHA Archive scale model: Y699009 Model of Goudhurst (Twyssenden Manor) YH; built by Martyn Hanks and
associated YHA volunteers and donated by him.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 4, Goudhurst, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1950.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I was told that the hostel was haunted, which did not please me very much, being alone in the dormitory
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Home Counties, March 1967].
From the gate one looks down upon this fine old manor house with its weathered stone walls, lattice
windows and tall chimneys, adjoined on the right by a farm and timbered outbuildings, the ground rising
on three sides to afford views of orchard, field and forest.
The heavy oak door at the bottom of a short pathway… within, the brick floors, the low beams and oakpanelled walls, the open log fire in the large stone fireplace of the common room, and the exceptional
beauty of the Oak Room, now the quiet common room, with its panelled walls and curiously sloping
floor, or the wide carved stairway just outside, that leads to the upstairs rooms and to what I am told was
a secret chapel originally approachable only through the rafters [Twyssended Revisited, by DL Darby,
May 1970].
From the outside it looks lovely, with oak beams and red brick walls. Inside it is quite large [Guy Dickins
(12) holiday log, 1974].
There is a whipping post in the members’ kitchen, a panelled 17th-century ‘Oak Room’ and a pulpit halfway up the richly-carved staircase [HN Winter 1981-82].
GOWER COAST Planned hostel 1934.
Glamorgan. GR: SS 5290 approx.
▼A hostel was expected in the district [Handbook 1934(1st edn only), no details]. This is probably a reference to the
first Llanmadoc Hostel (qv).

187
GOWER BUNKHOUSE 2006 to present.
Borfa House, Port Eynon, Swansea, SA3 1NN.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: W

GR: SS 468853*

▲Opened 2006 as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse specifically for group business, with 31
accommodated.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: recently renovated and extended spacious Victorian village house with a large fenced garden.

GOYT VALLEY 1931 to 1935.
Errwood Hall Farm, Goyt Valley, Buxton, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Cheshire
YHA Region: MAN
Positional note: the farm was over a mile north of the Errwood Hall [local history book].

GR: SK 013759*

▲Opened Easter 1931, at first for men only [Hiker and Camper 10/1932]. There were 364
bednights in 1931 [MANar31].
✚Closed 30/9/1935, for the construction of Goyt Reservoir. The wardens, Mr & Mrs Hannam,
moved to Bennetston Hall, though there was a brief overlap of hostels.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-35.
Alternative names: Errwood Hall Farm (1931(2nd edn-4th edn); Errwood Farm (1932).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the land here is not submerged, but the farm has been reduced to a few scattered stones.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bennetston Hall
YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Up, and yet up, for the hostel stands at 1,200 feet. We were greeted by a lean woman, a thorough North
Country type. Personally, I liked her; she was abrupt and definite.
Errwood Farm was, after the splendid [YHA] halls, rather primitive, an old place – how the wind moaned
around the top of my bed. The warden was certainly not in sympathy with the really large hostels. I think
we did more [duty] work here than at any of the mansions [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, July 1934].
(v)

GRADBACH MILL 1981 to 2013.
Gradbach, Quarnford, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 OSU.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SJ 993660*

▲Opened 1st May 1981 [YHAF] after very extensive conversion work, and building delays, the
possibility being first publiscised in 1977 [PKar77]. The hostel was not officially opened until
7/1984 [PKar84]. 14 acres of land were disposed of [YHAar89]. In 1992 large dormitories were
subdivided to provide family rooms [Car92]. Gradbach Farmhouse, the mill owner’s house, was in
the grounds and made available separately under the YHA’s rental scheme [eg RAH booklet and
E2 Website, 2003/04, 2007/08].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive.
In 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale.
✚Closed end 2013.
Handbook 1981-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 30/6/1978 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former mill (flax, silk, then sawmill) and separate owner’s house. It was bought from YHA by
Newcastle-under-Lyme College for an Outdoor Learning Centre. A separate house was converted for warden’s use.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Members can be housed in the Mill House as well as the old mill itself, giving plenty of space for
everybody. Plans for field study facilities are progressing, to cater for the demand from school groups
[HN Autumn 84].
The youth hostel occupies an old flax mill which was purchased by the YHA in 1978. The original mill
was built in 1640, probably behind the existing one; around 1780 it was acquired by Thomas Dakeyne of
Darley Dale, near Matlock, and in 1785 it burned down. Dakeyne then built the existing mill on its
present site. The flax produced at the mill was used to make linen. Production ceased in 1837. During
the 1850s the mill was used as a silk and flax mill; the silk was dyed in Leek, which was famous for its
raven black dyes produced using the very soft waters of the River Churnet.
After a period of neglect the mill was acquired by Sir John Harpur Crewe and used as a saw mill for his
large estate. From the early 1900s to 1977 the mill was used as a barn for a small farm on the site. The

188
mill pond was adapted to create watercress beds and an extension to the farmhouse was used as a café for
ramblers. The mill wheel, which was 24 feet in diameter and 6 feet wide, was removed for scrap during
the 1950s.
Many of the old workings in connection with the mill can still be seen and there are many pack horse
tracks in the area, by which the silk and flax were transported, one leads up from the mill on the opposite
side of the river, to Wildboarclough. Near the mill gates is the old lodging house and stables where some
of the mill workers would have stayed during the week [hostel poster, designed by Pollyanna Pickering].
(s)

GRAFFHAM 1938 to 1947.
Pennygate, The Mount, Nonnington Lane, Graffham, West Sussex. (The address was The Cottages
from 1938-43).
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON+SOU (SD Jt)

GR: SU 927180

▲Opened in the summer of 1938 as the first of the long-awaited South Downs hostels in South
Coast territory, a LON and SOU regions Joint Committee hostel. Negotiations are actively
proceeding for the acquisition of a second [Rucksack, Autumn 1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. Miss I. had left, now retired; in the region only this
and Swanage were available after the coastal ban of 6/1940 until the ban removal in 1941 [SOUar42, reporting on
period 1940-41].

✚Closed 31/8/1947, due to warden’s personal difficulties.
Handbook 1938amendments-47.
Property tenure:
Property profile: two cottages in a cul de sac off the entrance lane to Nonnington Hall.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Graffham 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Swanage YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the summer of 1938, the people of Graffham heard with dismay that their peaceful village was to be
invaded by Youth Hostellers. A hostel under the auspices of the Youth Hostels Association was opened
at Pennygate, a house standing at the end of a cul-de-sac off the Selham Road. In the summer of 1947,
the people of Graffham heard with regret that the hostel was closing at the end of August. What had
happened in the meantime? About 20,000 visitors had found their way here, by cycle or on foot, to stay a
night or two at the hostel and all had left with a feeling of delight at the beauties of our village and of the
country in which it lies. Many of the hostellers came again and again. People of the village had met those
hostellers and liked them; they found them to be ordinary men and women, boys and girls, who, like
ourselves loved the countryside and appreciated the opportunity the YHA gave them to enjoy it.
Among our visitors have been many foreigners, including most of the European nationalities and
Americans and there have been several from the Commonwealth. In fact the fame of Graffham is now
world-wide [1947 scrapbook, Graffham Parish News].

GRANGE-IN-BORROWDALE 1932 to 1973.
Hollows Farm, Grange-in-Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 247171*

▲Opened (probably 5/) 1932: it was operational for 5 months in 1932 [LAKar32]).
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 21/9/1973 because wardens did not wish to run their premises as a hostel any longer.
Handbook 1933-73.
Alternative names: Borrowdale (1933-38); Borrowdale B (1939-54).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: farmhouse, originally an inn; a National Trust property since 1941. The property now [2014] provides
bed and breakfast, self-catering and camping.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Grange 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Borrowdale YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The dormitory and common room had carpets and an excellent supper roused our drooping spirits…
Two girls had to be accommodated in the common room as the warden had made a mistake about their
booking [Pat Packham, August 1960].
(v)

GRANTHAM [Gorse Lane] 1951 to 1957.

189
Gorse Lane, Spittlegate Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire
YHA Region: NMI
GR: SK 906335*
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on the location hospital on the OS 6th series one-inch map.

▲Opened for Easter 1951 [NMIar51], replacing Harrowby Hall. Work parties replaced the roof
[YHAar53, YHAar54].
✚Closed 11/1957 because of the high cost of repairs due, and replaced by Grantham (Dudley
Road). The property was sold 1/7/1958 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1951-57.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 5/2/1952).
Property profile: wooden building, a former isolation hospital.
The building has been demolished and the site redeveloped with a large modern red-brick bungalow [KF].

GRANTHAM [Dudley Road] 1957 to 1986.
6 and 8 Dudley Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9AA.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 918356*

▲Opened 2/11/1957, replacing Grantham (Gorse Lane). Better quarters were provided for the
wardens in 1968 [PKar68].
✚Closed 1/11/1986, due to insufficient use. The property was disposed of in 1987 [YHAar87].
Handbook 1958-86.
Property tenure: freehold (Department of Education grant-aided) 4/3/1961 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: a pair of matching houses, one of which was a former vicarage.
Now the Birchwood Retirement Home [KF, 2011].
(s)

GRANTHAM (see Harrowby)
GRASMERE / GRASMERE (A) / GRASMERE THORNEY HOW 1932 to 2010.
Thorney How, Easedale Road, Grasmere Cumbria LA22 9QW.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 331084*

▲Officially opened 10/7/1932 [date on invitation card], a farmhouse gifted by Carnegie Trustees,
who offered £1,070 of funding. Camping facilities at special charges were provided from 1933. It
was agreed to spend £5 on concreting the floor of the barn [LAKmins 5/3/1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

As hostel renovation became pressing in the late 1950s Butharlyp How was initially seen as a
replacement for Thorney How, though a renovation fund had been set up [LAK mins 1957]. It was
decided to continue with the hostel and renovate in 1959, when fewer beds and a simpler hostel
would operate. The property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89].
✚Closed towards the end of 2010 and purchased with a view to maintaining it as a private hostel.
Handbook 1933-2009.
Alternative names: Grasmere (1933-53 and 1955-57); Grasmere (A) (1954); Grasmere (Thorney How) (1958-2002).
Property tenure: early Demonstration Hostel supported financially by the Carnegie Trust and held freehold, the first
hostel to be owned outright by YHA (to YHA Trust 27/9/1934). In 2010 it was freehold.
Property profile: former farmhouse. After YHA’s era the property continues as an independent hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Windermere YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Grasmere A 751 † RG32.doc; Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1933 approval was given for a working party of unemployed for a week, and again in 1934 in the
charge of Mr Wood, on special terms [LAK mins 5th March 1933, 4th March 1934].
Told by other hostellers: Organisation is very poor. Warden fat, with towel around neck. Kippers for
breakfast. Chain gangs from kitchen to dining room for everything. Very little grub [Mary Jephcott,
1943, reporting in 2008]
(s)

GRASMERE BUTHARLYP HOW 1958 to present.
Note: the correct spelling Butharlyp (after Buthar) has been reinstated in recent years.

Butharlyp How / Butterlip How, Easedale Road, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9QG.

190
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 336079*

▲Opened 23/5/1958 and opened promptly for the mid-season only, with just 45 beds, having been
secured only in late March 1958. 72 beds were intended for the following year [LAK mins
30/9/1958].
The hostel gained a new, larger members’ kitchen and dining area overlooking the beautiful garden;
new showers, toilets and laundry room were installed and the wardens’ quarters improved over the
winter of 1972-73; Thorney How was kept open to accommodate the closure [HN Summer 1972,
Summer 1973].
In 1993 a mains gas central heating system was installed at Grasmere Butharlyp How, designed to
reduce costs and to maximise energy conservation in line with YHA’s environmental policy.
The annexe, usually limited to use by men because of a single washroom, was scheduled for
improvement over the winter of 1996-97 to offer smaller rooms, more showers and WCs, and an
further members’ kitchen for considerable extra flexibility, including the option of RaH for the
annexe. This would be a great help to the wardens, who found the existing situation limiting, and to
visitors, a number of whom were critical of the present facilities. By May 1998, YHA would have a
completely refurbished hostel in this fabulous setting [YHA News end 1996 to spring 1998].
Handbook 1958 supplement-2009.
Alternative names: Grasmere (Butharlyp How) (1959-92); Grasmere (Butterlip How) (1993-2002); Grasmere Butterlip
Howe (2003/04).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 1/7/1958). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: large Victorian house, the former Butharlyp How Hotel. Howe Lodge (so spelled) is the original
farmhouse before the grand house was built. It is a separate building to the east, used for self-catering and further
accommodation.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Juke boxes have been installed at Ambleside and Butharlyp How. They are very popular with young
members and sufficiently isolated to avoid disturbing others [HN Summer 1972].
s)

GRASMERE (B) (see Langdale)
GRASSINGTON 1933 to 1939.
Manor Buildings, The Square, Grassington, Skipton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 002640*

▲Opened 13/4/1933, got ready at astonishing speed. The first warden was Mr HW Richmond. A
few years later the hostel suffered greatly with discomfort and appalling sanitary arrangements. A
frank review described the hostel as obviously unpopular and in need of replacement [WES hostels
report, 1/12/1938].
✚Closed 9/1939 [YHAPB]. YHA withdrew the tenancy arrangement.
Wartime arrangements: during the war this building was used by the Local Defence Volunteers, followed by the Home
Guard [Website, below].
Handbook 1933-39.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 10/3/1936).
Property profile: the hostel was behind the Manor Buildings. At first mention there were available 2 lofts, 3 rooms for
ladies and a large coachhouse [WESmins 9/2/1933]. A few months later this was refined as including two lofts
approached by the outside stone staircase, the small room to the right of the stair, the coachhouse under the first loft,
the wash kitchen (part use) and the two bedrooms above the wash kitchen, approached from a door on ground level,
with all access thereto and the use of water facilities in the yard… and use of lavatory accommodation in two places,
one on each side of the wall of the kitchen garden, and access thereto [WESmins 6/1933]. This property is now known
as Manor House Mews.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Grassington 751 † RG36.doc
Web resource: http://view.irun-digital.co.uk/?id=100thingstoseeonawalkthroughgrassington
(v)
GRASSINGTON Intended hostel 1939. Did not open.
Vendale, Wood lane, Grassington. This property may have been the current guest house, Grassington Lodge, GR:
998642.≠
▼The house was seriously considered as a replacement for the above property [WESmins 6/1939]. It appeared very
suitable and could accommodate 60 using lofts in outbuildings; the Regional Group should pursue this [WESmins

191
7/1939]. The Group preferred to purchase at £1,400 rather than a lease. The uncertainty over Fitness grants, the Scar
Top scheme and war footing seem to have scuppered the plan.

GREAT BAVINGTON 1948 to 1959.
The School, Great Bavington, Capheaton, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NY 984802*

▲Opened 7/1948 [NOTar48]. Officially opened 9/1948. This was one of the Northumberland
hostels opened under the influence of the Trevelyans. It was adopted by a Newcastle Club in 1958
and underwent some renovation [Tyneside Hosteller Jul/Aug 1958].
✚Closed 1/4/1959 just after the death of the warden [NOTar59].
Handbook 1948 supplement-59.
Property tenure: purchased property [YHAar48].
Property profile: former school in a tiny settlement, now called Easter Cottage. The warden lived in the next cottage.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1176855
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Great Bavington 751 ≈† RGc50.tif
(v)

GREAT BRICETT 1935 only.
Rosemount, Great Bricett, Ipswich, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk
YHA Region: EAN
GR: TM 040500≠
Positional note: the hostel location is uncertain, but possibly immediately north of the Red Lion Inn at the given grid
reference, in Greenstreet Green.≠

▲Opened 6/1935 [EANar35]. It would be open by the time of the Rucksack issue [Rucksack
Whitsun 1935]. There were just 29 bednights in total; there were 6 beds (M4W2). The warden was
Mr Murray Hale.
✚Closed 9/1935 [EANar35], rather ambiguously with removal of warden.
Property tenure:
Property profile: 16th-century farmhouse [press article details].

GREAT COMBERTON (see Comberton)
GREAT HOUNDTOR Camping barn 1995 to 2015.
▲Great Houndtor, Manaton, Newton Abbott, Devon. GR: SX 749795
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1995-2009. Also open 2010-present.
Property profile: a former farmhouse.

GREAT POTHERIDGE Camping barn 1995 to 1999≠.
▲Great Potheridge, Merton, Devon. GR: SS 513146
Handbook 1996; 1998-99. Open from April 1995 [leaflet].
Property profile: in farm buildings.

GREAT STAMBRIDGE 1978 to 1982.
Ragstone Lodge, Stambridge Road, Great Stamford, Rochford, Essex SS24 2AR.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA

GR: TQ 896914*

▲Opened on 1/1/1978 by Barbara and Bernard Gooding in part of their home.
Eastern Region was concerned as late as 1982 at the YH’s unfinished state, with the members’
kitchen a ‘major defect’. The hostel would be inspected before the dealine for the 1983 handbook
[HSC(Y)memo 4/82].
✚Closed 11/1982 as the owners no longer wished to operate a youth hostel, though other advice
was closed for renovation work [Handbook 1983].
Handbook 1978 supplement-83.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: rectory, built 1881. Now a retirement home, the house has been considerably expanded [JJ, 2003].

GREAT WALSINGHAM 1939 to 1940.
The Old Schoolhouse, Great Walsingham, Norfolk.

192
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TF 943376*

▲Opened Easter 1939, replacing Walsingham [Edgar House] Hostel. This well-built schoolhouse
in Great Walsingham was converted at short notice; it was not in the 1939 Handbook [EANar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel may have operated in the first months of the war: it was advertised as operating early
in 1940 [LRN 2/1940]. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was
uncertain because of the restriction of movement. It was closed 21/6/1940 along with four others in the region because
of these regulations [EANar39]. The inclusion of this hostel in a 1941-42 Regional Guide suggests that it remained in
the region’s plans for some time.

✚Closed 21/6/1940.
Handbook 1939amendments-40.
Property profile: schoolhouse.
Property tenure:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Walsingham B 751 ≈ RG42.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Walsingham & Wells
YHs Profile

GREAT WITLEY 1946 to 1948.
Home Farm, Great Witley, Worcestershire.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 751651*

▲Opened 1/5/1946, replacing Holt Hostel. Officially opened 11/5/1946.
✚Closed 30/11/1948 and replaced by Clifton-on-Teme. The lease expired and could not be
renewed [BMWar48].
Handbook 1946 supplement-48 (1946 supplement published 2/1947).
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: wing of a Grade II* listed15th-century manor house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Great Witley 751 ≈† RGc47.tif

GREAT YARMOUTH 1950 to 2008.
2 Sandown Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1EY.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA; C

GR: TG 529083*

▲Opened 15/5/1950 as a 40-bed hostel [YHAB 6/1950]. The first wardens were Mr & Mrs S
Gowland. The property was closed for works during the winter of 1966-67, and refurbished during
1988-89 [YHAar89].
✚Closed 30/9/2008.
Handbook 1950-2007/08.
Property tenure: leasehold / purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) from the County Borough of Great Yarmouth
for 999 years from 29/9/1900 (to YHA Trust 24/9/1949).
Property profile: former gentlemen’s smoking and snooker rooms and hotel, built 1901, in brown brick with lighter
stone window mouldings. It lies at one end of a distinguished seaside terrace, with a mirror-image building at the other
end.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sheringham YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 78, Great Yarmouth, Youth Hosteller August 1960.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Three men arrived and I thought ‘motorists’. They were quite openly hostelling by car. They did not like
the rule about being in a hostel by 10pm [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 24 April 1962].

GREENHEAD 1978 to 2009.
Greenhead, Carlisle, Cumbria CA8 7HG.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD; N

GR: NY 659654*

▲Opened 1/7/1978 and officially opened as a 40-bed hostel on 16/9/1978. The prospect of this
hostel appeared in Handbooks as early as 1976 and 1977, though these gave no details.
Closure was averted when the hostel was placed on the market 7/2006, closed as an interim
measure 30/9/2006 and sold [YHA departmental info, whyha.org.uk]. Greenhead would continue to
trade as normal as the new owners (proprietors of the village inn) joined YHA’s Enterprise scheme
[YHA eNews 12/2006].
Closed from 1/1/2010, as there was a new owner of the village inn.
Handbook 1976-77, 1978( supplement only)-2009.

193
Property tenure: freehold, grant-aided by the Countryside Commission (to YHA Trust) [YHAar76]. Later a YHA
Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: it was built in 1886 as a Methodist Chapel, encouraged by the religious fervour of the village’s mining
population. The church held its last service in 1972 [YHA Website].
(s)

GREENMOOR 1944 to 1948.
Trunce Farm, Greenmoor, Wortley, Sheffield.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding
YHA Region: NMI
GR: SK 279998*
Positional note: the hostel was on falling open ground to the rear of Trunce Farm. Greenmoor is usually spelt Green
Moor in modern usage.

▲Opened 15/8/1944. The warden was Mrs Godley of Trunce Farm, though in practice voluntary
weekend wardens were provided by YHA’s Sheffield House Committee. Accommodation was
M12W12.
Wartime arrangements: the hut had been removed from Stocksbridge and prepared by an army of volunteers over many
week-ends. There were 313 bednights by the end of September 1944. For some time it would be rough and ready,
without luxuries. It was sufficiently close to Sheffield for members to use it mid week and cycle back in the early
morning [Sheffield Bulletins, 9/ and 12/1944]. A cooking stove in the Scottish style had been fitted in the centre of the
common room.

✚Closed 1948.
Handbook 1945-48.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: a hut probably built for a soldiers’ camp during the Great War, then a British Legion meeting room,
wooden dance hall and for many years a storage barn in poor condition.
The hostel succumbed to the usual post-war shortages. It was demolished at Whitsun 1949.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Greenmoor 751 ≈† RG46.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Greenmoor YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fulshaw YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
When the hostel was demolished, its hard-to-come-by timber was used for repairs at Bretton, for
instance, as it was in very short supply [L Cartledge].
(v)

GREENSIDE (see Helvellyn)
GREENS NORTON 1953 to 1983.
Greens Norton, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8BL.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN; MD

GR: SP 670500*

▲Opened 21/11/1953 [WANar53], replacing Astwell Castle Hostel. Officially opened 22/11/1953
[WANar53]. There may have been unforeseen delays, as another source describes the eventual
opening, perhaps fully for the first time, as 3/1954 [WANar54].
✚Closed 30/9/1983.
Handbook 1952-83.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 12/2/1953 as land & buildings).
Property profile: former Second World War Land Army hut, later Italian prisoner of war camp with two wings
extending from a central brick tower.
The property is mostly demolished. Greens Norton community centre stands on the site of the wooden cabins. The long
brick building with a chimney still stands and the YHA painted sign can still be seen on the chimney stack [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [«]: Y600031 Cycling to Cornwall
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 37, Greens Norton, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The new warden, Mrs E Redley, has placed her television set in the common room for the benefit of
members. This is probably the first TV in a hostel common room, though wardens have invited members
into their sitting room to watch television [Youth Hosteller, June 1958].
Although now exhausted, we were well in time to check in and relax for a period before the evening meal
and met quite a few of the others staying there who were a mixture of hikers, cyclers and some hitchhikers. We had thought that the whole principle of hostelling was getting to each destination under one’s
own steam and felt quite indignant that hitch-hiking was even allowed, let alone being one of the
accepted ways of getting around. Luckily, I kept my feelings to myself as two of these ‘cheats’ turned out
to be very attractive girls of our own age, hitch-hiking all over the country with the help of lorry and car

194
drivers (and their looks), covering far greater daily distances than we could hope to do [Memories of a
1961 YHA holiday by Martin J Cox, reporting March 2012].
YH is army type building with two wings on central chimney [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard
comment, May 1971].
The warden was modest about her fantastic efforts on our behalf. She’d been anxious about putting on a
Christmas and because of this enormous amounts of provisions had been laid in as a reserve. I enjoyed
the warm atmosphere created by the one common-room-cum-dining-room [HN Winter 1981-82].

GRETNA 1932 to 1936.
National House Camping Ground, Mossband, Gretna Green.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 350654*

▲Opened (about 6/) 1932 [LAKar32].
✚Closed by end 9/1936 [LAKar36]: it was no longer available [Rucksack New Year 1937].
Handbook 1932-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: during World War I the hostel had been head office of a munitions factory. The building had a
distinctive clock tower.
It has recently been demolished for motorway widening [GD] – by 2009.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gretna 751 † RG32.doc

GRINDLEFORD SCHOOL [Temporary] 1942 (one night) and 1943 only.
Grindleford School, Sir William Hill Road, Grindleford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 242777*

▲✚Occasional and summer seasonal hostel open for one night in 1942 and three weeks in 1943.
Wartime arrangements: in 1942 this hostel accommodation was offered for one night only, to provide supplementary
accommodation for members attending the NMI annual general meeting at Leam Hall on Sunday 29/11/1942. The
hostel was probably therefore open for the night of 28/11/1942. It was organised and manned by the Sheffield SubRegional Group, with great success [Sheffield Bulletin 1/1943]. As a North Midlands Region response to overcrowding
it was clearly deemed worthy of a proper run the following August. There were 82 bednights in 1943.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village school.
(v)

GRINDON 2005 to 2010.
The Old Repeater Station, Military Road, Grindon, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland NE47 6NQ.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 816700*

▲Opened as a YHA Enterprise Guesthouse, later Bunkhouse, July 2005. This was too late for
inclusion in the 2005/06 Handbook. It had been an independent accommodation provider from
October 2004.
✚Closed 2010, when the affiliation with YHA came to an end.≠
Handbook 2007-09.
Alternative name: the Old Repeater Station (2004≠-2006).
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement [YHA News August 2005].
Property profile: a converted small telephone exchange at an isolated location.
(v)

GRINTON LODGE 1948 to present.
Grinton, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 6HS.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA; BD; N

GR: SE 048975*

▲Opened 17/7/1948 [YDM 9/1948]. This was a token opening, as the full facilities were not yet
ready [WEAar48]. Considerable structural alterations were completed the following year to bring
the accommodation up to 80 [YHAar49].
Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
Larger dormitories were split into smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93] and the reception and dining
room remodelled [Nar 1994].
Improvements were carried out early in 2002 [YHA News spring 2002]: the Salthouse, a selfcontained outbuilding, was remodelled for YHA rental use as well as for normal accommodation.
The hostel was the first to offer Camping Pod accommodation.

195
Grinton Lodge Hostel received a significant refurbishment ready for reopening on 26th March
2012.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-10 inclusive.
The name YHA Grinton Lodge was confirmed in March 2013.
Handbook 1948 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 4/6/1948). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: castellated building and outbuildings, a former shooting lodge.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marrick & Grinton YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 10, Grinton Lodge, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1951.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The venue of the cycle shed had changed since 1962. It was a shed with logs and dust-bins. The warden
was especially nice. In the common room I was interested to see bound volumes of Boys’ Own Paper
1895-96 [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Northern England, August 1965].
A very good Christmas package holiday. The warden led a hike on Christmas day that included Apedale.
Good weather and very cold. On Boxing day warden led a hike into Reeth, then Arkengarthdale to pub at
Booze for a quick drink [visit December 1995 by Gerald Hardwick].
(s)

GROSMONT [Town Farm] 8/7/1932 to 1933.
Town Farm, Grosmont, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: there is a small query about the exact buildings used [GD, MH].

GR: SO 404243*[GD]

▲Opened 8/7/1932. The hostel was open 8/7-31/10 in that year. The warden, Mrs Prosser, provided
meals next door [List of New Hostels Opened in 1932 [SWA leaflet 1932].
✚Closed 31/10/1933. A replacement was hoped for after Easter 1934. This was Lower Tresenny
Farm.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm in village.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was one of three in a tiny geographical area – two at Grosmont and one at Kentchurch – that
operated one after the other between 1932 and 1935. Remarkably, two were in Wales and one in England
[JM, 2017].
(v)

GROSMONT [Lower Tresenny Farm] 1934 only.
Lower Tresenny Farm, Grosmont, Herefordshire. SO 408241
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 408241*

▲Opened 1934 [29/3/1934 advertised in Handbook supplement], replacing Grosmont (Town Farm)
Hostel. It was not possible to arrange for reopening of the old hostel but, at short notice, new
premises were secured nearby to allow reopening at Easter [SWAar34]. There is a reference to a
hostel in the Hay-on-Wye area in the first 1934 Handbook; it is probably for Lower Tresenny.
✚Closed 1934 [31/10/1934 given in Handbook supplement] and replaced by Kentchurch Hostel.
Handbook 1934 supplement & 1934(2nd edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farmhouse in open country about a mile from Grosmont.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was one of three in a tiny geographical area – two at Grosmont and one at Kentchurch – that
operated one after the other between 1932 and 1935. Remarkably, two were in Wales and one in England
[JM, 2017].
(v)

GUESTLING (HASTINGS) (see Hastings)
GWYDYR UCHA 1931 to 1954.
The Stuart Downs Hostel, Gwydyr Ucha, Llanrwst, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 795609*

196
Note: the spellings Gwydr and Gwydir, and Uchaf are also found in local and YHA references.

▲Opened Easter 1931 [Merseyside leaflet], Mr Eccleston being the first warden [Bertha Gough],
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, and though a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued
to state that the provision was uncertain, operation was as normal by the end of the year at the latest. Then it was
requisitioned, probably briefly, on 7/1/1941 by Nant Conwy RDCA. A further notice of 7/4/1941 advised that it was
operating again; indeed, the Regional Annual Report for 1941 claimed that it had been open all year.

With the acquisition of Oaklands Hostel in 1945 the intention was to close permanently in 1946: we
are releasing, as working conditions have made it impossible to carry on the lease [MERar46]. The
hostel was definitely closed [Rucksack Easter 1947], though 6220 in 1946SY and 244 bednights in
1947SY would indicate that this interim closure was very late in 1946 or in 1947. The popularity of
Gwydr Ucha and overcrowding of North Wales hostels forced the Merseyside Committee’s hand,
however, and the hostel reopened at Easter 1948 [Rucksack, New Year 1948].
✚Closed 30/9/1954 [YHAF], just before the expiry of the tenancy.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-46; 1948-54.
Alternative names: Gwydyr Ucha (1931(1st edn-4th edn); Llanrwst (1932-46); Gwydr Ucha, Llanrwst (1948-49);
Llanrwst, Gwydr Ucha (1950-51); Gwydr Ucha (1952).
Property tenure: a new tenancy agreement was made with Forestry Commission (Ministry of Education grant-aided)
from 25/3/1948 [MERar47,YHAPB] (to YHA Trust 7/5/1948 as Gwydr Ucha House, Llanrhynchwyn). The tenancy
expired 25/3/1955 [YHAPB].
Property profile: old 17th century dower house on steeply graded ground. The coat of arms of the Wynne family was
displayed in the common room. There was accommodation for 80, and in 1931 a limited supply of hot water
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gwydr Ucha 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha, Oaklands
& Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile
(v)
GWYNANT Hostel planned in 1933. Did not open.
Gwynant, Caernarfonshire (the eventual Bryn Gwynant Hostel). GR: SH 641513*
▼Negotiations were proceeding [Handbook 1933, no details]. A hostel here or near here was a Merseyside Region
consideration for several years in the 1930s.

GYFFYLLIOG 1931 to 1952.
The Old School House, Gyffylliog, Ruthin, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire
YHA Region: MER
GR: SJ 058578*
Positional note: the village is now called Cyffylliog, but was always Gyffylliog or Gyffilliog in YHA literature.

▲Opened Easter 1931. This was one of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites
planned in 1930, to open summer 1931 [BYHA prospectus, 1930]. Miss Sumner was the first
warden [Bertha Gough].
Wartime arrangements: the strength of usage in 1940-42 is uncertain as bednight records are missing, but national
notices of 5/11/1940 and 7/4/1941 advised that it was operating. There was an interim closure in 1941, no record of
1942 use, and an opening at Easter 1943 [MERar42]. Bednights were recorded in 1943SY. Operation then continued
through 1943-45. In 1944 the warden was Mr W Pearce; there were then 32 beds, but no separate kitchen.

✚Closed 1/10/1952 [YHAF].
Property tenure: adopted hostel. The initial arrangement was payment of 1d per overnight to the vicar (also recorded as
1½d per 1/- overnight as rent).
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-53.
Property profile: former small village National School built in 1855 opposite the church and now a private dwelling.
There were beds for 32, and all facilities were on simple lines. It is not the present village school.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Gyffylliog 751 † RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The arrangement was to pay 1d a night out of the overnight charge of 1s as a rent and rates clearance. It
was a great favourite, and members had to go down to the river to wash. The best known warden was Bill
Pearce who had a large family, about 12 in all, and they all worked in the hostel as they grew up [Tom
Fairclough, Youth Hosteller, September 1969].

197
I spent a weekend [April 9th-10th 1932] at Gyffylliog with Tod Mycock. I liked this place then very
much. It was very clean in those days. There were only two other people in, and it was very jolly. I had a
fire in the bedroom at night [Bertha Gough diary].
The hostel was wardened entirely by members of the same local family, who collected the fees each
night, but it had to close when there was no family member left to carry on the tradition. Washing was in
the stream, using enamel bowls; cooking and lighting were of a simple nature [Max Kirby].
(v)

HACKNESS 1934 to 1945.
Highdales Farm, Hackness, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 949930*

▲Opened 12/5/1934 [YSHar34]. The 1934 Handbook expressed a hope to open, but with no
details: these followed in the 1934 supplement.
Wartime arrangements: there was an interim closure from the end of 1939, or at the latest mid 1940 [Rucksack Summer
1940]) to Easter 1945, when the hostel reopened for one season only.

✚Closed 30/9/1945.
Handbook 1934-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a solidly-constructed stone farm at the head of Highdales. The hostel was in the farm outbuildings
before 1940 but in the farmhouse in 1945. The farm has been empty since the early 2000s, and by 2012 was boarded
up.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hackness 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

HAGG FARM 1973 to 1988.
Hagg Farm, Snake Road, Ashopton, Bamford, Sheffield S30 2BJ.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 160888*

▲Opened 10/1973.
✚Closed 1988 (22/12 was end of season).
Handbook 1973-88.
Property tenure: the hostel was an experimental hybrid of YHA and non-member accommodation, managed by the
Peak Park Planning Board.
Property profile: former 19th-century farm building. In recent years the centre has been operated by Nottinghamshire
County Council for its own schools, other organisations and individuals.

HALES 1936 to 1936.
Rose Cottage, Hales, Norwich, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk
YHA Region: EAN
GR: TM 381971 or TM 381972
Positional note: there are three or four cottages adjacent to the windmill at the suggested grid references.≠

▲Opened 1/7/1936 at a cottage adjacent to the windmill in the centre of the village. 25 bednights in
total were recorded.
✚Closed 1936 [EANar36]. The hostel had to be closed after a short period because of the serious
illness of the warden and was not expected to reopen [EANar36].
Handbook 1936 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: cottage.

HALESWORTH 1932 to 1940.
Mellshill Fruit Farm, Holton, Halesworth, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 406760*

▲Opened 1932, probably later in the year. The hostel was based in a converted barn, with women’s
quarters in the farmhouse. It was leased from Ernest Holmes of the same address.
Wartime arrangements: there were 153 bednights in 1940SY, before closure. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued
to state that provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement.

✚Closed 14/6/1940 [EANar40].
Handbook 1932 (October)-40.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 15/3/1939 as part of Mells Hill Farm).
Property profile: farm buildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Halesworth 751 ≈† RG35.tif

198
Reports, recollections and observations:
Wear, Tees and Eskdale pioneer worker John William Major encouraged his friend, the farmer, to open a
hostel; there was a Quaker connection. He told the story [apocryphal, and repeated in all corners of the
British Isles] of young German guests in the 1930s being rather too close to the Hitler Youth persuasion
and being put on the boat at Harwich [Kenneth Major, reporting in 2004].

HAMPSTEAD HEATH (see [London] HAMPSTEAD HEATH)
HAMPTON LOADE 1931 to 1934.
The Old School, Hampton Loade, Alveley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 748864* – men’s
GR: SO 764859 [KF]≠ – women’s

▲Opened Whit 1931 as temporary quarters; the Committee were indebted to Captain WolrychWhitmore and the Rev N Marsh for the temporary loan of the Chapel-at-Ease at Hampton Loade as
men’s quarters [BMWar31]. The men’s hostel (14 beds) and mess room, an old stone mission hut,
were down by the river. The warden was Mrs Barnes, at the Dingle. She could provide meals
[regional pamphlet, 1932]. The girl’s hostel (8 beds) was also at the Dingle, a roomy old dwellinghouse, in its own grounds, a little higher up [press, 15/6/1931].
✚Closed by the end 9/1934: it had been discontinued [BMWar34]
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: two village properties, one variously described as a stone chapel, mission room or school, and a
private house. A mission room is marked on the 1928 1:2,500 OS map.
The Dingle was not the Greenhouse Dingle, as previously suggested, but the Old Forge House, a private house at SO
747862 [KF]
(v)
HAMSTERLEY Planned hostel immediately post-war. Did not open.
Hamsterley, Co Durham. GR: NZ 1131 approx.
▼A YHA/Barts coloured map, undated but checked to be 1945-46, indicates a youth hostel here. This is the only
reference found.

HANNINGTON 1947 to 1962.
Hannington, Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 539557*

▲Opened 1947. As early as 1945 a possibility of opening here was advertised [Handbook 1945, no
details]. It would be available shortly [LONar46], but it took another year: by Easter 1947 there
would be the new hostel [LRN 1/1947]. The first bednights were in 1947SY, but only 75% of the
1948SY total. Negotiations to open had dragged on as the building was dilapidated. Usage was
always disappointing.
✚Closed 31/01/1962 [LON memo] and replaced by Overton.
Handbook 1945-61.
Property tenure: purchased by YHA [YHAar46].
Property profile: large house.
Reports, recollections and observations:
When the Rectory at Hannington ultimately became YHA property the first people to stay there officially
were the members of the Works and Buildings Sub-Committee. This committee, consisting mainly of
hostellers with technical knowledge of some branch of the building trade visits London Region hostels
determining primarily what work is essential to keep the hostels structurally sound and weatherproof,
and, secondly, what work is necessary to improve their efficiency.
Hannington, when first inspected, was a sorry sight. Burst pipes had filled rooms with fantastically
shaped icicles, the roof leaked, and the only lighting was by candle and hurricane lamp. Dormitories,
washplaces, lavatories, common room, dining room, warden’s and members’ kitchens, drying room and
cycle store had to be provided – by no means an easy task when adapting a building intended for use as a
private dwelling, but with the assistance of the future warden, a satisfactory scheme was worked out.
Plans were prepared to show in detail the major constructional work intended to be put out to contractors.
Next, a full specification of work to be carried out was drawn up covering both contractor’s work and
that to be done by working parties, to accompany the licence application.
A short period of tension followed until the licence came through. Then the work really began in earnest.
Working parties, following the master plan under the warden’s watchful eye, shifted partition walls,

199
erected benching, installed sinks, cleaned and redistempered walls and ceilings, painted woodwork and
generally cleaned up the whole building and garden. While this went on at week-ends, the warden and
Ronald Lane, who had just joined the maintenance staff, worked during the week on roof repairs and
minor structural alterations, such as cutting new door openings and fitting footbaths. The installation of
electric light was shared between a hosteller who specializes in this work and the Wessex Electric Supply
Co, who brought the company’s line in and fixed the most urgent points.
During this time, tenders were being obtained from local contractors for the biggest jobs, conversion of
the garage into warden’s store and men’s WCs, etc. This work involved laying a lot of new drains,
building new manholes, and swinging the bottom of the staircase for the men’s dormitories upstairs to
open into the new WC block instead of the warden’s kitchen, thus providing an additional fire exit into
the yard at the same time. Readers who have visited the hostel since the work was completed will agree
that the W&B Sub-Committee has carried out a difficult task very well [LRN, Nov47].

HANWELL 1948 to 1957.
The Old Rectory, Hanwell, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 435435*

▲Opened 5/6/1948 [OXFar48], replacing North Newington Hostel. It was acquired at short notice
[OXFar47]. It was a property with 4 good-size rooms, 8 bedrooms and extensive outhouses. Two
lofts over the outhouses were converted into one excellent summer dormitory [OXFar47,
OXFar49]. Towards the end of its span the hostel was underused and in a poor state [OXFar56].
✚Closed 14/9/1957, as it was too much of a financial burden [OXFar57]. Property sold 4/3/1958
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1948-57.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 3/11/1947).
Property profile: impressive ironstone house on Church Lane in the centre of the village. During the 17th century the
rectory became the centre for Puritanism throughout Oxfordshire. In 1946 Hanwell Parish merged with Horley and
Hornton and the Rectory became redundant.
Web resource: http://www.cherwell.gov.uk/media/pdf/b/5/pdf4252063654879918509.pdf

HARDEN MOSS (see Holmfirth)
HARLECH 1938 to 1989.
Pen-y-Garth, Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2SW.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 581308*

▲Opened Easter 1938 [MERar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned early on [History of MYH]. In 1941, it was was requisitioned for
schoolchildren, yet plans had been laid to purchase the property [MERar41]. The hostel would be available during the
winter of 1942-43 if booked in advance, and fully from Easter 1943 [MERar43].

✚Closed end 1989 season. Closure was to concentrate effort at the larger hostel of Llanbedr, with
a firm intent to move back into or close to Harlech with a more appropriate building at a future
date [WSar1989]. In 1989-90 the property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar90].
Handbook 1938-39; 1943alterations-89.
Property tenure: the hostel was taken on a 7 year lease of £35pa, starting 1937. In turn it was leased to the RDC for
£10pa in 1940 [2008 owner, P Loosley]. Purchased 1942SY for £750 [MERar42 and P Loosley]. Freehold was
transferred free from the bankrupt Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd to YHA 1/2/1984 (liquidated assets to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB].
Property profile: the house was built in 1867, on land bought for £95. In 1876 it was bought by the owner of the local
manganese mine, Rees Evans, and in 1886 acquired by Dr Jones. On his death in 1924, his widow continued to hold the
deeds until YHA moved in. She may have been Mrs WM Jones, the first warden. After YHA use it has served two
owners, as a B&B and holiday let, and has been restored in 2008 as a B&B by the present owners. The house was
reputed to be the first in Harlech to have electricity and a water supply [postcard comment].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Harlech 751 † RG44.jpg
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr R Smith [postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:
… 20th-21st March 1937: We went on to Harlech to look at a house there. We did not like the look of it
at all, although its situation was good. It was afterwards taken as a hostel [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

HARLOW 1967 to 1994; 1996 to 1998.
Corner House, Netteswell Cross, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QD.

200
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TL 450109*

▲Opened 1/4/1967 as a 50-bed accommodation hostel owned and run by Karen and Ron Toettcher.
The kitchen and men’s dormitories were situated in the forge, stable and barns of a farmhouse
behind the main shop or cottage buildings [1975 photograph caption, YHA Archive]. After the
deaths of the hosts, there was an interim closure from 1994 until reopening in just the front portion
of the premises on 1st June 1996 by new owner Richard Adams (the 1995-96 Handbooks declaring
uncertainty about whether the hostel would operate), though guests stayed from 13th November
1995. In 1998 the availability was again under discussion, and the YHA presence here ceased at the
end of that year.
✚Closed 1998. After that date the independent Harlow International Hostel has continued under the
ownership of Mr Adams, and again makes use of the entire property [2013].
Handbook 1967 supplement-98.
Alternative names: Harlow (Netteswell Cross) (1967 supplement); Harlow Park (1985-91).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the red-brick corner house, formerly a shop, and associated buildings in the Town Park at Netteswell
Cross. The shop was rebuilt in its present form about the beginning of the twentieth century, but closed in the 1950s.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Harlow YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Nazeing YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
About 100 years ago [described in 1960s] there was built on this site a small cottage of the typical Essex
wattle-and-tile structure. A forge was probably also built at this time, as the Toettchers, in reclaiming the
garden from a wilderness, discovered relics of such a forge. The shed seems to date from the same time.
At the turn of the century a red-brick shop was built on to the front of the cottage, and this probably had a
good trade, as the road in front of it carried many travellers going to Newmarket or Epping. Later it
became a bookmakers premises, and after this a garage, with a large sign advertising petroll. The
inspection pit is still there, now covered in, in what is to be the common room of the hostel. During the
war the Home Guard made use of the building, and then it became the headquarters of a Territorial Army
unit [from article Youth Hostels in Essex (4) by Ronald A Threadgall, unknown publication].
The atmosphere at Harlow hostel was quite singular. Greeted by the warden’s wife, sitting outside on the
wall shelling peas with her grand-daughter, then ‘adopted’ by the warden himself, who was like a
grandfather to us, too, and made us feel so welcome. The warden was the friendliest and most hospitable
that I have known [T Connolly, holiday log, 1975].
(v)

HARROGATE [Temporary] 1978 only.
Queen Ethelburga’s School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 278555

▲Opened 31/7/1978, intentionally for a fortnight. This temporary 80-bed hostel catered for the
Festival of Cycling and CTC Centenary Rides; 740 bednights were recorded. It was deemed a
success, though there was some Regional Council criticism of the venture taking trade from an
underused Dacre Banks Hostel. Beds and blankets were lent free of charge by the Army Apprentice
College, Harrogate. The warden was Mario Papworth. The School was willing to make the
arrangement available again, but the offer was not taken up. Harrogate LG provided assistance in
prparing and dismantling the equipment [YKar78].
✚Closed 12/8/1978.
Property profile: early 20th-century school buildings to the west of Harrogate.
The school was located on Penny Pot Lane. It was a large collection of buildings, fronting a large sports field. The field
is still there but all school buildings have gone, with housing on the site today. The grid ref is for the main
entrance/chapel area [KF, 2011].

HARROWBY 1943 to 1951.
Harrowby Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 935358*

▲Opened 18/9/1943, with accommodation for 36.
Wartime arrangements: after a brief existence as an accommodation hostel it had to be closed; at the beginning of
1944SY year the region was given the opportunity of leasing it: the hostel reopened in early summer 1944 [NMIar44].
It operated in 1945 also.

✚Closed 3/1951 [YHAF] and replaced by Grantham (Gorse Lane).

201
Handbook 1944-51.
Alternative name: Grantham (1945).
Property tenure:
Property profile: country house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Grantham A 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

HARTINGTON [Pool Hall Farm] 1932 to 1935.
Pool Hall Farm, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 127608*

▲Opened Easter 1932. In 1935 the hostel was retained as an overflow to its newly established
replacement, Hartington Hall.
✚Closed 1935.
Handbook 1933-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: attractive double-fronted stone farmhouse.
(v)

HARTINGTON / HARTINGTON HALL 1934 to present.
Hartington Hall, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0AT.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 131603*

▲Officially opened 3/1934. The new development attracted a grant of £100 from the Carnegie
Demonstration Hostel Fund. A public water supply was to be provided [Rksk spr37]; earlier, a
watercart had to be trundled uphill from the village pump.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that
the provision was uncertain, but another of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. An internal circular of
18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire
towns, the Potteries and West Riding.

A new flat was provided for Hartington wardens in 1968 [PKar68]. Field Study facilities were
provided [eg YHAar69]. In 1979 the hostel was ready to go to 7-day opening thanks to a newly
built bungalow for the wardens and a self-contained flat inside the hostel to house five assistant
wardens [PK memo 29 May 1979]. The extension came into use about 1986 [PDMP 1986]. In 1987
the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
A major project was reported as under way; the adjacent Barn would provide more family rooms
and additional facilities to enable groups and other users to coexist comfortably on the site, while
the washrooms were transformed and central heating planned [YHA News end 1997, spring 1998].
The hostel closed for refurbishment 2/9/2000, carried out with a grant of £271,000 from the
National Lottery Heritage Fund, and a public appeal, and reopening 5/2/2002. The name YHA
Hartington Hall was confirmed in March 2013.
Handbook 1934-2009.
Alternative name: Hartington (1936-37 and 1944-83).
Property tenure: at first a tenancy. After receiving notice to quit [YHAar47] an appeal was launched to fund the hostel’s
purchase [NMIar47] and it was bought freehold (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 16/1/1948 and
24/10/1949). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: manor house, built 1611. There are numerous outbuildings, including a very large converted barn and
a newly built Coach House. A new assistants’ cottage opened in late 2000 on the site of the old garage, while Hall Bank
Cottage was put on the market [YHA internal memo].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hartington B 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006
Mary Jephcott.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 16, Hartington, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Some time around 1934-35 I was involved in a volunteer working party at Hartington Hall YH getting
the place ready for opening. After working till mid-day on Saturday we would cycle some 35 miles to
Hartington and then work until bedtime, then work again on Sunday, just leaving time to cycle back
home to be ready to start work again on Monday. We did this for the following 8 weeks.
We also had a duty to do before leaving. One I remember very clearly: at that time the hostel had no
mains water at all; water for washing, etc., came from tanks filled from the roofs and gutters. Water for
cooking had to come from the pump on the village green. The hostel had a 2-wheeled cart which held a

202
large dust-bin like container that was supported on pivots that kept it level all the way. We had to take
this to the pump, fill it, then pull it back to the hostel and if you are acquainted with the hostel you will
know how steep the hill is.
I was present at the opening ceremony, performed by one L du Garde Peach, who was a London
playwright. For many years he produced for the village players of nearby Great Hucklow. His father was
at one time the vicar of the plague village of Eyam [Fred Travis [b1915] gave this account in 1993].
Here we were enjoying a hearty breakfast in a sixteenth-century house, with a delicious sense of freedom
and even ownership…
We took snaps of the village pump where a crowd of lads were fetching water for the hostel…
We set to on our ‘Hostel Packed Lunch’ which consisted of a ham sandwich, a salad sandwich, bread,
butter and cheese and a piece of cake [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, July 1934].
Hartington Hall – An Appeal. One of the first to be opened in North Midlands, Hartington remains the
most friendly and best loved of our Derbyshire hostels. There is now a real danger that it will be lost to us
as the owner is selling the property and if we cannot pay the price, we must say goodbye to our old
friend. In order to keep the hostel, we are making a wide appeal for help in buying the hall and ask all
interested members to contribute either by gift or loan and to collect from other members. Offers should
be sent to the Regional Office, Derby…
…the appeal for funds to buy this hostel has resulted in £1,200 in gifts, and the MoEd is making a grant
of approximately £4,000. It is hoped that further gifts will bring the total up to the required £6,000. The
Hartington Hall Farm has been sold to the National Trust [Rucksack, Autumn 1947 and Spring 1948].
Hartington is being pulled to pieces and more or less put together again [Staffordshire Knot, summer
1949].
The Hartington accommodation was supplemented by annexes in farm buildings nearby [press report
19th May 1953].
Had to polish landings [Mary Jephcott, 1956, reporting in 2008].
Prince Charles’ Room: the dormitory was small and held three beds only. It was very pleasant [Pat
Packham, 1960].
In the 2000 refurbishment YHA was responsible for refitting the interior, and other agencies for
renovating the exterior [D Simpson].
(s)

HARTLAND (see Elmscott)
HARWICH Planned hostel 1933.
Harwich, Essex. GR: TM 2531 approx.
▼In 1933 negotiations were proceeding for a hostel here; the Handbook reference may have been premature
notification of the Oakley Tea Rooms (see below) [Handbook 1933, no details]. It probably did not open in 1933; there
are no other references to such.

HARWICH [Oakley Tea Rooms] 1934 or 1935 to 1937.
The Oakley Tea Rooms, Kingsway, Dovercourt, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 256315*

▲Opened 1934 or 1935. Bednights and other hostel details were not recorded in EANars 1934-37.
✚Closed 1937: it was described as discontinued [Rucksack Autumn 1937].
Handbook 1935-37.
Property tenure: unorthodox agreement. Accommodation was available at YHA tariff and intended to cater exclusively
for members travelling to and from the Continent, and for overseas visitors [Regional Guide, 1935].
Property profile: the Guildhall Archive has the rates book for 1936 and an entry for the Oakley Tea Rooms: café &
premises, Miss DE Last. This property was on the north-east side of Kingsway, just north-west of Dr K Phelan’s house
(now the dentist). The tea room / YH building still stands. Today it has a hairdresser’s on the ground floor and a
solicitors practice upstairs, possibly where the hostellers slept [Harwich Historical Society, KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Harwich A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

HARWICH [Guildhall] 1967 to 1973.
The Guildhall, 11 Church Street, Harwich, Essex CO12 3DS.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA

GR: TM 260325*

▲Opened 1967. In 1972-73 the hostel was operating from both here and the temporary hostel in
Dovercourt (qv), with a notable reduction of bednights at the Guildhall.

203
✚Closed in 1973, the end of season being 1/9/1973. The Guildhall was unavailable in 1974 [HN],
as it was needed for Local Government reorganisation. Seasonal temporaries in Dovercourt and
Wivenhoe kept things going up to 1976. A recory in Harwich was considered but rejected as not
worth £27,000 [WightWash August 1976], while the Duke’s Head Public House was
unsuccessfully considered as a replacement in 1978 [EAar78].
Handbook 1967 supplement-74.
Property tenure:
Property profile: brick building, dating from 1769, restored by Harwich Town Council subsequent to YHA’s use.
(v)

HASLINGFIELD 1934 to 1936.
The High House, Barton Road, Frog End, Haslingfield, Cambridgeshire.
Historic County: Cambridgeshire

YHA Region: LON/CAM

GR: TL 403530

▲Opened by Whit 1934 [Rucksack Whitsun 1934]. It had been opened by the London Group
before Houghton Mill, ie, before 6/10/1934 [CAMar1935]. There were beds for 8 men and 8
women in 1935. The hostel reopened 2/1936 after a few months’ closure [CAMar1936].
✚Closed by the end of 9/1936. The hostel was popular, but at the warden’s request it had been
closed and would not reopen [Rucksack New Year 1937].
Handbook 1934-36.
Property tenure: almost certainly an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: an attractive three-storied whitewashed and thatched house, probably of the 17th century, on the east
side of Barton Road, north of the village centre [regional guide]. The thatch has since been replaced by tiles.
YHA Archive file [∂]:Y050001-Haslingfield 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cambridge YHs
Profile

HASTINGS 1955 to 2006 or 2007.
Guestling Hall, Rye Road, Guestling, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4LP.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 848132*

▲Opened 1/9/1955, after delay. Officially opened 5/5/1956. The period of opening was limited still
in 1958: 29/3 to 27/9 and in 1959 21/3 to 19/9. The hostel had a marquee to supplement
accommodation in the summers of 1976 and 1977.
Fire Precaution work and a modest scheme to improve washrooms were carried out [SEar85].
In 1997 the Board considered a detailed report on the condition, shortcomings and performance of
four hostels described as sub-standard. Of these, it was concluded that only Hastings should remain
open, until the end of the 1998 season at the latest, with no further investment in the building.
Active steps would be taken to find a suitable replacement in the Hastings area [YHA News spring
1997]; it survived for almost another decade, however.
✚Closed 31/12/2006 [YHA departmental info], having been sold by auction 9/2006 [whyha.org.uk]
– or – the sale took place 31/01/2007, for £600,000, the last users being E2 on 16/12/2006 – or –
the hostel had now closed, but was available for sole-user rental until 1/2007 [YHA Website,
12/2006].
Handbook 1955-2005/06.
Alternative names: Hastings (Guestling) (1955-64 and 1986-87); Guestling (Hastings) (1965-85).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 25/10/1954).
Property profile: mansion, sitting in about 1.75 acres of grounds. A difficulty with the property was the proximity to a
dangerous road. Since YHA use it has been used as part of a girls’ school.
(v)

HATFIELD FOREST 1969 to 1971.
Forest Lodge, Hatfield Forest, Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: EA

GR: TL 533194*

▲Opened 1/1/1969. Only brief details were advertised [1969 supplement]. It was opened for a
three year experimental period [EAagm69].
✚Closed 26/9/1971 [memo].
Handbook 1969-71

204
Property tenure: rented from the National Trust. NT was prepared to grant a 2-year extension to the lease in 1971, but
there was disagreement between YHA and them over the terms whereby YHA would now be responsible for upkeep of
the fabric of the building. Eastern Region claimed that ca£500 was needed for an electric generator and other repairs
were needed [YHr12/71].
Property profile: cottage owned by National Trust, previously the Head Ranger’s cottage built in the late 16th or very
early 17th century and of a traditional oak framed construction with elm floorboards.
Now a private residence [KF, 2011].
Published material: article Down in the Forest, Youth Hosteller June 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:
When I stayed there at Easter the electricity had broken down and we had to use paraffin lamps. The kitchen
was very simple and the only water was a tap in the yard outside [Youth Hosteller letter, August 1969].

HATHAWAY FARM (see Shottery)
HATHERSAGE 1970 to present.
Castleton Road, Hathersage, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 1EH.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 227814*

▲Opened 1970, the start of season being 1/3/1970. The hostel was enlarged to 40 beds [PKar72].
Handbook 1970-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 28/8/1975 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Gothic Victorian stone-built house, with stables at the rear.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Hathersage has had a very good year and the warden was to be congratulated. The hostel had made a
profit although this could be lost another year if the beds remained at 20, as there would be 12 months
costs instead of 6 months this year, with alnost the same income. To increase the beds to 40 it was
necessary to either build a new dormitory, which would be expensive, and need planning consent, or to
rebuild the front wall of the outbuildings and have the men out there, with no covered access from the
main building. In addition to the extra dormitory accommodation, there would be needed extra dining
space which could not easily be found until the flat was vacated by the old couple.
It was decided that the outbuildings would give suitable dorms with toilets under, and this work could be
done soon if found desirable, but that the accommodation should not be increased until the other rooms
were available [PKmemo10/1970].
(s)

HAWES 1972 to present.
Lancaster Terrace, Hawes, North Yorkshire DL8 3LQ.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: SD 868897*

▲Opened 30/6/1972 and officially opened 7/4/1973. It was built as a £60,000 60-bed hostel under
the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, with central heating,
showers
Handbook 1972-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 8/1/1973 [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel, provided by North Riding County Council for YHA, with central heating,
showers and panoramic views from almost every room.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A very modern hostel – the beds were covered in quilts and there was a shower…
…modern and and superior grade thought it was, Hawes didn’t possess a very well-stocked store [Simon
Smith, aged 14, Chinnor, 1975].
(s)

HAWKINGE [Temporary] 1951 to 1954.
Village Hall, Hawkinge, Folkestone, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 216398*

▲Opened for 11 Saturdays and 2 bank holidays between 12/5/1951 and 8/9/1951, as a summer
seasonal hostel, with 225 bednights. Thereafter the hostel operated on 9 Saturdays and 2 bank
holidays in 1952, and 10 Saturdays and 2 bank holidays in 1953.
✚Closed (final night) 28/8/1954. The 1954 opening of Godwyne Road Hostel, Dover, made this
hostel redundant [LONar54].
Handbook 1952-54.
Property tenure:

205
Property profile: Hawkinge Village Hall. A plaque in the hall reads: Opened in April 1933 by Lady Radnor and Mrs
Cox, President of Hawkinge, Acrise and Paddleworth WI… The money for the building was raised by Hawkinge,
Acrise and Paddleworth WI by growing a selling potatoes. The hall site has been threatened by redevelopment since the
building of the Hawkinge Community Centre adjacent, but a band of volunteers has continued to maintain it.
(v)

HAWKSHEAD 1942 to present.
Esthwaite Lodge, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 OQD.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: SD 354967*

▲Opened 1942; the Forestry Commission was accommodating land girls and YHA wanted the
arrangement terminated by 3rd July, with the hostel coming into use as soon as possible afterwards.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. It was acquired 1942SY but still in use
with the Women’s Land Army; there had been just 42 bednights by the time of issue of the finance account, 19/11/1942
[LAKar42]. It was in partial operation in 1943 because the WLA usage agreement continued until 31st March 1943
[LAKar43] and it only became fully available to members from Easter 1944 [LAKar44].

A new Field Study Centre was officially opened 22/7/66 [YHAar66] and expanded in 1990.
1978 improvements included central heating, showers and a better members’ kitchen [HN Spring
1978]. The former coach house, in a courtyard next to the hostel, was renovated in 1989-90 to
house 10 family units [YHAar90] and is available separately for single-user rental [RAH leaflet and
E2 Website, eg 2003-2004, 2007-2008], as well as for normal usage.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1943-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 7/5/1943). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Regency mansion, the former home of a Liverpool shipping magnate, then of Francis Brett Young, the
novelist, with coach-house.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 66, Hawkshead, Youth Hosteller April 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Its windows overlook scenes of sylvan beauty. Inside, one of the show-pieces is the fine cupola over the
curving staircase. The large common room and dining room are both graced by large canvases, presented
by Lakeland artist Delmar Banner. The battered piano in the common room was a gift from Beatrix
Potter to the Land Girls billeted here during the war [Youth Hosteller, April 1959].
Posh Country House. Clean and military. D immediately incurred wrath by leaning over counter and
looking at mail (some of it was ours). S and L (smallest in party) given very tall window to clean next
am. Remained unliked and unliking [Mary Jephcott, 1944, reporting in 2008].
(s)

HAWORTH [Old School] 1950 to 1958.
Old School, Church Street, Haworth, Keighley, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 029372*

▲Opened 31/7/1950 [WESar50], replacing Wainstalls Hostel. It had been open about a month
when the official opening took place on 2/9/1950 [Halifax Weekly Courier]. All the adaptations
were carried out by work parties [YHAar50].
✚Closed 19/4/1958; the lease terminated on that date [YHAPB].
Handbook 1950-58.
Property tenure: a tenancy with the Parochial Church Council, Haworth, was agreed for 14 years from 1/2/1950 (to
YHA Trust 31/12/1951).
Property profile: former Sunday School built by Rev Patrick Brontë in 1832 and in which Charlotte Brontë taught
[WESar49]. The building, close to the Brontë Museum, is still used for occasional parochial functions.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600011 Maurice Wall.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Haworth YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Very cold and damp – warden lived some distance away – Fred Robinson was the part-time warden, now
in Australia [Maurice Wall, recalled in 2004].
(v)

HAWORTH [Longlands Hall] 1975 or 1976 to present.
Longlands Hall, Longlands Drive, Lees Lane, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 8RT.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: SE 038378*

206
▲Officially opened 8/5/1976. At the outset the hostel had showers, a good drying room and three
smaller rooms often used as family rooms [HN Winter 1977-78]. Smaller bedrooms were provided
in 1994 [Nar 1994].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-08 inclusive.
Handbook 1976-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 18/10/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2011] freehold. 29 Longlands
Drive, Haworth, (staff house) is currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former home built in 1884 of Edwin Robinson Merrall, a mill owner, then a retirement home just
before acquisition by YHA. Three stained glass windows depict citrus groves.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Haworth YHs Profile
(s)

HAWSE END
Fellside, Hawse End, Portinscale, Cumbria CA12 5UE.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 249212

2Restricted to single-user rental [eg Escape to… leaflet and E2 Website, 2005, 2007-2008, 2012].
It has more recently been advertised generally as a YHA facility devoted to exclusive group hire.
(A Hawse End property had been the subject of a National YHA suggestion in 1953 [LAK mins
1953]).
Property tenure: Enterprise-type arrangement.
Property profile: stone cottage in grounds of Hawse End outdoor centre (Hawes End on OS map).

HAYLE (PHILLACK) 1947 to 1982.
Riviere House, 20 Parc-an-Dix Lane, Phillack, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5AB.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW

GR: SW 562380*

▲Opened 1/6/1947.
At the end of the 1960s the women’s toilets were resited to adjoin the washroom [Youth Hosteller
March 1969].
In 1973-74 winter gales severely damaged the roof [HN Spring 1974].
✚Closed 12/1982.
Handbook 1947-82. f
Alternative names: Phillack (1947-69); Hayle (1974-80).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 25/8/1947).
Property profile: the house was built for a copper mine manager and was for a time the residence of Sir Compton
Mackenzie.
It was built on existing foundations of an old monastery of about 1800. The cellars still having the church-like vaunted
roof structure, giving a church-like look about the place [Charles Allen Memoirs]
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Penzance & Land's End
area YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The purchase of this house for hostel purposes proved to be a new experience for me. After the war,
members of the committees were not sfo easily available to attend meetings during working hours,
although I did not experience much trouble in getting time off from the dockyard to attend to YHA
matters. The committee requested me to attend an auction that was being held at the Crown Hotel in
Hayle in midweek. I had never attended a property auction before, and was therefore somewhat nervous
as to the venture. The committee had stated that I was not to go above a figure of £3,000 for the property,
Reviere House; this was a tremendous sum, as far as I was concerned, to have the responsibility of
bidding for a Youth Hostel, nevertheless I went ahead.
Arriving at the auction with book and pencil in hand, I thought that I should look the part even if I did not
know much as to the procedure. Of course the auctioneer knew that I was attending on behalf of the YHA
as you had to divulge your name and interest in the sale on entry to the auction room.
So the procedure started of making bids after the first starting figure was stated by the auctioneer. This
figure was £1,900, and from then on I was convinced that the auction was rigged, having heard many
tales to this effect. I was then prepared for any bid to push the sum much higher, and so it did, in varying
sums, until the figure had reached £2500. By this time I was beginning to get very nervous and afraid to
move a muscle, let alone lift my hand, anyway by more varying bids the sum reached £3,000, the last bid
of £50 being made by me, thus reaching the limit set by the committee, and in reality my last bid for the
YHA. But after several calls by the auctioneer of ‘Going, Going, Going’ a further bid of £50 was made.
What was I to do? Lose the property for £50, or make another bid, so I said to myself, In for a penny, in
for a pound, and made a further bid of £50, thus bringing the total to £3,100.

207
It then seemed to me that the auctioneer could not get his gavel down quick enough, shouting Going,
Going, Gone, in extra fast time, convincing me that the stories I had heard about auctions being rigged
were quite feasible. It was now my job to think out some explanation to the committee as to why I had
overspent the allocated sum of £3,000 by £100. After some thought, I did remember that the committee
in their discussions concerning the possible purchase of the property, made no mention of the land
attached to the house. This then gave me an explanation that the extra cost had included the land, some 2
acres, attached to the house. The committee accepted the explanation, but I certainly did not wish to
attend any more auctions for the purpose of procuring property for the YHA.
The lower hostel entrance gate that that comes off the Kings Walk, as it is now called, was in fact
originally built as the Great Western Railway rail terminus for the main line from Plymouth. It was never
ever used by the railways for this purpose, the rail authorities having decided to take the line on to
Penzance, which of course became the London-Plymouth-Penzance terminus [extracts from Charles
Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Busy hostel. Too big. Strict 15 minutes on the job – had to strip the base of an oak tree of all the dead ivy
[Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
There were eleven boys from a racing club in London. They had cycled from London to Bath in one day.
One of the bicycles had painted on it: London to Land’s End or Bust [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in
Cornwall, July 1964].
(s)

HAYLING ISLAND 1931 only.
Rotary Club Camp, Fishery Lane, Hayling Island, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SZ 737988*[GD]

▲Opened 1931.
✚Closed 1931.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-31(4th edn).
Alternative name: Rotary Club Camp (1931(2nd edn)-31(3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the site is occupied by the Lakeside Resort in 2009 [GD].
There were two pavilions marked on the 1932 1:2,500 OS map at the given grid reference that might have served as the
hostel [KF].
HAY-ON-WYE Planned hostel 1934. This is probably a reference to Grosmont (Lower Tresenny).
Hay-on-Wye, Breconshire. GR: SO 2342 approx.
▼A new hostel was expected in the district [Handbook 1934(1st edn only)].

HAY-ON-WYE (See Oxford Cottage Bed and Breakfast)
HEASLEY MILL 1949 to 1951
Crangs Heasley, Heasley Mill, via South Molton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 734324

▲Opened 1/4/1949, replacing West Yarde and Simonsbath.
✚Closed 30/9/1951, or perhaps a little later: nil bednights 1952SY, but the hostel was to close as
Mrs Yendell was expected to leave the farm before Christmas [GSEar51].
Handbook 1949-51.
Property tenure:
Property profile: long range of stone farm buildings on the hillside above Heasley Mill village [GD].

HEATH CHARNOCK 1933 to 1935.
Nightingales, Rawlinson Lane, Heath Charnock, Chorley, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 595140*

▲Opened late 9/1933 [MANar33] and officially opened 14/10/1933, after many hours of voluntary
labour. The development attracted a loan of £100 from the Demonstration Hostel Fund [ar33B].
The wardens, Mr and Mrs J Hodge, ran a store for the convenience of hostellers, and
accommodation was M24W16. Heath Charnock Youth Hostel recorded 2647 bednights in two of
the three years of its short life. Its position almost adjacent to the main A6 road to the Lake District
and Carlisle attracted mainly cyclists.

208
✚Closed 30/9/1935 and replaced by Edgworth. After less than two years’ operation here the
Manchester Region was facing a financial loss [MANar35]. It was decided to sacrifice Heath
Charnock, which duly closed at the end of the season. Nevertheless, it had been found possible to
open an alternative accommodation hostel with just 12 beds at a small farmstead at Edgworth, 16
miles to the east, shortly before the demise.
Handbook 1933 supplement-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Nightingales (or Nightingale House) was a large three storey dwelling with heavy squat chimneys,
pronounced Lancashire square windows and an elaborate glazed porch. The house was positioned immediately to the
west of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, on the south side of Rawlinson Lane. It was on the fringe of the Ellerbeck Hall
estate, close to a Lodge House and Nightingales Farm, which remain in modern form. Nightingales was used to house
Liverpool evacuees during the second world war. It was demolished at some point after that, along with Ellerbeck Hall,
which was subsumed by an opencast mining site [About Adlington (1991), by permission MD Smith, author].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Heath Charnock 751 ≈.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heath Charnock &
Edgworth YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
I spent the weekend [17th-18th February 1934] at Heath Charnock hostel with Connie. It was quite a nice
place but the meals were poor. It was packed so Bert and Charles slept in the drying cupboard; with the
result that they were so hot and cramped that they never slept. The boys were so hungry after their meal
on the Saturday, that we went into Chorley and had bread and cheese and stuff at a pub, and on the
Sunday we did not have the evening meal, but left early and called at the ‘X.L.’ near Preston instead …
… 12th-13th May 1934, Northern Advisory Board meeting at Heath Charnock. After the meeting, we
went to look at the hostels at Longridge and Gisburn. These hostels were quite interesting to see, but I do
not think any of them are as well fitted up and looked after as our own. We could not sleep at Heath
Charnock because the beds had paper under the mattresses, and every time anyone turned over, it rustled.
I am unfortunately a very light sleeper and all these little things wake me up with the result that I very
seldom have a good night’s sleep in a hostel. This hostel was eventually given up because it never got
used much and did not pay [Bertha Gough diary].

HEBDEN BRIDGE 1931 to 1934.
High Greenwood House, Hebden Bridge, Halifax, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 969306*

▲Opened 1/10/1931; an offer on youth hostel lines was made by Mrs Sunderland, subject to an
early review [WESar31].
✚Closed 1934, at the request of the owners. The last bednights were in September, though the
annual report gave the official date as the end of 12/1934 [WESar35], and an even later date of
3/1935 [WESar36] suggests various different interpretations of withdrawal from the property.
Handbook 1932-34.
Property tenure: adopted hostel, with warden in residence [WESar32].
Property profile: double-fronted country house, formerly a guest house.
(v)

HELMSLEY 1964 to present.
Carlton Lane, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5HB.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: SE 615840*

▲Opened and officially opened 4/7/1964. Fire precautionary work was carried out in 1978
[YKar78].
Handbook 1964-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 3/11/1965 (to YHA Trust); extra land was
purchased 14/4/1966 [YHAPB]. Currently [2015] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel in local stone and pantile roof. It was built by North Riding County Council under
the provisions of the National Parks Act.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/387796
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ampleforth & Helmsley
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Farndale YH
Profile
Published material: article, Helmsley Opens its Doors, Youth Hosteller August 1964.
Published material: article, Built as a Hostel, Youth Hosteller November 1964.
In print:

209
In July 1960 the Youth Hostels Association informed the North York Moors National Park Planning
Committee that the Association were without hostel accommodation in the western part of the North
York Moors due to the enforced closure of former hostels at Nether Silton and Ampleforth. They asked if
the Committee would build a hostel at Helmsley under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to
the Countryside Act, 1949, and sell or let it to the Association. Such projects could qualify for 75% grant
from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
The Committee felt that they would like to help the Association and, after consultation together, a site at
the junction of Carlton Road and Carlton Lane, Helmsley, was chosen and acquired by the County
Council. The Minister of Housing and Local Government approved the expenditure as grant earning.
Details of the building were then worked out to meet the Association’s requirements of a 40 bed hostel
and the requirement of the vendors of the site that construction should be in stone. The County Council
agreed to construct the building at an estimated cost of £15,200, on the understanding that it would be
conveyed to the Association for the sum of £4,000 on condition that should it ever cease to be used as a
Youth Hostel it would be offered back to the Council at the same price or the open market value if less.
The Minister has approved this expenditure as grant earning at rate of 75%. The Association have
furnished the Hostel and are responsible for all the day to day running expenses.
The building is the first purpose-built Youth Hostel in any National Park which has been provided, in the
manner described above, since the coming into force of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside
Act, 1949 [Programme for Official Opening Day, YHA Property Dept.].
(s)
HELMSLEY Planned hostel 1941. Did not open.
Helmsley, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 6183 approx.
▼Negotiations for a hostel here had broken down [Rucksack Autumn 1941].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ampleforth &
Helmsley YHs Profile

HELTONDALE 1936 to 1946.
Scales Farm, Heltondale, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 487201*

▲Opened Easter 1936.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed end 1946 [YHAF], the end of season being 30/9/1946.
Handbook 1936-46.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a simple stone farmhouse of 1763, occasionally let (2006) as a holiday property. A newer Scales Farm
sits alongside.
(v)

HELVELLYN 1947 to present.
Greenside, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0QR.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 366173*

▲Opened 1947: a hurried opening, for men only, was made in late summer 1947. A price of £1,150
was agreed [LAK mins 1947]. Grants of £694 towards buildings and adaptations (MoEd) and £152
towards equipment (Carnegie) were offered. The PoW huts and a cinema hut were approved for
auxiliary hostel (MoEd) use [LAK mins 1948], and 10 extra beds were agreed for them [LAK mins
1949]. The mountain-side hostel had been acquired to take pressure off Patterdale Hostel, which
was often crowded [LAKar47].
Self-catering was in a detached hut, where space was adequate, but there was no electric light and
water had to be carried from the dining room [LAK mins 1950].
Helvellyn Hostel was reopened 23/9/1978 after major improvement and extension works grantaided by the English Tourist Board, who agreed half the costs up to £50,000; the members’ kitchen,
common room, toilet block and showers were all improved [Wightwash Oct1977, HN Winter
1978-79].
Handbook 1947 supplement-2009.
Alternative names: Glenridding (1947 supplement); Greenside (1948-63); renamed Helvellyn 30/9/1963, Helvellyn
(Greenside) (1974-85); Helvellyn (Glenridding) (1986-87).
Property tenure: leasehold from 29/9/1947 for 99 years (to YHA Trust 1/6/1948). Currently [2012] leasehold.

210
Property profile: former lead mine manager’s house or lead miners’ hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Patterdale YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Our stay here was really wonderful and we met so many splendid people. I often think that there can be
no other holiday whereby one can meet so many happy people as when one is hostelling [Elizabeth Ann
Humphries (17), holiday log, 1962].
(s)

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 1933 to 1951.
Noake Mill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 043097*

▲Opened Easter 1933. YHA used both the mill and the mill-house adjacent.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was available through 1940, when bednights were reasonably heavy. Records for
1941-42 are missing, but from 1943-45 the hostel was in use.

✚Closed 25/5/1951, because of warden’s ill-health.
Handbook 1933-51.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former water mill, predated by the timber-framed mill-house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hemel 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
There has been a mill on this site since before William the Conqueror, but even the present one, built a
mere 90 years ago, is derelict now. We hostellers occupied the stables (men’s dorm and members’
kitchen) and two rooms in the house (women’s dorm and common room, extreme left of house, above
and below) [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].
Another quirky attraction was Noake Mill at Hemel Hempstead, belonging to the gruff ‘Pop’ Crane, who
boasted that all visitors would enjoy his beans on toast, virtually the only meal ever provided. The Mill
was cold and draughty but the welcome was unique [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].

HENLEY-ON-THAMES 1934 to 1985.
45 Northfield End, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2JJ.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA

GR: SU 759831*

▲Opened early 1934.
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, though it was only partly
available during 1939 and 1940 [LON mins]. Bednight records for 1941-42 are missing, though in all probability it
continued to function: a member’s card dates a visit on 26/6/1942. From 1943-45 the hostel was in use.

A memo dated 1977 explained that the warden was employed by the Society of friends (Reading
Overseer).
✚Closed 1985, the end of season being 31/8/1985.
Handbook 1934(1st edn supplement)-85 (1934(2nd edn) brief details only).
Alternative name: Henley (1934(2nd edn)).
Property tenure: fully controlled from 10/1937 [LONar37].
Property profile: the hostel was in part of the Quaker meeting house, a red-brick slated building. Access was by an alley
at the north side of the building. The warden’s accommodation was in the half-timbered cottage adjoining to the south.
In 2010 the building continues its original function as Friends’ Meeting House.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Henley 751 ≈† RG35.tif; Y050001-Henley 752 ≈† RG57.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries
Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Published material: article, A Changed Hostel [Working Party at Henley], Youth Hosteller January 1964.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We arrived safely at Henley-on-Thames for our first youth hostel experience, only to find it was full. We
were sent on to an ‘overflow’ house, where two old ladies put us up on camp beds in their chaotic attic.
We slept well amidst the tin trunks and packing cases, and enjoyed the old dears fussing round us over
corn flakes and dried eggs at breakfast [article in YHA News, spring 1998, by Bridget Shebhard about
her first YHA trip, aged 15, August 1945].
I am not the oldest hosteller… a gentleman, retired these past three years, and owner of a wooden leg, is
my senior, and has cycled today from Worthing. [Next morning]… Henley Youth Hostel is a Friends’
Meeting House, an uninspiring solid Victorian erection, at the side of the warden’s house, which is
picturesquely Tudor [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].

211
… where the warden was in a wheelchair. Members had to do a duty before they left each hostel. At
Henley I was aked to wash one tea-towel and when I offered to wash more the warden replied, ‘certainly
not, that is someone else’s job’ [Pat Packham, 1956].
Members slept on the floor of the Meeting house and the mattresses were stuffed away before Sunday’s
Meeting for Worship began [Len Clark, reporting in 2012].
(s)

HEOL SENNI 1941 to 1949.
Birch Grove, Heol Senni, Devynock, Brecon (warden’s address in 1941: the Stores, Heol Senni).
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 927233*

▲Opened 1941. An undated amendment sticker in the 1939 South Wales Handbook has the hostel
open. This hostel had a reputation for unorthodox wardening.
Wartime arrangements: after 1941 operation, records for 1942-43 are missing, though in all probability it continued to
function: a 1943 membership card is stamped Heol Senni. The hostel operated in 1944-45.

✚Closed 31/10/1949. After closure, and as late as 1953, the premises continued to serve as an
independent hostel [Dennis O’Connell].
Handbook 1941-49.
Alternative name: Heol Senni (Brecon) 1941-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village cottage and outbuilding, substantially similar externally in 2007. The men’s dorm was a little
way up the road [hostel diary].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heol Senni YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marrick & Grinton
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
…at Heol Senni, near Sennybridge… the warden – another Clark – served large meals late in the evening
and this was followed by card games which went on into the early hours. Any attempt by the Region to
regulate according to the rules was fiercely resisted and he had a formidable clientele as potential
bodyguard [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].
(v)

THE HERMITAGE (WHITWELL) (see Whitwell)
HERTFORD 1981 only.
7 Port Hill, Hertford, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: EA

GR: TL 322128*

▲Opened 11/7/1981. 91 bednights were recorded by warden T Key in 8 barely-advertised weeks in
the 30 bed hostel. A small store was provided.
✚Closed 5/9/1981.
Handbook 1981 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Hatfield Polytechnic School of Residence, the right-hand end of an imposing terrace of 4 earlynineteenth century houses, grade II listed in 1950. In 2013 a private residence.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-461442-1-7-port-hill-hertford-hertfordshire
(v)

HESKET NEWMARKET 1934 to 1937.
Green Cottage, Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumberland; sometimes spelled Heskett in YHA
reports.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 340386*

▲Opened 1934. It was resolved that the premises occupied by Mrs Bell be added to our list of
hostels [LAK mins 4/3/1934].
✚Closed 1937 for wardens’ personal reasons. The end of season in 1937 was October; it would not
be available in future [LAKar37].
Handbook 1934-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: pair of small terraced cottages in the village.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I remember the triangle on the building opposite, and my astonishment, as a small boy, in seeing a

212
stranger in the village, using the hostel. He was the first black man I’d ever seen. Mr and Mrs William
Bill were the wardens; the youth hostel closed when the Bills’ daughter died of cancer [local resident,
recounted in February 2003].
(v)
HEXHAM Planned hostel or hostels about 1955 to 1959. Did not open.
Duke’s House, Hexham, Northumberland (in 1959).
▼In 1955 the Region was seeking funds for a new Acomb Hostel [NOTar55], sometimes described as Hexham, but the
plan was not successful. The Tyneside Hosteller Magazine of May/June 1959 remarked: Since the price asked for the
Duke’s House, Hexham, was greater than the YHA was prepared to pay, negotiations for the purchase of this property
are at an end.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Acomb YH Profile

HEYS FARM GUEST HOUSE 1931 to 1932.
Heys Farm Guest House, West Bradford, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 747454

▲Opened 17/5/1931. There were 77 bednights in 1931 and 178 in 1932. The hostel operated
alongside the guest house; accommodation 25, the number being dependent on guest house visitors
[MANar32].
✚Closed 1932.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32.
Alternative name: Heys Farm (1931(1st edn)-31(4th edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: country guest house.
An advertising leaflet of perhaps about 1925 states that the farm was a very old copyhold, consisting of 8 acres and an
old farmhouse greatly added to. The guest house was made available some years before YHA involvement, and known
as Heys Farm Adult School Guest House. It stood for ‘a spiritual attitude to life as opposed to a materialistic attitude’,
and was a church for experimental religion, aided by Nature, Literature and Art. Visitors were expected to share in
some of the simpler services of the house, and the managers were addressed as the wardens. References to the Adult
School and Fellowship Meetings suggest a strong Quaker affinity, as with so many of the pioneer YHA establishments
[JM].
The establishment continued to advertise in the Dalesman until 1952 [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Heys Farm 701 infY.pdf
Web resource:
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5044614.Memento_of_Gandhi_s_visit_could_go_on_display_in_Darwen/
Reports, recollections and observations:
Gandhi spent the night here on 27th September 1931, sleeping in the owner’s son’s bedroom while the
boy was away at school. Gandhi was visiting Darwen, East Lancashire, to see the effects on the mill
workforce of the Indian boycott of Lancashire cloth, a visit organised by Jack Catchpool’s brother,
Corder. The resident owner of the Guest House was millowner Percy Davies, who had been at school,
Sidcot and Boothams, with Corder Catchpool and was instrumental in getting him work in Darwen.
[Duncan Simpson and web resource above].

HIGH CLOSE (see Langdale)
HIGHER CADHAM Camping barn 1995 to 2001.
▲Higher Cadham, Jacobstowe, Devon. GR: SS 585025
Handbook 1995-2001. Open from January 1995 [leaflet]. Closed by the time of issue of 2002 booklet.
Property profile: stone barn equipped with bunk beds.

HIGH FLATTS 1933 to 1938; 1942 to 1943.
Strines Hostel, High Flatts, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 214073*

▲Opened 7/1933 [WESar33]. The warden was Mr Spencer, and accommodation M15W15 (1936).
In its first period hostellers shared accommodation with the owners, the Adult School movement; at
first it was offered any night but Saturday [WESmins 1/6/1933]. A frank review described the
hostel as so unimportant that it called for no comment [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
The final 6 bednights of this period of use were recorded 10/1938. The Adult School had asked
YHA to withdraw.

213
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was not available in 1940-41, as it was used at first by evacuees, then left empty
from the beginning of 1942 [WES Newsletter 7/1942]. It was reopened late 8/1942 (93 bednights) rather too late to
help stem overcrowding that season [WESar42]. That December the youth hostel operated at weekends only and was
on the list of those open in Rucksack New Year 1943; 385 bednights were recorded in 1943SY.

✚Closed 1943 because of low overnights and very high rent, then taken over by Barnsley Youth
Committee [WESar43]. It was closed in alterations at the back of the 1943 Handbook.
Handbook 1933 supplement-38; 1943.
Property tenure: at first an accommodation hostel, the Regional Group receiving a proportion of the overnight fee
[WESar35]. In 1942 it became briefly a rented fully controlled property.
Property profile: the website below describes the background history as follows: an Adult School (used by Yorkshire
Adult School Union) was set up. In 1908 a Rest House (later Guest House) for the use of those attending longer session
was established in Three Wells (just above Green Hollow). When Three Wells was sold in 1925, another Guest House
had to be found. Two World War One army huts were purchased from Woodhouse Grove Methodist School at
Apperley Bridge, Bradford and erected on the site of two old and unusable cottages at Strines. By 1932 this building
was being used as a Youth Hostel (possibly YHA) as well as a Quaker Guest House. It was sold by Barnsley Council at
the outbreak of the Second World War and used by evacuees throughout the war. After the war Barnsley Council
erected a new Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Scout Dyke. Until this new centre opened, the boys used the Scout Dyke exarmy huts while the girls still had to use the Strines building. Later the Strines Guest House was sold to the farmer on
whose land it then stood. He used it as a barn and chicken hut. During the late 1990s a house replaced it.
Web resource: http://www.heritageinspired.org.uk/
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-High Flatts 751 † RG36.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Originally the Yorkshire Adult Schools’ Guesthouse, sometimes called the Strines Guest House,
consisting of two timber huts joined at right-angles, with the men’s dorm in one wing and women’s in the
other, and modern services at the angle. There were very fine recreational facilities and a detached tea
pavilion. All was demolished by about 1996 and a new private residence built [local historian D Cook].
(v)

HIGHGATE VILLAGE (see [London] HIGHGATE VILLAGE)
HIGH GILLERTHWAITE (ENNERDALE) Camping Barn 2000≠ to present.
▲High Gillerthwaite, Ennerdale, Cumbria. GR: NY 142141*
Handbook 2000amendments-2008. Also open 2009-present.
Alternative name: Ennerdale (2000-02). Also referred to as High Gillerthwaite (2002 camping barns leaflet).
Property profile: a traditional barn dating back to the 16th century. It is adjacent to and on the east side of YHA
Ennerdale.
(v)

HIGH HALDEN 1944 to 1950.
Turks Head Farm, High Halden, Ashford, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 880386*

▲Opened 1944.
Wartime arrangements: the facility operated in 1944-45 as a Farm Scheme youth hostel; there was an overwhelming
response and success was growing [LONar44,45]. The wardens were already farming the neighbouring Ledger Farm,
and were YHA members.

There was an unsuccessful appeal launched to buy the 64 acre Ledger Farm for YHA [LRN
7/1948]. A work party was due to assist with the construction of a new sanition block [LRN, 3/49].
Closed 31/12/1949, except as follows: the hostel was to be run as farm scheme hostel only from
1950 because of the strain on the warden [LONar49]); 3645 bednights recorded in 1950SY.
✚Closed 12/1950 [YHAF]. There were 105 bednights in 1951SY.
Handbook 1944-50.
Alternative names: Turks Head Farm, High Halden (1944); High Halden (Turks Head) (1945).
Property tenure: YHA’s freehold purchase included 28 acres of farmland.
Property profile: farm buildings.

HIGH KELLING 1933 to 1940.
The Post Office, Bryan Bullen Corner, High Kelling, Holt, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

▲Opened 1933.

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TG 100397

214
Wartime arrangements: the hostel recorded 44 bednights between October 1939 and June 1940, before closure. A
national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the
restriction of movement.

✚Closed from 21/6/1940 [EANar40].
Handbook 1933-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old post office and tea rooms.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-High Kelling 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sheringham YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A claim to have operated the first youth hostel in Norfolk was made recently [1977] in the Eastern Daily
National Press by Mrs Hopper [warden 1933 only]. She ran Heathcot, High Kelling as a Youth Hostel
and guest house from 1930-33 [sic]. During that time, when the standard charge was 1s a night, only one
car turned up and the two occupants were regarded with some hostility [WightWash Magazine, Feb
1977].

HIGH PARK FARM (see Buttermere)
HIGH RODING 1935 to 1963.
Tarvatts, High Roding, Dunmow, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 607176*

▲Opened 1935 [LONar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, except that 1941 is unproven, as records are missing,
but it almost certainly remained in operation. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from
requisition, as it was much used by young people who from London, industrial Essex and Reading. It was transferred to
LON region in 1942SY [LONar42], though a national notice suggests by late 1940.

The hostel was to close 30/9/1962 as the region could not afford to repair the thatch, new
supporting timbers and ground work, but it was reprieved for a short time as the new owner would
allow continued use [YHr 11/1962].
✚Closed 28/9/1963. There was an out-of-date entry in the 1964 Handbook. A replacement at the
Dame School, Great Easton, was considered in 1965.
Handbook 1936-64.
Property tenure:
Property profile: thatched corn barn dating from 1746, constructed from second-hand ship’s timbers. The building was
Grade II listed in 1983.
Tarvatts Chase is now a private house. It is still thatched but the wooden cladding of YH days has been removed and
the walls are covered in pargetting [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-High Roding 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-High Roding 752 ≈† RG38.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 52, High Roding, Youth Hosteller January 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I am aged 13, and bored in the school holidays, therefore getting into mischief. After a visit from the
local policeman my mother had the good sense to join me to the YHA.
My first expedition, still 13, was a trial bicycle ride circling London with a friend (I lived in
Hertfordshire). Our first hostel was High Roding. The accommodation was in a barn. Everything was
filthy, the saucepans contained burnt food, the bunks were very, very damp, and rats ran about in the
night. We signed in at the nearby farm. We survived, and spent the other five nights at much better
hostels, arriving home committed to the YHA [Jean Randles, first YHA trip in 1934 [sic], recalled in
2007].
The hostel was beyond repair, with a tarpaulin over the thatch. I did not sleep very well as the mattresses
were very thin and the beds sagged in the middle [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 1 May
1962].

HILDENBOROUGH 1933 to 1934.
Oaklands, Vines Road (now Vines Lane), Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 564500 (*GD)

▲Opened 1933.
✚Closed 1934. Withdrawn from the list [Rucksack Autumn 1934] as there were no self-catering
facilities. Rainshurst Manor, Hildenborough, was suggested as a replacement [LONmins
24/7/1934].
Handbook 1933-34.

215
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: this was a substantial detached Victorian house forming part of the Earl of Derby’s Fairhill Estate. The
property remained in residential use until the early 1930s. In 1934 it was converted into a hostel known as the Oaklands
International Centre. In 1937, the National Association for Promoting the Welfare of the Feebleminded purchased the
building, the name was changed to Alexander House and the building converted to a girls’ home. This became part of
the Princess Christian Hospital, which also had premises elsewhere in Hildenborough. During the Second World War
the building was occupied by the army and not re-used again until 1952. Now within the NHS, it provided local
community-based residential accommodation. In recent years the building has fallen out of use with the grounds
overgrown and neglected. Planning consent was obtained by a developer for four apartments – and the building sold on
for £700,000 on 14/3/2008. It remains disused and boarded up [GD 2009].

HILLTOP HOSTEL 1931 to 1932.
Hilltop Tea Gardens, Portsdown, Cosham, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 664062

▲Opened 1931.
✚Closed 1932. The warden, Mrs H Feinson, moved to the replacement Horndean hostel later in
1932 or early 1933.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-32.
Property tenure:
Property profile: previously Jones’ Belle Vue Tea Gardens.
The building has been demolished and the site is a grassy area with trees and shrubs at the side of the road and below a
chalk cliff (about 25ft high). According to Portsmouth local history library, the gardens ceased in the 1950s [KF, 2011].

HINDHEAD 1948 to 2015.
Devil’s Punchbowl, off Portsmouth Road, Thursley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6NS.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: SU 892368* (Highcombe);
SU 893370* (Gnome Cottage)

▲Opened 3/7/1948. The hostel was previously known as Highcombe Cottage or Price’s Cottage.
Electricity and piped water were provided from the late 1960s [HN Spring 1975].
Gnome Cottage, a small property nearby, operated as a self-contained family unit from 1964, but
was subsequently given up; separate usage figures were published up to 1985.
✚Closed 28/2/2015 (final use). National Trust agreed to extend the lease on Tanners Hatch Hostel,
while negotiating the return of Hindhead Hostel. Keys were handed back on 31/3/2015.
Handbook 1948 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: described at first as an accommodation hostel with a tenancy through the National Trust [YHAar48].
Leasehold in 2012. Custodianship of Gnome Cottage was advertised as early as 1962 to a country lover who would take
an interest in the nearby Gnome Cottage [YHr 6/1962].
Property profile: formerly three broom squires’ cottages with a small, low-beamed common room with log-burning
grate. A small garage to the left of the cottages was simply converted, to house the volunteer wardens.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1227971
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Leatherhead &
Tanners Hatch YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 33, Hindhead, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Dear Sir – With the objects of the Association at heart, I do feel strongly against the lavatory
arrangements for the men at Hindhead hostel. That ‘Elsan’ arrangement is the most uncomfortable I’ve
come across. Let’s start the day right before hiking off into the wilds. Criticism should not be given
without practical remedy. Please find enclosed donation, largely for the provision of a new ‘Elsie’ [letter
frokm Life Member, LRN 5/50].
(s),(v)

HOCKLEY 1936 to 1960.
The Vicarage, Hockley, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 828935*

▲Opened in 1936, the hostel was offered by the vicar, the Rev Morgan to the Southened Group
[LONar36, LRN 7/49].
Wartime arrangements: there were bednights recorded or implied for every year of the war. A national notice of
20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement;
another of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local residents only. Hockley was restricted for a time,

216
but was now available again [LONar1941]. Restrictions on Hockley (and other hostels) were lifted temporarily during
1942SY [LONar1942].

✚Closed 31/12/1960, when the vicarage was sold by the Church Commissioners.
Handbook 1936-60.
Property tenure: an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the hostel was in the vicarage coachhouse and stables [LRN 7/49, YHr 5/1962]. These are now much
developed.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hockley 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1940 activities of the Southend Group were virtually at a standstill and the membership reduced to a
mere handful. They did not lack in keenness, however, and set about putting the Group back on its feet,
mainly confning their hostelling to Hockley, where a warm welcome would always await them from Mrs
Morgan. There they would concoct the famous ‘Southend Stew’, all contributions going into one big pot
and the result shared equally [LRN 7/49].

HODGESTON HILL 1950 to 1964.
Hodgeston Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 033008*

▲Opened partially 29/7/1950 (to 31/8/1950), and fully at Easter 1951 [YHAF]. In the opening
years a major reconstruction was under way [SWAar53, Rksk Sep-Oct53].
✚Closed end of season 1964. A belated plea was for conversion to a family hostel [YHr 8/64]. The
closure notice made the late news [Handbook 1965]. The property was sold 11/8/1969 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1951-65.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 12/7/1951 as land and buildings
at).
Property profile: timber building (or, from the evidence of recent aerial views, two huts), an ex-Women’s Land Army
hostel. These appear to have been demolished, though foundations are detectable.
The brick water tower / chimney is clearly visible from the road rising above the vegetation [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pwll Deri YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
When I did eventually reach the hostel the warden was nowhere to be seen but finally he appeared [Pat
Packham, A Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and Rail Runabout Ticket, 5 August 1953].
Eventually B and I decided to go to the dance and finally 12 hostellers went; we outnumbered the
villagers at first. We were all quite ready to go at 1am.
After the late evening breakfast was late [Pat Packham, July 1960].
(v)

HOLBEACH 1954 to 1960.
Holbeach and District Youth Centre, Park Road, Holbeach, Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: CAM/EAN jointly

GR: TF 359249*

▲Opened 26/7/1954 as a summer seasonal hostel.
✚Closed 1960 [late news page, Handbook 1961] because of administrative difficulties
[CAMar60].
Handbook 1954 supplement-61.
Property tenure:
Property profile: youth centre in old brick-built hall, now demolished and replaced by two modern houses.

HOLFORD (see Quantock Hills)
HOLLAND HOUSE (see [London] HOLLAND HOUSE)
HOLLY BUSH HOUSE (see Four Marks)
HOLMBURY ST MARY 1935 to present.
Radnor Lane, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NW.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 104450*

▲Opened 12/7/1935. The development attracted a large grant of £1,000 from the Carnegie
Demonstration Hostel Fund.

217
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed for most of the war, though it seems to have seen good YHA use in 1940
[LON mins] before being requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Guildford, on 6/8/1940, only to be
recorded as being used again as a youth hostel in December 1940. During war closure it was marked for reopening,
possibly in 1945.

Rucksack magazine announced that reopening would be early in 1946, while the 1946 Handbook
advised summer.
In the mid-1970s plans were made to increase the beds at Holmbury by 12 and improve the small
wardens’ accommodation. Both kitchens (members’ and wardens’) would be enlarged. Young
people employed under the Job Creation Scheme were likely to be employed [Wightwash
magazine].
In 1991 a small capital project to subdivide the dorms and upgrade washing and shower facilities
was carried out and proved very popular with families. The oil tank was also renewed [Sar91].
The hostel was on the closure list after the 2001 foot-and-mouth losses: it was advised that it might
close during 2003 [Handbook 2003/04]. There was a change of heart, however, as the hostel
offered unique rural group facilities close to London.
A Springboard programme of improvements was carried out over 2014-15.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006, 2009-10.
Handbook 1935-40; 1945-2007/08
Alternative name: Holmbury (1935).
Property tenure: early Demonstration Hostel supported financially by the Carnegie Trust. Held freehold (to YHA Trust
5/10/1934). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built model hostel in local brick, designed (as was Ewhurst Green) by the London Region
Honorary Architect HV Lobb. The common room featured a frieze typical of 1930s design. Miss PC Pott designed the
murals (probably meaning the frieze) [LONar35].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Holmbury 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Holmbury YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Connie’s friends picked us up and took us to see Holmbury St Mary’s hostel. I thought this was a very
beautiful hostel, but rather overdone. So much money had been spent on it! [Bertha Gough diary, 28th29th November 1936].
It all started not long after I had left school when an office workmate invited me to join him for a
weekend’s walking in the Surrey Hills. We will stay overnight, he explained, in a youth hostel. This was
terra incognita for me but the experience was to be one of the most important in my life. We arrived at
dusk at a modern, specially built hostel at Holmbury St Mary, where I found a whole set of strangers,
friendly and likeminded in their enjoyment of the open air. After supper the warden appeared wearing
lederhosen and led the singing of what today would be thought of as innocent folk songs. I was hooked
on the idea and having enrolled in the YHA found there were 200 other exciting locations where I could
stay in all parts of the country. And all for the very manageable sum of a shilling (5p) a night! I began to
plan future trips, either alone or with one or two friends [Len Clark, reporting in 2005].
Memories of Holmbury St Mary.
It was sad to read of the death of an old friend, Ralph Langford. Ralph and his wife Gwen were wardens
of Holmbury St Mary, which was the second Hostel I visited, in 1936.
It was then the specially designed and newly built Show Hostel of the London Region. It was wardened
by Ralph and Gwen, both of whom had given up well paid situations to live on wardens’ not overgenerous salaries. The Hostel had been designed by Howard Lobb, Gwen’s brother, who went on to
become a very successful architect, and incorporated many new ideas on Hostel design and equipment. I
was most impressed by them – built-in bunks, miniature electric cookers in the members’ kitchen, a
spacious common room with tiled windowsills and a big log fire, ‘modern’ plywood furniture from
Finland, and a host of small details.
But most impressive was Ralph’s warm welcome and Gwen’s cooking. and above all the fact that they
came into the common room to share the evening meal, and the subsequent talk-fest and sing-song with
us. ‘They’ were one with ‘us’, and that formed for ever my view point of what hostelling was about. Not
something done for us, but something that we did for ourselves [Noel Vincent, Steyning, letter to YHA
News, November 1994].
The hostel had a huge inglenook in which a small fire basket filled with logs gave out tremendous heat.
We had little gas cookers on which you could boil or grill and in normal times hot water would
presumably come out of the taps [anonymous holiday log, December 1940].
We were very impressed by this, as it had baths, electricity and hot water [Catherine Hannam (15),
holiday log, 1962].

218
(s)
HOLMFIRTH 1934 to 1968.
Wood Cottage, Greenfield Road, Harden Moss, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES: YK

GR: SE 105081*

▲Opened 9/1934 [WESar34]. The opening of a hostel here was first discussed 9/1933. At first
accommodation was M8W8. A frank review described the figures at the hostel as very small,
though there were no complaints [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed permanently by its owner in 1940, though a national notice of 8/10/1940
advised that the hostel was operating, as did another of 7/4/1941. Only 41 bednights were registered in 1941SY,
however. It reopened after the war in 1945.

Extensive adaptations were virtually complete [WESar48].
Major roof repairs were made in 1952 [Rksk Jul-Aug52]. The cost of connecting Holmfirth to the
grid would have been exorbitant, so the warden and his family were constructing a minor hydroelectric system which, with the addition of the recently erected wind generator, would help to
brighten the hostel considerably [WESar54]. Two young Bradford apprentices spent every weekend
for several months at Holmfirth wiring for mains electricity; the days (and nights) of candles and
paraffin would be ended [WESar57, YHr 2/1958]. The hostel received much attention from
Barnsley and Huddersfield members, assisted by Mr and Mrs O’Grady [WESar59].
A new fire escape was installed and Barnsley District Group helped the warden and his wife with
internal decorations [WESar60] and improvements to the members’ kitchen [WESar60]. A
donation of £25 from Holmfirth Round Table helped defray its cost (£300) [WESar62]; it was in
full use [WESar63].
✚Closed 8/1968 [WES minutes], as it was too much of a financial burden. The property was sold
19/11/1968 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1935-40; 1946-68.
Alternative name: Harden Moss (1935).
Property tenure: in the early days this was an adopted hostel, with the Regional Group receiving a proportion of the
overnight fee [WESar34, 35]. It was later a freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust
22/8/1945).
Property profile: former guest house, previously licensed premises, some 2 miles west of Holmfirth.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Holmfirth 751 ≈† RG46.doc; Y050001-Holmfirth 752 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Holmfirth YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We went to the hostel at Holmfirth. This was a very queer hostel. Connie and I slept on beds which had
been made out of half-cartwheels with just wire nailed on, with the result that we kept falling in a ball to
the middle. It was also in a loft with a current of air blowing straight through holes in the wall, which was
decidedly draughty! Still, we were getting hardened to queer hostels and quite enjoyed it. The selfcooking place here was in a cellar where one could hardly see anything [Bertha Gough diary, 19th-20th
January 1935].
(v)

HOLMPTON 1954 to 1956.
Holmpton Hall, Withernsea, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 368236*

▲Opened 16/1/1954. The hostel was opened to give Hull members more choice for week-ends; the
warden was RP Waller [YSHar53,54].
✚Closed 31/7/1956.
Handbook 1954-56.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a large country house with sweeping central stair, but much altered since YHA use and functioning as
a carpet storehouse in 2004. An original hall dated from the time of Queen Anne, and was fast falling to decay when
rebuilt in 1866, in the plain Italian style [Genuki website].
Web resource: http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/ERY/Holmpton/Holmpton92.html
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 26, Holmpton, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1954.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Holmpton Hall, used as a setting for the filming of South Riding, is to be converted to a youth hostel
[press report, 23 December 1953]

219
Studying for GCE in a 30-room mansion
In the 30-room mansion which was formerly the manor house of the village of Holmpton, some 20 miles
from Hull, 20 students are this week doing some extra studying for their GCE examinations, which take
place in a few weeks’ time.
Holmpton Hall, standing in seven acres of grounds, is an ideal setting for study. It is spacious, has a
solitude of its own, and does not present the distractions of home. This holiday-study course is in the
nature of an experiment, but already there are indications that it will be the forerunner of similar efforts.
The course began on Tuesday and will run for a week. Because Holmpton Hall is recognised as a Youth
Hostels Association establishment, the only cost to the students, all of 15 or 16 years of age, is 10s. They
are responsible for their own food and cooking, and for some minor chores.
Yesterday there were 16 students in the Hall, from homes as far apart as Hull and Newcastle, Sheffield
and Birmingham; four boys from Ossett will arrive later this week to complete the party of 10 boys and
10 girls. The timetable provides for study sessions, from 9.30am to 12 noon and 3 to 5pm each day.
It was largely through a Newcastle boy that this Easter holiday study course was arranged. He suggested
it to Mr Peter Waller, who supervises the hostel. The suggestion was made last summer, and the idea
tried out with only six boys at Christmas [press article, unknown source, April 1956]
(v)

HOLNE Camping barn 1995 to 1997≠.
▲Holne, Devon. GR: SX 706696
Handbook 1995-97. The facility is still advertised privately.

HOLT 1933 to 1942.
Holt Mill Farm, Holt Heath, Worcester.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 802637*

▲Opened 23/9/1933, replacing Little Witley (one mile distant). The hostel was expanded in 1938
[YHAar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure.

✚Closed 12/1942 when the lease expired [BMWar43], and replaced by Great Witley.
Handbook 1933 supplement-42.
Alternative name: Holt Heath (1933 supplement-35).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 22/3/1935).
Property profile: mill with extensive buildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Holt 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Holt 752 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
We lost Holt Mill in 1942 because ‘Old’ Gardiner the owner warden got fed up with his influx of
wartime members – not ‘real’ hostellers, of course, who put dirty dishes in the dustbins rather than take
the trouble to wash them up [G Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
Holt Mill YH occupied the top two floors of a former mill on a farm. It was like a large mountain bothy,
with a long spacious general purpose room with hand pumped water with a bench and sink on a dais at
one end. Sleeping was on truckle beds with hair mattresses.
It never really got warm and one bitter night the waterfall from the mill race froze and the unaccustomed
silence woke us all. It was often colder out than in – leading to the discovery that damp mattresses acted
as a heat sink making it warmer to discard them and cocoon yourself in as many blankets as possible and
simply to lay on the slats of the bed.
The place wasn’t easy to find after leaving the bus at Stourbridge as the route lay through Shrawley
Woods. I well remember the first time I tried and got lost, finally stumbling across the hostel in the dark,
only to be picked up by a stray dog which had later to be taken to the police house. Situated some 30
miles from Birmingham, it was a regular call for many, walkers and cyclists alike and hosted many social
events.
The hostel was handy for the Teme Valley and the Woodbury and Abberley Hills. After it closed it was
replaced in the immediate post war years by Great Witley and then Clifton-on-Teme. After that closed,
the area is now without a hostel leaving nothing between Malvern and Ludlow [Geoff Smith, YHA News
July 1992].
Philip Montgomery from Hall Green, Brimingham actually stayed there several times in the pre-war
years. He recounts how soothing it was to hear the sound of the water cascading over the dormant water
wheel and on through the mill stream, as he lay in his bed. ‘A perfect Hostel in every way’… It was able
to accommodate 20 males and 19 females and boasted a hostel store. The building across the bridge was
never part of the Hostel. The men’s dorm was above the common room and the women’s was in a cottage
across the yard.

220
This was a much loved Hostel, a Birmingham area members’ weekend place. As was usual, the
farmer/owner took a percentage of the 1/- overnight fee as rent [YHA News May 1993].
I remember one weekend at Holt Mill when the waterfall from the mill-race froze solid! Some of the girls
used to complain about having to find their way in the dark across the stream to their dormitories, two
small cottages on the opposite bank. Cooking was by primus stoves and the common room was heated by
a coke fired CI stove; lighting was by oil lamps [Wilf Lawson Sen, YHA News August 1993].

HOLWICK Camping barn 1992≠ to 2017≠.
▲Low Way Farm, Holwick, Co. Durham. GR: NY 914270
Handbook 1992-2009. Also open 2010-2017. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn
here as open in that year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: two field barns equipped with bunk beds.

HOLYHEAD [Beach Hostel] 1935 to 1939.
The Beach Youth Hostel, Newry Beach, Holyhead, Anglesey.
Historic County: Anglesey

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 245831*[GD]

▲Opened 8/1935.
✚Closed 1939, as the lease was terminated [MERar40]. The last usage was in August 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1936-39.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: the hostel was in a hut behind the Seaman’s Mission building (then occupied by Holyhead Boys’
Institute) on Holyhead seafront. In 2009 the buildings functioned as the TS Ganges National Sea Cadet Training Centre
[GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
28th July 28th 1935: I went to see a new hostel we had taken at Holyhead and to talk with the Chairman
and Secretary of the Holyhead Boys Institute. It was part of a Shipwrecked Mariners’ Home and was a
most interesting place, although very bare and plain. I had a chat with Mr Ellis and Mr Roberts and then
Mrs Williams (the caretaker and our warden) gave me tea [Bertha Gough diary].
Holyhead, which costs us very little, has not caught the imagination of members [CS Chapman,
Liverpool Quarterly January 1938].
HOLYHEAD Planned hostel from 2001. Did not open.
Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, Anglesey. GR: SH 226833 approx.
▼A hostel here was hoped for [YHAN 2001] and the details published in the 2003/04 Handbook. It was expected to
open in summer 2003 [Handbook 2003/04 Update 1] [as a 19-bed self-catering hostel (24 beds, Western Mail
2/5/2002); The aim was to convert a building which was formerly the house of the country park warden into a new selfcatering facility (Western Mail 2/5/2002) – GD]. The references were excluded from Updates 2 and 3. Note: the Grid
Reference SH 683161 in the 2003/04 Handbook is incorrect.

HONISTER HAUSE [Barracks building] 1942 to 1960.
Honister Barracks, Seatoller, Keswick, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 225135*

▲Opened early 1942 [LAKar42].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

In its later years, there were structural weaknesses that necessitated strengthening by wire hawsers.
A special motor-cycle expenses rate was negotiated for the hostel [LAK mins 1955].
✚Closed 1960. Demolition was planned for the end of 1960, but this was delayed [LAKar60].
There was no hostel operation in 1961 or 1962, during the rebuild.
Handbook 1942-60.
Property tenure: leased from Buttermere Green Slate Quarries Ltd.
Property profile: wooden barracks for quarry workers.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600007 anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Honister YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Absolutely soaked. ‘J’ told off by warden for not wearing a petticoat under her dress. ‘S’ and ‘D’ both
told off because they washed pans in sink and should have done it in bowl – or vice versa. Drying room
pretty hopeless and only one central stove in common room. Boys winding ties, handkerchiefs, shirt

221
sleeves round pipes of stove. Climbing rope fixed across room from one door to the other, dripping with
clothes. Loo outside – well outside, of course.
[Next morning] Pouring. Warden said we could stay in (all tipped out at 10am at Longthwaite). At lunch
time Assistant Warden made tea at 3d per cup, and we ate sandwiches [Mary Jephcott, 1943, reporting in
2008]
Hostel 3 stars, 2 bunks per room, washing 3 stars, OK for pike [anon holiday log, ca1944]
(v)

HONISTER [rebuilt] 1963 to present.
Honister Barracks, Seatoller, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XN.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 225135*

▲Reopened Easter 1963 after rebuilding, though possibly delayed [the regional Handbook reports
completion in 1963, while Youth Hosteller of April 1963 advised of Easter opening]. When opened
there was no electrical supply. The hostel was transformed by the installation of a generator, new
windows and floor covering [LKar79].
In the late 1990s the large men’s dormitory was subdivided into four smaller rooms with a corridor
down the middle to give access to the washroom [YHA News spring 1997].
Handbook 1962-2009.
Property tenure: tenancy. There were various peppercorn leaseholds for 99 years from 25/12/1959 from the National
Trust and others (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built replacement for entry above.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 95, Honister, Youth Hosteller April 1963.
(s)

HOPE 1931 to 1933.
Birchfield Guest House, Hope, Sheffield.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SK 178841*

▲Opened 1/6/1931, or [MANar31] 15/6/1931. Accommodation was for 15 men only. The YHA
accommodation was approached by a path on the Edale side, not by the main entrance [Manchester
minutes]. There were 55 bednights 1931 and 243 in 1932 [MANar31,32].
✚Closed 1933, as it was deemed too close to Derwent Hall Hostel [MANar34]. The end of season
was end 9/1933.
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-33.
Alternative name: Birchfield (1931(4th edn)-32).
Property tenure:
Property profile: previously let to TocH as a guest house.
Note: this is not Hope Guest House, which was also explored as possible hostel accommodation at the time [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Honister YHs Profile
(v)

HOPE SCHOOL [Temporary] 1942 only.
Eccles Close≠, Hope, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire
YHA Region: NMI
Positional note: the facility is thought to have been at this present day school location.≠

GR: SK 171837

▲✚Open August 1942 only.
Wartime arrangements: summer seasonal hostel. This was a North Midlands Region facility in response to
overcrowding. Here was a peak period hostel intended for non-member children groups, and popular with members
[NMIar42]. The 1942 operation recorded 494 bednights.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village school.
(v)

HORNDEAN 1932 or 1933 to 1936.
Downlands, Snell’s Corner, Horndean, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 707154

▲Opened 1932, later in the year (according to the late issue 1932 Handbook, though the 1933 issue
suggested a delay), with the same warden, Mrs H Feinson as the earlier Hilltop Hostel. In 1935 a
new common room had been acquired [PortsmouthRGar35].

222
✚Closed 12/1936 [SOUar37] and replaced by Fort Purbrook Hostel.
Handbook 1932 (October)-36
Property tenure:
Property profile: timber hut or huts, now demolished, positioned north-west of Hilltop, the intersection of Drift Road
with London Road. A local resident remembers that the huts were extant until about 1960, and that they were
associated with one of the cycling organisations. The area is much developed and altered, with new houses being built
adjacent in 1986.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Horndean 751 ≈† RG35.tif

HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE 1933 to 1939.
Welterburge Café [1933 supplement]; Wane’s Café (1934), Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 809723*

▲Opened 8/1933 [WESar33], 1/8/1933 being advised [WESmins]. There were beds for 8 men only
at first, soon increased to M10W4 [WESmins 10/1933]. The following year there may have been
doubts about continuation: it was necessary to enquire at regional office. There were no details in
the 1934 Handbook (1st edn); details followed in the supplement, 1934 (2nd edn). Mr Crawley, the
first warden, gave way to miss Wane in 1934. A frank review described the hostel as an insoluble
problem, even if money were to spare [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
✚Closed 9/1939 [WESar39].
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1933 supplement-39.
Property tenure: the Regional Group received a proportion of the overnight fee [WESar35].
Property profile: the hostel was in a house recently used as the village post office (2006). There was a hut to the left of
this, now demolished, that may have featured in the accommodation.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Horton 751 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Horton in Ribblesdale
YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
25th-26th May 1935: Northern Advisory Board meeting at Ilkley hostel. After the meeting on the
Sunday, we all went up to Grassington, Kettlewell and across a moorland road to Ingleton and Horton-inRibblesdale. This hostel was a very tiny one and very cramped quarters, but a beautiful situation [Bertha
Gough diary].
(v)
HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE Planned hostel 1979. Did not open.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire. GR: SD 8072 approx.
▼A site in the heart of the village became available during the year, but planning permission was refused in the light of
intense opposition from the local community [YKar79].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Horton in
Ribblesdale YH Profile

HOUGHTON MILL 1934 to 1982.
Houghton Mill, Mill Street, Houghton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE17 2AZ.
Historic County: Huntingdonshire

YHA Region: CAM; EA; C

GR: TL 281719*

▲Opened 6/10/1934. This was Cambridge Group’s first hostel [CAMar35], prepared by volunteers.
To reduce fire risk, extinguishers were provided and a Davey Lifeline provided in the upper of the
two dormitories [CAMar36].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open during every year of the war, though requisitioned during some. A national
notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed, but it was operating 7/1941, for instance [CAMar41].

The hostel was closed for £15,000 repairs (the joint responsibility of YHA and the National Trust,
with the bulk resting on the NT) on 14/9/1970 for a few months [EAar70].
✚Closed early September 1982; the lease was to expire 6/1983. It was reported as closed for
renovation work, and hoped that this would include a hostel [Handbook 1983], but there was to be
no further involvement by YHA.
Handbook 1935-83.
Property tenure: in 1934 the property was leased by villagers from the Water Board for a peppercorn rent, and
immediately sub-let to YHA. On 1/12/1939 the National Trust bought the property from the Water Board for £1 and
again sub-let to YHA (to YHA Trust 13/10/1941).
Property profile: mid 17th-century watermill, ‘of massive timber framed construction; the present common room used
to be the stables’ (1935 Regional guide), though there has been a water mill here from 974AD.

223
National Trust property open to the public [KF, 2011].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/344710
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Houghton 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Buntingford area
YHs Profile
Published material: article, Houghton Mill, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The mill is a joy… a mill has stood on this spot for over a thousand years – the present structure is
mainly about 400 years old. Within is a grand jumble of old beams, pillars, balks of timbers and
machinery, much of it in wood. Floors are at different levels, trapdoors (filled and unfilled in) abound,
and stairs are mere broad-treaded ladders. Many of the beds just straddle existing impedimentia [Mabel
Pratt, June 1949].
It certainly was a quaint old place and the women’s dormitory on the second floor was reached by a step
ladder. The holes in the dormitory floor reminded me of Crickhowell [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in
East Anglia, 28 July 1961].
Houghton Mill is one of the last surviving watermills on the River Ouse and the most interesting. Part of
the building dates from the mid-17th century when it replaced an earlier mill destroyed by fire, but
extensive alterations were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its conversion to a Youth Hostel in 1934
necessitated further changes and in 1963 an external fire escape was added, not a thing of beauty but very
necessary. The mill is picturesquely set on an artificial island among some of the finest river scenery in
Huntingdonshire. The best view of it is from the east across the large mill lade [National Trust booklet
1970].
HOUGHTON MILL will be the centre of Eastern Regions attention on Saturday 5th October. I wonder
how many of our readers can remember as far back as 1934, when the mill first became a hostel. The
forty years of celebrations commence at 2.30 with the official opening and there will be Morris Dancing,
a ceilidh in the village hall and folksinging in the hostel in the evening [WightWash 10/1976].
This is probably the only hostel in the world where you are likely to be knocked down by a motor cycle
while carrying your supper from the warden’s kitchen to the dining room – there is a public right of way
(strictly a bridle way) through the hostel…
There is now a gate across the footpath through the hostel which has doubled for so long for motor
cyclist reliability trials. We understand the locals are pleased apart from one high ranking ex-service
officer who has protested at the need to dismount from his horse to open the gate. The Region has
decided to spend a fantastic sum for a new cooker and grill for the wardens’ kitchen at the hostel.
Apparently, the kitchen is so small that no standard model will fit. [Wightwash 2/1976 and 10/1976].
(s)

HOWELLS 2006 to 2007.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2006-07 inclusive.
HOWTOWN 2008 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2008-10 inclusive.
HUDSCALES Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Hudscales, Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria. GR: NY 332375
Handbook 1998-2006.
Property profile: in part of a group of traditional farm buildings.
HULL Hostel facility through contact address 1935. Probably did not operate.
180 Park Avenue, Hull, Yorkshire. GR: TA 072303 to TA 083303 is the extent of Park Avenue.
The above is a contact address given for members requiring hostel accommodation on their way to or from the
continent [Handbook 1935]. It is not known if this is the address of the proposed accommodation. There was a hostel
planned, but it would not pay its way [HullRGar35].

HULL [Albemarle Centre] 1979 to 1980.
Albermarle Youth Centre, Ferensway, Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire HU2 8LZ.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: TA 091290*

▲Opened 21/7/1979; operated 21/7/1979-27/8/1979 and 26/7/1980-30/8/1980. An earlier attempt
to provide such accommodation in Hull in 1978 failed [YKar78].
✚Closed 30/8/1980 and replaced by Hull (143 Westbourne Avenue).
Handbook 1979-80.

224
Property tenure:
Property profile: concrete city-centre structure, now demolished.
(v)

HULL [Westbourne Avenue] 1981 to 1983.
143 Westbourne Avenue, Princes Avenue, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: TA 075300*

▲Opened 4/7/1981, replacing Hull (Albermarle Youth Centre).
✚Closed 1983, the end of season being 30/9/1983.
Handbook 1981-83.
Property tenure:
Property profile: yellow-brick house with pronounced corner turret on south-west corner of Westbourne Avenue and
Richmond Street, in a conservation area.
It is now split into flats [KF, 2011].
HUNSTANTON Planned hostel 1933. Probably did not open.
Trinity Lodge, Wodehouse Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk. GR: TF 6842 approx.
▼A hostel here was due to open 4/9/1933 [Handbook 1933 supplement], but ambiguously recorded as closed in the
10/1933 supplement. There is no record of usage here.
HUNSTANTON Planned hostel 1951. Did not open.
Hunstanton, Norfolk. GR: TF 6740 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here [Rucksack 1951]. This is probably a reference to an intended replacement for
Sedgeford.

HUNSTANTON 1972 to 2010, 2012 to present.
15/17 Avenue Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5BW.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TF 673406*

▲Opened 26/5/1972. There were 672 bednights in the first season.
Bob Neville, the warden Hunstanton, made many improvements to the hostel including welding the
single beds left behind by the Girls Friendly Society into double decker bunks [HN Summer 1973].
In 1977 the men’s washrooms were extended and showers provided [HN Spring 1977].
After purchase in 1985 (grant-aided by the Countryside Commission), improvement work was
carried out, with a reopening 23/3/1986. Further work over the winter of 1990-91 extended the
dining room into a conservatory and provided family rooms and other improvements [Car91].
The hostel closed at the end of 2010 but reopened as an Enterprise business in 2012.
Property tenure: at first rented; freehold purchase 23/10/1985. In 2009 freehold. In 2012 Enterprise.
Property profile: pair of Victorian town houses that had previously been leased by the Girls’ Friendly Society and
Townsend Fellowship Trust Company. In 1972 YHA Eastern region was offered a sub-lease of the premises by the
Girls’ Friendly Society, who leased the building from the le Strange Estate of Hunstanton. The GFS had been running
the building as a holiday hostel for girls [YHAPB, YHAar86, official opening programme].
Handbook 1972 supplement-2009.
Reports, recollections and observations:
If on any night the number of members exceeds the beds available, it will be possible to camp down at
the local youth centre for a 60p bednight fee [WightWash, October 1976].
(s)

HURST GREEN Camping barn 1992 to 2004≠.
▲Greengore Farm, Hurst Green, Lancashire. GR: SD 674389
Handbook 1992-2004.
Property profile: in converted byre.

HUTTON 1937 to 1965.
Eastfield, Hutton, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW

GR: ST 353588*

▲Opened 13/3/1937 [GSEar37]. It was under construction, and the roof now on, early in 1937
[GSEmins 20/1/1937].

225
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice; it was requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Wells, on 31/10/1940. It functioned
perhaps a little in 1941, was closed in 1942, and probably in 1943 (records are missing). Closure held in 1944.

Hutton Hostel reopened after the war, late in the 1945 season [GSEar45].
✚Closed 30/9/1965. A bungalow forming part of the property was sold on 22/6/1964, the rest sold
30/9/1969 [YHAPB]. The resignation of the warden and consequent need to build warden
accommodation at the hostel was a factor in the closure [GSEar65].
Handbook 1937-40; 1946-65.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 4/8/1937). Later freehold (to YHA Trust 28/9/1939).
Property profile: of distinctive design, originally intended as a village club. It seems that the building was under
construction when the idea to incorporate a youth hostel here was hatched. The building survives as a private residence,
though a taller section at the southern end has been reduced.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hutton 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Hutton 752 ≈† RG47.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 49, Hutton, Youth Hosteller October 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
9th April 1938. I had some difficulty finding the hostel in its obscure lane. It is a new building, standing
with some new bungalows just above the marshy fields. The warden, Mrs Taylor, a large woman with a
very course loud voice, kept us while she showed us photographs of her daughter’s wedding [Diaries of
FJ Catley, 1938].
A notice in the women’s washroom at Hutton stated: ‘Ladies are requested to scour their bowels out
daily’ – an unfortunate spelling but motherly Mrs Taylor was no scholar [Ken Tyler, HN Spring 1980].
(v)

IDE HILL (WEEK-END HOSTEL) 1935 to 1942 or 1943.
Rosemary Cottage, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 486518*

▲Opened 1935. Wardens in 1938 were Mr and Mrs Keene; accommodation numbered M10W10.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940 [LON mins], but was only partly available in 1941 [LONar41].
Records are missing for 1942, and closure came during the year 1943SY [LONar43, Handbook 1943 alterations].

✚Closed 1943 [YHAF], or late 1942.
Handbook 1936-43.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: 18th-century cottage and tea-shop, in centre of village. A private house in 2005.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ide Hill 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Ide Hill 752 ≈† RG38.tif
(v)

IDLICOTE 1947 to 1951.
Idlicote School, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 284443*

▲Opened Spring 1947 [WAN scrapbook]. The region had acquired the lease of the school and
schoolhouse, but could not get a resident warden, as the schoolhouse was requisitioned; the
regional committee then hoped to use the school as a small youth hostel and put extra
accommodation in the grounds [WANar46]. It was converted by volunteers [WANar47]. The hostel
was always very basic; the large school room was partitioned to make a common room and
dormitory, and a cycle shed built [YHAar47]. The warden now provided breakfasts [Rucksack,
Spring 1948].
✚Closed 27/10/1951.
Handbook 1947-51.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: former school, now demolished.
The site is now occupied by a terrace of three ‘cottage-style’ homes, each with prominent dormers to front [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Idlicote 751 ≈† RG49.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Idlicote Hostel was a school, and the large room had to be partitioned for Common-room and Men’s
Dormitory until the School House is de-requisitioned. A sink was installed in the kitchen, fixed wash
basins were fitted in the women’s dormitory and cooking benches and bicycle sheds were erected. All
this was done by voluntary labour in the two or three week-ends before Easter – the village was quite
inaccessible when the first working parties were planned. Idlicote is a charming village, with no
electricity or gas, and two water taps for the whole village. It should appeal to the ‘small hostel’

226
enthusiast – and as it has provided meals, others need not be put off [Rucksack, Midsummer 1947].
Primitive conditions reign at Idlicote. Once a school, the premises boast no mod. cons at all. Water is
fetched from over the road, privies are down the yard, and Elsan at that, all cooking is done on Primus
stoves, most of which are out of order. Even the lamps had cracked glasses, and gave only a faint sickly
light. There were two dorms, room for 12 women and 10 men. Our company numbered about 20, mostly
young and rowdy, and the warden was a harassed young married woman trying to cope and bring up a
baby at the same time. She viewed us with complete lack of enthusiasm, and said she hoped we weren’t
expecting her to cook our supper. I said pleasantly that we had enough with us, but would appreciate
breakfast.
Roger coaxed a dirty and ill-used Primus to behave long enough to cook some potatoes, I warmed our tin
of steak and kidney pudding at the same time, and later I made a pot of lovely tea. Our beds were up to
hostel standard fortunately, so we were not sorry to seek them. It was no hardship to wash all over in cold
water, and considerably refreshed, I was soon asleep, despite the misplaced enthusiasm of a few silly
youths, who made the night hideous for a little while with a wretched pipe, and much loud laughter.
[The next] morning we enjoyed an adequiate meal, provided by a warden much more amiable, and
visibly thawing under the influence of good-natured help. The chores notice was pinned on the notice
board (made up from the signed register) and opposite my name and that of the only man of the company
near my age, was clean and scrub kitchen. In reality, this was no tall order, as the kitchen was only a slice
of a place with one table and two long shelves. We were able to heat enough water during breakfast to
tackle the array of awful utensils left light-heartedly by the youthful washers-up, and with a good supply
of soap and Vim, I made short work of the table and shelves, while my companion (an old campaigner)
did the floor [Mabel Pratt, August 1947].
The water had to be brought in from a tap outside the hostel... the insistence of 2 or 3 animals a dog and
one or two cats, on pushing themselves through the door when we opened it. We were trying to be
particularly careful about excluding these, for a notice in the Common Room threatened horrible
revenges to anyone who allowed the animals in, even unto the withholding of membership cards. We
therefore felt ourselves very fortunate in having no animals about the place when the Warden came in
and I think the Warden deserves a paragraph all to herself. Her appearance rather surprised us, for I have
never seen anyone who looked less like a Warden, particularly among the fair sex. She looked, rather, as
if she had just walke’d out of a very smart party, only substituting a farmgirls clothes for evening dress.
Moreover, she spoke like that too. With her cigarette hanging out of the corner of her mouth, her
educated drawl gave us an even greater surprise than her refined features. However, she was quite
friendly, and was sympathetic on hearing of our struggle to keep out the animals, and explained that the
notice was only there because someone had once complained of their presence, although most hostellers
used to make much of them. Her late arrival was due to prolonged work in the harvest field, and she told
us who to contact in the morning for our cards, for she would be out again quite early [Rev G
Greenhough, 1951].

IDWAL COTTAGE 1931 to present.
Idwal Cottage, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3LZ.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 648603*

▲Opened Good Friday, 2/4/1931. The premises had been secured only the previous day. The
quaint wooden sleeping hut from Llanfihangel GM Hostel was transported here in 1932 and was
used for a time as an overflow dorm. In 2010 it was the cycle shed, and by 2015 back to use as a
small outdoor sleeping hut.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

Considerable remodelling of the hostel took place in the 1950s. it started when an International
Working Party helped to clear the site for an extension [MERar54]. It was considerably delayed by
planning problems, and took five years before the new slate-roofed extension was completed; it
opened on 23/5/1959 [YHr 7/1959]
In the early 1960s the neighbouring stone chapel was adapted into self-contained quarters by
providing a first floor; it was opened on 26/5/1963 as the Embleton Annexe dedicated to the late Alf
Embleton of the Merseyside region. The chapel is now the manager’s residence.
Work started on the installation of mains electricity [YHr 2/71], and a reliable winter water supply
was fitted [HN Autumn 1972]. In 1975 additional wash basins and showers were put in the main
building, more dormitories and showers in the chapel and wash facilities in the chalet; in 1977 the
members’ washup was improved [HN Spring 1975, spr1977].
There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions during 1993 [War1993]. Four years
later winter improvement works were planned to improve facilities further. The first stage of a two

227
year development would allow some small dormitories to be released in the main hostel building by
moving staff into the chapel building. As Idwal Cottage was becoming self-catering only, emphasis
over the winter was on greatly improving the members’ kitchen. The reception and day access was
to be improved for 1998, while the major works to provide small dormitories with adjacent or ensuite shower and toilet facilities were planned for winter 1998-99 [YHA News autumn 1997].
In 2001 the hostel was completely refurbished with a variety of funding, including a members’
appeal [War01].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-2009.
Alternative names: Idwal (Cottage) (1931(2nd edn)-31(4th edn); Idwal (1933).
Property tenure: there were various tenancies, (eg) 27/4/1945, for 21 years from 12/11/1954, (to YHA Trust 17/5/1955
as Idwal Cottage and Mission Room), and as a combination of freehold and leasehold 7/12/1964. Currently [2012]
freehold. Land (the Plantation) was purchased 22/6/1981 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB] while Glanryhyd Chapel Idwal
was acquired (to YHA Trust) [YHAar86].
Property profile: former quarry manager’s house. The accommodation was initially for 32, using H Dodgson hammock
bunk beds. There was regular use of outdoor sleeping at first.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Idwal 751 † RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 27, Idwal, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1954.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The beds at Idwal were only put up on the Thursday night [Easter weekend, 1/4/1931], the members
helping to do so before they could go to bed, and things were in a bit of confusion. It was a snowy but
fine weekend, and most of the hostels were full. We all found the beds very cold, as we had not got
acclimatised to hostel life then. Les Powell and I did the catering for our party, as we had to cook our
own meals. When I think now what a worry we must have been to the poor warden. We cooked 3-course
dinners each night, and as the equipment in those days was very scarce, it was rather hard work, but great
fun, it being my first experience of such a life. The warden then was a University student called
Williams; Connie [Alexander] did not go until May [Bertha Gough diary].
I asked the warden where the cycle shed was. I was very disconcerted when told to leave my bicycle
outside until 10pm and then put it on top of the coal [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in North Wales,
April 1966].
With the help of a working party of boys from Stoke Heath, 70 young trees have been planted at the
windward edge of the plantation opposite Idwal Cottage. Half these trees were kindly donated by the
Forestry Commission. Caernarfonshire County Council has plans for incorporating a car park within this
plantation, unfortunately with the major portion immediately in front of the hostel [HN Summer 1972].
Idwal Cottage is having the first phase of improvements completed before the spring. The self catering
area (formerly known as the Devil's Kitchen) has been rebuilt. New showers and toilets have been
installed. For days when it rains, the chalet in the hostel grounds has been coverted to a daytime access
room [HN Spring 1985].
(s)
IFFLEY Hostel planned 1933. Did not open.
Iffley, Oxford, Oxfordshire. GR: SP 5203 approx.
▼An early demonstration hostel was projected at a house here on the southern outskirts of Oxford [YHAar33].

ILAM HALL 1932 to (probably) 1932; 1934 or 1935 to present.
Ilam Hall, Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2AZ.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 131506*

▲Opened 1932. The plan was to open 1/2/1932 or [H&C 4/1932] 9/4/1932, when there would be
just 20 beds (M10W10). Closed (probably) 1932. Opening had been mooted even earlier in YHA
history, however. The number of rooms required could be rented from Mr Backhouse (BYHA
minutes 2/7/1930), who had bought the property for a doomed luxury hotel and golf course in 1927,
and subsequently sold it for demolition.
In 1934 it was announced that Robert McDougal was gifting the property to the National Trust on
condition that the Hall, or as much of it as would be required, should be available to the
Association [YHAar34]. It opened in this form in 1934 [HN Autumn 1975], and reopened officially
on 25/5/1935. The new development attracted a grant of £500 from the Carnegie Demonstration
Hostel Fund. Electricity was made available for light and cooking [Rksk NY37]. Male Czech

228
refugees were housed at Ilam Hall early in 1939 [Sheffield Bulletin Spring 1939]; or 30 people
from the Sudetenland, including 3 children, stayed between March and May 1939 [Ilam village
website].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed 1940-42 inclusive, when it was used by Derby Corporation. It reopened at
Easter (or shortly after) 1943, operating through the rest of the war.

Mains water was installed in 1959 [YHr 6/59].
In 1970 a long list had been received from the Stafford Fore Office re recommendadations for Ilam
YH [PKmins5/70]. Ilam was being brought up to Superior standard [PKar72]. A new field study
centre opened in 1975, two well-equipped classrooms in a wing of the old Manor House at the rear
of the hostel, due to open on 26th October 1975 [HN Autumn 1975]. Ilam Hall was extensively
renovated and remodelled over the winters of 1989-90 and 1990-91 (cost £472,000), under PDMP.
Phase 1 included the complete redevelopment of all the public areas to create an enhanced
reception area, first class dining facilities and greatly improved facilities for self catering. Care was
taken to complement the historic nature of the Hall rather than impose on it. Phase 2 was to include
improvements to all the sleeping accommodation, new showers, toilets and wash rooms and the
development of the north wing of the building which after years of neglect was leased to YHA by
the National Trust. The wing would provide high quality family rooms, already popular at
Hartington [Car90]. Ilam Hall reopened at an open day by Dr David Bellamy on 13th July 1991.
Further major redevelopment was applied in 2008-09.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-08 inclusive. Do It 4 Real Easter Camp Site, 2006.
The name YHA Ilam Hall was confirmed in March 2013.
Handbook 1932; 1935-39; 1943-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 17/6/1936), also (eg) 1959 [YHAF]. Part of the stable block was taken
leasehold for 4 years from 29/9/1973 from the National Trust (to YHA Trust); and further leasehold of the youth hostel
for 20 years from 29/9/1977 from the National Trust [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold. Ilam Hall Cottage is also
leasehold.
Property profile: a Victorian gothic mansion, Grade II* listed, largely rebuilt from an older manor house between 1821
and 1826 to the design of John Shaw. By the early 1930s it had been sold for demolition. The demolition was well
advanced when Sir Robert McDougal bought it for the Trust, on the understanding that the remaining parts (the
entrance porch and hall, the Great Hall and the service wing) be used as an International Youth Hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ilam 752 ≈† RG46.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Yoxall YH Profile
Warden: (reported 1991) Edgar Smith has been the warden of the YH since 1956. His wife Margaret shared the job
with Edgar until her retirement in March this year. Prior to 1956, Margaret’s parents were the wardens and she was
brought up at Ilam Hall.
Reports, recollections and observations:
MANSION AS YOUTH HOSTEL
Ilam Hall, a stately Staffordshire mansion at the lower entrance to Dovedale, presented for the use of the
Youth Hostels Association by Mr Robert McDougall of Cheadle Hulme, will be opened as a youth hostel
on May 25. The hall is being adapted at a cost of £3,000 to accommodate 100 people. Mr McDougall has
given many acres of Dovedale to the National Trust [The Scotsman 24/4/1935].
In 1944 people regularly came up from London to escape the noise and the mess caused by the V-2
rockets [Rene Wild, Ilam staff member, reporting in 2001].
My girlfriend and I went to Ashbourne on the bus from Derby, and walked to Ilam youth hostel for the
night. Later on in the evening, the cubs that were camping nearby came in, as it was raining hard and the
tents were leaking. We all sat around a big fire in the lounge and sang songs that they had learned. Also,
in those days, at about 9pm we used to have a cup of cocoa as a nightcap at 3d a cup, brought in by the
staff [Roy Frost, 1960 memory].
(s)

ILFRACOMBE 1982 to 2003.
Ashmour House, 1 Hillsborough Terrace, llfracombe, Devon EX34 9NR.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SS 524476

▲Opened 2/3/1982.
✚Closed 2003. It was shown as open [2003/04 Handbook, Update 1]; but might close after 9/2003
[Update 2]. It was not listed in Update 3 and had closed [YHAN Autumn 2003]. Costs of health

229
and safety work and upgrading were cited as reasons for closure. Alternative premises were being
sought [YHAN Autumn 2003], without success.
Handbook 1982-2003/04
Property tenure: a partnership between the owner and YHA.
Property profile: Georgian terraced property above the harbour.

ILKLEY 1934 to 1939.
Rocklands, Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 123471*

▲Opened 4/1934 [WESar34]. The Regional Group raised over £200 to open the hostel, after initial
plans to buy a house called Westfield foundered. Warden Mr MacAleer died tragically in 1934; Mr
and Mrs Hodge from Heath Charnock succeeded Mrs McAleer. A review described the hostel as
successful and spotlessly clean [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
✚Closed 1939
Wartime arrangements: the tenancy was arranged to expire 30/9/1939 [WESmins 16/3/1939]. At the outbreak of war
Rocklands was housing a party of Sudeten refugees, and the warden had left [WESmins 18/9/1939]. The Regional
Council was trying to hire the equipment out. The hostel was expected to transfer to a new, larger hostel not very far
away (see below).
Handbook 1934-39.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 10/3/1936).
Property profile: handsome villa built in millstone grit.
It was advertised as the as ‘Rocklands Guest House’ from April 1951 to May 1959, almost without a break [KF].
The house is now renamed Heatherlands.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ilkley 751 ≈† RG36.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
21st-22nd April 1934: Connie and I spent this weekend at Ilkley hostel. This hostel is particularly well
fitted up for sanitary arrangements, but it is not a hostel I care for very much [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)
ILKLEY Hostel planned 1939. Did not open.
The Bracken, Crossbeck Road, Ilkley, Yorkshire. Thought to be the large house at GR: SE 120471.
▼An offer was made to rent the Bracken, owned by the Grammar School, for 3 years, with an option to purchase. It
was expected to transfer here [from Rocklands] in August 1939 [Rucksack Midsummer 1939; Handbook 1939
amendments]or from 1/10/1939 [WESmins 2/1939]. The house was then taken by Ilkley UDC as a children’s hospital
[WESmins 18/9/1939], and nothing more was heard of this venture except for the belated Rucksack messages:
arrangements had been made for a new and better hostel [Rucksack New Year 1940], and wardens had been appointed
[Rucksack Easter 1940].

INGBIRCHWORTH 1936 to 1940.
Spicer House Farm, Ingbirchworth, Penistone, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 204055*

▲Opened 10/10/1936 by Barnsley Sub-regional Group; Mrs Mosley was warden [WESar36]. The
premises had first been suggested 10/1934 [WESmins]. There were to be 16 beds. It was not long
before the problem of dampness was reported [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940 until closure. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that the hostel
was operating.

✚Closed late 1940 by its owner [WESar1941]. There were 29 bednights in 1941SY.
Handbook 1937-40.
Property tenure: a plan was to occupy the premises rent-free and take 50% of the bednight fees [WESmins 6/1936].
Property profile: moorland farmhouse. In 2009 it was undergoing considerable remodelling.
(v)

INGLESHAM 1938 to 1991.
Littleholme, Upper Inglesham, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL; MD; S

GR: SU 204964*

▲Opening was anticipated by Whit 1938; the new hostel was announced [Rucksack 1938(3)].
Wartime arrangements: hostel usage was unrecorded in 1940, but definite in 1941 and 1942 despite absence from the
handbook in those two years; it was also operating 1943 [WILar42,43]. Further use was reported in 1944-45.

✚Closed 1991.
Handbook 1938amendments-39; 1943-91.

230
Alternative name: Inglesham (Lechlade) (1938amendments-39).
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 24/6/1938 as Land and Cottage at Inglesham).
Property profile: country cottage.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Inglesham 751 ≈† RG39.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 9, Inglesham, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1951.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel we found was just an ordinary house, no bigger than its neighbours, and we wondered how it
was going to accommodate the 30 people it professed to be capable of holding. We discovered the secret:
there was an outhouse at the back specially built (I imagine) as a dormitory for the men. We began to
learn another secret: that of the smoky stove. This mastered (more or less), we went to make our beds,
and wash; nice refreshing cold water was a blessing here. The stove smoked again next morning, when
we eventually managed to get it going; in the evening it had casued some discomfort to other members in
the adjacent Dining Room! [Rev G Greenhough, 1949].
Hostel small, with men’s outhouse dormitory [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].

INGLETON [Storrs Hall] 1935 to 1937 or 1938.
Storrs Hall, Ingleton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 701732*

▲Opened 4/1935 [WESar35]. The decoration of the 40-bed hostel was prepared by a party of boys.
✚Closed early 1938, and replaced by Ingleton (Greta Tower).
Handbook 1935-37.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 17/7/1936); the purchase of the property had been contemplated as early as
1933. The leasehold terminated 3/1938 [YHAPB].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ingleton A 751 † RG36.doc
Property profile: stone-built medium-sized country mansion, a school for 60 girls and 20 teachers, then vacant, before
first offered to YHA for lease or purchase [WESmins 1/6/1933]. The Hall shows signs of expansion and remodelling at
different periods, and featured a lookout tower and separate laundry cottage at the road edge. The YH occupied one
floor of the mansion [YHs in Yorkshire & County Durham, 1936]. The warden, Mr Sodo, lived in one of the adjoining
houses. In 2013 Storrs Hall was divided into a number of different residences and holiday cottages.
Reports, recollections and observations:
25th-26th May 1935: Northern Advisory Board meeting at Ilkley hostel. At Ingleton, we had a job to get
the warden to show us round and he was not at all civil…
… 14th-15th August 1937: the place was very dirty and untidy [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

INGLETON [Greta Tower] 1938 to present.
Greta Tower, Sammy Lane, Ingleton, Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 3EG.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES: YK; N

GR: SD 695733*

▲Opened 1/4/1938, replacing Ingleton (Storrs Hall) Hostel. It had been expected to transfer here
earlier, by Christmas 1937 [WESar37]. 1938 was a very difficult year, in that a hoped-for grant
from the Physical Fitness organisation was consistently delayed; nothing was ready [WES hostels
report, 1/12/1938]. Essential sanitary works were not effected until the following March.
Wartime arrangements: the essential improvements were almost ready at the outbreak of war. In September 1939 the
hostel was practically empty, and offered to the war effort [WESmins 9/1939]. The hostel operated each year of the
war. 1940 records are missing, but a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. Soon
emergency overspill accommodation was necessary, provided in the local Parish Hall [WES Newsletter 7/1942].

In 1963 an old dormitory hut was demolished and replaced by a new one [WESmins 1963].
Central heating was installed [HN Autumn 1974]. Improvements for members and wardens were
implemented [HN Spring 1976]. Fire precautionary work was carried out in 1978 [YKar78].
Larger dormitories were split into smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93]. Further expenditure of
£164,000 was agreed in 1997 [Wmemo1997], including for more conveniently sited showers,
wash-basins and WCs, more small rooms and a general renovation [YHA News end 1997, spring
1998].
In spring 2013 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale. The new owner took control late in
2013, maintaining without a break the YHA status as an Enterprise Hostel.
Handbook 1938-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 1937 [YHAF] (to YHA Trust 7/12/1937). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: valley-roofed stone Victorian house with distinctive verandah, open at first, but progressively filled in.
There have been extensive alterations and additions by YHA at either end of the house. At the north end an original
unfenestrated castellated tower (perhaps older than the house) has been incorporated and progressively altered, first

231
with a sloping roof, later with a flat roof and windows. At the south end is a YHA-built extension. Staff were at one
time quartered in the north end, but in recent years have switched to the lower floor at the south end. The dormitory hut
stood in the garden at the north end, at right angles to the hostel. It was removed some time after 1980. In late 2013
accommodation consisted of 13 bedrooms, mainly 4-bedded but with one 2-bedded and four 6-bedded.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ingleton was another hostel for social events, and there was the ‘sixpenny hop’ in the village, for which
you needed a late pass [Alice Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the 1940s and 1950s, reporting in 2013].
to Ingleton YH once more. Too much sago pudding I recall. With a second helping I found it difficult to
get to sleep, too full [Two young lads’ logbook, 1949].
(s)

INSTOW 1954 to 1998.
Worlington House, New Road, Instow, Bideford, Devon EX39 4LW.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SS 482303*

▲Opened 14/4/1954. Officially opened 30/6/1956 [DACar56]. It filled the gap left by the closure
of Barnstaple Hostel. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69]. The property was
refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89].
✚Closed 31/10/1998 [information from assistant warden]. The belated message that it might close
was published in the next Handbook [1999 Handbook]. The hostel had to close as it was in a poor
state of repair. Nevertheless, it sold for considerably more than expected [YHA internal memo
28/11/1998].
Handbook 1954-99.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 13/1/1954).
Property profile: country house.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The need of a 40 to 50 bed hostel in the North Devon Coastal area was apparent for a long time,
especially after the closure of the use of the YMCA premises in Barnstaple. I inspected quite a large
number of buildings in North Devon, including places at Westward Ho, Braunton, Bucks Mill, until
eventually coming across the Instow property that was on the market for sale.
Following a visit to Instow by members of the Exeter Committee, it was decided to put a scheme up to
national office for the purchase of Worlington House. The house, situated high on the hills overlooking
the River Taw and Bideford Town, rivals the panoramic views of Maypool. It had one or two snags
attached to the house, especially in the early days of its use for a hostel, in that there was an unreliable
electric plant, and of a water supply coming from a well in the orchard, both of which caused problems
that had to be remedied, if the hostel was to prove a success.
The first job the committee undertook was the laying of a mains water pipe line from about a mile down
the road. Fortunately the Electricity Board decided to extend their mains electric supply to the hamlet of
nearby Worlington, and in doing so also brought the mains supply to the hostel.
The next successful scheme was the setting up of a field study centre, possible by making use of the
stable buildings and an old engine shed in the orchard. With the recent enlargements to these buildings, it
is proving a very valuable and useful addition to the hostel. The hostel is still doing well [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Instow hostel seemed new & bright. The Warden was quite strict but a great sense of humour [Vic Archer
on 1957 hostelling trip, recalled in 2014].
The cycle shed was full; I had not seen so many bicycles at a hostel for a long time [Pat Packham, A
Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
The hostel closed in 1998. My contract actually ended on 31st October, so that must have been the month
that we closed, although my manager, David Stuart was still there tying loose ends after that date. It was
a sad time as the hostel was so loved and popular, even financially it was doing well but the building was
in such a poor state of repair there was no choice other than to sell it. We went along to the auction in
Barnstaple and were pleased that a local farmer bought it. His wife had delivered milk there when she
was a child and always dreamed of living there. It was nice for us that the story had a happy ending
[Emma Hocking, assistant manager, recounted in 2007].
(v)

IRONBRIDGE GORGE (see Coalbrookdale)
IRONBRIDGE GORGE (see Coalport)
ISLE OF MAN GUESTHOUSES AND BUNKHOUSE

232
Seven guesthouses and a bunkhouse offering reduced rates for YHA members were included in Handbooks for a short
while after the last island hostel, Laxey, was closed. See entries for Douglas, Ramsey and Peel.

ISLE OF WIGHT Cowes UKSA 2013 to 2014.
Arctic Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7PQ.
Historic County:
Hampshire / Isle of Wight

GR: SZ 498950*

▲Opened late May 2013. Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the
owners and YHA, and the hostel lost its YHA status.
Website 2013.
Property tenure: Enterprise arrangement
Property profile: purpose-built site including accommodation for 272, modern lecture rooms and conference space, an
indoor heated swimming pool, a fully licensed bar and lounge area with satellite TV, a cafe with waterside views, a
self-service restaurant and dining area, an on-site shop, a cyber cafe, outdoor seating and a sundeck area.

ITFORD FARM (BEDDINGHAM) (see South Downs)
IVINGHOE 1937 to 2007.
The Old Brewery House, Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire LU7 9EP.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; C

GR: SP 944161*

▲Opened Easter 1937.
Wartime arrangements: in 1940 the hostel was used to house children evacuated from London; in 1940 there was good
YHA use before enforced closure in September, being requisitioned by Wing RDC, Linslade. It remained closed for the
duration of the war.

Reopened after the war in 1946, probably at Easter.
The opening of the Ridgeway Path brought more guests to the hostel [HN Winter 1974-75].
In 1984 the Region was planning to sell the barn and land for residential development and planning
permission was applied for [EAar84]. Central heating was to be installed [HN Autumn 84].
The sale of spare land was completed [YHA News spring 1996].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006.
✚Closed end 10/2007.
Handbook 1937-40; 1946-2009.
Property tenure: found by the Harrow and Wembley YHA Group and originally leased to YHA for 5/- by Benskins (the
brewers), it was purchased by YHA in 1946 [LRN 3/1946]. Freehold until 2009.
Property profile: Georgian three-storey valley-roofed brick-built mansion of 1812, with extension to the right, a former
brewer’s house in spacious grounds. The brewery closed in the years after World War I. The hostel cycle shed was the
former dray horse stabling.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ivinghoe 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Ivinghoe 752 ≈† RG38.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600013
diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Leatherhead &
Tanners Hatch YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 68, Ivinghoe, Youth Hosteller July 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was a converted Georgian house, with high ceilings and wide window seats, but the bath and
washing-up places were also Georgian, I think [anonymous holiday log, November 1938].
Large and beautifully kept, with adequate arrangements in all departments [Mabel Pratt, October 1948].
I slept in Harrow and Wembley dormitory and others were named Ealing and Watford [Pat Packham, A
Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 2 May 1962].
To the person heard muttering ‘those two ought to go on a catering course’ when waiting for chips to be
cooked Sunday luchtime at the Ivinghoe Rally – you don’t know how much hilarity you caused among
the large, hard-working crowd I had in the kitchen. After non-stop catering since Friday evening they all
felt like experienced hands and I, having presented about 100,000 meals since coming here, coped with
13 rallies, 7 Folk Festivals, Parties, open Days, etc, and I feel it’s a bit late for a catering course! [Jean
Chaplin, warden, WightWash Aug1977].

IWERNE MINSTER 1931 to about 1940.
The Post Office, Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: LON/SOU

▲Opened early 1931. Passed from LON region to SOU during 1936 [LONar36].

GR: ST 866145*

233
Wartime arrangements: operations in late 1939 and 1940 are unclear. However, a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised
that the hostel was operating.

✚Closed about 1940, at the request of the warden [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-40.
Alternative names: Post Office Stores (1931(1st edn)-31(2nd edn); Post Office House 1931(3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: village house, former post office and stores. The hostel was above the post office.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Iwerne 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Iwerne 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
July 1938. In the fine thatched village we had to ask where the youth hostel was –- it is the PO as well.
We found it in a side turning, a pleasant place, the hostel quarters being over the shop, up some very
awkward stairs. We took our bikes up the long garden to the sheds. The warden, a retired army captain,
was very amiable, though with some military abruptness. Three other youths in [Diaries of FJ Catley,
1938].

JERSEY [Haut de la Garenne] 2004 to 2008.
Haut de la Garenne, La Rue de la Poucle et des Quatres Chemins, St Martin, Jersey JE3 6DU.
Historic Bailiwick of Jersey

YHA Region: S

GR: 710505

▲Opened 2/2004 [YHAF] or 19/3/2004 [YHAN, States of Jersey] as a YHA Enterprise Hostel. It
was advertised as due to open in 2004 [some details in 2003/04 Update 3 only], or more precisely,
it was to open 19/3/2004 [YHAN].
✚Closed in the wake of police investigations (outside YHA) that began in February 2008. The last
use may have been in 2007. YHA subsequently stated that they had no intention of returning to this
site. In 2009 the premises were again to be used by army units and the lifeguard service.
Handbook 2003/04-2005-06,2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: Victorian building dating from 1867, originally an industrial school for young people of the lower
classes of society and neglected children. By 1900 it had become the Jersey Home for Boys, remaining a children’s
home (apart from use in the Second World war as a German military signal station) until closure in 1986. Several years
of indecision and short-term uses followed: it saw use as a film set for Bergerac, a prep school dormitory, as temporary
respite care for children with special education needs, as housing for the military and as temporary accommodation for
visiting groups of musicians and sportspeople. On 8/12/1998 the States of Jersey voted to establish a trust to manage
and operate Haut de la Garenne as a residential centre and in 2002 the Haut de la Garenne Trust was formed. The States
spent £2.25m to convert the building into a youth hostel. From June 2009 the buildings have been used to house
military units visiting Jersey [GD].

JERSEY [Durrell Wildlife Hostel] 2012 to present.
Les Noyers Residence, La Profonde Rue, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP Channel Islands.
Historic Bailiwick of Jersey

YHA Region: S

GR:

▲Opened 8/2012 as a 24-bed self-catering YHA Enterprise Hostel.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: a traditional Jersey farmhouse adjacent to the Durrell Wildlife Park, between the villages of Trinity
and St Martin in the north-east of the island.

JERUSALEM FARM 1940 to 1954.
Jerusalem Farm, Blacklane Ends, Colne, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 921425*

▲Opened 28/9/1940.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel was operating at weekends only [national notice of 8/10/1940], then
the hostel operated each year of the war. The first wardens, Mr and Mrs Gummerson, came from Longsleddale Hostel
[MANar41], in a blizzard. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was
important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West Riding.

✚Closed 1/10/1954 [YHAPB], or 10/10/1954 [MANar56] because of falling use and replaced by
Earby.
Handbook 1941-54.
Property tenure: tenancy agreement with the Borough of Colne (to YHA Trust 18/6/1946).
Property profile: old stone farmhouse and at one time Jerusalem Hospital, a smallpox isolation outpost of the Burnley
Joint Hospital Board. In 2009 a Riding School centre.
Reports, recollections and observations:

234
Hitch-hiking to the Lakes. A long walk out of the town onto moorland, the farm isolated and not very
attractive [Mary Jephcott, July 1944, recounted in 2015].
Vegetarian meals can be supplied at Jerusalem Farm, provided that they are ordered in advance
[Rucksack, Midsummer 1948].
(v)

JEVINGTON 1935 to 1946.
Ash Farm, Jevington, Polegate, East Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 565029*

▲Opened Easter 1935 [LONar35] as the first youth hostel on the Downs.
Wartime arrangements: it is not clear how much the hostel operated in 1940-41, as records are missing, though a
national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local residents in a restricted area. Another of
5/11/1940 stated that it was closed until further notice. It reopened during 1942SY [LONar42] and operated each year
until the end of the war.

✚Closed 9/1946 [LRN 12/1947].
Handbook 1935-40; 1942-46.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: former farmhouse, now extended and a bed and breakfast establishment in 2013.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Jevington 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I spent a freezing night in a farm outbuilding at Jevington YH in the Eastern Downs [Len Clark,
reporting in 2005].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alfriston YH
Profile
(v)

JORDANS 1933 to present.
Welders Hostel, Welders Lane, Jordans, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; C

GR: SU 975910*

▲Opened 3/1933. Officially opened 12/8/1933. At the beginning of that year negotiations were
proceeding [no details in 1933 Handbook; details in 1933 supplement]. A joint venture, open to
YHA members, Quakers and adult school members [The Friend, 11 August 1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated with good numbers in 1940. Records are missing for 1941-42, but it
certainly remained in operation [see below]. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from
requisition, as it was much used by young people from north-west London. Bednights were recorded in the years 194345.

Jordans Hostel was temporarily closed [LRN 11/1945], but reopened 8/3/1947 after about a year’s
closure due to administrative difficulties. In 1966 the wardens gained a flush toilet, a bathroom
rather than a tin bath, hot water, a larger kitchen and a second bedroom [LRN Jun66]. The hostel
was refurbished in the mid 1980s, especially by the provision of a new outside washblock for
which 75% of the funds were raised voluntarily [EAar84,YHAar87].
Handbook 1933-2009.
Alternative names: Welders Hostel (1933 supplement); Jordans (Welders) (1938-51).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: specially designed and constructed for YHA [T Key] by ES North, an architect based in nearby
Beaconsfield. North’s design was also used for Hostels at Norleywood and Blackboys. Elsewhere the building is
described as timber huts built by Society of Friends, originally for workmen refurbishing Jordans Meeting House.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Jordans 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Jordans YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Leatherhead &
Tanners Hatch YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the same grounds as the Quaker Meeting House, with the same caretaker for both. The hostel is a sort
of glorified wooden cabin, divided into men’s and women’s sleeping quarters with a common room and
pantry in between. You wash in an enamel basin in the sleeping room, and you cook on a primus stove
[anonymous holiday log, March 1939].
Jordans Youth Hostel is a small one, immediately behind the famous Friends’ Meeting House, and a
stone’s throw from the equally famous Mayflower Barn. The hostel, army-hut shaped, is weatherboard,

235
with a row of rooms all opening on to a large verandah, and with red rambler roses climbing over the
very posts. The whole place, in common with Jordans, is set with trees [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].
After breakfast I asked for a duty and was given tape, cotton, needle and thimble, and asked to sew tapes
on the mattress protectors in the female dormitory [Pat Packham, A Tour of the Home Counties, 27 May
1956].
Jordans was a favourite hostel, sitting in the beech woods above the historic Quaker Meeting House,
where the only meals were those members provided for themselves [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].
I can confirm that Jordans Hostel was very much in use in the war, as our local group (Hendon), formed
July 1939, were great patrons. Towards the end of the war the warden was Eric Bartlett, a pacifist with
several children, several goats, and one wife. On my way back from SouthWales (hitch hiking) I dropped
in to see him and in effect persuaded him to move to Ty’n y Caeau (Brecon) as he was being asked to
move on from Jordans [Len Clark, reporting in 2012].
(s)

KELD 1943 to 2006.
Keld Lodge, Upper Swaledale, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 6LL.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA: BD; N

GR: NY 892009*

▲Opened 9/7/1943 [WEAar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. In 1945 the future was uncertain
because of the death of Lord Rochdale and uncertainty of the annual lease [WEAar45,47].

Keld hostel was taken out of service at the end of 9/1949 due to its poor condition [YHAar49]. The
initial hope was to reopen in spring 1950, but the hostel was described as temporarily closed
[Handbooks 1951-52] and was to remain out of action until Easter 1952 [YHAar52]. A little later
electricity was installed and the village post office was located in the hostel [YHAar54, WESar55].
The members’ kitchen at KELD was revamped early in 1996, a big improvement. Over the winter
of 1996-97 the windows at the front of the hostel were replaced, and there were two new men's
showers [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info]. The property was sold at auction 21/9/2006 and
converted to guesthouse use.
Handbook 1943-2005/06.
Property tenure: leasehold for 10 years from 6/4/67 from the Earl Peel [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Freehold purchase
10/1/1978 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former shooting lodge, a roomy shooting box [WEAar43]. Since YHA closure the property was
renovated and reopened in 2007 as Keld Lodge, a walkers’ guest house and restaurant.
Web resource: http://www.keldlodge.com/about-us.htm
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 106, Keld, Youth Hosteller December 1966.
Keld Hostel is superbly situated and the view from the glass-fronted dining room was spectacular
[Kathleen Tonkin, Youth Hosteller April 1971]
As alterations were taking place, Keld Lodge had been temporarily degraded to simple. We got the
magnificent refund of 8p…
…We were told to sweep the floor and wipe kitchen tables. When we started, we had been worried about
the sort of jobs we might get. However, the duties turned out to be comparatively simple. At Linton we
had to set tables, at Kettlewell, Dentdale and Garsdale wash up, at Malham wipe tables, at Hawes lift up
matteresses to air. At Grinton, our next hostel, we were told to clean washbasins [Simon Smith, aged 14,
Chinnor, 1975].
(s)
KELMSCOTT, EATON WEIR Hostel planned 1933. Almost certainly did not open.
Kelmscott and Eaton Hastings are neighbouring hamlets on the Thames in Oxfordshire. GR: SU 2598 approx.
▼It had been decided to open a hostel here [OXFar33].

KEMSING 1939 to 2006.
Cleves, Church Lane, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 6LU.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 555588*

▲Opened Easter, 6/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was damaged by fire 13/5/1940, but operated in that year, with good numbers.
Bednight records are missing for 1941-42, but the hostel was certainly operating, if under extreme difficulty. An
internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was the most popular hostel in the
Region; it was also the emergency national headquarters, staff hostel and office. Additionally, it was used at this time

236
as a Village Communal Feeding Centre, where over 100 children had dinner each day, and as a school for 60 children.
Bednights were recorded in the years 1943-45.

A new men’s washroom was installed [YHr 5/59]. In 1966 the poor members’ kitchen was
completely rebuilt [LRN Jun66]. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
In 1974 consideration was given by the Regional Council to dispose of Kemsing and replace it with
a simple hostel nearby, to release capital funds for other projects [SEar74]. Fire precaution works
were completed, costing over £5,500 [Wightwash Dec1976].
Considerable improvements were made in 1985, including a new wet weather shelter and cycle
accommodation, better heating and modernised washrooms; because of financial pressures, other
work planned there has had to be deferred [SEar85].
The sale of spare land was completed [YHA News spring 1996]
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005.
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info], because the cost of refurbishment to 3-star standard
would be too high [YHAN 51 2005], though the property was sold 6/2006 [whyha.org.uk].
Handbook 1939-2005/06.
Property tenure: freehold, purchased, with fittings, for £2050 [YHAF].
Property profile: mid 19th-century building, previously the ‘new’ vicarage from 1875 to 1924, private house and, from
1936 until purchased by YHA, Langdown School.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kemsing 751 ≈ RG42.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Wear, Tees and Eskdale pioneer worker John William Major persuaded a young female Lancashire
cotton mill worker to be the first warden at Kemsing [Kenneth Major, reporting in 2004].
The view from the room where we slept was perfect on Sunday morning – over the lawn and the lilac
bushes, across a vale filled with with English trees to the church tower of the next village [anonymous
holiday log, May 1939].
Cleves, Kemsing, headquarters of London Region Youth Hostels, and crack hostel which is the pride of
London members, nearly came to an end in a great blaze on Whit Monday. It was the sound structure of
the stone building that prevented a more serious conflagration. The fire was practically confined to the
cellars, but the main staircase and front hall were badly damaged. There were few occupants of the hostel
on the night of the fire. Use of the hostel by members is not affected [London Region News article, June
1940].
Electric cookers are to be installed in the members’ kitchen at Kemsing hostel. They have been removed
from closed hostels, and are to be put into use again to prevent deterioration in store. Their use will also
prevent further inroads on the small stocks of spare parts for the quicker kinds of oil stoves, which are of
foreign manufacture and difficult to procure. Cleves was for a few autumn days a jam factory as well as
office, school, canteen and youth hostel. The Women’s Institute and the local branch of the WVS made it
their headquarters when playing their part in the national fruit preserving campaign. Result of their
labours: over 500 lbs of plum jam [LRN 11/1940].
A large mansion looking south over the valley. The self-cookers’ kitchen was a basement room, reached
by walking round the house and entered by a door from the garden. Calor gas made cooking simple but…
the lack of dustpan and brush [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].
(v)

KEMSING (see Woodlands)
KENDAL [Stone Cross] 1943 to 1984.
Stone Cross, 107 Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5HH
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: SD 512911*

▲Opened 12/11/1943 [YHAar44].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

A regional Council report on Self Catering facilities described their location in a cellar as ‘very bad
indeed’ [LAK mins 1949].
In winter 1973-74 the hostel was the subject of considerable alterations. The old members’ kitchen
was replaced by a really first-class new kitchen incorporating a self-cookers’ dining room built out
overlooking the lawns and gardens at the rear of the hostel. This new extension is also connected to
the meals provided dining room, so by overflowing from one room to the other the members are
assured of being able to enjoy their meals in comfort. The old dining room has been converted into

237
a common room with an adjacent quiet room. Upstairs the provision of showers is yet another
improvement [HN Autumn 1974].
✚Closed end 11/1984, as the house and grounds were regarded as too large, and replaced by
Kendal (Highgate) Hostel. It was disposed of [YHAar85].
Handbook 1944-84.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 27/3/1944). 109 Milnthorpe
Road Kendal was also freehold.
Property profile: Victorian mansion, since YHA days extended. The cottage was to be funished and let [LAK mins
1955].
The property now houses the Stone Cross Nursing Home [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Another hostel I shall never forget is Stone Cross at Kendal. I once stayed there in January when the
snow was on the ground and temperatures well below zero. We had to have our dinner in a very cold
dining room on Saturday night, but there was a nice log fire in the common room where those who could
get sufficiently near to it could keep comfortably warm.
I think the temperature must have dropped further during the night for I’ve never shivered so much as we
did at breakfast next morning: imagine a huge house with a wide winding staircase and huge hall; and
rooms leading off it including the dining room. We wore all the extra clothing we had with us, and yet we
still shivered. We were glad to get away from the house and make ourselves warm walking [Stanley Gill,
West Cumberland Times article, September 1966].
The hostel is, like so many, a converted house, and this was quite a large one, and quite beautiful . It was
set in fairly large grounds, stretching away to the river at the back, and to the road at the front. In front
was a large clump of trees, along the drive, and behind were lawns. To the right as you are facing the
hostel are large gardens, where the warden no doubt spends many a weary hour. We went down to
breakfast. After we had gobbled up unsweetened porridge, sausage meat, beans, bread and marmalade,
and gulped down the tea, there was no change in the weather [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].
The hostel cycle shed was 200 yards from the hostel door. When I saw the number of self-cookers ticked
in the housebook my heart sank. I had to wait for an hour before I could find a space in the members’
kitchen [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Northern England, August 1965].
(s)

KENDAL [Highgate] 1986 to 2011.
118 Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: SD 514923*

▲Opened 23/6/86 as a 50-bed hostel, replacing Kendal (Stone Cross), the sale of which had helped
fund the project. There were also grants from the Countryside commission, the ETB, the Freda
Scott Trust and South Lakeland District Council. An official opening, with Princess Anne
attending, was held on 30/3/87.
✚Closed late 2011.
Handbook 1986-2009
Property tenure: part-lease on 118/122 Highgate (to YHA Trust) [YHAar86]. Finally [2011] freehold.
Property profile: Georgian building, part of former brewery, and part of the Brewery Arts Complex on opening as a
youth hostel. After closure, part of the premises was due to continue as an independent hostel.
(s)

KENN (see Clevedon)
KENNACK SANDS 1932 to (probably) 1940, 1945 to 1952
Kuggar Farm, Ruan Minor, Helston, Cornwall
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SW 724164* and SW 724165*

▲Opened Whit 1932; the warden was Mr Rowe.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice. Members were advised that it might reopen [Handbook 1943], but the hostel was closed entirely
during 1941-44.

✚Closed 1940.
Reopened after a delay in 1945, possibly 1/7/1945≠.
✚Closed 30/9/1952 [YHAF], as rental was no longer available [YHAB 10/1952, DACar1952].
Property tenure: tenancy.

238
Property profile: the hostel, opened with the assistance of Falmouth Toc H, was in a barn and associated outbuildings
behind a 17th-century thatched farmhouse, later much altered. In 1937 the farming and wardening owners built a new
house, Parc Vean, immediately to the north of the previous hostel especially to house hostellers. It was used in
conjunction with the old premises. In 2013 the farmhouse was the Coach House Holiday accommodation
establishment, and Parc Vean was demolished in favour of a new house being constructed.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kennack 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Kennack 752 ≈† RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lizard Peninsula YHs
Profile
Handbook 1933-40; 1943; 1945-52
Alternative names: Ruan Minor (1933); Kennack Sands (1934-40).
Reports, recollections and observations:
During the 1930s and 1940s my sister, Patricia, and I spent our childhood and teenage years at a farm in
the village of Kuggar in the south of Cornwall. The farm, which was then fully operational was well
stocked with cattle, pigs and chickens, and extended from the village towards Goonhilly Downs on the
right-hand side of the road. It was called Kuggar Farm and was run by our parents; looking back it was a
good place to be.
We were doubly fortunate as each afternoon in summer months some thirty people would arrive either as
hikers or cyclists. These were members of the “Youth Hostels Association” (YHA), or as known to us
youth-hostellers or hostellers, who had come to spend the night at the Kennack Sands Youth Hostel at the
farm. Our parents were part-time wardens as well as farmers. The youth hostel was given its name
because of the sandy beaches at Kennack half a mile away which were very popular with the hostellers.
The Youth Hostels Association enabled its members to undertake inexpensive though energetic holidays
as hikers or cyclists carrying on their backs all they needed or on their bicycles or tandems. In the 1930s
these heavily-laden hostellers would be seen making their way across Goonhilly Downs towards Kuggar.
The hostel at Kuggar, which was one of the first two in Cornwall, was started in 1934 under quite rustic
conditions. The barn at the farm was in very good condition and each year when the corn had all been
used it was divided into two and formed dormitories where wooden double-bunk beds were installed;
men one side of the divide, women the other. Two blankets were provided for each bed and each person
had to either bring a sleeping bag or hire one for 6d (2.5p). A small hut beside the ricks in the adjacent
mowey provided a “common room” and this was equipped with a rough wooden table, wooden forms
and an oil stove. Another of the farm buildings was used as a bicycle shed. There was no electricity and
no mains water or sewage at Kuggar at that time. Lighting, cooking and heating was by oil-lamps and oilstoves; washing was in a bowl in the mowey with water carried from the nearby well. Toilet facilities
were a bucket under a seat in a small corrugated-iron privy.
The fee for each night was 1/- (5p), and most people had booked in advance during the previous winter.
Hostellers checked-in at the farmhouse on arrival, hiring sleeping bags if necessary, and leaving their
membership cards which would be stamped with the name of the hostel before they left. Each was given
a job-card which stated a task that had to be done during the evening or before departure the next day –
brush dormitory, clean common room, wash dishes, carry water, etc; no job done – no membership card
back. The maximum period of stay was three nights and travel by car was forbidden.
Fresh milk was very popular and was sold and drunk by the pint.
Because the barn was needed to store grain after “threshing day” the youth hostel was closed in winter
months, and after a few years it was decided to construct a purpose-built hostel building which could be
used all year round. This came into operation in 1937. Its ground floor was a single large common room,
the scene of many jolly evenings; there was a small side-kitchen for those who wanted to do their own
cooking. Upstairs were two dormitories giving a winter accommodation of sixteen which expanded to
about forty each summer when the barn came available. Annual accommodation totals increased steadily
and it was not unknown for unbooked persons to sleep on the hay in a farm building when the hostel was
full. The new building had its own water well and flush toilets, though all water had to be pumped by
hand as there was still no electricity in the village. Pumping water now became one of the regular jobs of
the hostellers. A new wash-room was built for the ladies and the old common room in the mowey
became the men’s wash-room.
My mother offered supper and breakfast at 1/- each (5p) and typically about thirty people would take
advantage of this each day. Breakfast was two eggs accompanied by two rashers of bacon or two
sausages, with plenty of home-made jam and marmalade and toast and these meals were served in the
thatched farmhouse where each person would collect a laden plate on the way to the dining-room: The
standard of food at the Kennack Sands Youth Hostel became well known amongst the hostellers, and the
meals were always popular. In the early days we as young children were packed off to bed before the
evening meal but we enjoyed the babble of voices below. On some days there were up to six different
nationalities present. The washing-up afterwards was all done by the hostellers.
Mains electricity arrived in 1939.
A number of hostellers became regular visitors and we looked forward to meeting them each year, but the
steadily growing popularity of the hostel was sadly interrupted in 1940. As the hostellers left they would
say “see you after the war” and mother would say to us “I wonder”. Then with the threat of invasion the

239
new building was recquisitioned by the army; the hostel closed and forty soldiers arrived to occupy it and
another building in the village. The ladies’ washroom became the ammunition store and for a few years
my bedroom in the farmhouse was only a few yards from this potentially dangerous building. A sentry
was always on guard outside the farm gate, the former corrugated-iron privy being put to a new use as a
sentry-box. The soldiers manned defensive positions at Kennack, on Goonhilly Downs and on The Lizard
Downs.
The youth hostel opened again in 1945 with my parents as wardens, but having grown older they felt
unable to manage both the farm and hostel and they gave up the wardenship in 1947 whereupon the YHA
installed a paid warden. The hostel closed in 1952 when our parents considered they needed to convert
the new building to a house for someone to help on the farm. Over the years the hostel had provided
some 50,000 “bed-nights”.
This article has been based on notes written by my mother after 1952 who described the job of warden as
very interesting. The other hostel in Cornwall was at St Mawes, so the hostellers had long journeys. It is a
pleasant thought that a new hostel has just opened at The Lizard fifty years after the Kennack Sands
hostel closed [account by the warden’s son, Courtney Rowe, found at Coverack Hostel in October 2013].
Mr Rowe built the small building which housed the the common room and wardens’ quarters [Rucksack
Magazine, Nov-Dec 1952].
(v)

KENTCHURCH 1935 only.
Great Corras Farm, Kentchurch, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 419249*

▲Opened Easter 1935 [SWAar35], replacing Grosmont (Trewenny Farm); open 5/4 to 31/10/1935
(Handbook).
✚Closed 1935, as it was not possible to arrange continuation in 1936 or find other local premises
[SWAar36].
Handbook 1935.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rushall YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was one of three in a tiny geographical area – two at Grosmont and one at Kentchurch – that
operated one after the other between 1932 and 1935. Remarkably, two were in Wales and one in England
[JM, 2017].
(v)

KERNE BRIDGE 1933 to 1936.
Forest Green, Bulls Hill, Walford, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Herefordshire
YHA Region: SWA
GR: SO 598200
Positional note: the exact location has yet to be determined. The Grid Reference relates to a possible address.≠

▲Opened 29/4/1933.
✚Closed 1936, the end of season being 31/10/1936, and replaced by Welsh Bicknor, as it was
overcrowded [YHAar36].
Handbook 1933-36.
Alternative name: Bulls Hill (Kerne Bridge) (1933).
Property tenure:
Property profile: slate-roofed double-fronted cottage with porch., now called Yew Tree House [KF]
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rushall YH Profile

KESWICK 1933 to present.
Fitzpark Hostel, Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5LH.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 267235*

▲Opened 1933, probably at the same time as the official opening by Hugh Walpole on 12/4/1933,
the Wednesday before Easter. It had only just been secured [LAKar33]. The hostel was also
referred to at the outset as Park Hostel. The first warden was Miss Ritchie, at a wage of 30s
weekly, and Miss Eileen Murray was to be appointed caterer, at 20s. Accommodation was
M21W21.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

240
For a time during the growth of large hostels in the 1950s the Regional Council considered forming
a 200 bed hostel out of the established hostel and the Keswick Pavilion (possibly, according to a
postcard, the lower building between the old Park Hotel and the road) [LAK mins 30/3/1958]. The
huge cost of £18,000 for the development led both to the scrapping of the plan and the opening of
Derwentwater Hostel. The Regional Council decided to reduce bed numbers to prevent
overcrowding, but with loss of revenue [LAK mins 1964].
Major alterations and improvements were effected in the early 1980s [HN Spring 1983]. The
property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89], and again in 2006, under a £550,000 scheme
with financial assistance from Dr Graham Pink, a bequest from Norman Watson and funds from
Rural Regeneration Cumbria and Cumbria Vision. The hostel reopened on 13th September 2006.
Storm Desmond left a trail of devastation in the Lake District in early December 2015. At Keswick
hostel the foundations were damaged. The river rose over the walkway balustrade, flooding and
ruining all the ground floor. An emergency agreement with the insurers allowed YHA to reopen
temporarily from the first floor upwards, via a temporary new walkway and entrance into a former
fire escape door to the rear. Self-catering facilities were already located on the first floor, and an
emergency reception was set up. These arrangements existed from early 2016 until March 2017,
when the hostel could reopen in full. Advantage had been taken of the opportunity to recast the
hostel considerably in line with modern YHA thinking. The old hostel entrance at the extreme right
of the building had led into the reception; this space became the new self-catering kitchen and a
small lounge. The original long dining room to the left of the old reception became a new allpurpose area; reception, bar, hostel kitchen, servery and dining area, all served by a new entrance
from the riverside. Freed space on the first floor, where originally there had been the self-catering
and lounge facilities and just two bedrooms, was reconfigured to house nine bedrooms, those to the
front having riverside small balconies and en suite facilities. Larger rooms fill the rear. The two
further floors of bedrooms were all redeveloped. Overnights were fractionally depleted during the
renovations, though the 15,000 recorded in 2016 was a remarkable figure.
Handbook 1933-2009.
Property tenure: a controlled hostel, purchased for £4,000 by Lakes Regional Group when the lease tran out in 1943
[LAKar43] (to YHA Trust 30/9/1943). Currently [2012] freehold. There was also the freehold purchase of No 1 Park
Villas as a staff house 10/11/1976 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. No 1 and 2 Park Villas (staff houses) are currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: formerly the Park Hotel, in an elevated position alongside the River Greta.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Keswick 751 † RG32.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Black Sail YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Windermere YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Horrified by atmosphere of Hostel. Tea or coffee for supper and breakfast – couldn’t tell which. Fried
cheese for breakfast. Hostel pretty foul [Mary Jephcott, 1943, reporting in 2008]
We walked to the park and watched the crowd outside the hostel get bigger and bigger. At 5pm we joined
them and had to queue for nearly three-quarters of an hour to sign in [Pat Packham, August 1960].
Though much modified over the years, parts of the building are extremely old. In the nineteenth century,
when Keswick was a major industrial centre, it was a woollen mill, using water power from the River
Greta on whose bank it stands. With the decline of water power and the increasing tourist traffic in the
Lake District, the building was converted into Fitz Park Family and Temperance Hotel, and in 1933 it
was leased by YHA to become one of their earliest Lakeland hostels.
The opening ceremony was performed by author Hugh Walpole. By 1935, Keswick had become the
busiest hostel in the country, a position held for several years [article by wardens Bob and Judy Barnby,
HN Spring 1983].
This YHA is in a beautiful location 2 minute walk to the town centre, very friendly staff, rooms were
lovely and clean with loads of storage space. No need to book en-suite as there are plenty toilets and
showers on every floor. The recent refurb after the 2015 floods is fabulous. Lovely restaurant with
balcony overlooking the river with fantastic views over to the fells. Self catering facilities were amazing.
Breakfast was great very good value. You can park on the road next to the entrance from 6pm until 8am
only, all other times it is disc parking for two hours. Great YHA in a great location. Highly recommend!
Wonderful setting and well refurbished [guest’s comment on TripAdvisor, July 2017].
YHA moves with the times

241
The last time 1 stayed at YHA you were expected to help in the daily duties and the dormitory rooms
were basic and housed many. Wow, have they moved on! The beds in the female dorm were basic but
very comfy. The bars and restaurants are a great addition – their house wine is very palatable. The menu
is basic but very tasty and their breakfasts are plentiful, hot and freshly cooked. The staff are
knowledgeable and without exception eager to please. The location here is idyllic [guest’s comment on
TripAdvisor, September 2017].
(s)

KETTLEWELL [Old School] 1933 to 1944.
The Old School, Kettlewell, Skipton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 972724*

▲Opened 23/12/1933 [WESar34]. An extra hut was completed in 1937 with 10 places for men
[Rksk Spr37]; in common with the main building, it leaked [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938]. The
warden was Miss Jacques from almost the outset to her retirement in 1942; she lived in Wear’s
Cottage, a few minutes from the hostel to the south of the stream [YDM 10/1948]. Meals were
taken here, while the Parish Hall was set up as an overflow [WES Newsletter 7/1942].
Subsequently there were volunteer wardens.
Wartime arrangements: there are no extant records of bednights in 1940, but a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that
the hostel was operating. Usage continued in 1941-43, and also in 1944, kept on as an overflow for groups to
Whernside House for two summer seasons [Handbooks 1943-44], until difficulties of supervision and administration
became apparent.

✚Closed 1944.
Handbook 1934-44.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 20/1/1941).
Property profile: former Church of England school on a hillside at the edge of the village, with bell turret and high
pitched roof. In 2008 a private dwelling, somewhat altered externally.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kettlewell A 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

KETTLEWELL [Whernside House] 1943 to present.
Whernside House, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5QU.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 970723*

▲Opened 1/1943, replacing Kettlewell (Old School) Hostel after a short duplication. The first
warden was the much-travelled R Gummerson, from Jerusalem Farm Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. A hut was moved from the Old School
and re-erected at the back of Whernside House as a cycle shed. [WESar44].

The old cycle shed was demolished and replaced [WESmins 10/1963].
Larger dormitories were split into smaller rooms during 1993 [Nar93], and there was to be a
general reorganisation of the ground floor and further refurbishment in 1997 [YHA News end
1996].
The hostel was due to close, along with Linton, in 2002, but was reprieved under a scheme to
integrate the village post office within the hostel.
In 2014 the hostel was placed on the closure list, but would survive in its original form into early
2015. The sale was completed on 16th January 2015 to buyers wishing to continue seamlessly as an
Enterprise hostel and to keep running the village’s Post Office facility.
Whernside House hostel was extensively refurbished early in 2017, reopening in April. There are
42 beds in eleven bedrooms.
Handbook 1943-2009.
Property tenure: grant-aided purchase in 1942 (to YHA Trust 20/2/1943). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: village house.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was luxurious. A footbath in the washroom, modern looking beds in nice small dormitories…
The meal, however, was not impressive [Simon Smith, aged 14, Chinnor, 1975].
Rearrangement of the staff accommodation at Kettlewell last winter has resulted in the provision of a
quiet room. This is welcome news to those who have stayed there when a school party seemed to be
occupying all available public space [YHAN Nov1992].
(s)

242
KIELDER [Lodge] 1954 to 1975.
Kielder, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 1HD.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD

GR: NY 631923*

▲Opened 1/7/1954. Enforced closure was considered for 1973, but delayed [HN Spring 1972].
✚Closed 4/10/1975 for the construction of Kielder Water. The tenancy was surrendered 20/10/1975
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1954 supplement-75.
Property tenure: tenancy for 3 years (MoAF) from 24/6/1954 for the summer months (to YHA Trust 13/1/1955), later
extended [YHAPB].
Property profile: former stone shooting lodge, rented from Forestry Commission. Subsequently demolished. The area is
greatly altered.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 30, Kielder, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The attic room contained two wash-basins (one without a plug) and four mysterious cupboards [Pat
Packham, 1959].
(s)
KIELDER Planned hostel from 1982. Did not open.
Kielder, Hexham, Northumberland. GR: NY 6587 approx.
▼Northumbria Water Board had at last agreed in principle to let YHA have the site required on the Leaplish Peninsula
[BDar82].

KIELDER [School] 2001 to 2015.
Butteryhaugh, Kielder Village, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 1HQ.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 632932*

▲Opened 7/8/2001 [YHAN] as the region’s first 5-star hostel.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005.
✚Closed on the break of the lease on 4/2/2015, with keys handed back to Northumberland County
Council on that day. Final use was advertised as 5/1/2015.
Handbook 2002-2009.
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: converted three-storey wing of Kielder First School. The school, much reduced in intake, continued
in the adjacent single-storey wing.
(s)

KILDALE Camping barn 1993≠ to 2014.
▲Park Farm, later [2009] Low Farm, Kildale, North Yorkshire. GR: NZ 602085
Handbook 1993-2009. Also open 2010-2014. The barn had disappeared from the website by late 2014.
Property profile: a former barn and wheelhouse, a listed building.

KILKEWYDD 1931 to 1933.
Kilkewydd Mill, Kilkewydd, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SJ 228040*

▲Opened Whit 1931 (5/1931 in Handbook) as temporary quarters. The Committee recorded their
gratitude to the United Dairies Co for the loan of the mill. Early arrangements allowed for men (12)
to sleep in the mill and girls (8) in Mrs Kipping’s (warden’s) bungalow above the road, where
meals could be taken [anon press article, 1932 pamphlet]. A members’ meet was held here 1920/9/1931 [BMWar31]. In June 1933 a large party of unemployed men was allowed to use
Kilkewydd as a camp for a week at a small nominal charge; members were still using the hostel at
that time [BMWar33].
✚Closed 1933 and replaced by Leighton (Welsh Harp) Hostel.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-33.
Alternative name: Kilkewydd Mill (1931(1st edn)-31(4th edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: former flour mill building standing on the River Severn, though being used as a dairy store before
YHA use. Originally there had been wharves and a railway connection. Substantially similar externally in 2007, when
it was the site of a motor mechanics’ business.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It is a huge place, of 5 floors, one 80 feet by 50 feet [anon press article].

243
The old mill at Kilkewydd.
An old disused flour mill on the banks of the Severn... The old mill, a lofty and usually a dismal looking
building... A steel spiral staircase, so narrow that two people could not pass on it, connected the various
floors of the mill, which are dedicated (starting from the bottom) to washing accomodation, canteen,
Common room, women’s bunks, men’s bunks – and sparrows. The mill had accommodation for 20 but
for the rally had 100 sleeping on straw palliasses [article in The Friend, 25 September 1931].
(v)

KILVE COURT 2008 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2008-10 inclusive.
KING’S CLIFFE 1939 to 1965.
Rockbourne, 55 Park Street, King’s Cliffe, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: CAM; EA (1961)

GR: TL 008974*

▲Opening Easter 1939. Officially opened 6/5/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was open throughout 1941 (eg), when the hostel
accommodated numerous forestry workers (over 6,000) as well as members. Nearby house were sometimes used for
overspill. These arrangements continued [eg CAMar41, 43]. By 1945 there were only two foresters left [CAMar45].

✚Closed 28/2/1965. The property was sold 29/11/1967.
Handbook 1939-65.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 15/3/1939).
Property profile: a private house in 2002.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-King’s Cliffe 751 † RG39.tif; Y050001-King’s Cliffe 752 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
At last we have been able to fit up a separate members’ kitchen, and the washing and sanitary
arrangements are being improved [Rucksack, Jan-Feb 1952].

KINGS (DOLGELLAU) 1937 to present.
Kings, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1TB.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS; W

GR: SH 683160*

▲Opened 25/3/1937. The hostel was discovered in 1936 by Marguerite Reynolds, who wardened
here after the war. Building work and extensions were planned for early 1939, with possible
temporary closure [Regional Guide 1939]. They were effected in 1939-40.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned during 1940SY [BMWar41]. There were nevertheless significant
bednights in 1940SY, a national notice of 12/9/1940 advising that accommodation still available for members. It was
withdrawn by 14/10/1940 and remained closed 1941-44 inclusive, when it was used as a nursery. The property was
released by Birmingham Education Dept 1/1945 [BMWar45] and reopened, it was hoped, for Easter. There were
significant bednights in 1945SY.

In the next decade the central tower housing the water tanks was unsafe and was taken down
[BMWar52,53]. Electricity came to the hostel in 1963, while improvements were made to the
men’s toilets [WSar66]. A major plumbing scheme to improve washing facilities was carried out in
1968. The old wash block next to the annexe was converted to assistant accommodation in 1990; at
the same time showers and toilets on the first floor of the main block were much improved
[War90].
In 2012 YHA announced that the hostel was for sale. It has continued as a hostel under Enterprise,
the new arrangement beginning in 2013.
Handbook 1937-40; 1945-2009.
Alternative names: Dolgelley (1937-58); Kings, Dolgellau (1959-69).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 13/8/1937). Later freehold (to YHA Trust 3/4/1939). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: house converted in 1883 from two cottages and a chapel, and derelict from 1925 to 1937 [YHAF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kings 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Kings YH Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 42, Kings, Youth Hosteller March 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mr Clarke and I went straight down to Dolgelly where we had arranged to pick up two people who knew
of a house we might like called ‘King’s House’. It was down at the bottom of a terrible hill and we
wondered if we would ever get down. It was an ideal place for a hostel, but unfortunately it was in the

244
Birmingham Region, and after a conference with them, we handed it over to them [Bertha Gough diary,
4th-5th July 1936].
In 1939, at Kings, I met the chap who was to become my husband. He climbed through the hatch to the
warden’s office to get my address [Jean Randles, recalled in 2007].
The hostel was hidden among trees and we could not see it until we were almost upon it. The men’s
dormitory was some distance from the main house and the rushing of the stream outside kept some of
them awake [Pat Packham, International Tramping Tours, Holiday for Railway Enthusiasts, 15 August
1958].
(s)
KING’S LYNN Hostel planned 1937. Almost certainly did not open.
King’s Lynn, Norfolk. GR: TF 6119 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here during the year [Handbook 1937, no details].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs Profile

KING’S LYNN [Warren Farm] 1948 only.
Warren Farm, Sandy Lane, South Wootton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TF 667219*

▲Opened Easter 1948. King’s Lynn sub-group worked to establish it [EANar48]. The warden was
Mrs S Porter.
✚Closed 9/1948, when the farm was sold, and replaced by Sedgeford Hostel.
Handbook 1948 supplement.
Property tenure: adopted hostel [YHAar48].
Property profile: farm and outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
There were 12 beds, and the men’s dorm was in a barn loft [hosteller’s memory].
KING’S LYNN Hostel planned 1959. Did not open.
King’s Lynn, Norfolk. GR: TF 6119 approx.
▼A proposal to use converted railway carriages as hostels had been approved nationally. Negotiations were in
progress for a suitable site near King’s Lynn [EANar59].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs Profile

KING’S LYNN [Thoresby College] 1968 to 2008.
Thoresby College, College Lane, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JB.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TF 616198*

▲Opened 1/7/1968, replacing Ely (Witchford) Hostel.The first hopes for opening had been in 1966
(100 Miles around London guide). There was an official opening on 11/10/1969. Cycle storage was
improved [HN Spring 1977].
✚Closed 2008, about 31/8/2008. Much work would have been needed on the structure of this
rented accommodation.
Handbook 1968-2007/08 (1968 as hoped to open, brief details only. Details in supplement).
Property tenure: leasehold for (eg) 28 years from 24/6/1968 from the King’s Lynn Preservation Trust Ltd [YHAPB],
who were responsible for the upkeep of the building. The leasehold property was vested in the YHA Trust [YHAar75].
Property profile: completed in 1511 as a Chantry College and converted by the King’s Lynn Preservation Trust in 1964.
One wing was the youth hostel, two wings were self-contained flats for elderly people. The Great Hall and Undercroft
were for public use [postcard caption].
Published material: article King’s Lynn, Youth Hosteller October 1969.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs Profile
(v)
KINGSTEIGNTON Hostel planned 1938. Did not open.
Kinsteignton, Newton Abbot, Devon. GR: SX 8772 approx.
▼Negotiations would shortly be completed [DACar38].

KINGTON [Emsworth] 1968 only.
Emsworth, 13 Duke Street, Kington, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: MD

GR: SO 299567*

245
▲Opened 4/1968 [YHAF], or 1/5/1968. The warden incorporated a very extensive museum of
railway memorabilia into the public rooms of the hostel.
✚Closed 9/1968, because of planning difficulties.
Handbook 1968 supplement-69.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was located in an 18th-century house, once the Bush pub.
(v)

KINGTON [Victoria Road] 2004 to present.
Victoria Road, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3BX.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SO 300568*

▲Opened 11/2004 [manager, 2007], and fully from 22/3/2005. It had been expected to open 8/2004
[Website, 4/2004]. The hostel was purchased by Advantage West Midlands, the regional
development agency. Unusually, it normally provides individual accommodation during the week
and group occupation at weekends.
Handbook 2003/04-2007/08 (2003/04 in Update 3 only, some details).
Property tenure: in 2009 leasehold, but the opportunity to purchase the property from Advantage was taken in 2011.
Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: formerly the Kington Cottage Hospital.
(s)

KIRBYMOORSIDE [Kirkbymoorside] 1933 only.
The Old Workhouse, Gillamoor Road, Kir(k)bymoorside, North Yorkshire, YO62.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding
YHA Region: YSH
GR: SE 692870*
Positional note: the hostel was on the east side of Gillamoor Road, ½ mile north-west of the market place. Castlegate
was the name of the Old Workhouse and the warden’s address [local resident]. It is also confusingly the name of a
street a little way distant. Kirkbymoorside is the modern version of the placename, famously spelt 4 ways.

▲Opened 30/6/1933 or 1/7/1933. This very excellent hostel was secured, furnished by appeal for
under £30. There were 20 beds and a total of 152 bednights [YSHar33].
✚Closed 1933, with great regret that the County Council had to withdraw it because of the urgent
need of the Public Assistance Committee [YSHar33].
Handbook 1933 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Kirkbymoorside workhouse, or institute, was built in 1850 to the design of John and William
Atkinson, at a cost of £1,350 [P Higginbotham].
It was later enlarged at the north-east corner of the site by the addition of a red-brick isolated fever ward or infirmary to
accommodate eight persons, at a cost of £200, and this is the building that became the hostel for 20. Although the
workhouse still stands, converted to modern housing, this outbuilding was demolished, about 1984, after it had last
been used to house dispossessed Vietnamese.
Web resource: http://www.workhouses.org.uk/KirkbyMoorside/ [P Higginbotham]
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Kirbymoorside YH
Profile
(v)

KIRBY WISKE 1932 to 1934.
Glebe Farm, Kirby Wiske, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA/YSH

GR: SE 376849*

▲Opened late in the season 1932 [WEAar32]. It was an unexpected gift from the WT&E Regional
Group, who had turned their attention to the newly-opened Marrick Hostel instead [YSHar34].
✚Closed 25/3/1934, replaced by Asenby Hostel 7 miles to the south. On or after Easter 1934 the
hostel would be transferred under the same warden to more commodious accommodation at
Asenby [WEAar34]. This was because the warden wished to move farms [memory of Mr Watson,
warden’s son]. A hut was transferred there to serve as a common room.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: village farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kirby Wiske 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

246
KIRKBY LONSDALE Possibly open in 1931.
▲✚Our aim is to establish two chains…and so on to Kirkby Lonsdale, where there is already a
hostel [WESar31]. There is another reference in WES minutes to this being in the western chain
plan. There was possibly an extremely short-lived hostel here in 1931, though the claim may have
referred to a hostel that never became part of the YHA system: the CHA had premises at Lunefield,
Kirkby Lonsdale, one of its 24 centres when opened in 1929. The existence of a Kirkby Lonsdale
YHA Hostel remains enigmatic and probably spurious; it was probably overtaken by events.
KIRKBY MALZEARD 1931 to 1953.
Moordale Hostel, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 234743*

▲Opened 20/6/1931 [note in the first Housebook], the same day as the formal opening of
Lothersdale Hostel. Mr T Thirkill, local entrepreneur, store-keeper and publisher, offered to open
and equip the hostel [WESar31]. A frank review described the hostel as pleasant and popular,
though the standard was in some respects low, and the Council wished for full control of the
premises [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938]. The topic was regularly raised but never achieved.
Wartime arrangements: there were bednights every year of the war, excepting 1940, yet the hostel was commandeered
repeatedly for army use. It had been closed immediately on the outbreak of war, but released and opened 7/1941 until
30/9/1941 [WESar41]. It was again available late 8/1942, rather too late to help stem overcrowding that season
[WESar42], and was busy for the rest of the war. It was a self-cookers’-only hostel in 1945, complementing the
arrangement at nearby kitchenless Ellingstring [WESar45].

✚Closed 30/9/1953, with the termination of the lease [WESar53].
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-39; 1941-53.
Alternative name: Moordale Hostel (1931(4th edn)-32).
Property tenure: adopted hostel. A 1931 letter from Jack Catchpool to Mr Thirkill is extraordinary in that YHA was
keen to publicise the hostel, but with all profits offered to the owner.
Property profile: timber and corrugated-roofed hut on Back Lane that was built as an army post office, then used as a
village concert hall, with stage, and called the Assembly Rooms, before YHA arrangements. It operated from, and with
entrance gates adjacent to, Mr Thirkill’s General Stores on the main street. Meals could be taken, and food and café
items bought, in these stores. Miraculously, the hut survived until about 2016, though part was demolished some years
previously [additional information from family members Mrs Pearson (daughter) and Mrs Thirkill (daughter-in-law),
2007].
Demolished 2014 or 2015; a new house sits on the hostel site [KF, 2017].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kirkby Malzeard 751 † RG36.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel is primitive except for an electric fire in our dorm which is small so we are quite cosy. There
is a youth & girl here as well, they are trying to get the stove in the Dining Room to go and as they have
found an envelope dated 1948 inside they are having to clear out quite a lot of rubbish before lighting it.
Today has been fine and fairly warm but there has been a mist all day so we havent seen much.
We are warm at night as there are plenty of extra blankets, we should be very warm tonight as this dorm
is getting nicely aired.
I forgot to say what we are doing with the 4 eggs. One went in the custard with 1/2 pt of milk tonight, 2
have been hard boiled for tomorrow lunch & we are sharing the 4th between us with the bacon for
tomorrows breakfast.
There is a pipe above Joan’s bunk which intrigues us, whether it is to let air out & water in we don’t
know. (Cartoon). We have decided not to make some tea as it is much too warm in here & much too cold
to go outside to the lean-to shed which is the cookhouse but doesnt lean to on anything except the air.
There are numerous pans & frying pans, kettles & we cook by calor gas, very interesting… we have just
gone into fits of laughter over the pipe & the cook house & the whole hostel in general.
The electric fire went out a few minutes ago so I have had to go and investigate the meter, we have to
turn a small handle back, insert a penny & turn the handle round again & lo! on comes the fire. We have
learnt quite a lot of things lately, how not to light a fire with damp wood (Askrigg) how to use Calor gas
and how to use an electric meter, also how to cook [Margaret… lettercard message March 1949].
(v)

KIRKBY STEPHEN [Friends’ Meeting House] 1931 to 1980.
Folk Hall (Friends’ Meeting House), 40 High Street, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4SH.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 774083*

▲Opened 28/6/1931. It was the Lakeland Region’s first hostel, founded by local Quaker and
lifelong LAK servant FW Parrott, who acted as warden. Wardening arrangements soon changed to

247
provide a fully controlled hostel [YHAar33]: it was agreed to take over on the terms stated, and to
undertake structural alterations at a cost of £16 [LAKmins 5/3/1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

Renting the whole property was suggested [LAK mins 1949].
✚Closed 1980 and replaced by Kirkby Stephen (Fletcher Hill).
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-80.
Alternative name: Folk Hall (1931(1st edn)-(4th edn)).
Property tenure: at first an accommodation hostel, though rented from the Society of Friends and fully controlled from
1933 [LAKar33]. There was a determinable leasehold arrangement for the upper storey of the premises (eg for 1 year
from 1/10/1973) from the Official Custodian of Charities and Society of Friends (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: on the upper floor of the Quaker Meeting House, while the common room was shared with Toc H.
The Society of Friends had secured the use of the Folk Hall in 1929 and at first the top storey was used by Toc H and
the Scouts. The Quaker centre continues in use.
The upper part is now a flat [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Kirkby Stephen A 751 † RG32.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Lakeland’s first contact with the Youth Hostelling movement was in 1922 when FW Parrott, a
schoolmaster from Kirkby Stephen, visited Germany with a party of the Society of Friends and the
National Adult School Union.
He realised this was a movement with vitality and goodwill, and when in 1930 the National Council of
Social Service decided to promote hostels in Great Britain he contacted the organising secretary Jack
Catchpool with the idea of using the Friends Meeting House in Kirkby Stephen as a Youth Hostel. Mr
Parrott became the honorary warden and on 28th June, 1931 he welcomed Charles Bolam of Gateshead
who had walked from Barnard Castle over Stainmore to become the first hosteller in Lakeland.
The premises were originally shared by the Society of Friends, the Toc H, and the Scouts, members being
accommodated in whatever part of the building was free at the time.
Initially members slept on palliasses filled with straw obtained from Brougham Farm opposite. Blankets
were acquired locally and the sale of a boarding school at Sedbergh enabled a number of beds to be
bought cheaply.
Mr Percy Rowe at the nearby Manor House Cottage took over as warden receiving three pence from each
‘magic shilling’ overnight charge, and in those days his wife prepared meals at their home. Percy worked
on the night shift in the locomotive sheds at the LNER station starting at 10pm. He was therefore able to
receive the members before starting work and on his return at 7.30am was able to deal with the
breakfasts.
Mr Kenneth Spence, when he was chairman of Lakeland Region, once stayed at the hostel and was
desperately anxious to be roused early in order to keep an appointment. Percy duly reassured him and the
chairman was rudely awakened the next morning by Percy’s gramophone playing a discordant record at
full blast.
Improvements continued to be made in the facilities at the hostel even though there was precious little
cash to spare. The balance sheet for 1941 records a surplus of income over expenditure amounting to £3.
3s. 5½d .
In the early 1940s overnights reached the 1,000 mark, declining a little in the fifties and sixties. This year
there has been a resurgence of activity at Kirkby Stephen with a record 1,269 overnights spent at the
hostel.
The wardens of the hostel are affectionately remembered by the members who have stayed there. The
traditions of Percy Rowe have been carried on by others such as Sally Dixon, who looked after the hostel
for many years, and we are fortunate in having Mr A Hunter to carry on the good work.
The little hostel has indeed been much valued, even though it is still a ‘simple’ one. Frank Parrott, the
first warden, one time member of the Executive Committee and now President of the Lakeland Regional
Group, lives opposite the hostel and must feel well satisfied with what he started forty years ago [J
Richards, YHA Deputy Regional Officer, notes for the Cumbria Magazine, December 1974].
The hostel is good, well-kept, has an obliging warden, is a renovated stable-cum-Friends’ Meeting House
with a penny-in –the-slot gas meter and a fire-escape consisting of a single hook-rope [Evening Chronicle
article, 24 April 1936].
In the early days the women slept on on the long forms in the meeting house and the men on palliasses in
another room [news article, 1956].
The [female] warden lived down the road. A list of duties to be done was hanging by the entrance [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 26 July 1962].
(s)

KIRKBY STEPHEN [Methodist Church]

1981 to 2011.

248
Fletcher Hill, Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4QQ.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 774085*

▲Opened 15/3/1981 [Handbook], replacing Folk Hall Hostel. Officially opened 28/3/1981. The
new hostel received praise for its imaginative conversion, using original features. A family unit was
incorporated into an adjoining cottage. The property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89].
In 1993 the family annexe at Kirkby Stephen was split to make better use of the space for both staff
and visiting families [Nar93].
The hostel was on the market 7/2006 and sold 21/9/2006 [whyha.org.uk]. It was to close
31/12/2006 [YHA departmental info], but would be available for single-usage rental until January
2007 [YHA Website, 12/2006]. However, Kirkby Stephen Hostel would continue to trade as
normal as the new owners joined YHA’s Enterprise scheme [YHA eNews, 12/2006].
✚The Enterprise arrangement ceased in early summer, 2011.
Handbook 1981- 2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 17/9/1979 [YHAPB]. The hostel was opened with the help of grants from the
Countryside Commission and the English Tourist Board. In 2006 it was sold and passed into a YHA Enterprise
arrangement.
Property profile: formerly Fletcher Hill Methodist Church.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Fifty years on [from the first hostel’s opening] the religious connection is continued with the imaginative
conversion of an old chapel; the balcony has been retained as an elevated common room [HN Spring
1981].
(s)

KNAPLOCK 1948 to 1954.
Knaplock Farm, Hawkridge, Dulverton, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 867330*

▲Opened 1/4/1948 as a self-catering only hostel, with minimal fuss or expense; it was hoped that a
work party would spend Easter weekend at the hostel [Rucksack, New Year 1948]. There was a hut
for women’s dorm, an old lumber room for common room/kitchen, and a disused granary for men
[GSEar48].
The hostel was badly affected by the Exmoor floods of 1952 [Rksk Sep-Oct52].
✚Closed 30/9/1954 [GSEar55].
Handbook 1948-54.
Alternative name: Knaplock (Tarr Steps) (1948-51).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: buildings at an isolated farm.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Knaplock YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Up the flight of steps is the men’s dorm. The cycle shed is also up a flight of steps, so handy. The warden
female seems also to be the farmer. It really is a god-forsaken spot. The whole place is ankle deep in
mud and cow-mess and everything is damp. However, the moor is looking lovely in spite of frequent
squalls [anon note, YHA Archive].

KNEETON 1937 to 1939.
The Vicarage, Kneeton, East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 708459*

▲Opened (after 9/)1937, replacing Fiskerton. The first bednights were in 1938SY.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war. The premises were advised as closed
[Sheffield Bulletin Autumn 1939].
Handbook 1937amendments-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large red-brick former village vicarage standing some way from the church.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The villagers used the hostel store as their shop [memory of neighbour].
(v)

KNIGHTON 1979 to 1992.
Old Primary School, West Street, Knighton, Powys.

249
Historic County: Radnorshire

GR: SO 284724*

YHA Region: WS; W

▲Opened 01/06/1979; initially the family unit was used as a small hostel; the main dorms and
common room / kitchen were opened in August [WSar79]. The hostel was officially opened by
Lord Hunt on 22/3/1980. It had been bought in 1976 [WSar76], and it was hoped to open here a
few years previously [no details, 1977 Handbook].
A family unit, for 8 or for 2 sharing smaller friendly families was advertised
[HSC(WS)memo10/82].
The hostel was at the half-way point on the Offa’s Dyke Walk, and provided with financial help
from the Countryside Commission.
✚Closed 1992, due to structural defects [YHA News July 1992]. This was described as a temporary
closure until further notice [1993-95 Handbooks, YHA News March 1994], but a final decision to
abandon the hostel was made in 1996. It was put up for sale in summer 1996 but disputes over the
building’s poor construction and intended demolition delayed due processes.
Handbook 1977; 1979-95.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 6/12/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former village primary school, now adjacent to Offa’s Dyke Information Centre.
(v)

KNOCK 1963 to 1975.
Knock, Appleby, Westmorland CA16 6DL.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 679277*

▲Opened 1/4/1963 with 30 beds.
✚Closed 9/1975 [YHAF]. Closure was delayed from 1974; it stayed open into 1975, until its
replacement, Dufton Hostel, was ready.
Handbook 1963 supplement-74.
Alternative name: Dufton (1963 supplement). The name was changed to Knock (from Dufton) from 30/9/1963.
Property tenure: tenancy. Leased from the Board of Trade [YHAPB] ; the leasehold was renewed (eg) 16/2/1966 (to
YHA Trust as Great Dunn Fell Hostel) but the tenancy was finally surrendered 29/2/1976 [YHAPB].
Property profile: a former specially-built men’s hostel for the Ministry of Civil Aviaton [YHr 2/1962]. Now (2006) the
Knock Christian Centre uses these buildings.
Reports, recollections and observations:
This is one of my favourite hostels, because of dormitories of three single beds [MJ Buckland, holiday
log, undated].
(s)
KNUSTON HALL Hostel planned 1948-49. Did not open.
Knuston Hall, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. GR: SP 938661
▼This hostel was intended to replace Broughton [YHAB 12/1948; WANar49; Handbook 1949]. The Regional Group
was very disappointed not to succeed; 6 weeks after accepting it from the Treasury it was sold by the executors to the
Ministry of Education. In 2008 it houses an Adult Residential College.

LAIRA 1931 only.
Efford (Laira Camp, Crabtree, Plymouth).
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 514562*[GD]

▲✚Opened 7/1931. A pioneer hostel was open in here in the charge of Plymouth Juvenile
Council; the key was kept at Hazeldean, a nearby cottage, and bookings had to be made to Captain
Carter at the Education Offices, Swarthmore [press, 1931]. There may thus be a connection with
the later Swarthmore Hostel in Plymouth.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in a five-sided Palmerston Fort. The fort, dating from 1865-71, overlooks the Plym
Valley and was one of a chain intended to protect Plymouth from a landward attack by the French (see also Cawsand).
In 2009 it was being used by a plant hire firm and for storage [GD].
Web resource: http://victorianforts.co.uk/pdf/datasheets/laira.pdf
YHA Archive file: Y260001 & Y260002 (1931 report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
Here at the Laira Fort at Crabtree he will find his halt conveniently outside Plymouth though with the
Plymouth shops near at hand. This fort is in the charge of Plymouth Juvenile Conncil, and although the
key is at ‘Hazeldene,’ a nearby cottage, bookings should previously be made to Captain Carter at the

250
Education Office [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931 article in unknown magazine by F Sandon,
Headmaster of Plymouth Grammar School].

LAKESIDE 2005 or 2006 to 2008.
Lakeside YMCA, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8DB.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: N

GR: SD 374897*(s)

▲Opened 5/2005 [Website], or 2006 [YHAF]. A variety of locations within the centre was used by
YHA.
✚Closed end 10/2008, when YHA withdrew from this and several similar arrangements.
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: the National Outdoor Centre for YMCA England, their largest activity centre in Europe.
(s)
LAKE VYRNWY Hostel planned 1951-53. Did not open.
Montgomeryshire. GR: SJ 0516 approx.
▼Property was being negotiated at Llwydiarth, to replace Llanrhaiadr [BMWar51,52].
It was hoped to open here [Handbook 1952, no details], and again [Handbook 1953, when it was described as near the
lake]. Negotiations were unsuccessful.
LAKE VYRNWY Hostel planned 1955-56. Did not open.
Llanwyddyn, Montgomeryshire. GR: SJ 022192* (Llanwyddyn School on 1891 map)
▼It was advertised that a hostel might open here [YHAB 2/1955]. This would have been in the former Llanwddyn Old
C of E School Canteen almost at water’s edge The Group was hopeful of a 20-bed hostel; negotiations were more
complex than expected, and abandoned in 1956, as there were problems with water and sewerage [BMWar55,56].

LAMBOURNE END
Lambourne End, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: C

GR: TQ 481947*

2Part of Lambourne End Centre, which entered into a partnership with a number of YMCAs in
July 2004 to run the Centre as a joint venture. It is not certain how long this arrangement continued.
In 2003/04 RAH leaflet (not in mainstream publications); not on 2007 YHA Website.
Property tenure:
Property profile: traditional wooden clad building, a former farm.

LAND’S END 1938 or (almost certainly) 1939 to present.
Letcha Vean, St Just-in-Penwith, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7NT.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SW 364304*

▲Opened 1938, according to a YHA file, or (almost certainly) 1939 [Rucksack, 1940/2]. A
National Fitness grant was cancelled because of the war [DACar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed after a few hundred bednights in 1940SY and remained closed for the rest of
the war.

The hostel reopened after the war 1/5/1946 [Handbook].
In 1976 an extension was built to house a large members’ kitchen/diner [HN Spring 1976].
Handbook 1939-40; 1946-2009
Alternative name: Land’s End (St Just) (1946-51, 1956-87 and 1994-99).
Property tenure: a gift, held freehold (to YHA Trust 23/1/1939). Currently [2012] freehold. YHA owns two caravans as
staff houses.
Property profile: former guest house presented to YHA in 1938 by CV Thomas of Camborne. Letcha Vean was of
unusual configuration, linked downstairs, but in two unlinked parts upstairs, with two flights of stairs. Upstairs was
rebuilt in 2011 to improve the design. Until 1999 the manager lived at the south end of the house; there was a large
male dormitory in the garden, at the north end, with 24 beds, while women were accommodated in 3 8-bedded rooms in
the house. From that date the outbuilding accommodated the manager, while all members slept in the main building. At
some stage, YHA added an extension at the north end of the house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Penzance & Land's End
area YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The YHA were able to purchase the building with the aid of the wardens of Lelant hostel, Mr and Mrs
Kennard, who had a good relationship with the firm of solicitors, Messrs Williams of Camborne. Mr E
Williams, I was given to understand, was a member of the ‘Friends’ who was prevailed upon by the

251
Kennards as to their interest in obtaining the property for use as a youth hostel. A very large donation
was eventually made by Mr Williams, towards the purchase of the property, providing that the YHA
would find the remainder of the monies for the freehold of the house to be held in trust by the Youth
Hostels_Association. This was agreed to all parties concerned and in the event Mr and Mrs Kennard
became the first wardens of the hostel.
At the outbreak of war, the hostel was requisitioned by the Ministry of Works, to accommodate the
Concientious Objectors to War Time Fighting Activities, but who were prepared to work at jobs as set up
by the ministry. In this instant, one of the jobs was the reinstalment of the old mine workings in the Cott
Valley. The Ministry spent large amounts of money for the installation of mains water, mains electric,
and a large sewage scheme, all to the great advantage of the YHA upon the derequisitioning of the hostel
after the war.
When the building was re-established as a youth hostel after the war, Adventure Holidays were made
available to members in the form of ‘Flying Instructions at the nearby aerodrome’ and ‘Rock Climbing in
the Cape Cornwall area.’ This proved very successful in the first two years of operation, but owing to the
lack of instructors, the facilities came to an end after the third season.
During a change in wardenship at this hostel, it became necessary for me to stand in as the warden for
about ten days, during the end of July, beginning of August period. As usual the hostel was full to
overflowing, and I had already sent many members to cottages in the valley. Then, there arrived a party
of four young cyclists, unbooked, congratulating themselves that they had at last found the hostel,
whereupon I remarked, ‘yes but on the wrong day, also the hostel is more than full and I don’t think you
will be able to obtain accommodation in St Just village, as I have sent quite a few members there
already’. They did not seem to be all that concerned, but got into a huddle, and then asked would it be
possible to have their cards stamped to prove that they had been there. I of course willingly stamped their
cards, and off they then went, quite satisfied that the visit to the hostel was worth it after all. The hostel
was opened in 1939 [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
The members’ kitchen was tiny. I was just going to eat my food standing up when the warden asked
someone to move for me. The family monopolised the members’ kitchen and the father took up all the
room [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(s)

LANGDALE / High Close 1954 to present.
High Close, Loughrigg, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9HJ.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 338052*

▲Opened Whit 1954. A YHA National Grant of £1,000 was offered towards the estimated initial
total capital expenditure of £1,600-£1,700 [LAK mins 1953]. Renamed High Close [YHAB
6/1955]. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1954 supplement-2009.
Alternative names: Grasmere (B) (1954 supplement); Red Bank (1955); High Close (1956- and 1988-90), High Close
(Langdale) (1986-87 and 1991-94), Langdale (High Close) (1996-99).
Property tenure: tenancy for 21 years from 1/1/1954 (to YHA Trust 8/6/1954), extended (eg) in 1965 from National
Trust [YHAPB] and 1988 [YHAar88]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: Victorian house owned by National Trust with extensive verandahs, fine oak panelling and galleried
hall.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 40, High Close, Youth Hosteller January 1957.
(s)

LANGDON BECK 1938 to 1958.
Langdon Beck, Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NY 860304*

▲Opened Easter, 3/1938, with the aid of a Special Areas grant [WEAar38]. It had been hoped for
the previous year [no details, 1937 Handbook].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was open (eg) Easter 1940 to 9/1940, the same 1941
(to 30/9/1941) and 1945 [WEAar40,41,45]. Despite the circumstances, improvements were made in 1943 [YHAar43].

✚Closed 1/11/1958, when destroyed by fire.
Handbook 1937-58.
Property tenure: tenancy. Leased for 50 years from 1/4/1937 (to YHA Trust 6/9/1940).
Property profile: purpose-built stone and timber hostel designed by Stephen H Clarke. The site was found by the
Group’s President, Lord Barnard [WEAar37].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Langdon Beck YHs
Profile

252
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eskdale YHs
Profile Published material: article, Langdon Beck destroyed by fire, Youth Hosteller December 1958.
Published material: article, the Passing of Langdon Beck, Youth Hosteller January 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
DICK REED of LANGDON BECK
Thousands of hostellers who have visited Upper Teesdale during the last seven years will hear with regret
of the death of Dick Reed, the warden of Langdon Beck hostel.
Dick Reed’s activities were confined to light duties as the result of a wound in the first World War.
Nevertheless he carried out his duties as warden with enthusiasm and efficiency, having the happy ability
to control people without being officious. Coming new to the hostel movement, he soon fell into the way
of things and steadily built up the usage of Langdon Beck so that during the last two summers he
regularly had a full house every week-end. His cheerful welcome will be remembered by many, the more
appreciated at the end of a grey grim day as is sometimes encountered in that upland country
Towards the end of last season Dick Reed was far from well, and although carefully nursed by his wife at
their home at Newbiggin in Teesdale he was very ill during the winter months, and suffered somewhat
towards the end. Wear, Tees and Esk will have difficulty in replacing him. May he rest in peace.
[Rucksack, Spring 1948].
Volunteers carried bricks, cement and concrete slabs up the hillside to the water tank that supplies the
hostel. The finished job to prevent contamination was arried out at the siggestion of the local authority
[Youth Hosteller, August 1958].
Langdon Beck Hostel was only a shell. It had been burned down earlier. Tents and sleeping bags had
been sent to a hotel in the village. These we erected in front of the hostel gate to which a sign had been
attached – Hostel Out of Order. Most of us washed under a tap [Pat Packham, 1959].
(v)

LANGDON BECK 1965 to present.
Langdon Beck, Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 0XN.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA; BD; N

GR: NY 860304*

▲Opened by May 1965. Officially opened 5/6/1965. The property was refurbished during 1988-89
[YHAar89].
Since 1995 the hostel has been developed as an environmental exemplar accommodation centre, the
first of several such ‘Green Beacon’ hostels in YHA. Manager Ewan Boyd was the prime mover in
establishing solar heat and photo voltaic systems, a wind turbine and wood burner, and water and
waste saving systems [see reports below].
A reed-bed filter treatment site below the hostel was established in 2000 to help protect the flower
rich meadows adjacent [information panels at the hostel]. The provision of solar-powered energy
followed over the winter of 2001-02 [HN end 2001].
Handbook 1965-2009.
Alternative name: Langdon Beck (Teesdale) (1998-2000).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel, constructed mainly by volunteer labour accommodated on a special camping site,
and with considerable help from Messrs Dorman Long, Teesside. Old stone from the fire ruin was cleaned and reused,
but fresh supplies were carried from old buildings over two miles away [YHr 8/1962].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Langdon Beck YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The lady warden said: A female! We do not very often see one here [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in
Northern England, August 1965].
Langdon Beck Ewan Boyd and his partner Janet Pendry moved to Langdon Beck nine years ago, round
about the time the hostel was PDMPd. They have seen it develop from what Ewan describes as a pretty
primitive hostel into smart small country hostel which attracts groups and members from a wide market
section. Over the last year they have developed an idea to convert Langdon Beck into an Environmental
Education Centre. This is a bold and ambitious plan, involving high capital outlay on a range of
improvements aimed at reducing energy consumption, installing wind/ solar generating system,
developing the existing gardens and adding a glasshouse hydroponicum, and working with local schools
to develop teaching and active learning packages for visitors to Langdon Beck. Ewan has costed these
proposals at somewhere in the region of £130,000 and has now reached the stage of wanting to approach
major grant bodies with viable plans. He has approached the Volunteer Initiative for help with finding the
relevant professional skills that will enable him to progress this. Meanwhile he is trying to raise funds for
individual elements of the overall plan, both to provide evidence of YHA’s green awareness and to show
serious intent to potential grant bodies and donors. So far he has received over £3,000 from a number of

253
sources which will be spent on the first phase of double glazing and on the fitting of individual radiator
thermostats. He is seeking further funds to continue the window replacement and to install a woodburning stove in the common room [YHA News autumn 1997].
Now Langdon Beck YH is more energy efficient and warmer! Work has just been completed on the first
phase of a series of improvements at Langdon Beck YHA aimed at improving energy conservation and
adding to customer comfort. Over the last 18 months £3,000 has been raised by the manager, Ewan
Boyd, from various sources. These have included donations from Blue Circle Industries, Barclays Bank
and Glaxo Welcome, as well as grants from the Alan Gardner Trust and Durham County Council. This
has enabled double glazing to be fitted in four of the six bedrooms, and the installation of individual
room thermostats on the heating system. Over the next year Ewan is seeking further financial help to
complete the double glazing of the bedrooms and the common room, and overall this could mean an
annual saving on the heating costs of something approaching £ 1,000. Work is also under way on
developing plans for a major project to convert Langdon Beck into an environmental Education Centre.
Plans are currently being drawn up for a wind turbine, and a combined solar power unit and glasshouse
hydroponicum. It is hoped to submit these for planning approval in the next few weeks, and if successful
the task of raising the major finance required will begin in earnest. Anyone interested in donating money
to the current alterations is more than welcome to contact Ewan. Any donations, however small, will be
put to good use [YHA News spring 1998].
(s)

LANGRIDGE (BATH) 1933 to 1936.
Langridge House, Lansdowne, Bath.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 730694*

▲Opened 1/4/1933, replacing, and in turn replaced by, Batheaston Hostel. The house was loaned to
YHA by Miss Honor Lawrence [Rksk NY37]. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Eyles, later of
Mitcheldean and Batheaston Hostels.
✚Closed 1936 and transferred to Batheaston [GSEar37].
Handbook 1933-36.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was free, and income £54.2s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: large house, originally a rectory. It was burned down in the mid-20th century and the present
Langridge House (a luxury guesthouse) stands in its place.
Reports, recollections and observations:
11th August 1934. We came to Langridge House about 7.45. It was very quiet – a big dull grey house,
rather forbidding, with much green around it, a nice lawn. We went into the hall of the house, where the
warden, a big old man in grey flannel shorts, was busy with a few others just arrived. Soon the warden
came to us, told us he could give is a 'shake-down' somewhere. When we had entered our names into the
book and given up our cards he took us and others upstairs to show us where we were to sleep and wash.
Our sleeping place was a big bare room with a white plaster mantelpiece. Since all the beds, which were
in another room, were booked up, all of us in this room were sleeping on the floor, on straw palliasses. In
the very clean wash place, some difficulty with the water system made it forbidden to use taps. The water
had to be tipped out of a big porcelain bath.
When we had heard all these instructions (he was a fussy officious old man whom neither of us liked)
and had bagged three blankets each we made our beds and went downstairs again, strolled out into the
gardens and later made a supper. There was a fair number of young people, but they tended to split up
into twos and threes except for a not very agreeable party at the long table by the window – four women,
one of them almost elderly, and two or three men. This group all smoked incessantly and talked. Some
turned up later, and some very late, especially one group that did not come till after ten...
...12th Aug 1934. An interesting night last night, but without much sleep. The novelty of sleeping on the
floor in a room with ten other people, who breathed deeply, sighed, turned over noisily, snored – one had
a beautiful deep bass snore –- and occasionally talked in their sleep – all this put me off sleeping, and
even more than this the faint gas taper that burned in the room [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1934].
(v)

LANGSETT 1966 or 1967 to 2007.
Langsett, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S36 4GY.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: PK; Cc

GR: SE 211005*

▲Opened after 1/10/1966, or 1967, replacing Ewden Hostel. The first bednights were not
registered until 1967SY.
✚Closed 2007. It was due to close 1/10/2007, and sold 9/11/2007.
Handbook 1967-2007/08.
Property tenure:

254
Property profile: purpose-built hostel on land made available by the Sheffield Water Board, who had provided the
previous hostel at Ewden. Langsett was a better location, as it served the footpath network much better [L Cartledge].
There was ½ acre land with a small grassed maintained garden; the warden lived at the end of the lane in a water board
rented property [memo, July 1986].
In 2010 Langsett Hostel was being converted to residential use.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1156802
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fulshaw YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Plans have been drawn for the new hostel at Langsett, where the Sheffield Water Board has been most
helpful in providing an excellent site [NMIar64].
Warden Wanted: Modern 3-bedroom house rent free in exchange for minor duties of acting as warden for
semi-detached modern youth hostel adjoining. No meals to provide. Small bonus paid. Nr Penistone
[Peak Region notice, August 1970].
From January 1998 Langsett will be open every weekend throughout the year, from 1930 on Fridays and
1700 on Saturdays, possibly earlier. The hostel has full heating and an open real coal fire with an
enthusiastic voluntary warden to look after you and so is ideal for that cosy winter break. With wellequipped self-catering kitchen (including fridges and full size ovens) you will have no problem preparing
a meal while there’s a good pub nearby if you prefer to eat out. Langsett has several four-bed rooms
suitable for families and is cared for by a team of volunteers who believe that the decor and cleanliness of
the hostel is second to none! [YHA News end 1997].
(s)

LARTINGTON Camping barn 1992 to 1996≠.
▲Pecknell Farm, Lartington, Co. Durham. GR: NZ 029177
Opened Autumn 1991.
Handbook 1992-96.A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 advised the camping barn here would be opened in that
year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: in a former corn store.

LASHAM 1948 to 1961.
Lasham, Alton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 675424*

▲Opened 1948: opening was hoped for soon, early in the New Year [LRN 1/1948, Rucksack, New
Year 1948] and accomplished by the spring [YHAB and LRN 5/1948]. Reading Group established
the hostel [LONar48].
✚Closed 1961 as no local warden or warden’s accommodation was available.
Handbook 1948 supp-61.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former tiny village school near church, demolished shortly after the closure of the hostel. Advertised
as Hampshire’s smallest hostel.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Working parties are still making necessary adaptations and, for the next few weeks, members staying
there at week-ends will be expected to render more than just nominal service [LRN, May 1948].
It was once the village school and I was taught there from 1941-43 when the school was closed because it
was so close to the aerodrome. It was used as a house for a short time and finally pulled down about 20
years ago [Brian Ford, letter to HN Spring 1983].

LASTINGHAM 1948 to 1955.
St Cedd’s, Lastingham, York.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 729904*

▲Opened 25/3/1948. Mr & Mrs Sheldon allowed the opening of this small 16-bed hostel in their
home [YSHar48].
✚Closed 30/9/1955 and replaced by Farndale Hostel.
Handbook 1948 supplement-55.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: double-fronted stone house with pantile roof.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lastingham YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Farndale YH
Profile

255
(v)

LATHKILL DALE 1939 to 1942.
Conksbury Old Hall, Over Haddon, Bakewell, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 209656*

▲Opened 1/7/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure.

✚Closed 1942; replaced by a slightly larger hostel at Elton, which opened about 6/1942 [NMIar42].
There were significant bednights at both hostels in 1942SY.
Handbook 1939amendments-42.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old stone country house with heavily-moulded features. It was listed Grade II in 1967
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-81108-conksbury-hall-youlgreave
(v)
LAUGHARNE Hostel planned 1937-38. Did not open.
Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. GR: SN 3010 approx.
▼Handbook 1937. Expected new hostel early summer 1937. The Regional Group hope to find suitable premises on the
other side of the river to replace Ferryside [SWAar38].
LAUGHARNE Hostel planned 1945-46. Did not open.
Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. GR: SN 3010 approx.
▼Disused corn mill acquired on the west side of the River Taf. It was hoped to open here next season [LRN 11/1945;
SWAHr 9/1945]. The property needed very considerable work, however [Rucksack 1/1946], and it was decided not to
proceed [SWAHr 6/1946].

LAWRENNY 1997 to 2006.
Millennium Youth Hostel, Lawrenny, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire SA68 OPN.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SN 016070*

▲Opened 28/3/1997. This old school was converted to a youth hostel by a local community trust
with the aid of a grant from the Millennium fund. It was run as an enterprise arrangement, though
not a true YHA Enterprise hostel.
✚Closed 2006: the contract was revoked 10/2006 [YHA Wales Manager], or the property left
YHA in 2005 to become an independent hostel [Independent Hostel Guide].
Handbook 1997-2005/06.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type arrangement.
Property profile: former school; the building also housed the village hall. An independent hostel is still run by the local
community trust who also maintain a small village shop.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The village hall was in need of refurbishment and was larger than required. Local residents wanted to
attract more visitors to the village, which because of its location with the river on two sides saw no
passing trade. After a trip to Trevine in North Pembrokeshire, where a Hostel had been refurbished and a
new village meeting room provided with the aid of a Welsh Office grant, the idea of converting part of
Lawrenny village hall into a Hostel was born. Unlike Trevine, the Lawrenny Hostel will be run by the
village and a trust has been set up for this purpose [YHA News spring 1997].

LAXEY (ISLE OF MAN) 1962 to 1985.
Axnfel, Laxey, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 431841*

▲Opened 1962, replacing Union Mills Hostel, the start of the season being 1/4/1962. Norman
Cunliffe was warden at each hostel in turn. It was put into operation before being fully fitted out,
partly financed by £1472.7s.6d, the sale price of Pont ar Eden hostel [MER memo 1962].
✚Closed 30/9/1985. Business in the Isle of Man was already tumbling when the announcement was
made that the Liverpool-Douglas Ferry would not operate. Essential repairs in 1984 had contributed
to a loss in 1985 of £9,000. Recommendations to close the hostel were not at first accepted by the
National Executive, but agreed in 1985 [WNar1985]. The property was disposed of in 1986.
Handbook 1962-85.
Property tenure: freehold purchase, later transferred from Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd to YHA, 6/12/1983 [YHAPB].
Property profile: former sanatorium and guest house.

256
The building was threatened with demolition in 2002, but this action was rejected. It remains empty [KF, 2011].
Reports, recollections and observations:
From the dormitory window I could see Laxey Wheel and the electric trains [Pat Packham, A Cycling
Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].

LEAM HALL 1939 to 1970.
Leam Hall, Grindleford, Sheffield.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 235791*

▲Opened Whit 1939, thanks to the generosity of the owner, Mrs Rose-Innes. The first warden was
AL Quince, secretary of the Sheffield RG.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West
Riding. Mains electricity came to the building in 1944.

Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
✚Closed 31/10/1970 and replaced by Eyam Hostel.
Handbook 1939-70.
Alternative name: Leam Hall (Grindleford) (1939-51).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 27/11/1939).
Property profile: Grade II listed (1951) late17th-century former manor house. Mrs Rose-Innes left furniture and
paintings in situ and equipped a games room for members to enjoy. A large mural was provided by a single member.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-81148-leam-hall-grindleford-derbyshire
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Leam 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Wonderful mural on dining room wall. For years and years after the war, when all shortages were over, a
notice in the Ladies’ loos read: Please be very economical with the toilet paper – it is very difficult to get
[Mary Jephcott, 1944 etc, reporting in 2008].
I was nearly thrown out by the warden because of owning up to taking a second slice of bread, and
someone in the crowd had to do without. Actually I had taken a third slice, and didn’t own up to that
[Russell Parsons on post-war food shortages, recounted in 2004].
The warden told me that he had been at Leam Hall since before the war. His wife said how well she
remembered seeing Sheffield being bombed [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July
1966].
(v)

LEAMINGTON SPA 1952 to 1970.
69 Willes Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN; MD

GR: SP 325655*

▲Opened 3/1952 [WANar52, YHAF], to open 15/3/1952 [Hbk]. Officially opened 1953SY
[WANar53].
✚Closed 1/10/1970 as it was running at a loss and costly repairs were due. It was sold 25/5/1971
[YHAPB]. The sale helped pay for considerable improvements at Stratford Hostel [MDar74].
Handbook 1952-70.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (not Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 23/8/1951).
Property profile: town house on the south-east corner of Willes Road and Leam Terrace East.
The building has been split into flats [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Leamington 751 ≈† RG57.tif

LEA SCHOOL [Temporary] 1941 to 1943.
Lea and Holloway School, near Cromford, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 322570*

▲Opened 1941.
Wartime arrangements: summer seasonal hostel open in 1941 (for 3 weeks in August), 1942 and 1943. North Midlands
Region facility in response to overcrowding; there were 407, 513 and 576 bednights respectively. The experiment from
1941 was continued; here was a peak period hostel intended for non-member children groups (especially for Derbyshire
workers in the Industrial Youth Scheme), but also popular with members [NMIar42]. This was the most used of the
hostels in this scheme.

✚Closed 1943.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village school.
(v)

257
Leasowe Castle Hostel planned 1978. Did not open.
Leasowe, Wirral Cheshire. GR: SJ 264918*
▼ North Wales Region announced that negotiations were in hand with the Wirral Borough Council to lease a section
of Leasowe Castle for use as a self-catering only hostel. If successful, two new projects (Treyarnon Bay and Leasowe
Castle) would bring to an end a long search for hostels in Anglesey and Merseyside [WNar1978].

LEATHERHEAD 1943 to 1946.
Old Rising Sun, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 160560*

▲Opened 29/5/1943. The hostel was largely reconstructed [LONar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 25/9/1946 (end of the short lease) and replaced by Tanners Hatch. LRN has closure date
of 7/9/1946.
Handbook 1943(alterations)-46.
Property tenure: short-lease tenancy. The lease was taken early in year (1943).
Property profile: a Grade II listed timber framed mediaeval hall house dating from the late 14th or early 15th century,
with alterations (amongst others) from the sixteenth century and around 1800. Another source quotes 1358. It was first
a chapel and then for several hundred years an inn.
Subsequent to YHA use it has served as a restaurant (1950s and 2001) and antique shop [Marian Rands, warden].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Leatherhead & Tanners
Hatch YHs Profile

LEEDS [Temporary] 2000 only.
Clarence Dock Residences, Clarence Road, Leeds, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: N

GR: SE 310327*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 3/7/2000-9/9/2000. This was a barely-advertised facility run
from York Hostel.
Handbook 2000amendments.
Property tenure:
Property profile: University of Leeds modern four-storey barrel-roofed apartments adjacent to the Armouries Museum.
YH Accomodation was for 90, in Block H, a 3 storey building, and possibly the adjoining Block G [KF, information
from York YH, 2000].

LEEDS Carnegie Village 2012 to 2014.
Carnegie Village, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingly Camus, Leeds LS6 3GZ
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

GR: SE 267368

▲Enterprise hostel first advertised in late 2012. The facility has single and double en-suite rooms,
and is self-catering only.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type partnership by arrangement with Leeds Metropolitan University.
Property profile: Carnegie Village is a pioneering development of high-specification, purpose built flats on the
Headingly Campus and offering en-suite accommodation and impressive views over the Leeds Metropolitan sports
grounds [wesite].

LEEDS Kirkstall Brewery advertised 2012, opening 2013≠, to 2014.
Leeds Metropolitan University, Broad Lane, Leeds LS5 3RX
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

GR: SE 258355

▲Summer seasonal Enterprise hostel advertised in late 2012 as available in July, August and early
September each year. The facility has 5 or 6 rooms to each flat, and is self-catering only.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type partnership by arrangement with Leeds Metropolitan University.
Property profile: Victorian 3-story stone brewery building located alongside the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
It closed in 1983 and stood empty for a number of years before being the subject of an ambitious project to create
Kirkstall Brewery Student Village [Wikipedia]

LEEDS Opal advertised 2012, opening 2013≠, to 2014

258
Opal One, Leeds Metropolitan University, 1-3 Burley Road, Leeds LS3 1LS
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

GR: SE 288339

▲Summer seasonal Enterprise hostel advertised in late 2012 as available in July, August and early
September each year. The facility has 4 to 6 single en-suite rooms to each flat, and is self-catering
only.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type partnership by arrangement with Leeds Metropolitan University.
Property profile: Opal is less than a mile from the city centre. It has a fully enclosed landscaped garden and courtyard.

LEEDS Queenswood advertised 2012, to 2014
Queenswood Hall, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingly Campus, Leeds LS6 3QZ
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

GR: SE 265372

▲Enterprise hostel first advertised in late 2012. The facility has 4 to 6 single en-suite rooms to each
flat, and is self-catering only.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type partnership by arrangement with Leeds Metropolitan University.
Property profile: recently transformed accommodation situated on the Headingley Campus to the south-west of
Carnegie Village.

LEE GATE 1965 to 1983.
Swan Bottom, Lee Gate, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 9NW.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA

GR: SP 893055*

▲Opened early in the summer of 1965 (28/5/1965 [YHAF]), after considerable delay. An official
opening was held 25/9/1965 [LRN 9/1965]. There were limited facilities in the first year, with
reduced bednights.
✚Closed end 1983 season. The hostel suffered from poor drainage and needed underpinning to
make it safe. At £30,000, this would have been too expensive. It was disposed of in 1986.
Handbook 1964-83.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 1/12/1964 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: purpose-built chalet-type hostel of brick and prefabricated timber units, standing on a sloping site and
designed by a member of the Association. The cycle shed was under the hostel. The building apparently survives in
2009 [aerial view].
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr & Mrs Evans (at opening).
Reports, recollections and observations:
The womens’ dormitory was full and one girl had to sleep in the common room [Pat Packham, A Cycling
Tour in the Home Counties, April 1967].

LEE VALLEY 2003 to present.
Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: C

GR: TL 367024*

▲Opened fully 1/12/2003 [19/12/2003 in Triangle Spring 2004], though the first group stayed on
18/9/2003 [YHA internal memo]. Officially opened 3/6/2004. It had been expected to open as early
as 2000, and again in the Autumn of 2002 [2000-2002 Handbooks], but was badly delayed. In fact,
a hostel here was planned to open as long beforehand as spring 1994 in a joint enterprise with the
Lee Valley Regional Park. It did not get beyond the planning stage at that time.
Handbook 2000-05/06,2009
Property tenure: this hostel, costing £4 million, was built in partnership with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
Funding was also obtained from the East of England Development Agency and Broxbourne Borough Council. There
would be a 125-year lease for the hostel [YHA internal memo, May 1999].
Property profile: the design was innovative and to a degree controversial – five Scandinavian-style wooden lodges and
a larger services lodge (reception, dining room, kitchen and utilities) constructed on the site of the derelict Cheshunt
open-air swimming pool, the poolkeeper’s cottage being retained as hostel staff accommodation. The hostel restaurant
is named the Tub Race as a reference to the former pool. The whole site is heated by a geothermal system.
Each lodge has smaller en-suite rooms plus a lounge, kitchenette and services downstairs and two larger rooms suited
to groups upstairs. Two of the lodges offer extra disabled facilities. The total accommodation stands at 114 in 2013, the
sleeping layout having altered a little since 2003.

259
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lee Valley YH Profile
(s)

LEICESTER [Temporary] 1970 only.
Linwood Boys’ School, Linwood Lane, off Saffron Lane, Leicester.
Historic County: Leicestershire
YHA Region: PK
Positional note: the exact location remains uncertain.≠

GR: SK 589004 (estimate)

▲✚Temporary hostel near cycling stadium operating 6/8/1970 -17/8/1970. It was opened for the
World Cycling Championships.
Handbook 1970 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: school.
The building is no longer a school but the council-run Linwood Centre offering classes, Sure-start etc [KF, 2011]
Reports, recollections and observations:
The temporary hostel in Leicester for the World Cycling Cup was going ahead. A school near the
stadium had been offered and accepted. Various people had been written, including foreign associations.
It was provisionally planned to have 100 bed spaces, but probably to have only spring interior mattresses
on the floor rather than have the difficult and expensive task of moving beds in and out. It was suggested
that bed and breakfast be offered at 10/- seniors; 9/- juniors; 8/- juveniles. Supper available if booked
between the afternoon and evening sessions. Coffee, soup etc on sale in the evening up to 11pm or so.
A Mrs Taylor, widow, of Long Eaton had been contacted by MrsWild and was willing to act as warden.
The cook at the school, who lived opposite, had expressed willingness to do the catering. This would be
advisable as she could help liase with the caretaker and could help take responsibility with kitchen
equipment.
In view of the urgency of the task, a provisional committee had met consisting of Mr Fairgrieve, the
Regional Sec and Mr and Mrs Wild, with Mrs Shaw also present. Other volunteers would be welcome.
Mr Fairgrieve said that help would be readily available from the sub region. The arrangements made and
planned were approved [PKmins5/70].

LEIGHTON (see Welsh Harp)
LELANT DOWNS 1936 to 1940.
Gonew Viscoe, Lelant, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall
YHA Region: DAC; SW; S
Positional note: the hostel was at Gonew Farm.

GR: SW 519356*

▲Opened 1936 (start of the season was Easter).
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940.

✚Closed September 1940, the end of season being 30/9/1940.
Handbook 1936-40.
Alternative name: Lelant (1936-38).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was on a flower farm. The building, a double length stone farmhouse with a third singlestorey section, survives in 2013.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Penzance & Land's End
area YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lelant 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Lelant 751 ≈† LG37.tif
This hostel was also a farm, but with a difference, for it was a flower farm, mainly Polyanthus, Flax and
other bulbs, too numerous to mention. The Wardens, Mr & Mrs Kennard, were owners of the property
and also ‘Friends’. Very kind and helpful people they were and together with their three daughters, who
helped to run the flower farm, made the hostel a very attractive place to stay in many ways.
The accommodation was set up in a barn building attached to the farmhouse, along with two chalet huts
in the gardens overlooking the flower fields, which made it a very pleasant outlook for the hostellers.
Adjacent to the hostel chalets was a large flower packing shed, which was always a source of interest to
members, especially the males, because a number of young ladies were employed with the packing.
Suggestions were often made to members, ‘Why not give a hand?’ and there were always plenty of
helpers. These packings had to be completed in time for the London train that went from St Erth Station,
members volunteering to help were always treated to buns and cakes, tea, and a lift as far as the station
and sometimes even to Cambourne. It was always a popular hostel, the Kennards made it so, and when
they became interested in the property at Land’s End and eventually moved to run that hostel, it brought
about the closure of Lelant [Memoirs of Charles Allen, Regional Secretary, DAC, 1933-65].
(v)

260
LEOMINSTER 2000 to present.
The Old Priory, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8EQ.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SO 498593*

▲Opened 10/2000, when the first paying customers were a Rent-a-Hostel group [YHA internal
memo, dedication inside the building]; the official opening was held 11/4/2001 [YHA News
Autumn 2001]. The hostel was to cost £388,000 [YHA internal memo, 5/1999], with YHA
contributing £20,000.
Handbook 2000-05/06,2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: the hostel is in buildings of mixed age, partly the former Priory dating from 1123, partly a later
workhouse and, from the 1930s, a registry office. This office is now adjacent.
(s)

LEPHAM’S BRIDGE (see Buxted)
LETHERINGSETT Hostel planned 1977. Did not open.
Letheringsett, near Holt, Norfolk. GR:
▼the proposition for a delightful small hostel looked like coming to fruition [Wightwash Magaine, Jan 1977].

LEWES 1932 to 1946.
St Wilfred’s YMCA, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 412100*

▲Opened 1932 (open, Hiker and Camper 10/1932). In 1939 a new hostel building would be open
at Easter [LRN 3/1939], presumably the building in the garden that is shown on a contemporary
postcard.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940 and was restricted for a time. A national notice of 8/10/1940
advised that the hostel was operating. It was then available again for at least part of 1941SY, when defence area
regulations were in force [LONar41]. It was restricted to men only in 1942 and only partially available in 1943, closing
during that year [LONar43]. It was not available in 1944-45.

Lewes Hostel reopened after the war in 1946, with Easter intended [LRN 3/1946]. This Newsletter
also reported that beds for 20 women, two kitchens and a common room were located in a new
building, while men were accommodated in the gym.
✚Closed 1946, the end of season being 30/9/1946. It proved impossible to open during 1947,
contrary to expectation [LONar47].
Handbook 1933-42; 1946-47.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was at Lewes YMCA. Initially men were accommodated in a former army hut and women
in chalets in the garden (one still extant in 2013). The 1939 hostel development is the brick building in the garden that
is shown on a contemporary postcard. This housed a men’s dormitory (provided with bedspreads) with sanitary annexe,
a common room and kitchens for members and the assistant warden, though in 1946 women took the new dormitory
beds and men were accommodated in the gym.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lewes 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Lewes 752 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alfriston YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-South Downs YH
Profile
(v)

LEYBURN Camping barn 1993≠ to 2006≠.
▲Craken House Farm, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 121895
Handbook 1993-2006.
Property profile: a field barn equipped with bunk beds.

LICHFIELD [Dam Street] 1937 to 1939.
22 Dam Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI

▲Opened 1937.
✚Closed 1939 and replaced by Lichfield (Lombard Street) Hostel.

GR: SK 117096*

261
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war. The premises were advised as open, but
accommodation limited [Sheffield Bulletin Autumn 1939].
Handbook 1937-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: attractive Georgian red-brick town house.

LICHFIELD [Lombard Street] 1940 only.
21 Lombard Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 119096*

▲Opened 1940, replacing Lichfield (Dam Street) Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: there were 1018 bednights in this year only. However, a national notice as late as 5/11/1940
advised that the hostel was operating.

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1940.
Property tenure:
Property profile: red-brick town house.
Now Lombard Court, Staffordshire Council social services office [KF, 2011].

LICHFIELD [Birmingham Road] 1943 to 1973.
Redlock House, 128 (later 116) Birmingham Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9BW.
Historic County: Staffordshire
YHA Region: NMI/BMW; MD
GR: SK 115085*
Positional note: the houses here were renumbered, the previous no. 128 becoming no. 116 in 1959 [GD].

▲Opened 9/1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

After the War a Carnegie Trust grant was awarded towards improvements [NMIar46]. In 1964 an
old stable was converted by volunteers into a modern dining room [YHr 9/1964]. On 1/3/1965,
shortly before reorganisation, the hostel was transferred to BMW Region.
✚Closed 12/10/1973, because of declining use. After closure the house became the Midland
Regional Office. The property was finally disposed of in 1987 [YHAar87].
Handbook 1944-73.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 28/2/1944).
Property profile: red-brick house on the west side of Birmingham Road, just south of the A461 roundabout and railway
overbridge. The property is now demolished and part of a retail site.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lichfield C 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Birmingham Road was a very run of the mill hostel in North Midlands Region. Useful to me if going to
Derbyshire on a bike and not much else. In its day, that is – there is now a tourist potential in the City.
After Midland Region took over it died, not before time, as it was being submerged in a growing
industrial area. It then became the Midland Regional office with its basis of regular supporters [Geoff
Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
The warden was Mrs Buckingham, so the hostel was known as Buckingham’s Palace [Sylvia Errington,
reporting in 2013].

LINBY (see Newstead Abbey)
LINCOLN 1948 to 2005 or 2006.
77 South Park, Lincoln LN5 8ES.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 979700*

▲Opened 1/10/1948. Some major alterations had to be made but it was hoped to have some beds
ready for June 1948 [Rucksack, Spring 1948].
The hostel was given a major 21st anniversary face-lift by the energetic warden, Mrs Clarke, and
the region’s staff and volunteer forces in 1968-69 [PKar68]. Land was made available for sale at
the hostel [PKar69].
✚Closed some time after 27/7/2005 [YHA Website], or 1/3/2006 [YHA departmental info]. It was
sold on 15/6/2006 for £328,000.
Handbook 1948 supplement-2005/06.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 17/6/1948).

262
Property profile: large detached red-brick house with pronounced bays and a semi-basement. Before YHA’s purchase
the house had been requisitioned by the War Department, and derequisitioned on 25/12/1947. Originally the YHA
possessed 1 acre and a gardener’s cottage.
(s)
LINCOLN Hostel planned 2005. Did not open.
Lincoln. GR: SK 9771 approx.
▼YHA was in discussion with Lincoln City Council about a replacement hostel for 2007 [YHA News August 2005]. A
historic property near the Cathedral was investigated. Attention shifted to saving Thurlby Hostel instead.

LINTON 1943 to 2003.
The Old Rectory, Linton-in-Craven, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5HH.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 997627*

▲Opened for Whit 1943 [WESar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

The hot water system was reconstructed by volunteers [Rksk Mar-Apr52].
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
A mult-fuel stove was fitted in the lounge in 1994. Further facelifts were to be carried out in 1997.
✚Closed 2003 in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic. It was sold by 7/2/2003 [YHA
internal memo].
Handbook 1943-2003/04.
Alternative name: Linton (nr. Grassington) (1943-51, 1984-87 and 1989-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 1/3/1943).
Property profile: 17th-century rectory, with parts dating back to ca1500. The house is also known as the Beeches. It
now [2011] functions as a restaurant.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Published material: article, The Old Rectory, Linton-in-Craven, Youth Hosteller March 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
After a good cold wash, the meal, of moderate soup, peas, potatoes, corned beef, and the pudding, which,
to our dismay, was sago, followed by tea... Breakfast consisted of quite good porridge, fried potatoes and
spaghetti on toast, bread and gooseberry jam, and the inevitable tea. With another boy, I was given the
carrots to peel as my duty, and we went along to the kitchen to find a large bowlful of carrots awaiting
us. We were not disheartened however, and we set to work with a will. After half an hour had passed,
however, and we had only succeeded in making a small hole in the carrots, we were not so happy! In the
end, even after a man had come to help us, we were over an hour at the job, and it was after 10.15 when
we left the hostel... (In the middle of that day) we continued eating until we had finished the hostel lunch
packet of bread & cheese and bread & dripping: not very good even for a hostel lunch [Rev G
Greenhough, 1948].
The atmosphere inside the hostel was far more friendly and intimate than I imagined. We were offered
advice, both cheery and cynical. At 7.30 we had quite a nice super of vegetable soup, sausages, mashed
potatoes, peas, sponge pudding, custard and tea. Afterwards, we settled down to read in the dormitory, as
the common room was noisy and full of smoke.
There was a most annoying man in the dormitory, who flicked the light off without giving any warning.
Even then he kept getting up and flashing his torch around…
…our exciting-looking lunch packets turned out to be quite appetising [Simon Smith, aged 14, Chinnor,
1975].
(s)

LIPHOOK (see Waggoners Wells)
LITTLE BROMPTON FARM 2006 to 2008.
Little Brompton Farm, Montgomery, Powys SY15 6HS.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: W

▲Opened 2006 [YHAF] as a YHA Enterprise bed and breakfast establishment.
✚Closed by 10/2008 (YHA Website).
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: 17th-century farmhouse.

LITTLEHAMPTON

2003 to present.

GR: SO 244940*

263
63 Surrey Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: S

GR: TQ 025019*

▲Opened 1/4/2003, or 22/5/2003 [YHAF,YHA News]. Originally a satellite hostel run from
Arundel, Littlehampton Hostel had by 2013 gained full status and become available to families and
individuals throughout the year. There has latterly been a little reorganisation of room and office
facilities.
Handbook 2003/04-2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: the 35-bed self-catering youth hostel was part of the £10 million Littlehampton East Bank
redevelopment driven by Arun District Council alongside a range of partners including West Sussex County Council.
The Fisherman’s Wharf riverside development project was realised in 2003. The hostel was included in the central
visitor attraction, on the upper floor of part of a new block including Look and Sea Heritage Exhibition and visitor
centre with shop, Harbour Lights Café and viewing tower. The riverside scheme also included 170 residential units,
RNLI lifeboat station, Harbour Board offices, New Town square and public riverside walkway, thus tidying up an
unattractive area of derelict harbour wharves and disused storage yards and improving the town’s presentation.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Littlehampton YH
Profile
(s)
LITTLE HAWKE Hostel planned 1931. Unlikely to have opened.
Little Hawke, Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Surrey. GR: TQ 374540
▼Handbook 1931(1st edn only). Crossed out in all 4 copies of Handbook inspected (YHA Archive, GD, JM, and in
Greater Manchester Record Office). The second meeting of the LON executive committee, undated but before
29/5/1931, claimed that a Lady was building a Hostel of the Clapham-Lander design at Little Hawk, Woldingham.
There was to be no financial responsibility for the region.

LITTLE LONDON 1933 to 1936.
Little London, Torksey, Lincoln.
Historic County: Lincolnshire
YHA Region: NMI
GR: SK 839778
Positional note: the exact location remains uncertain. The hostel was ½ mile from Torksey on the Lincoln main road,
and 150 yards from the road [1934 Handbook].≠

▲Opened 1933. Takings in 1934 amounted to £1/4/9d [NMIar34].
✚Closed 1936: now closed [Rucksack New Year 1937].
Handbook 1933 supplement-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: possibly the old whitewashed cottage at Little London Caravan Park≠, apparently demolished in
favour of new housing between 2002 and 2009. This building is shown as Little London on a 1920s 1:2,500 OS map.≠
(v)
LITTLESTONE-ON-SEA Hostel planned 1939. Did not open.
Littlestone-on-Sea, New Romney, Kent. GR: TR 0824 approx.
▼A new hostel here would open 26/5/1939 [LRN stop press 5/1939]. It fell through [LRN 6/1939].

LITTLE WITCOMBE (see Witcombe)
LITTLE WITLEY 1932 to 1933.
The Post Office, Little Witley, Worcester.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 785639*

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being 24/3/1932. There were 316 and 479 bednights in the
two years. The mess room and men’s dorm (8 bunks) were in the cottage by the Post Office, while
women (6 bunks) were in the Post Office [1932 pamphlet]. The hostess [sic] was Mrs Turner at the
Post Office.
✚Closed 1933, by October [Handbook Supplement], as accommodation had become inadequate
[BMWar33], and replaced by Holt Hostel.
Handbook 1932-33.
Property tenure:
Property profile: post office and cottage.
Now a private house, it stands on the corner of the A443 and lane to Little Witley (at the phone box) [KF, 2011].

264
LITTON CHENEY 1937 to present.
White Cross, Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9AT.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW; S

GR: SY 548899*

▲Opened 5/1937 (Whit). The first warden, Mr Pitcher, lived across the road, and meals were taken
in the village.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned at the outbreak of war, and remained out of use each year of
hostilities, and beyond, despite the building being derequisitioned in 1945 [SOUar45].

There was a doubt whether the building could be restored after war use [SOUar46], but it was
reopened 23/8/1947, thanks to the untiring efforts of West Dorset members who have been
responsible for interior and exterior decoration and experimentally without a resident warden
[Rucksack, Midsummer & Autumn 1947]. From 1947 to 1951, the warden (keyholder) was Mrs
Moxom. She offered meals from her house, 2 Grove Cottage, 600 yards north; this might have been
the same meals arrangement as pre-war.
In 1974 the warden put up a ceiling in the women’s dorm and provided common room heating [HN
Spring 1974].
There was a major refurbishment in 1996, on the closure of Bridport Hostel, when the hostel
changed to self-catering only. The two dormitories (women’s at the north end and men’s at the
south) were replaced by 2 and 4 small rooms respectively, mostly with four beds. Central heating, a
new spacious self-catering kitchen, new toilets (inside for the first time), showers and uPVC
windows were provided [YHA News spring 1997].
Handbook 1937-39; 1948-2009
Property tenure: a fully controlled hostel from the outset, the Group’s first purchase. The freehold was transferred from
private trustees (not Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 29/2/1952 as land and buildings). Currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: former Dutch barn and cheese factory, the Group’s first freehold property [SOUar37].
The hostel (previously known as the Litton Sheep Wash) opened in 1937 having been bought from United Dairies
(Wholesale) Limited and was registered in the name of LA Rossiter and Others - of the South Coast Regional Group.
As you know it was requisitioned by the army during the war and for some time after D-Day was unoccupied yet not
de-requisitioned. When it was released compensation was granted of £120 though with the South Coast Regional Group
being short of funds and the building being in a state of disrepair it was going to be difficult to reopen. Working parties
(of which you appear to have been a member) gathered and the hostel reopened (1947). On 29 February 1952 the
property was transferred from LA Rossiter and Others to the Youth Hostels Trust [Letter to MF Tighe concerning the
early history of the hostel by Simon Burges, YHA Property Manager].
YHA Archive file: Y050001-Litton Cheney 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Litton Cheney 752 ≈† RG38.tif
[∂«]: Y610027 Litton Cheney 1947 [account of the early history and post-war refurbishment of the hostel]
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Litton Cheney YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Meals were at the warden’s house, at the other end of village [Russell Parsons on post-war hostelling,
recounted in 2004].
I had to sleep on a camp-bed as the rest of the women’s beds were occupied by a school journey party
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern England, April 1964].
We only remember those wardens like the one at Litton Cheney who always wore tight leather shorts
[Philip Stacey, recounted in 2011].
Pete Chubb was the manager there for many years [1962-95]. He operated a short order menu, long
before anyone else dreamed of doing so, on his own, with local foods, fish, lamb etc. He was a brilliant
warden / manager. Pete lived in a room off the kitchen, and had an outside toilet and bathroom [Duncan
Simpson, 2014].
(s)

LIVERPOOL Limited facilities in 1932 and 1933.
Camden Lodge, 299 Edge Lane, Liverpool.
Historic County: Lancashire
YHA Region: MER
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for 299 Edge Lane marked on an old city map.

GR: SJ 376906*

▲Opened 1932 [MERmins1932]. There was one room (10 beds) for women only, by arrangement
with TocH (and operated under TocH rules). It was available for members of other groups and
overseas visitors only.
✚Closed 1933.

265
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: unorthodox arrangement between TocH and YHA.
Property profile: college rooms, now demolished. They occupied a space now [2002] given to rough land opposite the
former Littlewoods Building and immediately to the east of a filling station.
(v)

LIVERPOOL Limited facilities in 1932 and 1933.
TocH, Gladstone House, 62 Rodney Street, Liverpool.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 353897*

▲Opened 1932 [MERmins1932]. There was one room for men only, by arrangement with TocH
(and operated under TocH rules). It was available for members of other groups and overseas
visitors only.
✚Closed1933.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: unorthodox arrangement between TocH and YHA.
Property profile: Gladstone House, Gladstone’s birthplace of 1809, is part of an extended Georgian Terrace.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs Profile
(v)
LIVERPOOL Possible hostel 1982. Did not open.
Duke’s Terrace, 169-175 Duke Street, Liverpool. GR: SJ 35189.
▼There was the possibility of a conversion of a Georgian building at no cost to YHA [WNar82, Ian Shaw], though
financial difficulties within Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd led to the scheme’s abandonment. Duke’s Terrace was a
historic building on the northern side of the eastern end of Duke Street, in the Georgian Rope Walks area of the city
centre. It was the subject of a long campaign to restore it to any number of uses, but was finally beyond repair and was
replaced by a fine replica building in the new century.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs Profile
(v)

LIVERPOOL [Temporary] 1984 only.
Mulberry Court, Oxford Street, Liverpool.
Historic County: Lancashire
YHA Region: WN
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on likely college buildings at this address.≠

GR: SJ 357900

▲✚Temporary hostel open 9/7/1984-22/9/1984, providing for the Liverpool Garden Festival.
There was accommodation for YHA members in self-catering student rooms at reduced prices:
Senior, £4.55, Junior and Young £3.70.
Handbook 1984 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Liverpool University student accommodation block.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs Profile
(v)

LIVERPOOL 1998 to present.
25 Tabley Street, Wapping, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 8EE.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: N

GR: SJ 345894*

▲Opened 14/8/1998.
A £70,000 renovation of public areas was initiated late in 2013, with a new bar area and renewed
reception. Further improvements followed in 2015 and 2016, and a £70,000 renewal of the
reception, bar, lounge games room, bedroom, shower and toilet facilities was provided early in
2017. The number of available beds has greatly increased over the life of the hostel. 156 beds are
now provided in rooms ranging from two beds to eight; most are en suite.
Handbook 1997-2009
Property tenure: currently [2014] freehold.
Property profile: barrel-roofed purpose-built structure on three floors. The hostel is unusual for a purpose-built example
in that it was provided with a bath in most of the en-suite rooms.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel will provide 100 beds in a rather unique building, unique for the YHA that is, as it is being
constructed using the same method that was adopted by the Forte Motel Group in the past. This
construction involves the building of the individual rooms in a factory setting in Sandy, Bedfordshire.

266
Once the foundations have been installed on the site, the rooms will be transported by lorry to Liverpool
and erected on site with a roof, and wall cladding will be added to complete the structure. Buildings
constructed using this method have a very short build period, in this case 20 weeks, and a very high
standard of heat and sound insulation. The YHA have been interested in trying this method for some time
now but Liverpool has been the first opportunity where the appropriate site has become available. It is
hoped the Hostel will be open for business summer 1997. The YHA is grateful to the Merseyside
Development Corporation and the European Redevelopment Fund for substantial grant assistance which
has made this building possible [YHA News end 1996].
(s)
LIZARD Hostel planned about 1955. Did not open (see Poldhu Cove).
Lizard, Cornwall. GR: SW 7012 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a 40-bed youth hostel in the Lizard area next year (reported 1954). A hostel might open soon at
Lizard Town [1955 Handbook supplement].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lizard Peninsula YHs
Profile

LIZARD (POLDHU COVE) 1956 to 1961.
Gunwalloe Towans, Poldhu, Mullion, Helston, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall
YHA Region: DAC
Positional note: the Grid Reference corresponds to the location of the present clubhouse.≠

GR: SW 666204

▲Opened 16/7/1956 [YHAF]. The Mullion Golf Course clubhouse was offered on a temporary
basis to YHA, with 30 beds. The following year it was established more firmly, thanks to the
goodwill and financial help of a life-member [YHr 5/1957].
✚Closed 30/9/1961 for demolition [YHr 10/1961] when the tenancy expired.
Handbook 1957-61.
Alternative name: Lizard (1957).
Property tenure: YHA negotiated a short-term lease for a period of seven weeks in 1956 [DACar56], and again a
leasehold from 1/5/1957 for 4½ years from the National Trust (to YHA Trust 15/8/1957).
Property profile: formerly the Mullion Golf Club House. Acquired after YHA’s Lizard Town negotiations fell through;
via the National Trust, who bought Gunwalloe Towans in June 1956, including the golf club.
Demolished. The YH site is the open space marked by gorse/scrub at the southern end of the practice area and between
No 5 fairway and No 13 green [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lizard Peninsula YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mullion proved a great attraction to members because of the availability of the two sandy coves, which
were good for sunbathing and surfing. The golf club was still in use by its members and a number of
YHA members took the opportunity to have a few games of golf with some minor instructions from the
golf club members. In fact Mullion Golf Club proved a happy venture as far as the YHA was concerned.
I did a spell of wardening at this hostel, until the arrival of ‘Nunks’ Powell who continued there until the
closure of the hostel in 1961 [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
By far the best hostel in Devon and Cornwall. Everything so neat, so orderly, so well-named. But the
warden – really priceless. Even sung to sleep by the warden [almost certainly EH ‘Nunc’ Powell] [Harry
Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
(v)

LIZARD POINT 2003 to present.
Lizard Point, Cornwall TR12 7NT.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: S

GR: SW 703115*

▲Opened 1/4/2003. It had been hoped to open the 32-bed hostel here somewhat earlier [YHA
News 2001], but this was delayed. Funding for the conversion came from the Heritage Lottery
Fund, the Tanners Trust, the Viscountess Boyd Charitable Trust, the YHA and a legacy from Mrs
Cicely Mary Lyon [Triangle].
Handbook 2003/04-2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: owned by the National Trust and formerly the Polbrean Hotel. This Victorian villa, built in the 1860s
and at some point the home of the artist Thomas Hart, passed to National Trust ownership in a derelict state in 1993.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1112433
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lizard Peninsula YHs
Profile

267
(s)

LLANBADARN FYNYDD 1934 only.
Church Cottage(s), Llanbadarn Fynydd, Penybont, Radnorshire.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 097776*

▲Opened 1934, the start of the season being Easter. The hostel kitchen suffered damp from the
adjoining church grave yard.
✚Closed 9/1934 as financially unsuccessful. It was the only one of the three pioneer Mid-Wales
hostels to make no impact in the first season. The equipment was reused at Taliesin [Mid-Wales
typed annual report].
Handbook 1934.
Property tenure: adopted hostel with rent and percentage charges.
Property profile: old stone cottages, now [2007] much reshaped, next to the church graveyard.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Taliesin YH
Profile
(v)

LLANBEDR (HARLECH) 1968 to 2006.
Plas Newydd, Llanbedr, Barmouth, Gwynedd LL45 2LE.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: WN; W

GR: SH 585267*

▲Opened 1/4/1968 [YHAF].
There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions during 1993 [War1993]. The
allocation of area renewals funds enabled background central heating to be added to improve the
comfort level of the hostel [YHA News March 1994]. Upgrading, due to fire precautions, gave the
opportunity for enlarging and relocating the reception to make it more attractive and effective
[YHA News summer 1997].
✚Closed 10/2006, or 30/11/2006 [YHA departmental info]. The hostel had been placed on the
market 6/2006 [whyha.org.uk]
Handbook 1968-2005/06.
Alternative names: Llanbedr (1968-90 and 2000); Llanbedr (Nr. Harlech) (1991-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 1/3/1968 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: former Victorian guest house. Since closure by YHA, the building has been neglected.
In 2009 a planning application to demolish the YH and replace it with flats and houses was turned down [KF], but the
site had been levelled and new houses built by 2015.
(s)

LLANBERIS [Glyn Padarn] 1933 to 1939.
Glyn Padarn, Llanberis, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 569611*

▲Opened Easter 1933 [Bertha Gough states Whit (June) 1933]. Negotiations were proceeding [no
details, 1933 Handbook, details in 1933 supplement].
✚Closed 30/9/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was taken by the Air Ministry over for government purposes at the outbreak of war,
lost permanently to the RAF, and replaced at short notice by Llanberis (Llwyn Celyn) Hostel.
The government’s interest in the area was that redundant local quarries could be used for the storage and controlled
explosions of excess ordnance [D Glass]. Glyn Padarn was used as the officers’ mess.
Handbook 1933-39
Property tenure:
Property profile: grade-II listed double-fronted stone slate-roofed house with porch. In recent years the house has been
developed and used by Kent CC as the Kent Mountain Centre.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanberis YHs Profile
(v)

LLANBERIS [Llwyn Celyn] 1940 to 1968.
Llwyn Celyn, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4SR.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire
YHA Region: MER; WN
Positional note: the 1942 NW regional Handbook has the hostel wrongly shown at Glyn Padarn.

GR: SH 573596*

268
▲Opened 1940, replacing Llanberis (Glyn Padarn) Hostel. Easter opening was intended [Rucksack
New Year 1940].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was in use throughout, though sometimes for advance booking only. It was almost
lost to the army in 1941, as military activity surrounded the hostel [History of MYH], but a notice of 7/4/1941 advised
that it was operating. In 1945 a hut was installed to make room for a members’ kitchen internally [MERar45] – a
regional visit referred to an outside hut for men, that needed creosoting [MER memo 3/9/1945].

✚Closed 1968 and replaced by the entry below.
Handbook 1940-68.
Property tenure: leasehold from the Vaynol Estate for 50 years from 12/5/1940 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). It was
eventually purchased from Sir Michael Duff and the Vaynol Estate, allowing for its rebuilding.
Property profile: old stone house, originally a residence for the manager of the great Dinorwic slate quarry.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Llanberis B 751 † RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanberis YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu &
Snowdon Ranger YHs Profile
(v)

SNOWDON LLANBERIS / Llanberis 1968 to present.
The PJ Clarke Memorial Hostel, Llwyn Celyn, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4SR.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: WN; W

GR: SH 573596*

▲Substantially rebuilt (the conversion work starting in the spring of 1967 and partly enabled by
donations and subscriptions), the new hostel opened to members on 1/4/1968 and officially
reopened 27/7/1968.
Wash basins were fitted in some of the dormitories [HN Spring 1972]. In 1975 bungalow for
wardens’ accommodation was added at the side, allowing an increase of hostel beds to 70 [M
Kirby, HN Spring 1975].
In 1984 improvements included carpets in several dormitories and public rooms, plus a TV lounge
and leaders’ rooms in larger dormitories [HN Autumn 84].
To be completed by May 1998 were improvements to create some small family rooms and a multifunction room with day access and tea/coffee making facilities. Also, there were to be additional
toilet and shower facilities [YHA News spring 1998]. The improvements were possible because of
a staff move to a second staff building in 1999, with a garage beneath [Wmemo1999].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005.
Handbook 1968-2009
Property tenure: freehold purchase 19/11/1968 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012] freehold. A property called
Hafod Uchaf, Llanberis, leasehold for 21 years from 12/11/1957, was surrendered 12/6/1970, the assignment being part
of an arrangement with the Mountaineering Association [YHAPB].
Property profile: purpose-designed replacement structure.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanberis YHs Profile
(s)

LLANBRYNEAN-BRECON (Brecon Beacons). 1932 only.
Llanbrynean, Nr. Brecon.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 076253*

▲Opened 1/7/1932, at a farmhouse at the east end of LIanfrynach village [in two issues of 1932
SWA New Hostels Leaflet]. [It is actually at south end of village]. The warden was Mr William
Morgan. Accommodation was for 6 men and 6 women.
✚Closed 26/9/1932 and replaced by Llanhamlach Hostel in 1933.
Handbook: not in 1932 Handbook, but in associated regional leaflets.
Property tenure:
Property profile: ancient farmhouse. In 2006 the Llanbrynean Farm B&B.
(v)

LLANDDEUSANT 1939 to present.
The Old Red Lion, Llanddeussant, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire SA19 6UL.

269
Historic County: Carmarthenshire
YHA Region: SWA; WS; W
Positional note: the address in 1939 was the Vicarage, probably the postal or warden’s address.

GR: SN 776245*

▲Opened Whit 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded, though in all
probability the hostel continued to function: national notices of 2/1940 and 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was
operating. The hostel was still closed for want of a warden [SWAar44], though 18 bednights were recorded in 1944SY.
A work party was expected at Easter 1945, with the intention of opening as soon as possible thereafter, but there may
have been no 1945 use before the hostel reopened after hostilities in time for the August holiday in that year; only 56
stayed in 1945.

In 1952 a new members’ kitchen was built [Rksk NovDec52].
In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the
following ‘defects’: Llanddeusant: Elsan toilets. No meals provided. Long-awaited flush toilets
were fitted in 1976 [WSar76], while volunteers provided substantial alterations [WSar77]. This was
probably the time that the staircase that originally left from the back of the common room was
demolished in favour of one nearer the entrance.
Considerable work was done in the early 1990s to correct a severely bowed ceiling: a new beam,
verticals and firedoors were put in. Central heating was provided thanks to a generous gift, and a
large dormitory room divided to form room 4 and 5. In 1997, furniture and furnishings were
improved thanks to a donation from the Cardiff Outdoor Group [YHA News summer 1997]. A new
septic tank was provided and the flooring on the first floor strengthened [YHA News spring 1998].
There are four guest rooms, two with four beds, one with six and one with eight. In recent years the
hostel has been wardened by volunteers, who use the fifth bedroom. There are three camping areas,
the principal one in front of the hostel catering for ten.
Handbook 1939amendments-44; 1946-2009
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 17/12/1945). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former inn, built 1789. Originally there was a cluster of buildings on either side of the track that leads
between the hostel and the ground opposite, with three cottages in line combined to form the hostel, and two cottages
opposite demolished. The original small ladies’ Elsan hut outside survives.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 850 bednights.
This hostel is an old pub situated in a pleasant area of the Brecon National Park. Larger than the average
Simple hostel, it has 4 dormitories upstairs. Dorms are large airy rooms and not overcrowded. All these
rooms have newly installed hand basins, at present with cold water only. No. 2 dorm has its basins in a
side room. Faults are bare floorboards, lack of heavy curtains and amazingly, not one hook in any
dormitory. Some blankets need changing and there are some broken bed springs. All dormitory rooms
need decorating.
The usual Dining Room cum Common Room that one finds in Simple hostels, with stone flooring, a few
worn carpets and 5 rather battered easy chairs. A garish mural overshadows the room somewhat. The
open fire with a built-in oven is sufficient for a room this size but the room itself offers limited room for
members as it serves as the Dining Room as well.
The Members’ Kitchen leads off this room. It contains 8 gas points and a grill. Small kitchen utensils are
scarce and need replenishing. Food storage space is good. There are 2 new sinks and draining boards and
a calor gas instant hot water heater which needs adjusting. An electric heater (this hostel is on mains
electric) would appear to be a better answer.
There is an elsan in the garden for the men and an elsan indoors for the women. Both loos need a good
cleaning and decorating. These really must be seen to as early as possible.
Llanddeusant rates as a good, Simple hostel and the Region have already spent some money in improving
the dormitory accommodation. However, better WC facilities are an early must [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report, 20/1/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

LLANDOVERY (see Neuadd Fawr)
LLANDRINDOD WELLS [The Central] 1948 to 1950.
The Central, High Street, Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 058612*

▲Opened 30/7/1948, or 1/8/1948 [BRR 11/1950], in the rear portion of the old hotel, by
arrangement with Mr J Cadwallader, Birmingham, and converted [BMWar48]. The wardens were
Mr & Mrs F Pickett.

270
✚Closed 30/9/1950, due to financial loss and the inconvenient working of the hostel [BMWar50],
and replaced by Llandrindod Wells (Hampton House) Hostel.
Handbook 1949-50.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the former Central Hotel, converted into flats by 1948. The hostel, occupying several floors, existed
alongside these.
(v)

LLANDRINDOD WELLS [Hampton House] 1951 to 1958.
Hampton House, Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 060612*

▲Opened 1/3/1951, replacing Llandrindod Wells (Central) Hostel. The main part of Hampton
House was offered by the Llandrindod Wells UDC as a replacement. Arrangements were made
with Yeoman’s Café by the warden Mr J Saunders for the provision of meals [BMWar51]. After 4
years it was feared that the hostel would have to close [Birmingham Newsletter 3/1955], but it
proved possible to continue, though without the close relationship with the café.
✚Closed 30/9/1958, as the UDC wished to concentrate on youth work on the premises
[BMWar58]. The termination was advised the previous year.
Handbook 1951-58.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old hotel, used as a meeting place for youth clubs. Subsequently and recently the Hampton Hotel.
There is still [2007] a café next door, to the left.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Thanks to the Llandrindod Wells Council, more suitable premises have been obtained at Hampton House,
Llandrindod Wells, and the new hostel will be opened on March 1st. The hostel at The Central, High
Street, is now closed. This is indeed an historic occasion for the Region, in that it is the first time that a
local council has shown its desire for a hostel in the town by offering suitable premises at a very
reasonable rent, and by offering help in getting the necessary adaptations carried out. Working parties
will commence early in the New Year, and those interested should contact the Office [Rucksack
Magazine, November-December 1950].
Just as I was on my way back to Dormitory 9 I passed an elderly lady from New Zealand. She had come
over for the Coronation and had not gone back. She was hostelling with a case and was wearing a
costume, long coat and velvet hat [Pat Packham, A Tour of Central Wales, 18 April 1957].
(v)

LLANDRINDOD WELLS [St Christopher’s] 1962 to 1966.
St Christopher’s, Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS

GR: SO 055612*

▲Opened 11/8/1962. The hostel was run by a YHA enthusiast and keen cyclist. It was the third
YHA hostel to allow for family usage, though this example was privately owned.
✚Closed 1/2/1966.
Handbook 1962 supplement-66.
Property tenure: the hostel was a private enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: the St Christopher’s Holiday Centre. Now [2007] Eden House, the headquarters of the Countryside
Council for Wales.
Reports, recollections and observations:
NEW HOSTEL AT LLANDRINDOD
After being without a hostel for three years, Llandrindod Wells is again on the hostel map. When
Hampton House closed in 1958 after eight years, a search was made for a replacement, but it proved
impossible to find premises that would be economic. Earlier this year a well-known Birmingham cyclist,
Mr Carl Ehrenzeller, kindly agreed to accommodate hostellers at St Christopher’s Holiday Centre. This
centre, run by Mr and Mrs Ehrenzeller, is open to other countrygoers besides hostellers and represents the
fulfilment of a dream to run their own holiday centre. With enthusiasm and hard work they have created a
hostel which many a warden would envy.
This year the hostel has opened from August 11th to September 8th, and also Saturday nights throughout
the year. There are 40 beds available, but meals must be booked in advance. Details of dates for next year
will be published in the 1963 Handbook. Family accommodation will be available [Youth Hosteller,
September 1962].
(v)

271
LLANDYSSUL (see Pentre Cwrt) 1991 to 1993.
Llandysul Bunk House Barn, The Long Barn, Penrhiw Farm, Capel Dewi, Llandysul (Llandyssul),
Dyfed SA44 4PG.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SN 436417*

▲Opened 19/7/1991. There was a brief entry under New Quay Sands Hostel, which had closed
[Handbook 1991]. Though short-lived, this was nominally the first YHA bunkhouse.
✚Closed 1993, the end of season being 4/9/1993.
Handbook 1991-93
Property tenure:
Property profile: located at a working farm. In 2013 the bunkhouse was still operating privately.

LLANERCHCOEDLAN WELLS (see Erwood)
LLANFAIRFECHAN One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open summer
1931. Did not open.
▼Llanfairfechan, Caernarfonshire. GR: SH 6874 approx.
A fully equipped hostel had been promised [BYHA prospectus, 1930].
LLANFAIR TALHAIARN
One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open
summer 1931. Did not open.
▼Llanfair Talhaiarn, Denbighshire. GR: SH 9270 approx.
A suitable site was in view by the banks of the River Elwy [BYHA prospectus, 1930].

LLANFAIR TALHAIARN 1950 to 1953.
Glasfryn, Llanfair Talhaiarn, Abergele, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 928700*

▲Opened 30/9/1950.
It would probably not be available in 1953 [MERar52].
✚Closed 3/1953 [YHAF].
Handbook 1950 supplement-53.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: formerly the Glasfryn Private Hotel [MERar50].
Reports, recollections and observations:
This arrangement, made with the proprietors of the Glasfryn Private Hotel, is Merseyside’s first
experiment with an accommodation hostel. Mrs King and her brother who run the hotel are old YHA and
CTC members. Eventually, if the use justifies it, they are prepared to give all the accommodation to YHA
use [Rucksack magazine, November-December 1950].
The hostel was advertised to open 1/10/1950. I turned up to stay on the first night, to discover there were
already people there [this ties up with the bednight figure of 4 for before that date in the N Wales
bednight archive] [Russell Parsons, recounted in 2004].
It was run by the owners, Mr and Mrs King, who equipped the hostel with surplus beds from other
hostels. It was popular with club members because of the standard of catering [Max Kirby].

LLANFIHANGEL 1931 only.
St Michael’s Church Room (or Church Hall), Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Corwen, Merioneth.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 989493*

▲Opened after Easter 1931, and by Whit 1931 [MERar31].
✚Closed end September 1931; the operation was reportedly cut short because of opposition from
the local innkeeper. The Merseyside Handbook published at the turn of 1931-32 described the
hostel as temporarily suspended, while an urgent search was made in the district for alternative
accommodation.
Handbook 1931(1st edn-4th edn).
Alternative name: St Michael’s Church Hall (1931(1st edn)).
Property tenure: rented at 1/- per week [letter, T Fairclough]
Property profile: the hostel, a stone-built church room extant in 2010, featured a famed specially-built wooden sleeping
hut adjacent, designed in ecclesiastical mode by (Sir) Clough Williams-Ellis, supporter of the pioneer Merseyside
Group. A month after closure the hut was transferred to Idwal Cottage hostel and is still to be found, as a special
outdoor accommodation unit, in the hostel grounds.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile

272
Reports, recollections and observations:
We only had Llanfihangel for a year as unfortunately we did not get on with the Vicar and he would not
re-let [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

LLANFYLLIN 1932 to 1938.
Glanaber, Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

GR: SJ 144194

YHA Region: BMW

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being 24/3/1932. The mess room and men’s dorm (8 bunks)
was in the woolshed in the yard; women (8 bunks) were in a house called Glanaber, adjacent [1932
pamphlet]. The warden was Miss Martin. The hostel was ¼ mile from the station, just entering the
town from the Shrewsbury direction [1934 Handbook].
✚Closed 1938, the end of season being 30/9/1938.
Handbook 1932-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: premises in main street of town.
On the High Street at the junction with Ffordd Y Cain. Aerial views show a courtyard at the rear [KF, 2011].

LLANGASTY 1935 to 1946.
Ty Gwyn, Llangasty, via Bwlch Post Office, Breconshire.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

GR: SO 113263*

YHA Region: SWA

▲Opened 5/4/1935 (1935 Handbook), replacing Llanhamlach. The warden was Mrs M Davies;
famous for her Sunday teas [SWAHr Hrvst48].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded, though in all
probability it continued to function: a 1943 membership card is stamped Llangasty. Llangasty Hostel was open during
1944 and 1945.

✚Closed 31/10/1946 [SWAHr 10/46] by Regional Council decision [SWAar46].
Handbook 1935-46.
Property tenure: adopted.
Property profile: farmhouse hostel. The front dates from about 1890, but the rear is much older.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/441053
(v)

LLANGATTOCK MOUNTAIN BUNKHOUSE 2006 to present.
Wern Watkin, Hillside, Llangattock, Crickhowell, NP8 1LG.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SO 214153*

▲Opened 1/10/2006 [owner] as a YHA Enterprise Bunkhouse.
Handbook 2009
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: a converted stone-built barn for 30 people.
(s)
LLANGERNYW Hostel planned 1950. Did not open.
Llangernyw, Denbighshire. GR: SH 8767 approx.
▼A possible new hostel was in prospect in 1950 [MYH History].

LLANGOLLEN [Oaklands] 1933 to 1938 or 1939, and possibly later.≠
The Ramblers’ Hostel, Oaklands, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 209430 [C Burrows]

▲Opened 1933: by Easter [Rucksack Spring 1933]. An official opening was held 13/5/1933.
✚Closed 1938, or perhaps extended to Easter 1939, on the opening of Ty’n Dwr Hall, which
replaced it.
Wartime arrangements: note that there is a published but uncorroborated reference to a Llangollen Hostel by the canal,
on the road to the Horseshoe Pass, in a row of tall Victorian or Edwardian houses, being available at Christmas 1940,
at least [Mabel Esther Allan]. If accurate, it might suggest a reopening after Tyn Dwr Hall was requisitioned.≠
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Victorian red-brick house with verandah.
Reports, recollections and observations:

273
We went to see a prospective house ‘Oaklands’ at Llangollen (which we afterwards took) [Bertha Gough
diary, 4th-5th February 1933].

LLANGOLLEN [Ty’n Dwr Hall] 1939 to 2007.
Ty’ndwr (Tyn Dwr) Hall, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8AR.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SJ 231413*

▲Opened early 3/1939, replacing Llangollen (Oaklands). A National Fitness Council grant of
£1000 was awarded [MERar39], and there was much work by volunteers. There were 100 beds,
soon increased to 130 as it was so popular. The property had first been inspected by the Merseyside
Group as early as July 1936 [Bertha Gough diary].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned from 12/10/39-17/12/45 by Liverpool Special schools [MERar40]
and lost to YHA for the duration of the war. It was temporarily replaced by Plas Geraint in later years of the war, and
perhaps by Llangollen Oaklands, qv.≠

Ty’n Dwr reopened after the War, at Easter 1946.
There were outbreaks of dry rot in 1962 and 1971. Oil fired central heating and slot meter showers
were installed in 1969 [YHr 6/69], while Field Study facilities were provided [YHAar69], though
the condition of the Field Studies Annexe in the old stable block, in dormitories for 60 and 3
classrooms, was later heavily criticised [PDMP 1986].
In 1974 the floor of the men’s wash was renewed [HN Spring 1974]. There was a proposal to
improve the warden’s quarters on the second floor in the same year, and in 1978 the establishment
of a second Field Study Workroom proved very popular.
Fire precaution work costing £1109 was carried out in 1985. The hostel was refurbished during
PDMP [YHAar1987]. In the summer of 1989 two years’ work costed at £225,000 was completed
when a new Activity Centre was opened in the Coachhouse [YHAar89]. However, bookings were
to be suspended beyond the 1998 season with a review of YHA’s Activity Centres [Wmemo1997].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-06 inclusive.
✚Due to close 10/2008, but sold early to the University of Central Lancashire, and closed
19/7/2007 [YHA Website 4/5/2007]. The initial closure proposal was put forward in 2006.
Handbook 1939; 1946-2007/08.
Alternative names: Ty’n Dwr Hall, Llangollen (1939); Tyndwr Hall, Llangollen (1946-49); Llangollen, Tyndwr Hall
(1950-82).
Property tenure: purchased outright (to YHA Trust 13/3/1939) with the aid of a grant of £1,000 from the National
Fitness Council.
Property profile: Victorian house, with mock-Eizabethan half-timbers, built in the 1860s by John Dickin. There were
about 70 rooms [postcard comment].
It is now known as Tyn Dwr Outdoor Centre and owned by the University of Central Lancashire. The building offers
activity courses. Guests can stay for B&B [KF, 2011].
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Davies [postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mr Clarke and I had a look at Tyndwr Hall and got inside this time. It certainly would make a marvellous
hostel, but the price is still too high for us, though we may get it down in time [Bertha Gough diary, 10th11th October 1936].
The hostel was a rambling old house and I had great difficulty in finding the wash-room and later the
dining room and then the way back to the dormitory [Pat Packham, International Tramping Tours,
Holiday for Railway Enthusiasts, 20 August 1958].
Identification and labelling of over 40 different species of trees has been carried out in the grounds of
Llangollen. These will be incorporated in a nature trail which is being established [HN Summer 1972].
(s)

LLANGOLLEN [Plas Geraint] 1944 to 1945.
Plas Geraint, Barbers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 208421* [C Burrows]

▲Opened 1/11/1944 [Rucksack Autumn 1945] as a replacement for Tyn Dwr Hall.
Wartime arrangements: plans had been made with the Union of Girls’ and Mixed Clubs to use their attractive house as
a youth hostel from 11/1944 to the week before Easter 1945; it was used during the winter months only [MERar44,45].

✚Closed 1945.
Property tenure:

274
Property profile: wartime club premises in a large 19th-century house. Operated by the Merseyside Youth Association
in 2004 and a private house from 2005.

LLANGOLLEN [Ty’n-y-Coed] Open 1947 to at least 1958.
Ty’n-y-Coed, c/o Ty’n Dwr Hall, Llangollen, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 232413

▲Opened 1947: late in that season a small spartan hostel opened in the grounds of Ty’n Dwr Hall
to relieve pressure [MERar47].
✚Closed in 1958, 1959 or, improbably, later.≠ There was no reference to the cottage used as hostel
accommodation from MERar59 onwards, but the cottage was later converted to use as the hostel
manager’s house.
Handbook 1947 supplement-59.
Alternative name: Tyn-y-Coed (1947 supplement-49).
Property tenure:
Property profile: George Borrow’s Yew Tree Cottage in Wild Wales. Borrow visited here in 1854.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It had been in a derelict state. Liverpool Area Club work parties put in a staircase and a floor in the roof
area to provide bed space [Max Kirby].

LLANGURIG 1934 to 1935.
Brongwy, Llangurig, Mongomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire
YHA Region: BMW
Positional note: the Grid Reference matches Bron-gwy on 1:25,000 map.

GR: SN 907777*

▲Opened 1934 , the start of the season being Easter. There were 545 and 743 bednights in the two
years.
✚Closed 9/1935, because of difficulties with wardening [Mid-Wales typed annual report], and
replaced by Van Hostel.
Handbook 1934-35.
Property tenure: adopted hostel with rent and percentage charges.
Property profile: farm building.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Taliesin YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Van YH Profile
(v)
LLANGWM Hostel planned 1948. Did not open.
Llangwm, Pembrokeshire. GR: SM 9909 approx. (village)
▼A first Pembrokeshire hostel had been obtained through the generosity of Messrs Richard England, Ltd; there were
to be two cottages, rent-free [SWAar47]. Rumours were circulating of a self-cookers’ hostel 4½ miles south of
Haverfordwest [SWAHr 8/1947]. A hostel here was expected [Handbook 1948, no details]. This was to open Easter
1948, but instead it was rented to a farm worker at the last moment. A problem with the project was that the hostel
would have to close each year from mid June to late July for the potato season [SWAHr 12/1947]. It was impossible to
open, though it had been rented for a period [SWAHr 4/1949].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pwll Deri YH
Profile

LLANHAMLACH 1933 to 1934.
Manest Court, Llanhamlach, Brecon.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 097259*

▲Opened early 7/1933 [SWAar33], replacing Llanbrynean Hostel. In the two years there were 99
and 394 bednights.
✚Closed 1934, the end of season being 31/10/1934, to be replaced by Llangasty Hostel.
Handbook 1933 supplement-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: this old farmhouse remains, and is built at right-angles to the road, facing east.
(v)

275
LLANIDLOES (seeVan)
LLANILAR 1936 to 1938.
Cwrt-y-Cadno, Llanilar, Cardiganshire.
Historic County: Cardiganshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the hostel was 200 yards south of the village.

GR: SN 621749*

▲Opened 8/1936 [YHAar36].
✚Closed [LRN 1/1939].
Handbook 1937-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: substantial farmhouse, marked Cwrt Cadno Farm on an old map. There is a large old barn in the yard.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanilar YH Profile
(v)

LLANLLECHID, BRYN HALL (see Bryn Hall)
LLANMADOC [Cwm Ivy] 1935 to 1936.
Cwm Ivy, Llanmadoc, Swansea, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SS 438937*

▲Opened Easter 1935, by the Swansea Sub-group [SWAar35]. The address of the first hostel in
Llanmadoc was Cwm Ivy, 200 yards from Llanmadoc church [1935 Handbook]. The wardens
throughout the span of both hostels were Mr TJ Taylor and his sister Lily [Christine Roberts, Cwm
Ivy and local resident Glanville Grifiths].
✚Closed 1936 Handbook 1935-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farmhouse hostel.
(v)

LLANMADOC [Bay View] 1937 to 1946.
Bay View, Llanmadoc, Swansea, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: Bay View is thought to be in the vicinity of the given Grid Reference.≠

GR: SS 439933

▲From 1937 onwards the details given in handbooks altered, to Bay View, in the village. Mr TJ
Taylor moved address from Cwm Ivy, a short distance away, at that time [local resident Glanville
Grifiths].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded though in all
probability it continued to function: a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating then.

After the war [SWAHr 4/1946] Bay View remained open, though after 1946 the warden would not
continue to provide a youth hostel, as Mrs Taylor was in ill-health [SWAar46].
✚Closed 30/9/1946 [SWAHr 9/46]. The last bednights were in 1946SY. A hut was sent from here
to Penlanwen Hostel about the beginning of 1946.
Handbook 1935-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a detached squarish two-storey house about ¼ mile south of Cwm Ivy, and nearer the village centre
[Christine Roberts, Cwm Ivy].
(v)

LLANRHAIADR 1945 to 1951.
Bryn Aber Hall, Llanrhaiadr, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Note: the local town is nowadays styled Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire
YHA Region: BMW

GR: SJ 108242*

▲Opened Whit 1945 [BMWar45]. Usage was always disappointing, and dangerously low
[BMWar50].
Wartime arrangements: the property was purchased in the very last days of the European war and opened just after
cessation of hostilities.

✚Closed 30/9/1951, having been sold at auction 12/9/1951. A smaller replacement was
unsuccessfully sought at Lake Vyrnwy [BMWar51] (qv).
Handbook 1945-51.

276
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant aid was declined by BMW Region) (to YHA Trust
6/4/1945).
Property profile: country mansion standing in considerable grounds.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Llanrhaiadr 751 ≈† RGc47.tif

LLANRWST (see Gwydr Ucha)
LLANSANNAN Hostel planned 1931. Did not open.
Dyffryn Aled, Llansannan, Denbighshire. GR: thought to be SH 948670≠.
▼Various contemporary news cuttings at the outset of the Merseyside region’s planning of North Wales hostels
advised of and illustrated a hostel in a late Georgina large country house, Dyffryn Aled, in Llansannan. Like
Manchester region’s grand scheme for Marple Hall this fell through probably because of financial restraints.
The BBC World War One at home website has an article captioned ‘the Colditz of North Wales’ describing how
Dyffryn Aled was a WWI detention centre for German naval officers.
The house was demolished in the early 1960s and a modern bungalow built on the site.

LLANSANNAN 1931 to 1937.
The Pilkington Hostel, Plas-yn-Cornel, Llansannan, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 938664*

▲Opened Easter 1931 [Merseyside leaflet]. One of Merseyside’s pioneer British Youth Hostels
Association premises; it sported a blue BYHA sign on the wall. Captain Jones was the first warden
[Bertha Gough].
✚Closed 30/9/1937 and replaced by Abergele Hostel.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a farm house and buildings converted with excellent facilities for 48. The generosity of the Pilkington
family made the hostel possible. It was described as a large pig farm [postcard message, 1937].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu &
Snowdon Ranger YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
On to Llansannan! Set in the lap of a hill, at the end of a valley, we espied our haven, sending up a
curling ribbon of smoke, beckoning us on. Round by the village, along the private road, and we soon
greeted the hostel with appraising eyes, for this old farmstead is as pretty a house as one could desire. It
was tea-time when we arrived and there was little space anywhere. To see all those brown, clear-eyed
young men and girls, in that dusky common-room, plying their knives and forks right earnestly, filled me
with a quiet peace, which however, was not enough for my physical needs, and soon I tucked into salmon
and mash. Miss Sumner, the warden, had welcomed us with the slogan ‘No porridge for juveniles’ and
the prospect was gloomy. As the evening wore on we congregated in the commonroom, lit by a storm
lamp, there to sing old songs, play cards, and discuss the surrounding countryside. Our beds were in the
granary, and we slept to the accompanying noises of a porker and litter in the stable below. When the
cocks crowed we of the granary rose to discuss the merits of sleeping in a granary. We were fast
becoming true hostellers, and we left Llansannan with many regrets and poignant farewells [JJ
Wattleworth, Unity Boys’ Club, Liverpool, writing in Rucksack Magazine, February 1936].
LLANSANNAN Hostel planned Winter 1948-49. Did not open.
Llansannan, Denbighshire. GR: SH 9365 approx.
▼It was hoped to open in a wooden building by Easter 1949 [Rucksack Autumn 1948]. This was a Guide hut [MYH
History]. The plans fell through [Rucksack New Year 1949].

LLANTWIT MAJOR 1937 to 1939.
Bryn Illtyd, Windmill Lane, Llantwit Major, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SS 971690*

▲Opened 29/7/1937, with the aid of a Special Areas grant [SWAar37]. It replaced the original St
Athan Hostel.
✚Closed 11/1939.
Wartime arrangements: it was now in military hands [SWAar40,41]. Toward the end of the war, the hostel was sold,
proceeds going towards the purchase and extension of Pont Nedd Fechan [SWAar44], the conveyance for the sale
being signed and sealed 13/3/1945 [YHAPB].

277
Yet proceeds from the sale of the house, £1,000, were still being held in reserve in 1950 to buy
another South Wales Hostel [Western Mail 29/3/1950].
Handbook 1937amendments-39.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 26/7/1937).
Property profile: the hostel was on the east side of Windmill Lane, off Llanmaes Road, 100 yards up from the railway
bridge. It was a large house, built in the early 20th century by a Rhondda MP as a holiday home, and with a separate
two-storey coachhouse to the north. The building was used by the forces during the war, and as a youth club after it,
before being demolished in the 1960s. A 1970s housing estate covers the area, but the coach-house remains as a private
garage in the back garden of no 14 Windmill Lane [Llantwit Major Historical Society]. The coach-house, at one time
the location of the youth club, may also have been part of the hostel, though the Handbook states large house.
Web resource: http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/Item/14029-llantwit-major-bryn-illtyd-house
(v)

LLEDR HOUSE / LLEDR VALLEY 1944 to 2001.
Lledr House, Pont-y-Pant, Dolwyddelan, Conwy LL25 ODQ.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 749534*

▲Opened Easter 1944.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

The intention was to close 30/9/1961, but despite a hiatus it was reopened, after considerable
renovation, Easter (4/)1963. Slot meter showers were being installed in 1969 [YHr 6/69], and Field
Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69].
In 1974 shower facilities were improved [HN Spring 1974].
Lledr Hostel was again extensively rebuilt, extended and refurbished by John Clarke and Sons,
Liverpool and officially reopened 22/3/1980. The work was grant aided by the Wales Tourist
Board.
New warden Dewi Owen worked hard to enlarge the reception, completely redecorate the hostel
and improve the ambiance [YHA News summer 1997].
✚Closed 2001 or 2002. It was to have finished at the end of the 2000 season [YHA News Spring
2000] because of substandard facilities and the cost of improvement, but survived into 2001. Lledr
House was sold to a private developer on 19/11/2001.
Handbook 1944-61, 1963-2002.
Alternative names: Lledr House (1944-49); Dolwyddelan, Lledr House (1950-51); Lledr Valley Betws-y-Coed (1989);
Lledr Valley (Betws-y-Coed) (1990-91, 1993-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 6/3/1944).
Property profile: former quarry manager’s house and fishermen’s guest house. Since YHA’s withdrawal it has become
an independent hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lledr 751 † RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Idwal YH Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 74, Lledr valley, Youth Hosteller February 1960.
(s)
LLEYN PENINSULA Hostel planned 1944. Did not open
▼There was a search for a hostel in this locality as part of the Region’s expansion plans [MERar44]. Much later, the
search for a hostel in the Lleyn Peninsula continued [WNar75].

LLWYNDAFYDD 1949 to 1950.
Neuadd Farm, Llwyndafydd, Synod Inn, Llandyssul, Cardiganshire.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 369558

▲Opened 1949, expected opening date 1/5/1949. The warden was Mrs Jones.
✚Closed 1950, for personal reasons [Rucksack 5/1950]. The last use may have been in 1949, as the
availability of Llwyndfydd during the winter months had not yet been definitely fixed, but it would
remain open at least until 30/9/1949 [SWAHr 9/49]. 13 bednights only were recorded in 1950SY,
though the hostel was not officially closed until 28th February 1950 [SWA mins 1950]. In spring
1950 no bookings were being taken [Rucksack 3-4/1950] and Mrs Jones had to leave her farm
shortly after the end of February [SWA mins, SWAar50]. The property was sold 28/9/1951
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1949-50.
Alternative name: Llwyn Dafydd (1949).

278
Property tenure: a curiosity is the conflicting descriptions of accommodation hostel and freehold purchase (Ministry of
Education grant-aided) 3/2/1948 [YHAPB]. The purchase and sale details in the YHA Property Book are
comprehensive.
Property profile: old stone farmhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llwyndafydd YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
(v)

LLWYN-ON 1931 to 1938.
Llwyn-On House, Corporation Waterworks, Cwmtaff, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the hostel was in close proximity to the given grid reference.

GR: SO 013115 approx.

▲Opened from the end of 6/1931 [Handbook 1931 (2nd edn)]. Mr Williams wdn M8W8 (1931);
Mrs Williams (1933) M8W8
✚Closed 1/3/1938 [SWAar38] and replaced after a delay by Storey Arms.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-38 (1938 brief note, no details).
Property tenure:
Property profile: former Waterworks Department offices, demolished for road improvement purposes. The hostel was
associated with the large reservoir built to supply Cardiff with water. Originally authorised by Cardiff Corporation Act
of 1884 with a capacity of 670 million gallons, and designated Reservoir No.3, Llwyn-on Reservoir was re-authorised
by Act of 1909 with an increased capacity of 1260 million gallons. The top water level was 854ft (260m) OD. The dam
was at the southern end (SN00911125 - SN01231146). Work commenced in January 1911 with Louis P Nott of
Llanelly and Bristol as contractor. Work was suspended in 1915 due to the First World War and resumed using direct
labour in 1919. The reservoir was inaugurated in June 1926, being fully commissioned in May 1927. Workshops were
built close to the dam site, W of the main road, and accommodation E of the road, but on recommencement of the
work, the original huts were demolished and replaced by new ones W of the road. The railway from Cefn Coed was
relaid in 1911. The railway and the works site were removed by 1928 [DJ Percival, RCAHMW, 09 August 2006].
(v)

LLWYN-Y-CELYN / BRECON BEACONS 1972 to present.
Llwyn-y-Celyn, Libanus, Brecon, Powys LD3 8NH.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SN 973224*

▲Opened 1/7/1972, replacing Storey Arms. Working parties started to restore the building in April
1971 and it opened as a 20-bed hostel. Then the 70-foot long cowshed barn was added to total 50
beds; overall costs amounted to £12,000 [Chris Barber, vice-chairman S Wales Region]. In 1973 a
frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the following
‘defects’: Llwyn-y-Celyn: Elsan toilets. No meals provided.
The provision of electricity was approved in 1973 [WSar73]. The attic dorm was completed in
1975 [WSar75]. The voluntary work under Chris Barber continued in 1977 with the constructon of
a rear passageway to give direct connection between the barn dormitory and the cottage [WSar77].
A gravel path was laid around the hostel and a bike shed designed and built in 1993 by Swindon
Local Group [War1993]. In 1996 grants from the National Lottery Charities Board and WTB were
secured for the conversion of a barn to hostel use [War96]. Due for completion by the end of July
1997, it would include two small seminar rooms and an improved day shelter for all visitors, along
with staff accommodation. Assistant Helen Anthill painted new murals on the Hostel walls. A
borehole was sunk to help eliminate a water shortage problem. In 1998 the driveway from the main
road to the hostel was surfaced in tarmac to make the final approach safer. A day access room and
toilet were now available in the barn converted in 1997 to provide group meeting accommodation
[YHA News summer 1997, spring 1998].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [HN end 2001].
Handbook 1971-2007/08 (1971 as hoped to open, very brief details only). Update 2009.
Alternative name: Llwyn-y-Celyn (Brecon Beacons) (1988-91).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (£4,000) 28/5/1971 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: 18th-century long Welsh farmhouse, empty for many years before YHA use, set in 15 acres of ancient
woodland.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heol Senni YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:

279
Sign on for work at Llwyn-y-Celyn, says Chris Barber
Llwyn-y-Celyn is an old Welsh farmhouse in the Brecon Beacons National Park which was purchased
recently as a replacement for Storey Arms Hostel. Work started on restoration in April 1971 and the first
part of the hostel was opened to members in July 1972. The entire work programme has been carried out
by voluntary labour, at week-ends only, and those who have been involved may justly feel pleased with
their achievements.
A thousand overnights were recorded in the first four months after the hostel opened. Stories are
spreading of the warm welcome – the fireplace is an outstanding feature – and unique atmosphere that the
warden, Reg Murray, has created. He is a keen naturalist and a talented artist. Members also find him an
interesting and humorous raconteur.
It is now our aim to extend the accommodation and improve the facilities. Work has already started on
the restoration of the adjoining 70ft long cowshed. This will eventually contain a 20-bed men’s
dormitory, a 10-bed men’s dormitory, a new members’ kitchen, a dining room, a warden’s kitchen and
bathroom, a men’s washroom and a cycle shed.
The first stage of this work has already been completed. A 10-bed dormitory has been set up to provide
accommodation for working parties so that they can be kept separate from the hostel building. Stage 2:
complete drainage and septic tank to provide flush toilets. Stage 3: concrete floor of barn and build new
members’ kitchen. Stage 4: build warden’s kitchen and bathroom. Stage 5: build dining room. Stage 6:
build 20-bed men’s dormitory.
It is our intention to complete this work within two years. Anyone who is interested in helping, please
write to Mr C Barber, 5 Vancouver Drive, Newport, Monmouthshire, stating dates available, whether you
have transport, and whether you have any particular skill. Membership of the YHA is not necessary for
joining a working party [HN Winter 1972-73].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 850 bednights l,200 bednights July, August,
September 1972.
Llwyn-y-Celyn is a Simple, self cooking hostel with potential. That potential has still to be realised
because it has only been in YHA possession for a year. Nevertheless, it is ideally situated to become a
mountain hostel of the very best sort. One finds an old hill farmhouse with large rooms and attached
barn, all in the process of being converted by voluntary labour under the guidance of a dedicated
member, Chris Barber, and the necessary assistance.
Things are very much at the planning stage and it would be incorrect to condemn the hostel because
certain facilities are not available. Still, I was surprised to find the necessary portable equipment
neglected. Broken bed springs, old worn blankets, undersized flock mattresses; all these things are easily
replaced.
No.1 dormitory holds 4 single beds. This is overcrowded. It has a low sloping roof and the distance
between beds is but 2 or 3 inches. No.2 dorm has 8 beds; curtains and decorations are fair. No.3
dormitory holds 8 beds and is similar to No.2. This is the total dorm space and makes for a count of 20
beds: the Handbook says 23.
The Members’ Kitchen is large but lacks hot water. Calor gas is available (there is access down from the
road for supplies) and an instant hot water heater is needed. There are 2 sinks, 2 draining boards,
sufficient kitchen equipment but a shortage of crockery and knives, forks and spoons. The tea towels and
hand towels are available but needed changing when I was there.
The lavatories are elsan, one for each sex. The women’s loo is in their wash, a bright clean room with 2
hand basins but no hot water.
The men are not so lucky with an outside loo and although the wash is inside, it has plastic bowls and no
water tap. The men’s wash also needs a few hooks and shelves.
The wooden floors are large boarded. With a good sanding off and hard varnishing, their appearance
would be improved.
This is slightly worse than a Simple hostel being converted into a reasonably Simple hostel but with
potential to become a Standard and perhaps eventually a Superior hostel. That day is a long way and a lot
of labour and expense off. Meanwhile the Region should provide this year the furniture to make it a little
less uncomfortable and members will have to wait for further improvements in future years [Internal
South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 22/4/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

LLWYNYPIA 1982 to 1999.
Glyncornel Centre, Llwynypia, Rhondda, CF40 2JF.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SS 993939*

▲Opened 5/7/1982 (delayed from 15/5) as a 62-bed superior grade hostel, mainly on the upper
floor. It was opened by the Rt Hon George Thomas, Viscount Tonypandy with financial assistance
from Rhondda Borough, Mid-Glamorgan Borough Councils and the WTB, the building being
developed as a multi-use centre. There was an official opening 12/2/1983.

280
✚Closed 24/7/1999.
Handbook 1982 supplement-99.
Alternative names: Llwyn-y-Pia (Rhondda) (1983-85), Llwynypia (Rhondda) (1986-91).
Property tenure: licensee to enter upon and use [licence agreement dated 22/9/1982]. Leased by the Council of the
Borough of Rhondda to YHA Trust [YHAPB] for £1,500pa.
Property profile: originally Glyncornel House, an early twentieth-century mine-owner’s house. In 1939 the Rhondda
Borough Council took over the grounds and building as a miners’ welfare centre, the Glyncornel Centre. During the
war the building housed ‘unmanageable’ refugee children, and after the war the building was used as a maternity
hospital. In 1959 the building became a geriatric hospital; it moved to a new site on the opposite side of the valley in
1979.
In 1979 the Rhondda Borough Council again took over the Main House and developed the new project. The house was
transformed to house a variety of organisations which co-operated as a tourist and educational establishment. The
Rhondda Museum Trust had a room on the ground floor with a permanent exhibition of life in the Rhondda from the
early mining days.
The grounds were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of a copice of sessile oak wood. There was
an Environmental Study Centre on the ground floor of the Main House. Through a joint funding scheme the Council
negotiated with the Youth Hostels Association to establish a hostel at Glyncornel. The grounds covered 75 acres, most
of which was leased to the Pentref Bowmen [from an anonymous press cutting].
An independent hostel continued here for some years after YHA withdrew.
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Don Adams (April 1982), ex-Chester and Ty’n Dwr YHs; Mr Richard Woodhouse
(1999).
(v)
LLYN BRENIG (near) Hostel planned 1975. Did not open
Llyn Brenig reservoir, Denbighshire. GR: SH 9655 approx
▼Agreement had been reached in principle for the establishment of a hostel near the new Brenig reservoir in Clwyd
[WNar75]

LOCKTON / DALBY FOREST 1978 to present.
The Old School, Lockton, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7PY.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: SE 843900*

▲Opened March 1978 as a simple 24-bed hostel, funded mainly by the Small Hostel Fund and a
legacy. The prospect of a hostel here was discussed in Yorkshire Region News, January 1976:
Planning Permission for change of use has now been obtained for two new hostel projects in North
Yorkshire [the other being the unsuccessful Dalton]… In Lockton is the Old Priory School which the
Association has just purchased. A budget has been prepared, surveys made and plans drawn for
adaptation to a 20-bed self-cooking hostel, a grant of £2,500 having been made from the National Small
Hostels Reserve Fund. It is 2 miles from the former Staindale hostel.

Opening in 1977 was a possibility [no details, 1977 Handbook, but details in the supplement] and a
probability from 1/11/1977 [HN]. Hull Group and Marsden warden Richard Bell helped prepare the
hostel [HN Winter 1977-78]. Members’ actual first use and official opening however were on the
same day, 11/3/1978 [YKar78]. The first warden was Nan Dunnington.
It was improved by the addition of a shower, a different heating system, and a number of minor
changes to the building [YHA News Mar93].
It was refurbished and reopened 3/2005 as a Green Beacon hostel featuring solar powered showers,
rainwater for flushing toilets, sheep’s wool insulation, and living roof.
Lockton Hostel was renamed YHA Dalby Forest in March 2013.
Handbook 1977-2007/08. Update 2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 20/10/1976 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former village school.
(s)

LODDINGTON 1945 to 1970.
Loddington Vicarage, East Norton, Leicester.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 789023*

▲Opened 1945.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel had been bought in 1943 and was now open [Rucksack Spring 1945].

✚Closed 1970 and sold 3/6/1970 [YHAPB]. It was decided not to improve here but to have modern
hostels elsewhere in the Region [PKar69].

281
Handbook 1945-70.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 21/8/1944).
Property profile: former rectory, built 1845 in local Ketton stone. It featured mullioned windows
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Loddington 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 39, Loddington, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was an ex-vicarage, and one of the nicest I have visited south of Yorkshire. It had, as well as a
spacious cycle shed, which must have once been the stables, a large Common Room, with grand piano,
and, later in the evening, a large fire, a clean Dining Room, with washing-up room adjoining, a
convenience found in few hostels not built as hostels, several large bedrooms, accommodating six or
eight each, with plenty of room to spare, and a washroom with five sinks, a bath, a shower (a rarity in
hostels in those days), and a foot-bath, as well as hot and cold running water! Quite an ideal hostel.
(After supper) we soon felt sleepy, sitting near the fire, so we decided to go to bed then, while we were
still warm, so that we could get to sleep fairly early. That was the idea, but our room-mates had different
ideas, and I was kept awake until after twelve (it must have been), by four of them talking, and one, a
young boy about 13 from Nottingham, laughing. Never have I heard such a laugh before, it was so loud
and harsh, I wonder that the Warden did not come in. (This put in to note that behaviour in hostels seems
to have improved in the past 50+ years; disturbance at this level is rare now in my experience and I’ve
not known a Warden patrol the corridors in recent years!) [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].
As the use of every game, puzzle, etc had to be paid for one girl asked the warden if she had to pay to
play the piano. The warden was very annoyed and gave her a good telling off [Pat Packham, A Cycling
Tour in East Anglia, 19 April 1962].

LONDON TEMPORARY, SEASONAL and SHORT TERM YOUTH HOSTELS
There follows in the boxed insert a summary, in chronological order of opening, of the thirty-plus London
properties used by YHA that could be described as temporary, seasonal or short-term youth hostels. A few
may be spurious. The overflow hostels of the post-war years came and went with almost bewildering
regularity, especially the large LCC schools. Archive records for the London Youth Hostels Management
Committee have been checked where available, though there are gaps in the full set of records, and they are
sometimes ambiguous and inconsistent. Some premises may have had slightly longer reigns.
This section precedes entries for the standard, large scale London Hostels (in alphabetical order). The Scouts
Association hostel in South Kensington (2004-06) is included in the later section.
Other information is from GD.
Between 1958 and the early 1970s the yearly locations of summer seasonal hostels were especially fluid and
not always clear:
[Waterloo] Ethelm House and two others, according to the LYHHMC, [Park Walk? and St John’s Hall?]
were available in 1958. Three summer seasonal hostels were open in Summer 1959 [YHr] [Waterloo,
Park Walk and ? – possibly the second Waterloo premises at St John’s Hall]. In 1960 there were more
than 10,000 bednights at summer seasonal hostels – in that year two large schools were used [1963ar]
[11,463 at Waterloo (not a school), unrocrdede at Buckingham Gate and 6270 at Park Walk]. St Philip
Magnus School (later to become a campus for SOAS) was used, apparently only in 1963. Buckingham
Gate, Marlborough School and the Oval were available in 1964. There were temporaries in 1965 at
Buckingham Gate, St Mary Abbott and St Mathias, continuing in various patterns up to 1968. Charlotte
Charman School was used in 1967 to 1969, and possibly 1970. Vauxhall Manor and Walnut Tree
Schools were listed in 1971, and may have continued after that.
There were no summer seasonal hostels in London 1974-79 and 1982-83 [LYHMC reports].
Published material: article, the London Temporaries, Youth Hosteller June 1958
Published material: article, They Call them ‘Temps’, Youth Hosteller June 1965
LONDON [Trinity Square] 1931 only.
New Talbot House, 42 Trinity Square, London EC3.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 335808
Opened and closed 1931. Limited facilities, for men only. Between 5/1931 and 9/1931 (eg) there were 33 bednights
[LONar31].
Handbook 1931 (2nd edn)-31(4th edn).
Alternative name: ‘New Talbot House’ (1931(2nd only)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: latter-18th century house, the early 20th-century home of Tubby Clayton, chief pastor of Toc H.

282
Web resource: http://www.wakefieldtrust.org.uk/about-history.php
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
[London] TWICKENHAM (LONDON) Planned hostel 1933.≠
St Felix, 121 Strawberry Vale, Twickenham, Middlesex.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 162723 approx.
A hostel was planned here in 1933: negotiations were proceeding [Handbook 1933].
The 10/1933 supplement describes the hostel ambiguously as closed; it may not have opened.≠
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the premises have subsequently been demolished [GD, 2009].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON (WOMEN) Temporary hostel for women planned 1933.
Danish YWCA, 65 Fellows Road, Hampstead, London NW3.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 268844 approx.
Negotiations were proceeding [Handbook 1933]. It was described as opened 1933 only [YHAF], though this is
possibly a perpetuated mistake and the source is not conclusive. There is no record of its operation.
Property tenure:
Property profile: since demolished; a more modern building has been constructed on the site.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON [Alexandra Palace] [Temporary] 1933 to 1934.
The Welcome Club Rooms, Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London N22.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 296900
Summer seasonal hostel opened 15/7-30/9/1933 and 30/6-30/9/1934.
This 100-bed hostel was operated jointly by the London Region and National Council; in 1933 there were more than
1,000 bednights, with 386 foreigners and 11 nationalities [LONar33]. The premises would be replaced as soon as a
position nearer Central London was found [ar33B], but were used again the following year, as hopes for a permanent
London Hostel had faded; 1,300 stayed here in that year [YHAar34]. Meals were prepared for YHA members at special
prices in a large restaurant on the ground floor [advertising postcard]. The intention was to replace this temporary affair
with one nearer the centre of London.
Closed 30/9/1934.
Handbook 1933-34 (supplements only, not in Handbooks).
Property tenure: tenancy (rent £48 and £47.9s for the two seasons). The warden’s salary was £11 and £14 [YHAar33
and 1934].
Property profile: situated in the Welcome Rooms on the first floor in the south-east corner of the building. The original
Alexandra Palace and its own railway branch were opened to the public in 1873, but 16 days later a fire almost
completely destroyed the building. A new structure was built to replace it, opening in 1875. Parts of this were destroyed
in a further fire of 1980, later patched up. Renovation is a constant need and the funding of this has led to many
complexities.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (EUSTON) 1945 to 1946.
23 Taviton Street, London WC1.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 297823[GD]
Opened about 3/1945.
Wartime arrangements: formerly YHA London Regional Office, which moved to 22 Gordon Square, allowing 43 beds
here rather than the 12 mentioned in the 1945 Handbook.
Closed 1/11/1946, but Central London Group held a party there in 12/1946, before vacating the premises.
Handbook 1945.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Taviton Street, Bloomsbury, was developed by Cubitt in the early 19th century, and consists of tall
terraced properties in the late Georgian style.
No.23 was undergoing major refurbishment in 2002 [GD].
It is now [2013] residential flats.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile

283
(v)
LONDON (TAVISTOCK PLACE) [Temporary] 1947 only.
5 Tavistock Place, London WC1.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 300824[GD]
Summer seasonal hostel Open July and August 1947 as overflow to Great Ormond Street. 985 bednights were recorded.
The premises also functioned as YHA offices.
Property tenure:
Property profile: grade I listed building of 1898. Mary Ward, the novelist and social reformer, was the inspiration
behind the endeavour to provide a centre of training, care and entertainment for the less fortunate in society [website
below].
Web resource: http://www.marywardhouse.com
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (CAMDEN TOWN) [Temporary] 1948 to 1950.
Camden Working Mens Club, 44 Crowndale Road, London.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 293834
Summer seasonal hostel, open 26/7-25/8/1948 (emergency hostel for overseas visitors to Olympics, 2307 bednights);
30/7-26/8/1949 (2065 bednights); unknown date to 26/8/1950 (1910 beds, men only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: handsome large red brick social premises of 1904 for working men that included many rooms devoted
to welfare and relaxation. An undated woman’s YHA membership card stamp shows that females were allowed to stay
at some point. The property still [2013] fulfils a function as the Working Men’s College, though for women and men.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (ALEXANDRA PARK RACECOURSE GRANDSTAND) [Temporary] 1948 & 1951.
Alexandra Park, Wood Green, London N22.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 296896
Summer seasonal hostel. Advertised as open 30/7-12/8/1948 for the Olympic Games. It was actually open for 18
nights, recording 1733 bednights. The temporary hostel was also open 7/7-22/7/1951 and 6/8-9/9/1951 for the Festival
of Britain, with 2186 bednights.
Property tenure:
Property profile: an ornate Victorian grandstand, now demolished. Racing was established at Alexandra Park in 1868
and the last event was held here in September 1970.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (BARNET GROVE) [Temporary] 1949 to 1956.
Friends’ Centre, 36 Barnet Grove, Bethnal Green, London E2.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 341827
Summer seasonal hostel, accommodation M&W30, open 9/7-28/8/1949 (1389 bednights); (unknown)-3/9/1950 (973
bednights); 28/7-2/9/1951 (720 bednights); 26/7-30/8/1952 (931 bednights); 25/7-5/9/1953; 24/7-4/9/1954 (1070
bednights); 1955 (1680 bednights); 1956 (1198 bednights [LONar58]). Not open 1957 or 1958.
Light meals were available if ordered and paid for in advance.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Friends Hall, 36 Barnet Grove, was the local branch of the Bedford Institute (as advertised in 1944 in
a Quaker newspaper). The Bedford Institute was a Quaker body given to alleviation of poverty in the East End of
London; it is now known as QSA (Quaker Social Action).
Friends Hall, closed 1957 and demolished, was on the corner of Ivimey Street and Barnet Grove (now built over with
flats at this point) [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (FLOATING HOSTEL) Temporary hostel planned 1950. Did not open.
This prospect of using a floating hostel was being explored [LRN 12/1950]: ‘there are adaptations to be carried out
and in addition London Region have to find a home for it. Any member knowing of a suitable backwater, quiet river or
canal should write to the secretary’ [YHAB 6/1950].

284
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile LONDON (CLAPHAM) Temporary hostel planned 1950.
Clapham, London, SW12.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: entrances at TQ 287741 and
TQ 288743
There was a possibility of a temporary hostel in a 3,000 bed shelter near the end of its War Office life [LRN 6/1950].
The premises were available temporarily by special arrangement to YHA members for 5 shillings a night, a deal
brokered by John Catchpool [Daily Mirror, 6/6/1950]. It is not clear how authentic this provision was for normal hostel
use in YHA members’ terms.
This temporary measure was open for the duration of the National Conference, 1950 [GD].
Property tenure:
Property profile: government deep shelter in a massive complex. In 1948, after hostilities, the shelter was used to house
pioneer immigrants from the Empire Windrush. The Clapham South Deep Shelter had a south entrance on the west side
of Balham Hill opposite Gaskarth Road (now incorporated into a modern building) and a north entrance at the south
threshold of Clapham Common (being restored as a historical monument).
Web resource: http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/c/clapham_south/index.html
The Clapham Underground shelter was Catch’s idea – thinking big. How far it was used for the International
Conference and Rally at Ashridge is uncertain [Len Clark].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (PRIMROSE HILL) [Temporary] 1950 to 1951.
1-3 Primrose Hill Road, London NW3.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 275841
Summer seasonal hostel, accommodation M&W40, open unknown date-10/9/1950 (3210 bednights) and 29/6/1951mid September 1951 (9175 bednights). Mr Bray was warden [YHAB 8/1951].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: the hostel was in a block of four, nos 1-7. The whole block has been demolished. The site today is part
of a playground belonging to St Paul’s Church of England school [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (HOXTON HALL) [Temporary] 1951 to 1955.
128A Hoxton Street, London N1.
Positional note: the hostel entrance was in Wilkes Place.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 332831
Summer seasonal hostel, open 26/7-6/9/1951 (2624 bednights); 30/7-3/9/1952 (1720 bednights); 30/7-7/9/1953; 23/72/9/1954 (1481 bednights); 1955 (1620 bednights).
Light meals were available if ordered and paid for in advance.
The facility was not used in 1956 or 1957 [LONar57].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: a grade II listed Music Hall Theatre and associated rooms built by James Mortimer in 1863 for the
humbler classes [Hoxton Hall website]. Confusingly, a Youth Hosteller article [June 1965] describes the Hoxton Hostel
as in a church hall.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (SWISS COTTAGE) [Temporary] 1953 only.
Windrush School, 55 Eton Avenue, London NW3.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 269844
Seasonal hostel, 30/5-5/6/1953 (for the coronation), 25/7-6/9/1953.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: premises regularly used as a school on the south-east corner of Kings College Road and Eton Avenue.
It is an imposing red brick, tile hung house in a street of remarkably idiosyncratic large dwellings. Since 1994 it has
functioned as the Junior Department of the Trevor-Roberts School, 57 Eton Avenue.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (ETHELM HOUSE ANNEXE, PECKHAM) [Temporary] 1954 only.
Thought to be 17 Lyndhurst Way, Peckham, London, SE15 [KF, electoral roll].

285
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 338764
Summer seasonal hostel, 2/8/1954-22/8/1954 (182 bednights). Ian and Audrey Hetherington from the International
Group used their flat, with garden and summerhouse, as an unofficial overflow hostel. It was run much like a hostel
with hostel jobs and hours [LRN 11/1954]. There were 182 bednights recorded.
Property tenure: unofficial gesture.
Property profile: private dwelling.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON (WATERLOO) and St JOHN’S HALL WATERLOO [Temporary] 1954 to 1963.
Ethelm House, Cornwall Road, Waterloo, London SE1.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 312799
Summer seasonal hostel. Open August 1954 (2476 bednights); 1955 (4309 bednights); 1956 (5356 bednights in 170
beds in one month; 1957, when it was called Ethelm and St J (6087 bednights) [LONar57]. Open in 1958 from 26/7 to
6/9 (5328 bednights); there is a photo of the hostel, again available [YHr 6/1958], 1959 (26/7 to 5/9), 1960 (23/7 to
3/9). 5289 stayed in 1961 and 5132 in 1962 (2/6 to 8/9), when the establishment was called St John’s Hall (Waterloo)
[LON memo]. 3979 stayed in 1963.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: at the rear of the Union Jack Club. It was the regular meeting place of the International Group.
The main hostel was in a four-storey art-moderne square built brick structure with curved extension to the rear right,
the hostel entrance. A plaque commemorates the opening of Ethelm House on 24th June 1939 by the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners as a social centre to serve the contemporary flats adjacent. The building has been empty for more than a
decade [2013], its last use being as a catering college of London South Bank University. Once a fine example of its
type, an urban cousin of Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel, the building is now in derelict condition, exacerbated by a
fire in August 2009.
It also seems to have been referred to as Eltham House or Elm House [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
There were 6 wardens (4 men and 2 women). 100 men were accommodated in Ethelm House, while 70 women slept in
a redundant church across the road [Patricia Buxton, student and warden]. The church was almost certainly St John’s,
Waterloo Road, the nave of which has for many years doubled as a place of worship and an accommodation centre, and
is sometimes known as St John’s Hall [church enquiry desk].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's
Court YH Profile
(v)
LONDON (ELEPHANT AND CASTLE) [Temporary] 1956 to 1957.
Crossway Central Mission, London.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 323789
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for Crossway Church, 100 Old Kent Road.≠
Summer seasonal 60-bed hostel called Crossway was open in 1956 (1685 bednights) and 1957 (2179 bednights)
[LONar57]. It did not operate in 1958, as Holland House had already opened [LONar58].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: in 1866, the South London Mission was established at Elephant and Castle by the London
Congregational Union. In 1905, the Union built a new church building, Crossway Central Mission. In the late 1960s
(after the YHA period) the church was demolished to make way for the new Heygate Estate; a new Crossway Church
building was opened in 1973 by three members of its former congregation [website below].
Web resource: http://www.crosswaychurch.org.uk/history.htm.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (LAMBETH) [Temporary hostel for women] 1956 to 1957.
Vauxhall Civil Defence Centre, 148 Kennington Road, London SE11.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 312788
Summer seasonal hostel, open 15/7/1956-(unknown) (1206 bednights) and 1957 (1257 bednights) when it was called
Kennington [LONar1957]. Accommodation was for women only.
It was not open in 1958, as Holland House had opened [LONar58].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: building on the south-west corner of Walnut Tree Walk and Kennington Road, since demolished and
replaced by flats at Culpeper Court.
Web resource: http://www.rootsandshoots.org.uk/about-us/roots-and-shoots-history/

286
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (PARK WALK) [Temporary] 1959 (and possibly earlier) to 1962.
Park Walk, Chelsea, London.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 266776
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for the school on Park Walk.
Summer seasonal hostel again available from last week of July until early September [YHr 7/1960].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: almost certainly located in the substantial educational building currently operating [2013] as Park
Walk Primary School
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's
Court YH Profile
(v)
LONDON (KING’S CROSS) [Temporary] 1963 only.
Sir Philip Magnus School, Vernon Square, Penton Rise, King’s Cross, London.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 308829
Summer seasonal hostel, open in 1963 only, from 27/07 to 27/08. There were 240 beds and 4952 stayed in a little over
4 weeks, in a ratio of 75% male, 25% female, and 93% foreign members, 7% YHA
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: Vernon Square School was built by the London County Council in 1913–16. The school is a large,
austere stock-brick building, the triple-decker massing of which shows the vestigial influence of the London School
Board and its architect TJ Bailey. It has a butterfly or flying wedge plan, to fit the essentially triangular site, comprising
two long wings arrayed so as to face Penton Rise and the Baptist Church. Small shaped gables above the staircases are
almost the only ornamental features. The accommodation was originally tiered by storey, with the infants below the
boys, the girls above having use of a roof playground behind the parapets. The main building was made a secondary
school in 1949, and renamed Sir Philip Magnus School in 1952. This closed in 1979–80, and the site became part of
Kingsway Princeton College in 1983. (ref. 158) In 1999 it was acquired by the University of London’s School of
Oriental and African Studies to be its second campus [British History online, Chapter XII].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (BUCKINGHAM GATE) [Temporary] 1964 to 1969.
Wilfred Street, Buckingham Gate, London SW1.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 292793
Summer seasonal hostel, opened 25/7/1964 for 5 weeks.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: 250 beds were to be provided at this LCC school, though records show 200 or 192 (1968-69) in
practice. Now [2013] the St James Park Centre of Westminster Kingsway College. The aspect shown in the only known
illustration [Youth Hosteller June 1965] is of the rear of the building, on Wilfred Street. The College fronts on to the
parallel Castle Lane.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL) [Temporary] 1964, and perhaps beyond.
Positional note: uncertain location; there is [in 2014] a Marlborough Junior School at the following address:
Marlborough Primary School, Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London SW3 3AP≠.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 274786≠
A hostels return sheet for 1964 shows Marlborough School, London, effectively replacing St John’s Hall, Waterloo, as
a temporary hostel. 6125 overnights were recorded in that year, 5191 of which were by members of hostel associations
other than YHA. It may have been used in later years.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: if Marlborough Primary School, a typical London 3-storey red-brick block, opened in 1878.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (THE OVAL) [Temporary] 1964, and perhaps beyond.

287
Alford House, Kennington Oval, Kennington, London.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 310782
Summer seasonal hostel in 1964. There were 2047 overnights in 1964 [LON memo].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: Youth Club Hall, with about 100 beds [Youth Hosteller article June 1965]. Formerly the Moffat
Institute, damaged in WWII and converted to its present youth club use in 1950. It is held under Trust by the YMCA.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (St MARY ABBOT) [Temporary] 1965, and perhaps 1966 & 1967.
2 Kensington Church Court, London W8 4SP.
Historic County: YHA Region: LHMC
GR:
Summer seasonal hostel in 1965. There were 5824 overnights in 1965 [LON memo].
In 1966 there were three schools leased by YHA as temporary accommodation, only one of which has been identified –
Buckingham gate. St Mary Abbot and St Mathias may have been the other two.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
In 1967 there were three schools leased by YHA as temporary accommodation, only two of which have been identified
– Buckingham Gate and Charlotte Sharman. St Mary Abbot or St Mathias may have been the other one.
Property profile: thought to be at St Mary Abbot’s C of E Primary School
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (St MATHIAS) [Temporary] 1965, and perhaps 1966 & 1967.
Uncertain location. These three properties have been located as potential sites:
St Mathias Church Hall, Stoke Newington, London N16 8DD.
St Mathias School, Bacon St, Bethnal Green, London E2.
St Mathias Community Centre, Woodstock Terrace / Poplar High Street, London.
Historic County: YHA Region: LHMC
GR:
Summer seasonal hostel in 1965. There were 4125 overnights in 1965 [LON memo].
In 1966 there were three schools leased by YHA as temporary accommodation, only one of which has been identified –
Buckingham gate. St Mary Abbot and St Mathias may have been the other two.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
In 1967 there were three schools leased by YHA as temporary accommodation, only two of which have been identified
– Buckingham Gate and Charlotte Sharman. St Mary Abbot or St Mathias may have been the other one.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON (CHARLOTTE SHARMAN SCHOOL) [Temporary] 1967 to 1969 (possibly 1970 – see Note).
Charlotte Sharman School, St George’s Road, West Square London SE11 4SN.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: SE
GR: TQ 316791
Summer seasonal hostel with 6360 bednights in 1967, 4548 in 1968 and 5024 in 1969. 1969 was probably the final year
of operation.
Note: in 1970 Buckingham Gate and Charlotte Sharman schools may have been replaced by Vauxhall Manor and
Walnut Tree schools, or others – evidence of which were used is missing, though 10666 bednights were recorded in
that year. The total would suggest two hostels in 1970.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented
Property profile: substantial school premises still in use (2015) as the Charlotte Sharman Junior School.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (VAUXHALL MANOR SCHOOL) [Temporary] 1971 only (though a possibility of 1970 to 1973).
Vauxhall Manor School, Lawn Lane, Vauxhall, London SW8 or Kennington Road. SE11.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: SE
GR: TQ 305777 or TQ 312779
Summer seasonal hostel 5550 bednights 1971.
Property tenure: one of the temporaries rented for a small amount from ILEA until 5 years ago [WightWash magazine,
June 1976].
Property profile: school. The first grid reference is for the former Lawn Lane School for Girls, built 1908, thought to be
the main site from 1957 of the amalgamated Vauxhall Manor Comprehensive School. The second is for the former

288
Kennington Manor School for Girls, Kennington Road, also built 1908, an annexe on amalgamation. The youth hostel
may have been at either site.≠ Both were substantial school premises and are now [2013] gentrified flats.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (WALNUT TREE SCHOOL) [Temporary] 1971 only (though a possibility of 1970 to 1973).
Walnut Tree School, Walnut Tree Walk, London SE11.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: SE
GR: TQ 310789
Summer seasonal hostel with 5080 bednights 1971.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: substantial 3-storey brick built school. In 2013 the Walnut Tree Walk Primary School.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
(v)
LONDON (HACKNEY) [Temporary] 1980 to 1981.
Gatehouse Learning Centre, Sewardstone Road, Victoria Park, Hackney, London.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: EA+SE
GR: TQ 355832
Summer seasonal hostel referred to in letters [HN 1980]. There were 4766 bednights in 1980. Superior Grade, nonVAT [Wightwash Aug 1980]
There were 2081 bednights in 1981 at a temporary hostel named Bethnal Green, probably the same location (Bethnal
Green underground is mentioned in Wightwash, 1980).
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: thought to be the Gatehouse School
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON (HOUNSLOW) [Temporary] 1980 only.
Hounslow Community Centre, Staines Road, Hounslow (nr junction with Bath Road)
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: EA+SE
GR: TQ 137756 (church), TQ 137757 (St John’s)
Summer seasonal hostel with 2063 bednights in 1980. Superior Grade, non-VAT [Wightwash Aug 1980]
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: thought to be one or both of the adjacent buildings on Montagu Road, once a church and probably
associated buildings, now a private business and the Hounslow Community Centre with St John’s Ambulance facility
combined.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
LONDON (EARLSFIELD) [Temporary] 1981 only.
In the Garratt Lane Area of Wandsworth.
Historic County: Surrey YHA Region: EA+SE
GR: TQ 260730 approx.
Positional note: Garratt Lane is 3 miles long. Earlsfield Station, the given grid reference, is near the centre point.≠
Summer seasonal hostel with 2763 bednights in 1981. Breakfast and snack meals were provided. It was graded
Superior and had 130 beds and a car park. There were no showers, but many baths [Wightwash Aug 1981].
Property tenure: almost certainly rented
Property profile: unknown site.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
[London] WHITE HART LANE [Temporary] 1985 to 1991.
All Saints Hall of Residence, White Hart Lane, London N17.
Positional note: the hostel brochure sketch map placed the hostel approximately to the east of College Road.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: S (L)
GR: TQ 335915≠
Summer seasonal hostel opened 1985 [YHA London Hostels memo] with 5,829 bednights. The following year the
opening date was 7/7/1986.
Closed 1991, the end of season being 31/8/1991.
Handbook 1987-91.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: a modern student hall of residence for Middlesex Polytechnic, of which the College of All Saints
became part in 1978. It closed in 2005. The accommodation was in 170 single study-rooms [internal memo].
The whole site has been demolished and recently rebuilt as Haringey Sixth Form Centre [KF].
Web resource: http://edithsstreets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/moselle-river-tottenham_15.html

289
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford
Street YH Profile
[London] WOOD GREEN [Temporary] 1985 to 1991.
Wood Green Halls of Residence, Brabant Road, London N22.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: S (L)
GR: TQ 308903
Summer seasonal hostel opened 1985 [YHA London Hostels memo] with 8,149 bednights. The following year the
opening date was 7/7/1986. An undated brochure advised further availability during the Easter holidays.
Closed 1991, the end of season being mid September.
Handbook 1987-91.
Property tenure: almost certainly rented.
Property profile: a modern student hall of residence for Middlesex Polytechnic built across the path of the old LNER
Palace Gates railway branch. The self-catering hostel provided 157 single rooms.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford
Street YH Profile
(v)
London] VICTORIA 1989 to 1990.
1 Ambrosden Avenue, London SW1.
Historic County: Middlesex
YHA Region: S (L)
GR: TQ 293790
Opened by Summer 1989, with 96 beds. Sleeping accommodation was provided on 4 floors in a time-worn property, a
short-term answer to a chronic lack of youth hostel capacity in London [internal memo]. It would also fill the gap
created by the planned temporary closure of St Paul’s Hostel. It would be open until 31/3/1990, after which Regional
Office should be contacted. £10,000 was spent on the hostel provision, in view of the business generated.
Closed 11/1990 [internal memo].
Property tenure: rented property. The lease was of unpredictable duration.
Property profile: six-floor Victorian building at south-east corner of Ambrosden Avenue, close to Westminster
Cathedral. The smart gentrification of the building by 2013 belies its poor state when YHA rented it [YHA
Inspections].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Temporary YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford
Street YH Profile
(v)

NOTE: LONDON (PRINCIPAL) HOSTELS are listed chronologically
LONDON (CARTER LANE) (see [London] St PAUL’S)
[London] HIGHGATE VILLAGE 1935 or 1936 to 1997.
Holmwood, 84 Highgate West Hill (until 1939 the address was 50 West Hill), London N6 6LU.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: NATIONAL/LON;
LN/EA+SE; S (L)

GR: TQ 281871*

▲Opened 1935, after 30/9/1935, or 1936: the first bednights were in 1936SY. Wardens E and M
Instone were in place until they retired in 1961. The hostel was managed by the National Executive.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of hostilities.

Showers were to be installed in 1961 [LRN 4/61]. In 1973 the extension of facilities was well in
hand; the wardens were thanked for their inspiration behind the scheme [EAar73].
In 1997 the Board considered a detailed report on the condition, shortcomings and performance of
four hostels described as sub-standard. Of these, it was concluded that three should close, including
Highgate [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed end 9/1997.
Handbook 1936-97.
Alternative names: London (Highgate) (1936-82); Highgate (1983-90).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 29/3/1938) at £175pa, and apparently falling to £75pa in 1939. After about a
decade No.84 was purchased freehold by the National Association on behalf of London Region Group for £3,250 (to
YHA Trust 19/5/1944).

290
Property profile: brick-built late 18th-century town house, Grade II listed in 1974. The transverse entrance hall masks
the two original cottages behind, each with its own entrance, the house having been converted to a single residence in
1824 [website below]. A flat-roof single storey extension to the right front of the building, an extra blind window and a
prominent skylight may have been added by YHA and have subsequently been removed. The house (84) and a
gatehouse or lodge adjacent (84a), both used by YHA, are now separate dwellings.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-478424-84-highgate-west-hill-greater-london-aut
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-London Highgate 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-London Highgate 752 ≈† RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Highgate YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's
Court YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
My interest comes from a few words in a report my father wrote describing his escape [from
Czecholsovakia] for Czech intelligence in London in 1939. He simply wrote: ‘I was in a youth hostel in
London for 10 days in Highgate and then I came to Reigate from where I returned to London at the
beginning of May. Here I enlisted in the British Army as a volunteer’ [Richard Essberger, reported in
2013]. [Later, Richard’s father was interred as a political alien on the Isle of Man].
(s)

LONDON (CENTRAL) 1936 to 1952.
38 Great Ormond Street, London WC1.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: NATIONAL/LON

GR: TQ 305820*

▲Opened 7/1936: it was partially opened at once, just as it was, to provide August overflow for
Highgate Hostel [YHAar36]. The facility was separately managed by the National Executive, who
had made a national appeal for gifts and loans to establish here.
Wartime arrangements: the premises were taken over by Holborn Borough Council for Air Raid Precaution work
[Rucksack Autumn 1939]. YHA was turned out in 4/1940 by the Auxiliary Fire Service, and the hostel did not function
fully between then and 3/1945, when Central London Group was able to reopen it. A few rooms were retained by YHA,
however, under a partial tenancy, to be used as an inquiry bureau and branch office and as a hostel for a few regular
resident members, ordinary hostel accommodation being provided at Highgate [LRN 8/1940].

Removal of the Sales Dept to new National Office at 21 Bedford St freed the premises for more
efficient hostel use [LONar50].
✚Closed 12/1952 [LONar53] and replaced by Earl’s Court. The remainder of the lease was sold to
the Hospital for Sick Children, 1/1953 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1936-39; 1946-52
Property tenure: leasehold purchased 7/1936 for £3,000 for 30 years (to YHA Trust 10/10/1936). Gardens at the rear of
28, 30, 32, 34, and 36, Gt Ormond Street were leased additionally (to YHA Trust 14/11/1939).
Property profile: Great Ormond Street Hostel was colloquially known as GOSH. The National Executive Council used
it regularly for its meetings. The building was latterly demolished for an extension to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-London Central GOSH 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-London Central GOSH 752 ≈†
RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's
Court YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
John William Major, YHA National Executive, helped to find this property by touring local estate agents.
It was part of the considerable London property owned by the Rugby School estate [Kenneth Major].
National Executive Meeting in London. I stayed the night at Gt Ormond St. I found this hostel quieter
than Highgate as there were cars passing up and down Highgate all night, but Gt Ormond Street is more
or less a cul-de-sac and very quiet. When we got there, Ward, (the warden) made us coffee and cake in
his room [Bertha Gough diary, 26th-27th September 1936].
As 1951 was the year of the Festival of Britain I decided to spend 2 nights at a hostel in Great Ormond
Street. It was a large rambling house [Pat Packham, 1951].
Biggest London success story was Highgate, which turned an annual loss into a surplus. This was
achieved by winter closing, no provision of evening meals and some staff reductions [HN Spring 1984].
(v)

LONDON EARL’S COURT / EARLS COURT 1952 to present.
Note: there is absolutely no general or local consensus about the use of the apostrophe in Earl’s Court.

Strathallan House, 38 Bolton Gardens, London SW5 0AQ.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA+SE; S (L)

GR: TQ 257783*

291
▲Opened for limited numbers 4/7/1952, replacing Great Ormond Street Hostel. Closure was
proposed almost immediately, however, [YHAB 6/1953] because Kensington bye-laws demanded a
reduction in the number of beds; the Borough would not approve the standard of sleeping
accommodation normally accepted by the Ministry of Education. A compromise was reached by
providing fewer beds [LONar53]. Showers were to be installed in 1961 [LRN 4/61]. In 1970 YHA
announced that the continued heavy pressure on the London hostels had been slightly alleviated by
the extensions of the facilities at Earl’s Court to take 109 people instead of 60, ready, it was hoped
for early summer 1969 [ERagm69, YHAar70].
NEC agreed £25,000 for the PDMP Project to improve Earl’s Court catering arrangements during
1992/93 [YHA News Nov92].
The hostel sustained serious fire damage on 6/4/2006 and closed for repair. It was due to open
again, after work costing £2m, on 1/3/2007 [YHAWebsite late 2006]. A Springboard programme of
improvements was carried out over 2014-15.
Handbook 1952-2009
Alternative name: London (Earls Court) (1952-82).
Property tenure: tenancy for 99 years from 25/12/1952 (to YHA Trust 27/6/1952), reviewed 13/7/1955 [YHAPB].
Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: large town house. About 1881 there was a Strathallan House School operating in Bolton Gardens.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's Court YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Highgate
YH Profile
Published material: article, Earl’s Court, Rucksack Magazine September/October 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
When I returned to the hostel I cooked some soup, walked up the 82 steps from the members’ kitchen to
bed number forty-two, and went to bed at 9pm [Pat Packham, A Tour of the Home Counties, 20 May
1956].
(s)

[London] HOLLAND HOUSE 1958 to 2014.
King George VI Memorial Hostel, Holland Walk, Kensington, London, W8 7QU.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA+SE; S (L)

GR: TQ 249797*

▲Opened 1/7/1958 [LONar58]. The foundation stone for the hostel was laid 1/6/1957 [LONar57]
by Sir George Wilkinson, Bart, KCVO, chairman of the King George VI Foundation. Officially
opened 25/5/1959 by the Queen. Princess Margaret visited in 1977 to present the millionth visitor
with a Jubilee medallion. In the same year an annexe with 12 extra beds was opened in the historic
part of the hostel [EAar77]. In 1989-90 there was a major programme of refurbishment [YHAar90].
✚Closed 11/11/2014, with keys to be handed back 25/11/2014.
Handbook 1958-2009
Alternative names: London (Holland House) 1958-82, Holland Park (2007/08).
Property tenure: leasehold (peppercorn) from 29/9/1956 for 200 years from LCC [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust, 1961). In
the final years this was modified to a short-term 5-year lease.
Property profile: built 1607 for Sir Walter Cope, Chancellor to King James I. All except the east wing and the south
terrace and entrance was demolished after wartime damage and a new building, designed by Sir Hugh Casson and
Neville Coder was added for hostel use [YHr 7/1957; LONar58]. The East Wing is a Grade I listed building, converted
to hold hotel dormitory accommodation. The modern extensions were designed to achieve a domestic and fairly
informal note [Youth Hosteller January 1958]. The total accommodation was designed to be 194; former staff
accommodation on the old wing’s ground floor was converted in the 21st century to smaller guest rooms with only part
of the first floor used for staff, allowing for greater levels of comfort and privacy but still with a total of 200 beds.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Holland House
YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Earl's
Court YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Highgate
YH Profile
Published material: article, A Hostel of no Mean City, Youth Hosteller January 1958.
Published material: article, This Living Memorial, Youth Hosteller June 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Another small scale advance was made over Holland House in Kensington. Perhaps the finest mansion in
London, it was built in Tudor style in 1607. Here Cromwell, Fairfax and Ireton held many deliberations,

292
and William Penn was often at Holland House. In the early nineteenth century it was a political and
social centre of the Whig Party (in the time of the third Lord Holland). During the second World War a
German bomb destroyed it. A few days afterwards I explored the ruins, and found that the east wing and
servants’ quarters with some thirty rooms, though badly damaged, could be restored. It seemed unlikely,
however, that the beautiful reception rooms and library could ever be rebuilt, so I went to see my friend
Sir Isaac Hayward, leader of the Labour Party on the County Council, asking whether the LCC might buy
the ruined mansion, restore the servants’ wing as a youth hostel and turn the rest of the lovely grounds
into a public park. The idea appealed to Sir Isaac, but nothing a could be done till the end of the war, of
course, and then it was made impractical for some years because of post-war shortages of money and
materials, for the LCC had many immediate projects on hand with a far higher priority. London badly
needed new youth hostel accommodation, however, especially for all the visitors coming from the
continent, and with the approval of the YHA Chairman, Mr P] Clarke, I continued to correspond with Sir
Isaac urging that the suggestion should not be forgotten. At length he wrote a letter to The Times, in due
course the LCC approved the proposal, and Dick Knapp my successor as YHA Secretary finally brought
it to fruition [section on the acquisition of Holland House for a Youth Hostel from Candles in the
Darkness by E St John Catchpool, the Bannisdale Press 1966].
(s)

[London] HAMPSTEAD HEATH 1980 to 2006.••••
4 Wellgarth Road, Golders Green, London, NW11 7HR.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: EA+SE; S (L)

GR: TQ 258872*

▲Opened 1/4/1980, before all work was complete, and not officially opened until 30/5/1981. There
were 220 beds. In 1989-90 there was a major programme of refurbishment [YHAar90].
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info]. It was to host residential camps on YHA’s Do it 4
Real scheme throughout the school holidays, summer 2006 and closed to guests after the final
campers had left in early September [YHA Website, 8/2006]. The hostel was sold on 2/10/2006.
The sale of the staff house was completed about 13/1/2006 [YHAPB and YHA info].
Handbook 1980-2005/06.
Alternative name: London (Hampstead Heath) (1980-82).
Property tenure: leasehold for 999 years from 24/6/1907 from Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust Ltd; also 131 North
End Road (staff house) acquired freehold 27/5/1980.
Property profile: a remarkable building of 1915 in Parker and Unwin’s dark brick style [website below] and the former
Wellgarth Nursery Training College from 1947 to 1978. After the YHA era the whole property has been renumbered 18 and forms a very substantial gated community, with some new additions on the north side. The garden to the rear was
a notable hostel feature.
Web resource: http://www.hgs.org.uk/tour/tour00016000.html
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford
Street YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
When I worked at Colchester YH, Hampstead Heath hostel was used for meetings and I particularly
remember a couple of negotiating meetings there with Derek Hanson trying to agree wages for all the
hostel wardens in Eastern Region who were employed on regional terms, rather than the national
agreement that applied to the wealthier and bigger regions. Meetings like that went on till very late at
night with a long drive back home afterwards [Duncan Simpson, reporting in 2013].
(v)

LONDON St PAUL’S [City of London / Carter Lane]
36 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5AB.
Historic County: City of London

1968 to present.

YHA Region: EA+SE; S (L)

GR: TQ 319810*

▲Opened 1/6/1968. In the early years the hostel was described as temporary; it was not included in
the Handbook until 1975 as there were plans to demolish the area and the tenure was uncertain,
though over 66,000 bednights were recorded for that year. In 1977 the hostel had a major face-lift
and in 1978 a new lease was granted.
A decade or so later there was a fund appeal of £1.8m for improvements, headed by vice-chairman
and MP Geoffrey Rippon, followed by some disruption as the hostel had been due to close in 1989
for refurbishment.
This was delayed until a less costly alternative refurbishment was started in 1990, when the
premises were being gutted, internally redesigned and reequipped [YHAar90]. There was complete
closure in 1991 and an officially reopening 23/11/1992. Oxford Street and Victoria hostels helped

293
breach the gap. Financial support came from the ETB, City of London Corporation and English
Heritage.
St Paul’s hostel underwent refurbishment early in 2017, reopening in April. There are 213 beds,
with room sizes ranging from one bed to 11. There are no self-catering facilities.
Handbook 1975-2009
Alternative names: London (Carter Lane) (1975-82); Carter Lane (1983-92); London St Paul’s (2006-08).
Property tenure: at first taken on a six-month lease with Local Authority, and extended as required [YHAar69]; later a
more secure leasehold from 25/12/1978 (term determinable), and extended further about 1990 dependant on extensive
works, from the Mayor and Community of the City of London (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former St Paul’s Cathedral Choirboys’ School, designed by FC Penrose in an archaic Italianate style
and built in 1864 or 1874 at a cost of £13,260. The inscription on the frieze around the building reads: MIHI AUTEM
ABSIT GLORIARI NISI IN CRUCE DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI / PER QUEM MIHI MUNDUS
CRUCIFIXUS EST ET EGO MUNDO (but God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world – from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians 6:14). There are
many original features incorporated into the hostel. The internal chapel has been converted into a meeting room.
Web resource: http://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/st-paul-s-choir-school
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford
Street YH Profile
Published material: article, Lord Mayor’s Visit, Youth Hosteller October 1968.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Carter Lane, by Ken Lester (warden)
THE building is 100 yards from the front of St Paul’s Cathedral. The building is in pink stone in a neoclassical style reminiscent of a Venetian Palace. A Latin quotation runs in a three feet wide band for the
entire length of the building, and at the moment we have four different translations of it, all widely
differing.
In the fifties the planners decided to demolish the entire Carter Lane area, removing the school to a new
site to the east of the Cathedral and turning the site into a coach park. However, the sixties brought some
doubt as to the wisdom of tearing down one of the last parts of old London, and a year ago it was decided
to preserve the mediaeval patterns of streets, courtyards and alleyways in the Carter Lane area, and make
it a conservation area. Thus the hostel which, although not men tioned in the handbook until 1975, has
been the largest in the country for the past eight years, is safe from demolition. We can now safely direct
members to it knowing that they will not arrive to find a bus park or a large hole in the ground. As part of
its contribution to the area, London Youth Hostel Management Committee hopes to clean and repair the
soot-streaked building and bring it back to its original pink and unique state.
The hostel is in the City of London, the very oldest part of London. The area of the hostel is encircled by
archaeological ‘digs’. On the north side, part of the old Roman Wall has been uncovered, along with a
14th-century burial ground and cattle market; to the east is the Roman Temple of Mithras; on the south
side the old Baynard Castle has been exposed, with a mediaeval dock. In the mud of the river a complete
Roman ship was discovered eight years ago.
The hostel is known world wide for its collection of posters, its information on travel in London and the
United Kingdom and its section devoted to overseas travel to Africa, Asia, and beyond, with relevant
health and transport information.
The hostel opened in 1968 as a summer hostel, and to our surprise did 29,340 overnights in twelve
weeks. The next year, armed with a short lease from the City of London to whom building belongs, we
opened in March and passed the 50,000 mark. Early in 1976 we should pass half a million overnights. In
1975 we had at least one member from each of the Associations in the IYHF and people from Oceana,
Afghanistan, San Salvador and Ethiopia [HN Winter 1975-76].
Cindy Matuga thought she was going to be asked to do the washing up when Ken Lester, warden at
Carter Lane Hostel, London, said he'd like a word. Instead the 20-year-old student from Vancouver was
in for a surprise. As the millionth hosteller to visit Carter Lane she was given a VIP welcome by Mary
Baker, Chairman of the London Tourist Board, and presented with a cheque and a book of photographs
of London. Once the choir school of St Paul’s Cathedral, accommodation still includes the original
school dormitories and the former chapel [HN Summer 1983].
When I worked at Colchester YH, it was used for meetings and I particularly remember a couple of
negotiating meetings there with Derek Hanson trying to agree wages for all the hostel wardens in Eastern
Region who were employed on regional terms, rather than the national agreement that applied to the
wealthier and bigger regions. Meetings like that went on till very late at night with a long drive back
home afterwards [Duncan Simpson, reporting in 2013].
(s)

LONDON OXFORD STREET 1990 to present.
14-18, Noel Street, London, W1F 8JG.

294
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: S (L)

GR: TQ 293811*

▲Opened 1990, partly as a response to the gap created by the planned temporary closure of St
Paul’s Hostel for major works. There were 35,754 bednights in 1990SY. During 1997 each floor
was refurbished, offering a much improved hostel, and the number of beds was reduced [YHA
News spring 1998].
After 20 years of intensive use the hostel was ready for a £1.4m refurbishment. The website duly
advised that it would be closed for refurbishment from 4th october 2010 and would reopen on 7th
March 2011. The improvements helped establish Oxford Street as a popular and successful hostel.
Handbook 1991-2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: 5-storey former office block, on the site in Noel Street where the 1897 French Protestant School
originally stood, surviving until at least 1963 [Survey of London, SHW Sheppard]. The lower two storeys of the
modern block have remained in commercial use, with YHA renting the upper three, served by a lift. After the
renovations of 2010-11 the layout of the public spaces on floor 3 was reversed, and 16 beds were provided in small
rooms. A further 44 beds are on each of floors 4 and 5, totalling 104.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Oxford Street
YH Profile
(s)

LONDON THAMESIDE [Rotherhithe]
20 Salter Road, London SE16 5PR.

1991 to present.

Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: S (L)

GR: TQ 356802*

▲Opened 25/11/1991. Officially opened 24/3/1993 by Her Majesty the Queen.
In 2004 it was YHA’s busiest hostel [Triangle].
A significant refurbishment was completed in the early months of 2017, with the hostel reopening
in April. There are 70 en suite bedrooms, ranging in size from two beds to ten beds.
Handbook 1992-2009
Alternative name: London Thameside [2007].
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel with over 300 beds, built on a triangular site on land in the Stave Dock area
reclaimed from the Surrey Docks complex. Modern hostel provision was exemplified by the use of magnetic keys to
allow 24-hour access, security lockers, lifts, a toilet and sink in each bedroom, a cafeteria, kitchen, currency exchanges
and a sightseeing booking service. The Los Angeles Times claimed that it was YHA’s first hostel with a bar, available
to guests who order food.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Thameside /
Rotherhithe YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs
Profile
(s)

LONDON St PANCRAS 1997 to present.
79-81 Euston Road, London, NW1 2QE.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: S (L)

GR: TQ 300827*

▲Opened 7/9/1997: the hostel was partly handed over on 6/9/1997 and the following day 58 beds
were occupied [YHA memo 10/9/1997]. There were 16,645 bednights before 28/2/1998. The hostel
was officially opened 15/5/1998.
There was considerable renovation and expansion in 2008-09, with an official reopening on
15/6/2009. 34 student bedrooms were made available by UCL till the end of August 2009, twice as
long as last year [YHA internal memo].
St Pancras hostel underwent refurbishment early in 2017, reopening in April; toilets and showers
were renewed and public spaces refreshed with new furniture. There are 213 beds, with room sizes
ranging from one bed to 11. There are 45 bedrooms, 33 of which are en suite.
Handbook 1997-2009
Alternative name: St Pancras International (1997-99).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold. When the hostel opened, it was leased by UCL from the owners for 150
years from 1996, and sub-let to YHA for 57 years from the same year. YHA were invited to purchase the leasehold of
the part of the UCL buildings that were used for the hostel in 2002.
Property profile: former office block known as Great Northern House, headquarters of the British Rail Property Board,
later home of British Transport Police.

295
(s)

[London] SOUTH KENSINGTON 2004 to 2006.
Baden Powell House, 65-67 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: S (L)

GR: TQ 264789

▲Opened 2004 (for YHA use). There were some details in Update 3 only of 2003/04 Handbook.
✚Closed 2006. Triangle Magazine for 2006 advised that YHA’s partnership was terminated. From
October 2006 a new partnership was formed between the Scout Association and Meininger City
Hostels.
Handbook 2003/04-2005/06.
Property tenure: the hostel was run in partnership with the Scout Association [YHA Website].
Property profile: the building is owned by the Scout Association. It was designed by Ralph Tubbs and completed in
1961 as a memorial to Baden Powell. It was on the site of a bombed-out property bought in 1956, the foundation stone
being laid in 1959; the building is therefore almost contemporary with Holland House Hostel.
Web resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden-Powell_House
(v)

LONDON (CENTRAL) 2008 to present.
104-108 Bolsover Street, London W1W 5LP.
Historic County: Middlesex

YHA Region: S (L)

GR: TQ 289818*

▲Opened 6/2/2008. Work had started on the new flagship property for the city centre, YHA
London Central, a 300-bed hostel in the heart of the West End [YHA Supporters’ eNews, 12/2006].
Handbook 2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: originally office premises first developed in 1959, then the Students’ Union building of the
Polytechnic of Central London / University of Westminster from 1972 to 1998, and vacant for a period after that. It was
comprehensively refurbished and reclad in 2007 for YHA, with 296 bed spaces initially planned. After some internal
reconfiguration and the replacement of staff quarters in the basement by further guest rooms, the capacity is now [2013]
302. The basement also contains the self-catering kitchen and some utilities. The ground floor holds a large reception,
café bar, lounge area, utilities and guest rooms, including disabled facilities. Floors 1-5 are almost identical, being
devoted to guest bedrooms.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-London Central YH
Profile
(s)

LONDON (STRATFORD / OLYMPIC PARK) Due to open 2019.
Great Eastern Road, London E15.
In October 2016 planning application was submitted by YHA (England and Wales) to open its first
Super Hostel in London. The 850-bed Youth Hostel would be built by YHA next to Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park, near to Stratford Tube station and Westfield Shopping Centre and a short
walk from Stratford International mainline station in East London. Construction was to start in
2017. The youth hostel was planned open in early 2019.
The proposed purpose-built £30 million Youth Hostel would be nearly three times larger than any
other property within the YHA (England and Wales) network, making it ideal for group
accommodation, families and individuals alike. The super hostel would include en-suite bedrooms,
bars, restaurants, conference and meeting facilities and a self-catering kitchen as well as popular
YHA communal spaces.
LONGHORSLEY Hostel planned 1942. Did not open.
Longhorsley, Northumberland. GR: NZ 1494 approx.
▼The Northumberland & Tyneside Group had earmarked several Ministry of Agriculture hostels for YHA hostels after
the war [NOTar42]: Longhorsley was listed and a map was included.

LONGRIDGE 1933 to 1950.
Beacon Hostel, Tootal Heights, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

▲Opened 1933.

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 610376*

296
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 1950, by 30/9/1950.
Handbook 1933 supplement-51.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: large house and Hodgson’s Beacon Café [photograph], previously the Crown Hotel, in the fork of
Higher Road and Tan Yard Lane, close to the Tootal Heights local beauty spot. Now private residences.
Reports, recollections and observations:
…a gloomy room at the back of a caff [G Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].

LONGSLEDDALE 1936 to 1941.
High Swinklebank Farm, Longsleddale, Kendal, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 493042*

▲Opened Whit Saturday 1936. From the outset this was the first warden post for Robert
Gummerson, who had been working on the Haweswater project here.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated up to the closure date.

✚Closed 11/1/1941, as the lease was not renewable. NB there is confusion over the date of closure.
In his personal account of wardening, The Quick and the Dead, Robert Gummerson describes his
memorable journey to his new post at Jerusalem Farm Hostel in deep snow on 11th January 1940.
This should surely be 1941.
Handbook 1936 supplement-40.
Property tenure: tenancy, a controlled hostel.
Property profile: farm, then headquarters for engineers constructing the Haweswater scheme, before YHA use.

LONGTHWAITE (see Borrowdale)
LONG WITTENHAM 1954 to 1960.
The Three Poplars, Long Wittenham, Abingdon, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SU 542935*

▲Opened 8/7/1954. The hostel was purchased by YHA [sic: it is generally described as an
accommodation hostel] and converted by members. In 1955, the region saw the completion by the
warden of the hostel’s large outbuilding, now in use, one half as a dormitory and the other half as a
home for Mr England’s excellent model railway and village [YHAar55, OXFar55].
✚Closed by 11/1960 [YHR 11/1960].
Handbook 1954 supplement-60.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: former inn. This small hostel was a sideline to the warden Roye England’s interest in model railways.
The business and model railway were still open to the public in 2010 as the Pendon Museum. Nothing of the original
YH survives. The Three Poplars became unsafe, was demolished and rebuilt in identical style in the early 1990s with
the same bricks, tiles etc (but without the YH’s front door) and is a private house for the museum caretaker. The pub
(1800s building) had almost no foundations and was falling down. The large outbuilding (actually an ex-RAF hut) was
replaced by the current corrugated iron structure in 1971 [KF, Pendon Museum website and Dave Badminton].
Reports, recollections and observations:
For breakfast, on a regular basis, there was 1/3rd pint of milk, cereal and a hard-boiled egg [Olive
Thoumine].

LOPWELL Camping barn 1997≠ to 2008≠.
▲Lopwell, Plymouth, Devon. GR: SX 475650
Handbook 1997-2008. Closed before 2009.

LOSEHILL Camping barn 1999≠ to 2006≠.
▲Castleton, Derbyshire. SK GR: 153838
Handbook 1999-2006.
Property profile: a field barn owned by Peak District National Park.

LOSTWITHIEL 1949 to 1970.
St Faith’s, St Winnow, Lostwithiel, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW

GR: SX 113598*

297
▲Opened 1/7/1949. Field Study facilities were later provided [eg YHAar69].
✚Closed 7/5/1970; the closure was postponed from 31/12/1969 because of delays with its
replacement, Golant Hostel. The property was sold 8/2/1971 [YHAPB].
Replaced by Golant.
Handbook. 1949 supplement-69; 1970 supplement.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 12/8/1952).
Property profile: Peregrine Hall, as it was originally named, was founded by the Rev William Everest, the Chaplain of
Bodmin Jail and built in 1864 on land donated by Thomas James Agar-Robartes, 1st Baron of Lanhydrock. The house
was designed by George Edmund Street, an eminent architect of his day, who had connections with the Pre-Raphaelite
brotherhood and designed the Law Courts in The Strand, London, as well as Gothic style churches throughout Europe.
The Rectory, forming the west wing, was added in 1875 [sales advertisement].
The house, standing on a hill overlooking Lostwithiel (a gun site during the Civil War Lostwithiel Campaign in 1644)
was also known as St Faiths House of Mercy. It became home to a Church of England order of nuns, the Sisters of the
Community of St Mary the Virgin, from Wantage, and also a penitentiary for wayward girls who were put to work
running a laundry serving the Lanhydrock Estate and Lostwithiel town. YHA dormitories were given names such as
Consideration, Virtue, Humility and Chastity, and the chapel continued in use through the hostel years. St Faith’s is
now a guest house [owner].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lostwithiel 751 ≈† RG62.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lostwithiel, Golant &
Eden YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 90, Lostwithiel, Youth Hosteller October 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
St Faith’s was a very large property, and was previously a girls home run by the Church of England
through the religious Order of St Faith. The Order had moved, so the Church Authorities had put St
Faith’s on the market for sale, complete with most of its fittings and furnishings. I received details of the
sale at the office and so arranged for a committee visit to look over the place and report back. After many
meetings it was decided to put up a scheme of purchase to National Office to the tune of £3,200 complete
with all the furniture and fittings, all of which could be used in St Faith’s when it was converted and
opened as a Youth Hostel.
The main building was a large chapel attached to the house, the house being entered from within the
chapel. It was fully furnished with all the altar vestments and for the first year or so the local vicar
arranged monthly Sunday services in the Chapel. It was open to the local folks around as well as the
members, and did, in the early days, have nearly a full house for services. I once remember attending the
annual Harvest Festival at St Faiths, the chapel having been decorated by the members and the locals,
with the result being a very full house. Mr Bruce, a Truro Regional Council member presented the chapel
with quite a large and extremely good sounding harmonium which was used by the chapel at the services.
It was always easy for the warden to get members to clean and dust the chapel, they seemed to take a
pleasure in the job, including cleaning the brass that was abundant. The local vicar eventually was
replaced by a new appointment and that put paid to the chapel services. The chapel also had a small
gallery that could be entered from the common room. St Faiths was purchased in 1948 opened in 1949
and continued to be used as a hostel until 1969 [1970]. During that time canoeing instructions operated
for members on the River Fowey, some 15 canoes being based at the hostel. The warden, Bill Wright,
instructed the members and also carried out all the repairs to the canoes, members always bringing them
back to the hostel with large rents in the sides, or holes in the bottoms, but Bill was always capable of
getting them back in order in time for the next party. The building started to prove expensive to maintain,
so an alternative property was sought. Bill Wright found out about Penquite House at Golant, which was
for sale and looked promising, and so, St Faith’s was sold and the new hostel opened [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
The names of virtues were written over the doorways, for instance Charity, Kindness, Fellowship and
even Regularity over the Toilet! Services were held on Sunday evenings. Cosy common room [Harry
Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
In the evening some of us sang hymns in the chapel while one of a party of six hostellers played the
organ [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(v)

LOTHERSDALE 1931 to 1935.
Stone Gappe, Lothersdale, Keighley, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SD 967457*

▲Opened by Easter 1931. Formally opened 20/6/1931 by the Lord Mayor of Bradford.
✚Closed 31/7/1935 [WESar35]. Numbers staying had been in steady decline and the hostel had run
at a loss almost from the beginning.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-35.

298
Alternative name: Stone Gappe (1931(1st edn)-32).
Property tenure: at first YHA were sub-tenants of Rev PM Aldous; that agreement finished 31/10/1931, changing to a
principal tenancy arrangement [WESar31].
Property profile: large country housefrom the early eighteenth century, originally the Manse of the Glusburn District.
The Rev Aldous’s provision of rooms for Band of Youth members at Stone Gappe from about 1926 had been a
precursor to the Youth Hostels Association [Wharfedale & Airedale Observer 1/9/1950].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Connie [Alexander] and I had a weekend at Stone Gappe [20th-21st February 1933]. The mattresses were
stuffed with straw and rustled terribly all night. They kept no rules here and it was long after 12 before
members went to bed. This was the house about which ‘Jayne Eyre’ is written, and we saw the bedroom
which Charlotte Bronte had when she lived here as a governess. Bernard Walker and Harold Berry (two
west Riding Committee men) met us here [Bertha Gough diary].
(v)

LOUGHBOROUGH [Temporary] 1972 only.
Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: PK

GR: SK 518211 [assumed]

▲✚Open 29/7/1972-5/8/1972; a temporary hostel for International Cycle Touring Rally.
Property tenure:
Property profile: some of the visiting cyclists are staying at the University’s Cayley Hall and others under canvas and at
a temporary youth hostel in a changing hut on the Derby Road playing fields [the Echo, 28th July 1972].

LOVESOME HILL Camping barn 1993≠ to 2008.
▲Lovesome Hill Farm, Northallerton, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 361998
Handbook 1993-2008. Closed before 2009.
Property profile: in former corn store equipped with bunk beds.

LOW ROW Camping barn 1993≠ to 2017≠.
▲Low Whita Farm, Swaledale, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 003983
Handbook 1993-2009. Also open 2010-present.
Property profile: barn with bunk beds provided.

LOWNARD / WEEK / DARTINGTON 1931 to 2006.
Lownard, Week, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6JJ.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 782621*

▲Opened 9/1931, a generous gift from Mr and Mrs L Elmhirst, later President of the Regional
Group; Mrs Harris was made warden and £102 was spent by the Region on work
[PlymouthRGar31]. The next season started 24/3/1932. After the 1935 season the hostel was
completely reconstructed and new sleeping quarters built [DACar36], though they were still
inadequate and temporary arrangements were necessary [DACar37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though there was regular requisitioning. Despite one
report that it had not opened in 1940, there were over 1000 bednights in that year, and a national notice of 8/10/1940
advised that the hostel was operating. In 1941 it was at first closed, with a message to apply for reopening date. An
internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth,
Devonport, etc. and the facility was duly returned on 9/8/1941 [LRN 8/1941]. YHA allowed use in the peak season
1942 and improvements were made [DACar42], though interruptions continued. The property was derequisitioned end
3/1943 and put back to use that season [DACar43, YHAar43]].

In 1974 the hostel was connected to mains drainage [HN Spring 1974].
Showers were provided in 1985 [SWar85]. The hostel name was changed from Lownard to
Dartington in that year.
✚Closed 31/10/2006 [YHA departmental info].
Handbook 1932-40; 1943-2005/06.
Alternative names: Week (1932-40 and 1943-44); Lownard (Week) (1945); Lownard (1946-83); Dartington (Lownard)
(1984-87).
Property tenure: at first there was an accommodation arrangement, then a registered leasehold (to YHA Trust
28/4/1937), also (eg) 1956. The leasehold was terminated and returned to the landlord 10/2006 [whyha.org.uk].
Property profile: stone cottage of about 1530, with tin roof, and a variety of associated outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lownard 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Lownard 752 ≈† RG37.tif; YHA Archive file [∂
& «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up No.106, Youth Hosteller May 1969

299
YHA Archive file: Y260001 & Y260002 (1931 report below)
Reports, recollections and observations:
Originally the name of this hostel was Week, after the nearby hamlet. But of course Lownard is the
correct name of this hostel, the buildings being the one time cart shed and pig houses of the Lownard
Farm, standing opposite the hostel. Lownard was also one of the first of five hostels opened in Devon,
with the good help of the Dartington Hall Trust, who made an outright grant of £100 to the region toward
the cost of establishing hostels in the West Country. At the time of the grant, the National Association
were also being made further grants from the Carnegie Trust who had agreed to double any sums of
money given to the association on a pound for pound basis. So, with the £200 now available to the
region, it was possible to open the first five hostels in Devon.
The Dartington Hall Trust also carried out the necessary adaptations to the farm buildings, to make them
habitable for hostel purposes, the whole of the hostel being housed within the Cart shed/pig house
buildings. The ground floor was divided into three rooms, common room/dining room, members’ kitchen
and men’s dormitory, washroom/toilets. There was a small cupboard-like enclosed staircase to the floor
above the common room, this was then in the now members’ kitchen. This floor was used as the
women’s dormitory, washroom/toilets, so you can visualise that this was a very compact hostel, and
proved to be a very sociable place for members, which was very necessary for the hostel to function.
It soon became evident that the dormitory accommodation would have to be enlarged, and so the
dormitory building and washroom/toilets were erected in the adjacent orchard. The notable wardens of
this hostel were Paddy O’Hanrahan and his wife, who resided in the cottage opposite the hostel. Nothing
was too much trouble for them and there was always plenty of blarney from Paddy. The hostel was
opened in March 1932 but since the opening of Maypool the usage has dropped quite a bit and is now
only kept going on a seasonal basis, necessitating new wardenship each season [extracts from Charles
Allen Memoirs, 1977].
…a cottage waiting for us at Week (near Dartington) nestling pleasantly enough beside a stream and an
orchard [Youth Hostels in Devon, summer 1931 article in unknown magazine by F Sandon, Headmaster
of Plymouth Grammar School].
Warden a very fierce Irishman. Didn’t he run us round with our jobs the next morning [Mary Jephcott,
1945, reporting in 2008].
Really small hostel, members’ kitchen just stuck on the side. Just two houses between two small hamlets.
Low beams and a low entrance to kitchen. Scrumped my first Devon apples near the YHA. Boys in the
hostel rather than outside. [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
(s)

LUDDENDEN DEAN (see Wainstalls)
LUDDITHS 1934 only.
Luddiths Farm, North Grimston, Malton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 833663*

▲Opened towards the end of 6/1934 [YSHar34]. This was the independent Hull Region’s first
hostel; accommodation was offered by the owner, Lord Middleton, but a problem was its isolation
from Hull. Other nearer hostels were being sought [YSHar34]. There were 48 bednights only.
✚Closed shortly afterwards in 1934 and replaced by Birdsall Brow Hostel.
Handbook 1934 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
(v)

LUDLOW [Corve Street] 1932 to 1939.
112 Corve Street, Ludlow, Shropshire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 511751

▲Opened, with official opening, 16/7/1932. At 40 beds this leased property was the largest in the
region when opened and the only one open all year [BMWar34].
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned at the beginning of the war for evacuees [M Reynolds],
temporarily released in 1941, but too late for the season [BMWar41], and remained closed 1942 [BMWar42] and
thereafter.
Handbook 1933-39.
Property tenure: tenancy.

300
Property profile: half-timbered house dating from 1270, and called the Great House. It was described variously as large
and small.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ludlow A 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

LUDLOW [Angel Hotel] 1943 to 1946.
Angel Hotel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Shropshire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 511745

▲Opened Easter 1943 [BMWar43].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 1946 and replaced by Ludlow (Ludford Lodge) Hostel.
Handbook 1943-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in the hotel annexe.
The annexe has recently been demolished in favour of new building [KF, 2017].
Reports, recollections and observations:
A working weekend – we attacked the garden [Mary Jephcott, April 1946, recounted in 2015].
(v)

LUDLOW [Ludford Lodge] 1947 or 1948 to 1999.
Ludford Lodge, Ludford, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1PJ.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 512741*

▲Opened 12/1947 [YHAar48] or more probably 14/1/1948 [Rucksack New Year 1948] after a
delay in the issue of the repair licence [Rucksack, Easter 1947], replacing Ludlow (Angel) Hostel.
Ludford Lodge suffered with a recurrent sewerage problem: the hostel had to be reduced to 25 beds
on 1/1/1956, then closed permanently after Easter because of this. The region inspected four other
properties by way of replacement [BMWar56], before Ludford Lodge was given expensive
remedial treatment and reopened 1/6/1957.
A single-storey extension stretching along the bank of the River Teme was added in 1961 and
officially opened 17/3/1962. The hostel was closed for emergency building work over the turn of
1969-70 [YHr 12/69], and the whole building repointed and damp-proofed, a new gas-fired boiler
fitted and the warden’s kitchen remodelled [YHr 2/71].
In the 1970s warden Brian Wood developed geology courses at the hostel [HN Winter 1973-74].
✚Closed 1999, early in February or March [KF, YHA internal memo, 27/2/1999]. The last listed
bednights were in 1998SY, however.
Handbook 1947-99.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 8/8/1946).
Property profile: the hostel was in the old toll house of Ludford Bridge. The centre of the house was very old; two
wings were added in the 19th century.
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y691008-1.doc
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ludlow C 751 ≈† RGc47.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Although the builders have not quite finished, an energetic work party took possession on 13th-14th
December [1947], and when they left the place had been transformed. The wardens, Jock and ‘Joey’
Hemmings, are now in residence, making the final preparations for January 14th [Rucksack, New Year
1948].
The house itself is not particularly large so originally the Hostel would have had only about 30-35 beds.
In 1962 an annexe was built adding another 20 or so beds. This became the male dormitory, the females
having the rooms on the first floor. In the late 1970s central heating was installed throughout the Hostel
and during the winter of 1991/92 the large dormitories were split into smaller rooms, in line with general
YHA policy. The annexe was split into 4 rooms, each with wash basin and hot & cold water. The walls
dividing the rooms had sound-proofing put in, and a toilet and a shower were added. These rooms are
now available as family rooms, access being through the fire door. There is access from this annexe to
the members’ kitchen and to the drying room while the rest of the Hostel is closed. Each family has its
own set of keys to the door and to their room.
The members’ kitchen is well equipped. There is a small common room, perhaps the size of the average
living room, which is comfortable and has plenty of books, games and magazines [YHA News August
1993].
(s)

301
LULWORTH COVE 1982 to present.
School Lane, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5SA.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SY 831806*

▲Opened 1st May 1982 (slightly delayed from 1st April due to the harsh winter), a 32-bed hostel
opened with a generous grant from the Countryside Commission. A simple plan placed 6 bedrooms
at the north end of the building, public spaces and entrance at the centre, and staff accommodation
across the south end. Improved staff accommodation and a family room were provided [SWar85] –
or – the property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89], and enlarged at the south west
corner, which was developed further for staff. The original staff lounge and kitchen at the south
east corner became a seventh guest bedroom with en suite facilities. The capacity was thus slightly
increased, to 34 beds. In 1991 flood prevention improvements and a new car park were provided
[Sar 91]. The bedrooms all have local names – Wareham, Kimmeridge, Durdle Door, Tyneham,
Weymouth, Corfe Castle and Lulworth.
Handbook 1982-2009
Alternative names: West Lulworth (1982); Lulworth Cove (West Lulworth) (1983-87).
Property tenure: leasehold for 30 years dated 27/11/1981 from the Earl of Feversham (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built chalet-type hostel of prefabricated cedarwood construction. The hostel was designed and
supplied by F Pratten, Midsomer Norton.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lulworth YH Profile f
(s)

LUTON [Temporary] 2003 only.
College House, Hall of Residence, Vicarage Street, Luton, Bedfordshire.
Historic County: Bedfordshire

GR: TL 0921 approx.

▲✚YHA Campus hostel opened briefly in 2003, with 60 beds, for the period 4/7-30-8, though it
was closed abruptly, before the season was completed. There was a report of contaminants
(asbestos) found in the structure.
Handbook 2003/04 (Update 3 only, described as a campus hostel).
Property tenure:
Property profile: typical campus buildings, called Luton Jarvis on the Website. The building has since been demolished
[KF].

LUTON [Temporary] 2004 only.
Guildford Hall, 80-94 Guildford Street, Luton, Bedfordshire.
Historic County: Bedfordshire

GR: TL 091215 [KF]

▲✚YHA Campus hostel advertised in 2004 [YHA flier] as open 28/6-6/9/2004, when rooms were
priced at £20. It is not known whether the location was the same as that of 2003.
There were just 20 beds [KF].
Property tenure:
Property profile: University of Luton self-catering flats. Accommodation was in single-bedded rooms, with kitchen
facilities nearby.

LYDFORD (FOX AND HOUNDS) Camping barn 1997≠ to 2017≠.
▲Fox & Hounds Hotel, Bridestowe, Okehampton, Devon GR: SX 525866
Handbook 1997-2009. Also open 2010-present.
Alternative name: Fox and Hounds (up to 2006).
Property profile: adjacent to public house and equipped with bunk beds.

LYMINGTON 1951 only.
The Community Centre, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 3295 approx.

▲This summer seasonal hostel was opened 21/7/1951 [SOUar51]. The arrangement would be
repeated in 1952 [SOUar51].
✚Closed permanently 9/9/1951, however [SOUar51]. This announcement may have been
overturned the following season.

302
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: former Georgian malthouse, incorporating a theatre. Possibly the same building as that below.≠

LYMINGTON 1952 to 1961.
The Community Centre, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 323956*

▲A summer seasonal hostel opened 19/7/1952-6/9/1952 as a new temporary facility, to which Mrs
AF Stephenson was newly appointed [Bulletin Jul52]. It is not known how this fits in with the
addresses given, though the Centre was once again giving tenancy of some of their buildings
[SOUar54], which might suggest flexibility of arrangement. A 1957 photograph of the hostel shows
a wooden hut in a yard, with trees to the rear [GD].
✚Closed 1961 (end of season was 27/8).
Handbook 1952-62 (1962 no details, contact Regional Office).
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: at one stage a wooden hut; see also entry above.

LYNTON 1961 to 2007.
Lynbridge, Lynton, Devon EX35 6AZ.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: SS 720487*

▲Opened 25/3/1961 [GSEar61]. In this first year the hostel functioned with limited facilities. It
was officially opened 23/6/1962. Lynton Hostel initially proved popular and in 1963 it was
intended to purchase the neighbouring house, Woodcote, to the north, to provide additional
accommodation [YHAar63]. The negotiations were so protracted, and Woodcote so decrepit,
however, that the Region rescinded the purchase in 1964 [memo].
The hostel was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89]. A problem for many users in recent years
was the difficulty of parking.
In the 1990s new family bunk rooms were created and the staff accommodation reorganised to give
greater privacy [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Due to close 1/10/2007. The last use was on 30/9/2007 by the Bath Division Brownies [Hostel
Manager]. The property was sold 31/10/2007.
Handbook 1961-2007/08.
Alternative name: Lynton (Devon) (1990-93).
Property tenure: at first a leasehold, dated 9/2/1961 (to YHA Trust); freeholds acquired in 1963 and 4/5/1964
[YHAPB].
Property profile: former Lynbridge Hotel.
(v)

LYNWODE 1945 to 1946.
Lynwode Manor, Linwood, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 109863*

▲Opened Easter (March) 1945, replacing Otby Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was opened during the last few days of the war.

✚Closed 1946. The tenancy expired 30/9/1946 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-46.
Property tenure: short-term tenancy (to YHA Trust 27/4/1945).
Property profile: substantial detached house with coursed and decorative red-brick features. A bed and breakfast
establishment in 2001 and a treatment centre in 2009.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Lynwode 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

LYONSHALL 1950 to 1961.
Lynhales, Lyonshall, Kington, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 325552*

▲Opened 1/4/1950. The hostel was offered by the owner / warden Miss G Young [BMWar50].
✚Closed 17/9/1961, as the warden had to give up for other responsibilities [YHr 12/1961].
Handbook 1950 supplement-61.
Property tenure: an accommodation hostel [YHAar50].

303
Property profile: the hostel occupied the rear of a large country house, described variously as of no great age, and a
Manor House, built ca1588 and extended in the Georgian Period. It had been a hospital during the Second World War.
The drive crossed the line of Offa’s Dyke.
The house is now the Lyonshall Nursing Home [KF, 2013].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lyonshall & Staunton
YHs Profile
Published material: article, The Cider Mill of Lyonshall, Youth Hosteller November 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
After supper most of the hostellers sat around the fire in the dining room. We talked about hostels and
wardens, especially those of the Birmingham area. It was the very best evening I had spent on the tour
[Pat Packham, A Tour of Central Wales, 22 April 1957].
(v)
MAENTWROG One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open summer 1931.
Did not open.
▼Maentwrog, Merionethshire. GR: SH 6640 approx.
An option had been secured on desirable premises in this charming neighbourhood [BYHA prospectus, 1930].

MAESHAFN 1931 to 2004 or early 2005.
Holt Hostel, Maeshafn, Mold, Flintshire CH7 5LR.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SJ 208606*

▲Opened Whit (25/6/) 1931 [MERar31]. Official opening 4/7/1931 [News Chronicle].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940. In 1941 it was open all year, and a marquee was erected to help at
the peak [MERar41], while Liverpool Corporation Education Committee gave £70 in 1942 for purchase and equip such
a structure. It was thus certainly open in 1942, though bednight figures are unrecorded, and also operated through the
winter of 1942-43, and in 1943-45.

A committee working party installed oil-fired central heating and replaced the original three-tier
canvas slings with standard double bunks [YHr 11/70]; hot water was installed in the washrooms
[YHr 8/71]. In 1978 the regional workteam reconstructed the hostel with improvements to the
Wardens’ accommodation and Members’ Kitchen, while internal washrooms and WCs were
provided for both sexes. Upon completion Maeshafn would operate as a self-cooking only hostel.
Maeshafn Hostel closed temporarily for essential work in the 1986 season, costing £15,000; there
was an official reopening on 17/5/87. In the last few years it was available for Groups only.
✚Closed 2004 or [YHAF] 2005. The final bednights were in 2004SY, finishing 28/2/2005, about
which date sales of YHA properties at Maeshafn and Cleeve Hill were announced [YHAar 2004,
dated 2/2005].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-2003/4.
Alternative name: Maeshafn (wooden hostel) (1931(2nd edn)-31(4th edn)).
Property tenure: the building was gifted through the generosity of the Holt family in 1931. It was built on land leased
from the Colemendy Estate, but acquired for the Youth Hostel Association in May 1937, when it was presented by HH
Symonds, first Merseyside chairman, in memory of Gwendoline Symonds [YHAF, hostel plaque]. The freehold was
transferred from Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd 1/2/1984 (liquidated assets to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: the first purpose-built youth hostel in Britain, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, who was a YHA
member [and Prof P Abercrombie – early YHA document]. It cost £900 [postcard coment]. YHANI’s Bloody Bridge
and Slievenaman hostels were an improved version at one-tenth the cost. The name Holt Hostel underlined the link
with A Holt & Co, Liverpool shipowners, who paid for the hostel, and especially Lawrence Holt, Lord Mayor of
Liverpool and early supporter of the Regional Group [YHr 3/1961]. Possibly coincidentally, the hostel was
constructed by JH Holt & Son, Ltd, of Lymm. The cost prompted Merseyside Region to pass a resolution that in view
of the heavy costs, where existing buildings are available these should be rented or bought, provided the cost of
renovating does not exceed £50.
The original design had major and minor modifications over the years. Major changes include the early construction of
a stone-arched terrace or balcony to the front (also thought to be the work of Williams-Ellis), its removal and
replacement by a smaller timber balcony, and the construction of an additional room under the rear loggia. Minor
changes include the replacement of most of the original windows, and the removal of their shutters. The overall
dimensions are 45ft x 45ft [website below, which describes the property as Grade II listed; however, there is no
mention of this status on the BLB website].
Web resource:
http://www.vebra.com/cgi-win/vebra.cgi?details1?src=vebra&PropertyCode=2050005/MAESH/10083/5
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Maeshafn 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Dorcy, ex Holmbury St Mary [undated postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:

304
On Saturday, 4th July, Sir Benjamin S Johnson, president of the Merseyside group of the Youth Hostel
Association, will preside at the opening of the new Maeshafn Hostel, a delightfully situated wooden
structure of uncommon design some two miles from the main Mold-Ruthin road, a first day’s step from
Chester for walkers [The Scotsman Friday 26/6/1931].
Blue doors in the yellow walls of this dining and social hall admit to the sleeping accommodation – 24
stout canvas bunks suspended 3-a-side in each of the cubicles – 4 on the south side for men and 4 on the
north for women [Maeshafn YH was visited by YHANI early on in the planning of their Bloody Bridge
Hostel. A YHANI scrapbook contains this anonymous press cutting on its opening].
Maeshafn hostel – the first model hostel, was built in April to June 1931. A lot of us went to the opening
ceremony on 4th July, when Lady Johnson (wife of our President) opened it. There were a considerable
number of big people there, including Sir Benjamin Johnson, the Member for Denbigh and Clough
Williams Ellis. Although it was a warm night, we were all cold in the bunks and some slept two in a
bunk. It was packed out, 52 being in although it only holds 48. There was no central heating then. This
was later given by the Holt family, and in 1937 Mr Symonds purchased 5 acres of land, on which the
hostel stood, and gave it to the Association in memory of Mrs Symonds who died in May 1937. He also
paid for the gardens in front, and for the erection of a plaque…
… 13th April 1937: to Maeshafn to go into the question of fumigating the hostel [Bertha Gough diary].
The dormitories have a nautical theme, with brass nameplates from Liverpool ships on the doors [HN
Spring 1981].
(s)

MAGNOLIA BED and BREAKFAST 2004 or 2005 to 2007.
Magnolia, 3 Montgomery Road, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire SY9 5EZ.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SO 3288 approx.

▲Opened 2004, or 2005 [YHAF] as a YHA Enterprise Bed and Breakfast establishment.
✚Closed mid-summer 2007, when the business resigned from the YHA network.
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: country guest house.

MAIDENCOMBE 1947 only.
Sladnor Park, Maidencombe, Newton Abbott, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 920683

▲Opened Easter 1947.
✚Closed 1947, as the warden, Mr Moon, had drowned in a bathing accident. Closure was after
30/9/1947 (there were 23 bednights in 1948SY).
Handbook 1947 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large country house, since demolished, in extensive grounds.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A large mansion overlooking Maidencombe Bay, run jointly with the International Spanish Evacuee
Committee, although I do not remember seeing any of the Spanish evacuees at the hostel when the YHA
were making use of the premises. There seemed to be a number of staff in the house which I did assume
were connected with the evacuee committee; the warden for the hostel was appointed by that committee.
It was a very fine house and did get a good usage from the YHA members, its situation was on the main
coastal road from Teignmouth to the Torbay area, good cycling country at that time, before the road
became as busy as it is today with the increased motor traffic.
There were difficulties in the running of this hostel, because of the two organisations regulations not
being of similar timetables. Nevertheless it proved a useful hostel during the time its services were
available to YHA members.
Quite a tragedy occurred at this hostel, the warden, while swimming in Maidencombe bay, from the
beach below the hostel grounds, was drowned. Not long after, the property was put up for sale, but
neither of the two committees were interested in its purchase, and so the place was closed in 1949 [1947]
after only three seasons [one season] of YHA usage [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Members will by now have learned of the tragic circumstances in which Mr Thomas Moon, Warden of
the newly-established Maidencombe Hostel, met his death while bathing at Maidencombe on 12th June
1947. Valiant efforts were made to save Mr Moon, both by his wife and a YHA member who was with
them at the time. After being in the water for two hours, severely buffeted by the storm, Mrs Moon was
rescued by Coastguards who strapped her to a stretcher and hauled her up the cliff face to a waiting
ambulance which took her to the local hospital. A NZ woman Madge Meuli who was staying at the

305
hostel and attempted to rescue the Moons was later given a bravery award by the Royal Humane Society.
Mrs Moon will be convalescent for a while, but it is the request of Mrs Moon and her partners, Mr and
Mrs Tony Wedd, that the hostel should remain open to members, and those having booked, or requiring
accommodation at this hostel, will find it is readily available for the 1947 season [Rucksack, Midsummer
1947, news article reported by Nigel Pepper].

MALDON 1938 to 1971.
West Chase, 42 London Road, Maldon, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA

GR: TL 846072*

▲Opened Easter 1938 as a fully controlled hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed on the outbreak of war and was unavailable 1940-45 inclusive, being occupied
by Wanstead County High School up to 2/6/1940, and advertised to let after that date [LRN 8/1940], despite the 1940
Handbook suggesting that it might reopen; in 1945 the same message was reported [1945 Handbook], but it did not
function in either year. The hostel reopened in 1946: probably at Easter [Handbook]; early in the year [Rucksack].

✚Closed 30/9/1971 [YHAF], as it had developed serious structural defects over a prolonged period
[ERagm71].
Handbook 1938-40; 1945-71.
Property tenure: purchased freehold.
Property profile: early 19th-century house, demolished by 1977.
The site is now the playground for St Francis’ RC Primary School [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Maldon A 751 ≈† RG38.tif

MALDON 1977 to 1978.
48 Wantz Road, Maldon, Essex CM9 7DE.
Historic County: Essex
YHA Region: EA
GR: TL 853067* (JJ)
Positional note: the address in the 1977 supplement was America Street, a more modern construction behind the older,
Wantz Road; the hostel entrance was here.

▲Opened 1/7/1977.
✚Closed 1978, after the season.
Handbook 1977 supplement-78.
Property tenure: leased. The building came up for sale at the end of 1977, and the Region hoped it would not sell
[Wightwash Oct1977].
Property profile: formerly the Middleton Home for the Blind.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel, graded ‘standard’, is in a former home for the blind and has mainly 4-berth rooms. Some
unusual features are that light switches are outside the rooms, there is a small chapel and (vain hostellers
please note) an absence of mirrors. Unfortunately there are some teething problems and running water is
not yet available. The likeable warden, Barrie Johnson, has got around this problem by enlisting the help
of a neighbour and a number of buckets [WightWash Aug1977].

MALHAM 1938 to present.
The John Dower Memorial Hostel, Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 4DE.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 901629*

▲Opened July 1938 [WESar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated almost certainly in each year of the war. On the outbreak of war the hostel
was housing a party of Sudeten refugees [WESmins 9/1939]. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was
operating, though the bednight figures for 1940 are missing.

In 1954 plans were in hand to extend the members’ kitchen and to provide a new cycle shed and
store at Malham [WESar54]. A new water supply removed a worrying problem [WESar57].
In 1960 the demand at Malham was very heavy; a modern cooker was obtained for provided meals
and and new bedding was to be provided with the help of National Funds [WESar60]. A plan to
increase accommodation was delayed things and it was uncertain when the work would go ahead
[WESar62]. There were difficulties in producing an external design which would satisfy both the
members and the Planning Authority [WESar63]; agreement was at last reached and it was decided
to include Field Study facilities for school parties in the new extension [WESar64]. Finally, in 1967
the major extension of facilities was provided, including the Fold annexe [YHAar67].
A 3-phase improvement plan was started in 1984 [YKar84].

306
Further PDMP redevelopment in 1993 included new toilets, showers and washbasins throughout
the hostel, division of large dormitories, new beds, improved heating, more comfortable furniture,
improved kitchen and dining room and a new classroom [Nar93, YHA News November 1993].
The foot and mouth epidemic of 2001 had a serious effect on rural hostels, but usage rapidly rose
again in its aftermath. A decade later YHA announced that Malham would be closed for
refurbishment between 28th October 2012 and 15th February 2013. When the hostel reopened there
was a new educational extension between the main buildings and the Fold, a licensed café bar
serving fresh coffee and snacks, and a new restaurant, serving a freshly cooked menu. All
bedrooms were refurbished, with four en suite, and wash facilities updated.
Handbook 1938-2009
Property tenure: freehold 1937 (to YHA Trust 31/12/1937). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel designed by John Dower. John Dower was a national park pioneer and architect
who also designed new hostels at Bellingham and Eskdale.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Malham YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Malham Youth Hostel opened in 1938 and was the first purpose-built Youth Hostel in Yorkshire. It was
built on the site of the old Malham Sheep Fair. Funding came from the King George’s Jubilee Trust. The
Hostel was designed by a local architect, John Dower, who lived nearby in Kirkby Malham. It was meant
to look like the local farmsteads around it but has since been altered and extended. John Dower was also
a national figure in the National Park and Youth Hostel movements and at the time of his tragically early
death aged 47 he was President of the Ramblers Association. The Dower Report that he wrote for the
government and presented in 1945 was instrumental in the setting up of the National Parks of England
and Wales. Importantly he also believed passionately that National Parks should be there for all to enjoy
whatever their background. The Youth Hostel movement was one of the ways that young working class
people at that time could access these beautiful places. His wife, Pauline and father-in-law, James [Sir
Charles] Trevelyan (both important in the National Park and Youth Hostel movements) dedicated the
hostel to his memory in 1948. A plaque in the common room reads: John Dower 1900-1947 Architect
and Town Planner, devoted his life to the cause of National Parks and preservation of the English
countryside. He designed and built this hostel, which was dedicated to his memory in 1948 [Anon (1938)
Craven Herald 22/7/1938].
The youth hostel had a modern annexe, which we slept in, and found very comfortable [Simon Smith,
aged 14, Chinnor, 1975].
Visitors to Malham since it reopened in time for Easter have found much improved facilities. Gone are
the cramped loos where it was easy to bang your head and your elbows; gone are the cramped showers
which anyone of larger than average dimensions found a very tight squeeze. Instead there are modern
fitments, which when combined with more small rooms and other refurbishment, make the place seem
almost luxurious [YHA News June 1994].
(s)

MALTON 1945 to 1997.
Derwent Bank, 47 York Road, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 OAX.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: SE 778711*

▲Opened end 06/1945 [YSHar45], and officially opened 14/7/1945, replacing Wharram Hostel.
Malton Hostel was headquarters for the Regional Group for several years. Family accommodation
of an early kind for week-long booking was provided in the 3-bedroomed coachman’s cottage.
Central heating was installed [HN Autumn 1974]. Fire precautionary work was carried out in 1978
[YKar78].
✚Closed early 1997. It was sold 17/3/1997: very late in the proceedings the completion date was
brought forward by a fortnight; this caused a last minute scramble to rearrange the Easter bookings
[YHA memo 21/4/1997]. 0 bednights after 28/2/1997.
Handbook 1946-97
Property tenure: tenancy dated 3/8/1945 [YHAPB]; freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant applied for) (to
YHA Trust 2/1946).
Property profile: imposing stone-built, slate-roofed house at the western edge of the town.
The Family Cottage address is now a private house, Derwent Bank Cottage, 49 York Road, for sale in 1997 [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
[Overheard at York Hostel] I heard the assistant warden say: A miracle has happened – Malton is full
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Northern England, August 1965].

307
Members with children under five are invited to use Malton’s family accommodation for week-ends from
late September onwards at a charge of £1.50 per family per night.
Pony trekking week-ends on the North York Moors for the complete novice or the experienced rider will
be available at Malton from September 22nd, price £5 fully inclusive from Friday evening meal to
Sunday breakfast [HN Summer 1972].
Shoe cleaning – polish, brushes and dusters supplied at a moderate charge – a great idea and all hostels
should adopt it [HN Summer 1973].
(s)

MALVERN 1933 to 1942.
Cowleigh Gate Farm, Storridge, Malvern.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 755478*

▲Opened 8/4/1933; officially opened 17/6/1933 [BMWar33].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war up to the closure date.

✚Closed 12/1942 when the lease expired [BMWar43].
Handbook 1933-42.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: Tudor farmhouse.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2338557
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Malvern A 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Malvern A 752 ≈† RGxx.tif

MALVERN / MALVERN WELLS / MALVERN HILLS
1947 to 2006.
Hatherley, 18 Peachfield Road, Malvern Wells, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4AP.
Historic County: Worcestershire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: great*

▲Opened 1/8/1947, partially [YHAar47, Rucksack, Midsummer 1947] and officially opened
6/9/1947. The entire building was prepared by volunteers in 8 weeks.
In 1998 there were improved facilities for both staff and customers, including an extra shower and
refurbished WCs [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info], or 10/2006 [manager]. The property was sold 7/2006
[whyha.org.uk].
Handbook 1947 supplement-2005/06.
Alternative names: Malvern (1948-51); Malvern Wells (1952-74).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 4/6/1947 or 4/7/1947≠).
Property profile: substantial Edwardian detached house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Malvern B 751 ≈† RGc47.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 29, Malvern, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Immaculately kept [Staffordshire Weekly Sentinel, ca1960].
Malvern was chosen as the venue [of the Record Circle, now approaching its 25th anniversary, and at
Malvern from the early 1960s, under the Coplestones] [HN Summer 1976].
(s)

MANCHESTER 1995 to present.
Potato Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4NB.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: N

GR: SJ 830976*

▲Opened 3/1995 [postcard information]. Officially opened 23/6/1995. Work was under way,
according to YHA News, June 1994.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-06 inclusive.
Handbook 1995-2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built canalside hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
£804,000 is comingfrom a public sector grant via the Central Manchester Development Corporation and
a private developer will construct and own the Youth Hostel. The YHA has not had to find any capital for
this project. However, an appeal to members is soon to be launched by the Association for members to
contribute to the Manchester Youth Hostel Fund. Every pound we can raise will go towards new bunk

308
beds, carpets, kitchen equipment and all the fixtures and fittings necessary to furnish the building [YHA
News Nov92].
(s)

MANCHESTER [Temporary] 2002 and 2003 (and possibly 2004).
New Medlock House, 27-45 Chester Street, Manchester M15 6JX.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: N

GR: SJ 839971*

▲✚Open 4-6 weeks for Commonwealth Games, 7/ & 8/2002, as a 100-bed YHA Campus Hostel
from 4/7/2003 to 30/8/2003 [KF], and possibly 2004.
There were 100 beds in 2003 [KF].
Property tenure:
Property profile: purpose-built student accommodation.

MANCHESTER [Temporary] 2005 (and possibly 2004).
Victoria Halls, 28 Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6AA.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: N

GR: SJ 841968*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 31/7/2005-31/8/2005 [Website summer 2005], and possibly
2004.
Property tenure:
Property profile: student accommodation, single and double en suite rooms in self-catering flats.

MANKINHOLES 1942 to present.
Mankinholes Hall, Mankinholes, Todmorden, Lancashire OL14 6HR (the hostel is in Yorkshire).
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 960235*

▲Opened 22/8/1942, too late to help during the acute shortage of beds that season [WES
Newsletter 12/1942]. The house had been empty for five years and was converted by the wardens
and Todmorden Local Group volunteers from a shambles in five weeks [WESar42].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

In 1950 the wardens were Mr and Mrs Archer.
The hostel’s future was in jeopardy in the late 1960s, but overnights soared under warden John
Page about 1970 [YHr 11/70]. In 1978 a rebuilding project was the subject of irritating delays but
building work commenced at the end of the season; as well as new warden’s accommodation there
were planned improvements to the washrooms and members, kitchen and much-needed roof
repairs. Shortage of capital led to the fire precautions scheme and installation of central heating
being deferred to the not too distant future [YKar78]. In 1997 YHA was considering an alternative,
a lease of the Birchcliffe Centre (an old Baptist Chapel) in Hebden Bridge. This was unsuccessful
and in 2000 the hostel was thoroughly refurbished and reopened 22/5/2000, the £181,000 cost paid
for largely by supporters [YHA internal memo].
Handbook 1943-2009
Alternative name: Mankinholes Hall (1955-91).
Property tenure: at first, from 4/7/1942, it was leased from West Riding CC [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust 17/12/1942).
Later it was a freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 6/8/1953). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: small manor house dating from the late sixteenth century, [or, YHr 12/71, built around or replacing an
ancient cruck house – the oldest parts of the Hall reputedly 15th century] – later a farmhouse and children’s home.
Listed Grade II (1966).
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-404568-mankinholes-hall-todmorden
Reports, recollections and observations:
Near to home was Mankinholes, an eerie place tucked away in the hills above Todmorden and redolent of
the Industrial Revolution. Mary and Arthur Archer were wardens in the early post-war years. Both keen
outdoor people and full of encouragement for our climbing plans, whether it be the local Widdop
gritstone or the Alps. This was a place where you always had hostel meals; they were so good, and after a
long trek over the moors, down by Hardcastle Crags and the long pull up through Lumbutts, you were
ready for supper. Mankinholes Sports in June brought friendly rivalry between the East Lancashire and
the West Yorkshire area groups and we often met up again for Halloween when the place had a real
‘spooky’ atmosphere. [Alice Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the 1940s and 1950s, reporting in 2013].
The warden was cross with us for being late and with the others for having a lift. After supper we sat in
the common room and listened to the wind blowing and the rain lashing on the windows.

309
[The next morning] R tore off the bottom shreds [of an old mac] and kept the top as a waistcoat. A, who
had sewn her mac every day, tied it around her legs with my strap. My piece [of the old mac] I attached
to the front of my coat [Pat Packham, 1960].
(s)

MANORBIER 1988 to present.
Manorbier, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7TT.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SS 080976*

▲Opened 30/7/1988, at first with temporary wardens and offering only self-catering [WSar1988].
At first there were three family self-contained units in the 2-storey section at the rear. The units
were self-contained, with two bedrooms, a bathroom, small well-equipped kitchen, dining and
lounge area and offered regular daytime access [YHA News August 1993].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [HN end 2001].
An annexe was made available separately for group rental [RAH leaflet and E2 Website (eg) 20032004, 2007-2008] as well as normal use.
Handbook 1987-2007/08 Update 2009.
Alternative name: Manorbier (Shrinkle Haven) (1987).
Property tenure: leasehold from the outset, the property was converted to freehold at the turn of 2015-16.
Property profile: disused forces’ buildings remodelled and refurbished by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for
YHA.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Wales has four youth hostels with separate self-catering accommodation for families, including
Manorbier (near Tenby). Each self-catering unit (sleeps 4 plus a baby), is self-contained and includes
bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge and toilet/washing facilities. They are generally booked by the week (Sat
Sat), but shorter stays may be available in non-peak periods. Facilities and comfort vary between the four
locations from modern apartments with a colour TV to an old farmhouse lit solely by gas and this is
reflected in the price. Prices start at £82 per week. This type of family accommodation is very popular
and gets booked up quickly [YHA News spring 1998].
(s)

MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE 1935 to 1940.
Park Hall, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 543651*

▲Opened 23/3/1935.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel continued after the start of hostilities until the closure date in 1940.

✚Closed Summer 1940 [NMIar40].
Handbook 1935-40.
Alternative name: Park Hall (1935).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 12/11/1935).
Property profile: large hall in grounds. This establishment was also known as the Cyclists’ Hostel; postcards bearing
this description show the YHA triangle. The hall was demolished, probably in the late 1950s [map evidence].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Park Hall, which is now fully open, the evacuees having returned to their homes, was the scene of a
happy party last weekend [‘The Open Road’ column, Nottingham Evening Post, 5 January 1940].
We had a little difficulty in finding it. There was a table tennis set at the hostel but we did not have any
games as there was only the light of an oil lamp to play by. There were no other people staying at the
hostel [Geoff Baldwin, Easter holiday log 1939].

MARDALE (MEN) 1932 to 1933.
Flake How Farm, Mardale, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 472123*

▲Opened (about 5/) 1932 [LAKar32]. There were 6 beds, for men only; 74 and 307 bednights were
registered in the two years.
✚Closed 1933; 0 bednights in 1934.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small fellside farm. There was great uncertainty during the early 1930s about the pace of evacuation of
Mardale village. The foundations are now under the reservoir.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Mardale 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

310
MARDALE (WOMEN) 1932 to 1933.
Chapel Hill Farm, Mardale, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 474117*

▲Opened (about 7/) 1932 [LAKar32]. There were 6 beds, for women only; 43 and 133 bednights
were registered in the two years.
✚Closed 1933; 0 bednights in 1934.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: outbuildings of a substantial village-centre farm. The foundations are now under the reservoir.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Mardale 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

MARGATE 1997 to 2014.
The Beachcomber, 3-4 Royal Esplanade, Westbrook Bay, Margate, Kent CT9 5DL.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: S

GR: TR 341704*

▲Opened by summer 1997 [YHA News summer 1997], at first on a self-catering basis. The
business was owned and developed by Richard Bell, an accountant and youth hostel enthusiast,
who had first wardened at Marsden Binn Road hostel. His ownership started with Broadstairs
hostel and he ran the two side by side from 1997 to 2003, when John Shears took over. Meals were
provided for the considerable groups trade. Initially there were 45 beds; some of the rooms were
en-suite [YHA News summer 1997].
The Enterprise agreement was terminated on 31st August 2014.
Handbook 1998-2009
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise operation.
Property profile: two-storey former esplanade Beachcomber Hotel with attic rooms and street-front balconies. There are
[2014] 60 beds in 17 bedrooms, some en suite. The property is built on the site of two villas shelled to destruction
during World War I.
(s)

MARLBOROUGH [Town Mill] 1935 to 1950.
Town Mill, Kennet Place, Marlborough, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 189689

▲Opened 30/3/1935.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned by the RASC Barrack Officer, Bovington Camp for the 8th
Worcestershire Regiment on 28/10/1939, and was not available to YHA in 1940-42 [Rucksack Summer 1940;
WILar41,42]. Necessary repairs here prevented it being reopened in 1942 [WILar42]. It functioned again in 1943
[WILar43], 1944 and 1945.

It was hoped to purchase the property, though considerable work was needed to the roof [WILar49,
YHAar49] but early in 1950 it became necessary for the Association to seek new premises
[WILar50].
✚Closed 20/5/1950 and replaced by Marlborough (Plough Cottage) on the same day, with
equipment moved on that day [Swindon Evening Advertiser, 17/5/1950].
Handbook 1935-40; 1943-50.
Property tenure:
Property profile: ancient mill buildings, standing on a site mentioned in Domesday. The mill has been demolished and a
retirement development of the same name established here.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marlborough YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Marlborough A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
June 1935. ...to Marlborough YH. The hostel stands by the Kennet near the open-air baths, and is reached
by a stony back lane. It is an intriguing old mill, pink-washed, with steep tiled roof. When we had given
in our cards and paid and got pillows in the little warden’s room the man of the house took us upstairs.
We liked the bare rooms of this mill, the low common room with the sound of water rushing under it and
the dusty main bedroom [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].
Just off the High Street, once barn, stable and outhouse to a mill, with uneven stone floors, dark interior
and low unlined rooms [Mabel Pratt, September 1948].

311
MARLBOROUGH [Plough Cottage] 1950 to 1966.
Plough Cottage, Bath Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 164689*

▲Opened 20/5/1950, replacing Marlborough (Town Mill) Hostel. It was partially opened before
being fully ready, the wardens being Mr & Mrs Elsworthy and accommodation M&W60.
✚Closed 8/9/1966, as it ran at a loss and needed heavy expenditure on building works [MDar1967].
The property was sold 26/10/1967 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1950 supplement-66.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 20/5/1950).
Property profile: a pleasant house, formerly an inn, with gardens stretching down to the River Kennet [YHAar50].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marlborough YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 5, Marlborough, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1950.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Marlborough Hostel fronted onto the A4 Bristol to London road. It was busy at night, no curtains, so
every passing vehicle shone on one dorm wall then ‘raced’ across the walls as they passed, very
distracting! [recounted by Fred Blampied].
MARLBOROUGH Hostel planned 1967. Did not open.
Marlborough, Wiltshire. GR: SU 1869 approx.
▼It was hoped to find a replacement hostel in the Marlborough Downs area [Handbook 1967].

MARLOES SANDS 1978 to 2015.•••
Runwayskiln, Marloes, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 3BH.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SM 778080*

▲Opened 1/1//1978 [WSar78] as a simple 40-bed hostel in farm buildings, thanks to the efforts of
Bob Powell and workers from Haverfordwest [WSmins76], as well as local contractors and
volunteers from Milford Haven Schools; there were 4 dormitories [HN Winter 1977-78].
In 1993 one of the buildings received a new ceiling to help with heat loss. The outbuildings, named
the Henhouse, Piggery and Cow Shed were subdivided and were supplemented by the farmhouse
(the National Trust warden’s cottage) itself from 2000; the new rental was approved in 1999
[Wmemo1999]. The farmhouse was designated a 3-star hostel, while the older outbuildings were a
2-star bunkhouse. At about the same time the volunteer warden’s quarters and information centre
were built into the upper floor of the separate stable barn to the west, under which walkers’ public
conveniences were sited.
✚Closed 2015 as part of a rationalisation of the two National Trust premises here and at St David’s,
the latter being retained. The lease was surrendered, with final guests due on 31st March 2015 (or
possibly with some Exclusive Hire over Easter) and handing back on 30th April.
Handbook 1978-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold for 21 years from 25/3/1976 from the National Trust (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently
[2012] leasehold.
Property profile: farmhouse with single- and two-storey outbuildings in the yard.
(s)

MARNHULL 1954 to 1970.
The Priory, Old Mill Lane, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW

GR: ST 783200*

▲Opened 1/4/1954 [SOUar54].
✚Closed 1/10/1970.
Handbook 1954-70.
Property tenure: tenancy on a yearly basis was (to YHA Trust 12/4/1954); later there was a freehold purchase
16/5/1960 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. The property was sold 25/11/1966 (but note the later closure) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former priory, built 1886, then Cistercian convent. The hostel was leased, then freehold, then from
1966 adopted premises. Mr & Mrs Roland Beck wished to retire and sell as a going concern in 1970 [YHrMay70].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 31, Marnhull, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1955.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The top window is that of the ‘Bridal Suite’, so called because the dormitory contains two single beds
and is sometimes assigned to a married couple – apparently not all married couples accept the offer…

312
The Bridal Suite is supposed to be haunted [answers to Where is it? quiz, Youth Hosteller, May 1963].
It had a statue of the Virgin Mary in its grounds [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern England,
April 1965].
MARPLE HALL Hostel planned 1931. Did not open.
Marple Hall, Cheshire SJ 943893
▼Much importance was attached in press articles early in 1931 to how the grand Marple Hall would be Manchester
Region’s showpiece youth hostel. The House was effectively in the hands of caretakers at this time. The plan was
abandoned as impractical and too costly; instead arrangements would be made with farmers in the Whaley Bridge and
Goyt Valley areas, Errwood Farm hostel being an outcome. The Hall fell into ruin and was demolished in the mid-20th
century. Marple Hall School has been built within the grounds.

MARRICK 1934 to 1943.
Marrick School House, Reeth, Richmond, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: SE 079981*

▲Opened 7/7/1934 [WEAar34]. The hostel was being prepared by the time of publication of the
1934 Handbook; details were given in 1934 supplement. Accommodation was increased in 1935.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open all 1940, though the men’s dorm was retaken by North Riding Education
Committee [WEAar40]. The hostel was available again in 1941, with Mr Wilkinson Senior’s barn used as overflow
[WEAar41], and 1942. It was reduced to 18 beds when the new 1943 season began at Easter.

✚Closed 30/9/1943 as it was too cramped [WEAar43]. Closed 1946 and stayed VE Day 1945
(according to letter in YHA News November1992) suggests that there may have been temporary
extensions or some private use by local enthusiasts outside the strict regulations of the YHA.
Handbook 1934-43.
Property tenure:
Property profile: village school building.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Marrick 751 ≈† RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marrick & Grinton YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Marrick Hostel was a schoolhouse plus schoolroom in the village of Marrick near Grinton, North
Yorkshire in the Wear, Tees and Eskdale Region (later Border & Dales). Water was obtained in a bucket
from either of two taps situated in different parts of Marrick village. The school toilets (midden) were
outside across the Schoolyard! There were three large bus seats in the living room where we sat by a
large fireplace and boiled water and talked or sang songs from the YHA songbook. We cooked our meals
on a primus stove and had oil lamps and candles for light. Food had to be covered as sometimes mice
would scamper round! Coal fires were lit in the bedrooms in the winter and I remember one cold snowy
night getting undressed and putting my pyjamas on with all my clothes, aired blankets and wearing a hat!
We always aired our blankets and straw palliasses by the fires and one Christmas Jim didn’t bother to dry
his blankets and palliasse and we were awakened on Christmas morning by him singing Glad Tidings of
Comfort and Joy – he was sleeping on the wire bed complete with rucksack.
The Wardens of Marrick Hostel lived in the village – first Mrs Ellerton and later Emily Wilkinson and
every year from 1938, even during the war, we had a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Warden’s house.
Afterwards we went to a party/dance in the village hall. One New Year’s day the snow was very deep so
we tied cardboard and brown paper round our legs (before the days of waterproof trousers) and walked in
our boots in single file across the fields stopping at a farmhouse for tea and our sandwiches and singing
carols round a piano.
VE day, 8th May 1945, my birthday and two days off work! Elinor and I cycled to Marrick Hostel and
stayed two nights. We went to the church services at Marrick and Grinton – the church bells were ringing
for the first time in 6 years. At night we walked over the fields to Reeth to the celebration, went into the
Black Bull Inn and watched various recitals by the village baker, butcher, grocer etc. We then danced on
the village green, with local people and soldiers, to the tune of Knees up Mother Brown etc and watched
an effigy of Hitler sitting on a chair being burned on a huge bonfire. We finished up with a dance in the
village hall and a buffet meal and then walked back to Marrick. The following night we went to a party at
Marske Hall.
Many are the times we have walked from Richmond through Applegarth Woods and via Marske bridge
or the monument to Marrick. We frequently walked from Marrick to Barnard Castle and Askrigg and also
to Keld after 1943 – the only hostel open in wartime.
In 1946 Grinton Lodge was bought by YHA and we moved across the valley. Marrick can be seen from
Grinton Lodge and is now a large private house [letter from Mrs E Wanless to YHA News, November
1992].
(v)

313
MARSDEN [Hopwood Farm] 1932 to 1944.
Hopwood Farm, Marsden, Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES/MAN

GR: SE 026130*

▲Opened 17/9/1932. The hostel was extended in 1934, when a new summer house-cum-common
room was built [WESar34,36], an enterprise that appears to have been accepted by the Regional
Council with mixed approval [WESmins]. Nevertheless, accommodation increased here from
M7W7 to M16W9. A frank review said that Marsden had been doing badly ever since the common
room was finished, and that the original enthusiasts were now going elsewhere [WES hostels
report, 1/12/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed [Rucksack Summer 1940]; a national notice then announced that it had
reopened by 29/8/1940, but this was premature, and the place remained closed late in 1940. It was probably closed in
1941 and certainly unavailable in 1942, but reopened Whit 1943 [WESar43] and operated through to (probably) late
1944, as there was a handful of bednights in 1945SY.

✚Closed 1944. Hopwood Farm Hostel had to close and plans were in hand for the warden Mr
Gibson to take over at Ellingstring [WESar44].
Handbook 1933-40; 1943alterations-44.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel. The Regional Group received a proportion of the overnight fee [WESar35].
Property profile: moorlands farmstead that also served refreshments to hikers.
Web resource: http://www.marsdenhistory.co.uk/leisure/scenic_ref.html
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Marsden A 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

MARSDEN [Hades Farm] 1969 to 1972.
Hades Farm, Marsden, Huddersfield, Yorkshire HD7 6DT.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 040112*

▲Opened by the end of May 1969; the hostel had been found just before Easter, and prepared by
wardens Mr & Mrs Fred Jones and members from Huddersfield [YKar69]. Officially opened
17/5/1970. It was a small hostel lying at a height of over 1,000 feet above sea level, intended to
provide a link between Crowden and Mankinholes. The wardens lived in the farm lying very close
by to the east.
✚Closed September 1972 [press notice] when the owner decided to sell the property. It was
replaced, though after a considerable delay, by the Old Co-op Hostel.
Handbook 1969 supplement-72.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel, run from the neighbouring farm.
Property profile: small farm.
Web resource: http://www.marsdenhistory.co.uk/leisure/scenic_ref.html
Reports, recollections and observations:
A very primitive hostel high up above the village on Pule Hill. A painting of it, presented by Bradford
Local Group, hung in the common room at Binn Road hostel [HN Autumn 1976].

MARSDEN [Old Co-op] 1975 to 1983.
The Old Co-op, 1 and 1a Binn Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD7 6HF.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 048111*

▲Opened 1/7/1975 after a long delay; it had been hoped to open here in the summer of 1973 [press
notice], modified to Easter 1974 [full details, 1974 Handbook] but the next year’s Handbook
expectation had been reduced to a hope, and no details were given. There was an officially opening,
however, on 13/9/1975.
In 1977 the old dairy, hitherto used as a store and cycle shed, was converted into a members’
kitchen, with the original tiled walls to keep things cool. The former members’ kitchen became a
warden’s kitchen, so that meals could be provided. Work began on a much needed drying room.
Upstairs, bedboards replaced the old springs and it was hoped to put in a shower. Members helped
with outside painting work, improving the general appearance of the building. Gifts of money and
labour helped to make the hostel more comfortable [HN Spring 1976 & spr1977].
A second-hand cycle shed was donated; their was a new gas fire in the common room, while extra
sinks and a toilet were put in by the warden [HN Summer 1978]

314
✚Closed 1/10/1983 [YKar84], though probably a little later, as 127 bednights were recorded in
1984SY.
Handbook 1974-83.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 31/7/1973 [YHAPB].
Property profile: converted shop of the Marsden Equitable Industrial Society.
In 2013 a private residence called ‘Marche Dene House’ (from which the name Marsden may derive) [KF].
Web resource: http://www.marsdenhistory.co.uk/leisure/scenic_ref.html
Reports, recollections and observations:
Marsden the Third, by Richard Bell (warden)
The hostel was built in 1907 as a Co-op shop. The inscriptions ‘Marsden Equitable Industrial Society’
and ‘No. 2 Branch’ can be seen above the front door, which is now only a fire exit.
The common room is what used to be the shop. Its walls are covered with paintings, posters, maps and
information, as well as the stereo record player purchased out of donations, which is mounted on shelves.
Next door is the members’ kitchen which, although not vast, manages to fit in a lot of equipment,
including a washing machine and a fridge, both paid for out of donations. The remainder of the ground
floor is taken up with the warden’s office, bathroom and bed-sit, the latter being the old van loading-bay.
On the first floor there are three main dormitories and a tiny triangular room just big enough for one
double bunk. The design of the hostel within the oddly shaped building was an awkward problem, but the
final solution makes a good rest-place after a day’s walking on the moors [HN Autumn 1976].
The hostel has a triangular dormitory, a good YHA shape, but difficult when it come to fitting in beds
[HN Summer 1975].
(v)

MARTHAM (NORFOLK BROADS) 1969 to 1985.
66 Damgate Lane, Martham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4PZ.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA

GR: TG 456191*

▲Opened 1/8/1969, after much delay through refused planning consent, finally overturned (the first
hopes for opening had been in 1966, and 1/7/1968 had been mooted). The 1969 Handbook gave
brief details and expressed a hope that it would open; further details were given in a supplement.
✚Closed 1985, the end of the season being 31/10/1985.
Handbook 1969-85.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel, planned as a centre for canoeing by its warden, Arthur Cornford, formerly of
Goudhurst and Tanners Hatch Hostels. On retirement in 1983, the Cornfords sold the property to Heather and John
Johnson to continue as an accommodation hostel [HN Spring 1983].
Property profile: in two parts: a farmhouse (the former home of a wherry skipper), and a specially constructed building
to the warden’s own design [EAar68] to house an accommodation hostel especially for canoeing activities.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I would like, through the pages of your newspaper, to thank Mr and Mrs Cornford, who retired this year
as wardens at Martham Hostel.
I have taken school parties to the hostel for the past 10 years and have always received a warm welcome,
much good advice, lots of practical help and a great understanding of the needs of young children. I have
taken well over 200 children from Leicester to Mr Cornford’s hostel; every one of them would like to
wish him and his wife a very long and happy retirement [letter from AE Manger, HN Summer 1983].
MARTIN MERE Hostel planned 1974. Did not open.
Martin Mere, Lancashire. GR: SD 425145
▼The establishment was approved in principle of a hostel near Burscough, Lancashire, where the Wildfowl Trust were
setting up a nature reserve on the site of a former lake. Construction was likely to be delayed for want of capital.
Further talks with the Wildfowl Trust took place and plans for the hostel were being drawn up. It was hoped that
sufficient capital would be obtained by donations and grants to enable construction to proceed before long
[WNar74,75]

MARTOCK 1951 to 1958.
Hurst Manor, Martock, Somerset TA12 6JU.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 457186*

▲Opened 21/3/1951 [GSEar51]. The first wardens were Mr & Mrs PA Moritz, who were the
owners.
✚Closed 30/9/1958 [GSEar58].
Handbook 1952-58.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: a Stuart house in Ham Stone, refronted in Regency style in 1823 [GD].

315
A nursing and residential home in 2011.
Reports, recollections and observations:
…the pleasant house, lovely gardens, good food and happy atmosphere [Rucksack, Sep-Oct 1951].
The owner / warden gave hostellers chicken pie each night and if someone stayed a second night he / she
was invited to munch the chicken bones in her kitchen. The duties were mainly gardening, as she
preferred to wash up and sweep the dormitories herself [Pat Packham, 1958].
I shared ‘Stoke’ dormitory with four schoolgirls. They had to wash up after supper although, when they
signed in, they had been promised a gardening job… The warden said his wife did not approve of the
way some hostellers washed the dishes. She also swept the dormitories as they were not done to her
satisfaction either [Pat Packham, A Holiday in South-West England, 27 Jƒuly 1958].
MATHRY Hostel planned 1938. Did not open.
Mathry, Pembrokeshire. GR: SM 8731 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a cyclists’ link hostel here in North Pembrokeshire in the early summer [Handbook 1938]. A
map showed the location at or near Mathry [South Wales Handbook 1938].

MATLOCK (see Matlock Bath)
MATLOCK (TORDALE) 1933 to 1933 or 1934.≠
Tor Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 295592*

▲Opened 9/4/1933 [NMIar33], or 3/1933. There were 40, or 52 beds. The wardens were Mr & Mrs
Barton.
✚Closed 1/10/1933 [NMIar33], though £1/10/4d was earned in a 3 month period in 1934SY
[NMIar34].≠ The hostel was closed in pursuance of policy to continue hostels only in places well
off the beaten track.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Tor House, later Tor Cottage [Matlock Local Studies Library]. There were extensive grounds and
woodlands leading on to Masson Hill, opposite the famous High Tor [Regional Guide 1933]. There was a claim that it
was built by Admiral Lord Collingwood, disclaimed by a local historian.
Renamed Collingwood Lodge and converted into flats [KF, 2011].
(v)

MATLOCK [Bank Road] 1983 to 2007.
40 Bank Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3NF.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 300604*

▲To open, after a delay due to finalising the DES grant-aid, 9/1983, replacing Matlock Bath
(Brunswood Road) Hostel and also the YHA Peak District offices in Dale Road. Officially opened
5/1984 [PKar84]. At the outset the hostel advertised a family dormitory – one of the first [HN
Autumn 83]. The property was refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89].
In the 1990s years it was additionally developed as a conference and training centre for YHA staff.
In preparation for the 1998 season all 15 dormitories were decorated by staff [YHA News spring
1998].
✚Closed 2007. The hostel was due to close 1/10/2007 [YHA Website]; it was sold 31/10/2007.
Handbook 1983-2007/08.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 25/8/1982 (to YHA Trust as new hostel and office) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former Smedley’s Memorial Hydropathic Hospital, opened in 1882 by Caroline Smedley as a
memorial to her husband who died in 1874 [website below].
Since YHA closure renamed Bank Manor and converted into flats [KF, 2011].
Web resource: http://www.wirksworth.org.uk/X352.htm
(s)

MATLOCK BATH [Melbourne House] 1932 to 1933.
Melbourne House, Temple Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 292581*

▲Opened 1932. Accommodation could be had with Mrs Barber for ramblers and cyclists [small ad,
Hiker and Camper 4/1932]. There were beds for M15W15.

316
✚Closed 1933, in pursuance of policy to continue hostels only in places well off the beaten track.
Handbook 1932-33.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: tall stone-built house on a steep rise above Matlock Bath.
Converted into flats [KF, 2011].
(v)

MATLOCK BATH [Brunswood Road] 1956 to 1983.
18 Brunswood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3PA.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 296585*

▲Opened 1956, replacing Overton Hall.
A plot of spare land was cleared for sale in summer 1971.
✚Closed 9/1983 and replaced by Matlock Hostel. It was kept open until Matlock Bank Road
Hostel’s delayed opening.
Handbook 1956-83.
Alternative name: Matlock (1956) .
Property tenure: freehold purchase 17/4/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former vicarage. In 2010 the building is functioning as offices of the National Probation Service.
Reports, recollections and observations:
As the washing facilities were so limited, I decided to go out, and wash afterwards [Pat Packham, 1960].
(s)

MAYPOOL (see River Dart)
MEDHAM HOUSE (see Cowes)
MEDWAY 1996 to present.
Capstone Farm, Capstone Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JE.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: S

GR: TQ 781651*

▲Opened 12/7/1996: the premises were ready for handover 2/1996 [mins 28/4/1995]. The hostel
was due to open mid-May 1996 [YHA News spring 1996].
Handbook 1996-2009.
Alternative name: Rochester (1996-99).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former oast house.
(s)

MEERBROOK 1977 to 2006 or 2007.
Old School, Meerbrook, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 8SJ.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SJ 989607*

▲Officially opened 8/10/1977, with actual usage starting after the official day [PKar77]. Peak
District’s maintenance men converted the building to YHA use [PKar76].
✚Closed 10/2006, or 27/12/2006 [YHA departmental info], or 1/2007 for group rental [YHA
Website, 2006],
Handbook 1977 supplement-2005/06.
Property tenure: leasehold for 99 years from 29/9/1976 from Severn-Trent Water Authority (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former village school. The opening of the hostel underlined the trend to re-establish the village after
years of abandonment to preserve the purity of the local reservoir [YHAar77].
Since YHA closure the premises have become a private house [KF, 2011].
(s)

MELMERBY 1934 to 1939.
The Mill, Melmerby, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 601372*

▲Opened by Spring 1934 [Rucksack Spring 1934].
✚Closed 1939, the end of season being 31/10/1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war; it was withdrawn at the request of the
hostess [LAKar40].

317
Handbook 1934-39.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: in a mill building adjacent to a farm. The hostel is thought to have used both adjoining buildings
[owner].
(v)

MEON VALLEY 1931 to 1938.
The Ramblers, Warnford Road, Exton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 612206*

▲Opened 1931. In 1934 it was now provided with common room with cooking facilities: a building
had been demolished and reerected by voluntary forces [SOUar34, YHAar34].
✚Closed 7/5/1938 [Regional Handbook] and replaced by Soberton Hostel.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-38.
Alternative name: Meonstoke, Hampshire (1931(1st edn) and 1931(2nd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: new house, built by YHA supporter, who offered to share the premises with YHA. An early
photograph shows a hut to the rear. The house is now much enlarged.
This was still called the Ramblers in 2011 [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Meon Valley 751 ≈† RG35.tif
MERSTHAM Hostel planned 1982-83. Did not open.
Merstham, Surrey. GR: TQ 2953 approx.
▼A YHA and community centre project was being investigated [SEar82-83]
MICHAELSTON-Y-FEDW Hostel planned 1938. Almost certainly did not open.
GR: ST 2484 (approx) or ST 222875 / ST 222876 (Draethen, possibly at this location).
▼Plans for this model hostel and comments on it were published in Rucksack 1937. The site adjoined Riverside
Cottage, Tredegar Estate. It was included in the 1938 Handbook. The site was situated in a beautiful wooded valley
between Cardiff and Newport; it might be open near the end of the season [SW Handbook 1938]. This Handbook
included numerous references under inter-hostel routes.
See also Draethen entry, probably the same intended hostel.

MICKLEHURST 1948 to 1950.
The Moorlands, Huddersfield Road, Micklehurst, Mossley, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: MAN

GR: SD 983024*

▲Opened 6/3/1948.
✚Closed 30/9/1950; the hostel failed to attract sufficient support [MANar50].
Handbook 1948-50.
Property tenure: leased at nominal rent from Messrs JH Brookes Ltd [MANar48].
Property profile: large stone detached house, a private residence in 2014.
Jim Cameron is keeping chickens and bees at Micklehurst Hostel, where he is warden [Tyneside
Hosteller, Autumn 1948].
(v)

MICKLETON 1931 to 1946.
Nineveh Farm Tea Gardens [1932 description], Mickleton, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SP 157427*

▲Opened 7/1931, for a 15 week period [G&S Reg Group 31,32]. The hostel consisted of a shed
(dormitories) and room (common room) at Ninevah Farm; the hostel would need expansion next
season [GS&NDar32]. In 1937, Mrs Bayliss wanted a shed to replace the existing common room
and kitchen [GSEmins 17/2/1937]; this was provided by Easter.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It opened (eg) spring 1942 as usual [GSEar42].

✚Closed 1946, by 30/9/1946: 0 bednights were recorded in 1947SY. The hostel was unable to open
in 1947 because of staffing difficulties [GSEar47].
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-46.
Property tenure: adopted hostel (income in 1933SY, for instance, was £9.9s.8d, being one-sixth of takings)
[GSNDar1933]. Mrs Bayliss, the warden received a percentage of the takings. To offset the 1937 outlay YHA proposed
to ask for 3½d in 1/- from the warden, all year round, instead of the established 3d in 1/- during the summer only; this
was agreed.
Property profile: part of farmhouse and outbuildings. A bed and breakfast establishment in 2011.

318
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Mickleton 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Our booking hadn’t arrived and the hostel was full. The kind warden said we could sleep in a double bed
in the hous. We watched fire-bombs dropping on Birmingham. Self-cooking was in an outside shed,
where we leaned to deal with faulty Primus stoves [Mary Jephcott, 1942].

MIDDLETON-BY-YOULGREAVE Camping barn 1999≠ to 2009 or later.
▲Castle Farm, Middleton-by-Youlgreave, nr Bakewell, Derbyshire. GR: SK 196634
Handbook 1999-2009. Closed by 2012.
Property profile: part of a working farm.

MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE (see Bowbank)
MID RHONDDA COMMUNITY HOUSE (see Trealaw)
MILBURN Hostel planned 1955. Did not open.
Milburn, Cumberland. GR: NY 6529 approx.
▼A hostel was likely to open here for 1955 [Rucksack]. This may have been an early interest in the hostel at nearby
Knock.

MILFORD 1946 to 1972.
The Firs, Haslemere Road, Milford, Godalming, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE

GR: SU 944417

▲Opened 1946, to open by Easter [LRN].
✚Closed 30/9/1972.
Handbook 1946-72.
Property tenure: purchased 1945 [LONar45].
Property profile: Victorian detached villa, since demolished.
Reports, recollections and observations:
That old, cold, senile hostel about to pass away [Southern Region annual report 1971].

MILLERS DALE (see Ravenstor)
THE MILL HOUSE (see Wadesmill)
MILL HOUSE Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Mill House, Gosforth, Cumbria. GR: NY 080044
Handbook 1998-2006.
Property profile: on a working farm.

MILNTHORPE Possibly open 1931.≠
Elm Lea (or Elmleigh), Church Street, Milnthorpe, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 496816*

▲✚The relationship (if any) between this address, given in the final 1931 Handbook, and the
following hostel is not yet determined. This may have been just the warden’s address.≠
Handbook 1931(4th edn).
Property tenure:
Property profile: attractive three-storey house, the dominant and tallest property at the centre of a long terrace of twostorey houses.≠
(v)

MILNTHORPE 1932 to 1933.
Temperance Hotel, Milnthorpe, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 496815*

▲Opened from about 4/1932 [LAKar32]. There were 278 and 693 bednights respectively in the
two seasons. The hostel was probably located at the north-east corner of the main crossroads in the
town, on the A6, though this has yet to be confirmed locally.≠ The relationship between this entry
and the one above (if any) is not known. The two addresses are very close.≠

319
✚Closed 1933. The deletion of the hostel was confirmed and the Chairman asked to collect the
house book and signs [LAK mins 4/3/1934].
Handbook 1932-33
Property tenure:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Milnthorpe B 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

MILTON ABBAS 1945 to 1967.
Littledown Farm, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW

GR: ST 794001*

▲Opened 1945, probably in peace-time, as there were a mere 196 bednights in 1945SY. By
10/1954 the hostel was closed [YHAB 10/1954], after warden Mr L Dowsett resigned, but it
reopened 23/7/1955, with Mr Dowsett again in charge [SOUar54].
✚Closed 23/9/1967 (falling bednights).
Handbook 1946-67 (1955 in supplement only).
Property tenure: small accommodation hostel.
Property profile: two cottages, also known as Hewish Hill Buildings, which had at some point been converted to a
farmhouse on a smallholding. Laurie Dowsett produced several hand-published and hand-printed works while warden.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was a tiny cottage and I was allocated a room for two marked private. I had to put my bicycle against a
pile of hay. A South African girl was with me and she was surprised at the primitive hostel [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern England, April 1964].

MILTON KEYNES (Bradwell Village) 1981 to present.
Manor Farm, Vicarage Road, Bradwell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK13 9AG.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: SP 831395*

▲Opened 1981, expected to be 1/7/1981 [HN]. The officially opening was held 26/9/1981. Most
costs for the new 40-bed hostel were met by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation.
Handbook 1981-2009.
Alternative names: Old Bradwell (Milton Keynes) (1981); Milton Keynes (Bradwell) (1981 supplement-82); Milton
Keynes (Old Bradwell) (1983); Milton Keynes (1984-93); Bradwell Village (Milton Keynes) (1994-99).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: a traditional 18th-century large farmhouse in yellow stone in an old quarter of the new town. A Grade
II listed building.
(s)

MINEHEAD [Hopcott] 1931 to 1933.
Rear of Hopcott Private Hotel, Hopcott Road, Minehead, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 964455*

▲Opened 6/6/1931 [Handbook]. Accommodation was in lofts at the Hopcott Private Hotel; the
wardens were Mr & Mrs David. After 1932 the hostel would need to expand the following season
[GSNDar32].
✚Closed 1933 and replaced by Alcombe House.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-33.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent initially was for 16 weeks at £16.10s [GSNDar31]; rent in 1932 was £35.0s, income
£57.2s; in 1933 £39.0s, income £93.19s) [GSNDar1932&33].
Property profile: quarters (lofts) in a building at the rear of the hotel [GSND Regional Guide 1931,1933]. Recorded as
flats in 2001; certainly by 2014 a development of modern flats had replaced the hotel. There was a fire in the 1930s
which may have destroyed the building then [resident].
(v)

MINEHEAD [Alcombe House] 1934 to 1939.
Alcombe House, Bircham Road, Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 977451*

▲Opened Easter (end 3/) 1934 [GSEar34], replacing Minehead (Hopcott Hostel) by this attractive
old house with a pleasant garden [GSEar34]. Accommodation was increased to 90 places in 1934
and further when a loft was opened up, the proprietor even wishing to curtain off part of a landing
to create extra bed-space [GSEmins 10/11/1937, GSEar38].

320
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed when a London school was evacuated here: Mr Keppel, the warden, had
been kept on as he managed things so well for the education authorities, and would be put in charge of two further
buildings locally [GSEmins 8/2/1940]. The Association was considering the purchase of the property for £3,000 at the
end of 1941.

It was replaced after the war by Minehead (Clanville) Hostel.
Handbook 1934-39.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 19/9/1934).
Property profile: substantial square-built house with considerable oubuildings. Now the Alcombe Hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Minehead B 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
The table tennis knock-out competition at Minehead, organised by the Warden, Walter Heppell, who
often won [Ken Tyler, HN Spring 1980].
(v)

MINEHEAD [Clanville] 1946 to 1957.
Clanville, Clanville Road, Minehead, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 967463*

▲Opened 30th March 1946 [announcement card] with M50/W50 beds, replacing the pre-war
Minehead (Alcombe House) Hostel. It was to close in 1952 as it was required by the education
authority for other purposes, but was reprieved [Rucksack 10/1952].
✚Closed 26/10/1957 [GSEar59] and replaced by Minehead (Hagley) Hostel.
Handbook 1946 supplement-57.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) 25/7/1944 [YHAPB].
Property profile: demolished, with a block of flats on the site by 1989.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Minehead C 751 ≈† RG47.tif
(v)

MINEHEAD [Hagley] 1958 to present.
Hagley, Alcombe Combe, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6EW.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: SS 972442*

▲Opened 1/8/1958 [GSEar59], replacing Minehead (Clanville) Hostel. The 1958 Handbook
expressed a hoped to open, but with no details; these came in the supplement. The wardens were
Mr and Mrs Walmsley, who had been at Clanville. Much building work was done over the winter
of 1959-60, in time for the official opening on 18/6/1960 [GSEar60].
The hostel was due to close for extensive building works from 1st September 1991 to 15th April
1992 [notice board memo]. An extra ladies shower was added [YHA News spring 1997].
Handbook 1958-2009.
Alternative name: Minehead (Alcombe) (1959-73).
Property tenure: freehold 1958 (to YHA Trust 25/6/1958). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: house, known as Hagley, in extensive grounds.
(s)

MITCHELDEAN 1937 to 1983.
Lion House, High Street, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire GL17 OAT.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE; WS

GR: SO 664187

▲Opened 1937. Fixtures would cost about £30 and refitting £60; it was proposed to use beds from
Badminton plus a surplus from Northleach. The warden was to be Mr Eyles, formerly of Langridge
Hostel [GSE mins 20/1/1937].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel housed evacuees in the early stage of the war, and damage had been reported
[GSEmins 13/10/1939]. There was strong YHA usage in 1940, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it
was closed until further notice. It functioned only a little in 1941SY. The premises were leased to British Acoustic
Films Ltd about this time, and the hostel remained out of use in 1942. After this arrangement expired, the hostel would
become available again in the coming year [GSEar42]; thus it reopened 1943, and remained available in 1944-45.

Negotiations with the County Council over its plans to demolish part of the hostel for road
widening began as early as 1966 [WSar66]; a compulsory purchase order was served [regional
memo], but lifted in June 1973 and steps taken to put right the neglect the hostel had suffered

321
[WSar73]. The uncertainty dragged on for years. Nevertheless, the hostel was refurbished in 1981
[WSar81].
✚Closed 31/10/1983.
Handbook 1937-40, 1943-83.
Property tenure: bought freehold and equipped 3/1937 [GSEar37] (to YHA Trust 30/4/1937).
Property profile: former coaching inn. Anecdotally, the buildings were demolished with great haste after the hostel’s
closure, to prevent Listed Status being applied.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Mitcheldean 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Mitcheldean 752 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 53, Mitcheldean, Youth Hosteller February 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel was right in the town, a shabby old house with some rooms across the courtyard, and some
along winding passages. The men’s dorm looks as though it was once a barn converted into a hall,
because it has a gallery at one end and a stage at the other, and the self-cookers’ kitchen may once have
been stables, kitchen or washhouse, except that it possesses an old Victorian fireplace reminiscent of the
parlour [Mabel Pratt, April 1948].
An old converted inn, Mitcheldean is a courtyard surrounded by stone buildings. It is too near the road
for quiet and proposed road widening schemes threaten to close the hostel soon. It is nicely situated for
walks in the Forest of Dean and is within easy and pleasant walking distance of other hostels. Although a
Simple hostel, it houses 54 beds; probably the largest Simple hostel we have.
Entering through the main gate under the arch, you are under two dorms in the most comfortable part of
the buildings. These 2 dorms have 12 beds each but one is slightly larger than the other. Both rooms are
rather bare and lack heating but are clean and well decorated with good blankets and mattresses. They
both need a few extra hooks and mirrors.
Across the courtyard is the largest dormitory containing 30 beds. This has concrete floors and is slightly
overcrowded. It also contains some old undersized flock mattresses and a number of blankets need
exchanging. I thought that with foam mattresses and hard board steel strapping bases to beds we had
finally solved the broken spring problem but at Mitcheldean someone has even managed to wrench away
the steel straps from the bed frame. This room must be fairly spartan in winter with its high roof open to
the beams and lack of heating. There is a stove but it is out of action.
The men’s wash and lavatory has four hand basins, a footbath, no hot water, a urinal and 2 WCs. The
women’s, in the main building, is still at the plastic bowl stage, has a hot tap over the footbath and seems
more comfortable. There are 2 WCs (one lock needs replacing), a lack of curtaining (these might brighten
things up in the rooms) and no sanitowel dispenser.
Back to the buildings on the far side of the yard for the Members’ Kitchen and the Common Room. The
Members’ Kitchen is a long bare room with a grill and only 9 gas points, so another is needed. There are
2 draining boards and one sink and hot water is available. Kitchen equipment is low and replacements are
needed as well as a hand towel. An Expelair would be useful. I noticed a pleasant lack of mandatory
notices. The Common Room is above with bare wooden floors but has a carpet to brighten it and a gas
fire to give a little warmth. The Dining Room is undersized but a small extra Common Room / Dining
Room is available. There is a pay phone.
The problems at Mitcheldean, as I see it, are: 1. Will we retain the building? 2. Can the present 3,000 odd
bednights be greatly improved by increasing the present facilities? 3. Is it situated in the right area for the
present type of member? [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 26/4/1973 (extracts)].
(v)

MONMOUTH 1978 to 1998.
Priory Street School, Priory Street, Monmouth NP5 3NX.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SO 508130*

▲Opened 1/4/1978. The 1977 Handbook expressed a hope to open, but with no details.
In 1994 the hostel was improved with much voluntary assistance by subdividing the kitchen /
common room and painting and decorating. The voluntary warden’s quarters were improved as
were the drying room, showers and cycle shed [YHA News March 1994].
✚Closed 24/10/1998, on expiry of lease. The 1997 Handbook had advised that the hostel might not
remain open; the owners were persuaded to let YHA stay until the end of October 1998 in the hope
of finding a replacement [W memo 1997].
Handbook 1977-98.
Property tenure: leasehold for 21 years from 1/3/1976 from the Representatives of the Church in Wales (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB].
Property profile: Monmouth Priory, a red sandstone building, was founded in 1070AD by Benedictine monks, and is
one of the most historic buildings in Monmouth. It was used as the Priory Street Boys’ School (1896-1973) before

322
conversion to the youth hostel. After the YHA era, the Priory was completely renovated and now serves a variety of
meeting, arts and celebratory functions.
(v)
MONMOUTH Hostel planned 1999. Did not open.
Monmouth, Gwent. GR: SO 5013 approx.
▼Efforts were being made to find a replacement for Priory Street School [Handbook 1999-2000, no details].

MONMOUTH (See The Riverside Hotel)
MONTGOMERY (see Little Brompton Farm)
MOORDALE HOSTEL (see Kirkby Malzeard)
MOUNTHOOLEY BUNKHOUSE 2008 to present.
Mount Hooley Bungalow, College Valley, Kirknewton, Wooler NE71 6TX.
Historic County: Northumberland

GR: NT 881225*

▲Opened 4/2008. The bunkhouse had operated independently of YHA since 1992 and was
refurbished for the Enterprise operation.
Update 2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise bunkhouse operation.
Property profile: a stone barn adjacent to a remote shepherd’s cottage in a glacial valley.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/986743
(s)

MOUNTNESSING 1940 to 1942.
Toby Tea House, Mountnessing, Essex.
Note: Toby is sometimes spelt Thoby (eg Thoby Abbey) in this locality.
Historic County: Essex
YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 626974≠

▲Opened 6/1940.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel opened only a few weeks before the restriction order for much of Essex, and by the
time of a national notice dated 20/6/1940. Another notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local
residents only. It remained open, visited by a few local members [LONar40]; 42 bednights were registered for 1940
[LON mins]. There are no bednight figures available for 1941-42.

✚Closed end 6/1942.
Handbook 1940alterations-42.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the hostel was probably located at TQ 626974, currently Toby House, 320 Roman Road, at the south
end of the village, a listed early 19th-century small detached villa with full-width zinc-roofed porch [KF, 2011].
Reports, recollections and observations:

Find At Mountnessing
There is a new accommodation hostel at Mountnessing, in mid-Essex, the second such hostel to be
opened by London Region during the war. The hostel is at the Toby Tea House at the south end of the
village on the main road from London to Chelmsford, and was secured through the interest of the
daughter of the house in the YHA, herself a hosteller and a keen member of the Essex Local Group..
Accommodation has been provided for 10 women and 10 men, there are cooking facilities as well as
provided meals, and the equipment consists of items transferred from the closed hostels [London Region
News article, June 1940].

MULLACOTT FARM Camping barn 2001≠ to 2015.
▲Mullacott Farm, Mullacott Cross, llfracombe, Devon. GR: SS 514455
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 2001; 2003-2009. Advertised in 2002 booklet. Also open 2010-2015..
Property profile: in former stables; newly renovated [2007/08 Handbook].

MURT BARN Camping barn 2002 to 2006≠.
▲Murt, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria. GR: NY 131040.
Handbook 2003-2006. Opening announced in 2002 booklet.
Property profile: in a converted stone hayloft and byre on a farm dating back to 1728. Mattresses supplied.

323
NAB END Camping barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Nab End, Hollinsclough, Longnor, Staffordshire GR: SK 077662
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Note: the postal address was Buxton, Derbyshire.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.
NANT FFRANCON (SNOWDON) One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to
open summer 1931.
Nant Ffrancon, Caernarfonshire. GR: SH 6460 approx.
▼A site in Nant Ffrancon was under consideration [BYHA prospectus, 1930]. It may have been Idwal Cottage, opened
1931.
NANT GWYNANT (SNOWDON) One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to
open summer 1931. Did not open.
Nant Gwynant, Caernarfonshire. GR: SH 6250 approx.
▼A site in Nant Gwynant was under consideration [BYHA prospectus, 1930]. This was the Gwynant (qv) site
considered in 1933, replaced by Cae Dafydd, but finally realised when Bryn Gwynant Hostel opened in 1959.

NANTLLANERCH 1965 to 1969.
Nantllanerch, Tyle Clydach, Talybont on Usk, Brecon.
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA; WS; W
Positional note: the wardens were at Tyle Clydach cottage 1 mile below, GR: SO 097212*.

GR: SO 083211* (hostel)

▲Opened 31/7/1965, or officially opened 16/7/1966. The premises were discovered as late as
1/4/1965. The practically derelict farmhouse was discovered and converted at minimum cost by
Newport Local Group working-parties led by the Secretary of the Group, Chris Barber, who paid
£400 for building materials. The hostel was oil-lit, with Calor Gas for cooking, and Elsan toilets.
The wardens were Mr and Mrs Rawle. Nantllanerch Hostel led the way with minimum-cost simple
hostels in South and Mid Wales [C Barber].
Closed 31/7/1969 [SWar69].
Handbook 1965 supplement-69.
Property tenure: tenancy, taken on a short lease of 7/6d per week.
Property profile: early 18th-century Welsh farmhouse at 1,100 ft; the owner had been a retired Newport dentist. After
hostel closure it was sold on to a Tibetan community as a Farming College, reportedly secretly visited by the Dalai
Lama and peremptorily closed. A grand piano was taken up to the hostel by tractor [information C Barber]. The
property was Grade II listed in 1998. In 2015 it was much modernised.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I reached the hostel at 9.50pm [on Friday 15th July, the night before the official opening]…
[Next day] the morning was spent preparing for the official opening at 3pm. Forty-eight people attended
the ceremony including several villagers who admired the way in which the old building had been
converted into a youth hostel [Pat Packham, July 1966].
(v)

NANT-Y-DERNOL 1951 to 1987.
Tan-yr-Allt, Llangurig, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6RZ.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS; W

GR: SN 900754*

▲Opened by 6/1951 [BRR 6/1951], or 7/1951 [YHAF]. Carregbwla (the original house of that
name) was warden Mrs Hughes’s (senior) address, from where meals were served [BMWar51]. The
County Council provided a tarmac road to the hostel in 1957 [BMWar57]. The hostel received a
new water supply [WSar69].
With the retirement of Mrs Hughes (senior) after 21 years as warden in 1971 George de Roe
became resident warden, based in a caravan and later in the back switch dormitory. There was at
this time a wish by the owners to sell the property; YHA and other parties were interested in
purchase, but it was finally withdrawn from sale and late in 1973 YHA took a new lease the
property, at £5pa, and MANWEB electricity board was offered £25 by YHA to connect the
property. Mr Hughes (son) acted as warden in the final years. In 1973 a frank assessment by the
region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties listed the following ‘defects’: Nant-y-Dernol
– Elsan toilets. No meals provided.

324
There were many attempts at modest improvement, a few of which succeeded, in connection with
which HN Spring 1972, announced:
South Wales Region regrets that during alterations to Nant-y-Dernol, undertaken by working parties from
West Birmingham Group, only sub-standard facilities can be provided. It is hoped that the new annexe,
providing improved washing arrangements and water-borne sanitation, will be finished by the end of
June.

This was delayed, however;
Due to atrocious weather conditions it has not been possible to complete the annexe at Nant-y-Dernol.
Any inconvenience to members is regretted [HN Summer 1972].

About the beginning of 1974 a member was offering to build a concrete washroom and toilet block
to the right of the hostel for £300. This was accepted, but by June the offer was reduced to £200
[WS memo March 1974]; nevertheless the block was built; fire precaution adaptations were due
before the 1975 season [WSar74]. Improvements were made by voluntary labour in 1975, when the
common room was reconfigured in open plan to include a much improved members’ kitchen,
formerly cramped [WSar75].
✚Closed 31/10/1987 on the expiry of the lease; Mr (son) and Mrs Hughes were to retire to the
hostel, though they were soon living again at a new Carregbwla.
Handbook 1952-87.
Property tenure: leasehold.
Property profile: 19th-century farm labourer’s cottage. It survives in 2011.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The only postal bus service in Wales calls at Dernol Chapel, one mile from the hostel, en route for
Llangurig and L1anidloes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10.45am. and en route for Dolfach
Isaf (for Rhayader), Llangurig and Llanidloes every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.05am [HN Summer
1972]. (Presently Simple - Recommended Simple - but see below) (approximately 950 bednights).
Nant-y-Dernol is an old shepherd’s hut: 3 up, 2 down. You walk straight into the Common Room /
Dining Room upon entering. A small Members’ Kitchen opens off this. Back stairs run up to a landing
with 2 front room dorms and a tiny back switch dormitory [soon to be converted to the warden’s
dormitory]. Left of the stairs is the men’s dorm. This 8 bed room measured 11’ 6” x 10’ 6”, 120 sq ft.
The floors are bare board. Right is the women’s dorm with 6 beds and measuring about 88 sq ft. There is
a small carpet on the floor. The switch dorm has 2 beds. All rooms are badly in need of decorating and
need new curtains. The landing is also used as an overflow; here, the mattresses are very poor.
The Members’ Kitchen has 6 gas points and a grill. Kitchen equipment is adequate. The warden, who
lives in a caravan in the garden, has moved his own fireplace into the Members’ Kitchen, otherwise this
is a cold room. Drying Room is over the fire in the Common Room.
The main problem is the standstill on the building prograrnme whilst the future of this hostel is being
debated. The men’s and women’s washes are non-existent and some work on these is urgently needed.
Unless this can be completed before the summer rush, this hostel should be closed [Regional Hostel
Report by CA Parrott, 18/4/1973 (extracts)].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Van YH Profile
(v)

NATIONAL FOREST 2007 to present.
Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BD.
Historic County: Leicestershire

GR: SK 305156*

▲Due to open 14/12/2007; the hostel opened Fridays and Saturdays only until March 2008 when it
would be open seven days a week [YHA Website 9/2007]. An official launch was held on
14/3/2008 [leaflet]. Opening had been expected by 8/2007 [YHA Website 8/2006] and construction
was well under way [YHA Supporters’ eNews, 12/2006].
Handbook 2009
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built youth hostel with ecological design features.
(s)

NAUGHTON MILL (see Nedging Tye)
NAZEING 1941 to 1959.
Smalldrinks, Middle Street, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2LH
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 398057*

325
▲Opened April 1941 [LONar41, news article of unknown source].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1941, probably 1942 , though bednight figures are unrecorded, and 194345.

✚Closed 1959. Possession was regained by the owner after a court case under the 1957 Rent Act.
The wardens, the Toettschers, had moved into the house 6 months after their wedding in 1937; they
went on to own their own accommodation hostel at Harlow.
Handbook 1941-59.
Property tenure: tenancy; an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the 28-bed Nazeing youth hostel opened in spring 1941 in a venerable former tavern from which the
name Smalldrinks has been retained. The building, Grade II listed in 1984, is built in the vernacular county style of a
weatherboarded timber-framed structure. A mediaeval cow barn to the rear, at right angles to the main building and
separated from it by a small distance until recent years, is thought to date back to 1490. In the youth hostel era this was
perhaps the men’s dormitory. The original front of the house, a wattle-and-daub timber-framed one-storey structure
designed to shelter humans and animals, is considered to date from about 1530. It was the arrival of brick-making
technology from Germany about 1600 that gave the building roughly its present form of two storeys with brick
chimneys and flues and at some stage its function as an inn. It may have been used as an ecclesiastical watering hole
between Canterbury and St Albans. Smalldrinks is now [2013] a private residence.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Nazeing YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Harlow YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A lovely old weathered cottage, the men’s dorm and members’ kitchen in outhouses, women’s dorm and
common room in the house. The common room is the lounge hall, lovely with old beams, huge fireplace,
inglenook with built-in oak settle, and solid stairs leading off at the back. The warden was a loud
schoolmaster with a Danish wife [Mabel Pratt, ca1949].
Many [hostellers, hundreds from abroad] will remember with nostalgia the colourful midsummer dances
in the garden or the Guy Fawkes nights with fireworks, baked potatoes and bangers. These and other
enterprises were enthusiastically supported by local YHA groups in Essex and north and west London
[article by RA Threadgall, uncertain source].
(v)

NEDGING TYE (NAUGHTON MILL) 1939 to 1983.
Mill House, Nedging Road, Nedging Tye, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7HW.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA; C

GR: TM 017495*

▲Opened Easter 1939, replacing Badwell Ash Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the property was taken over 9/1939 as a school for evacuated children; it would possibly not be
available in 1940 [EANar39], though there were a handful of bednights in 1940SY. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was
issued to state that provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement. The hostel was
certainly withdrawn by 14/10/1940. It was closed for a period, reopened Whit 1943 (weekends only to 8/1943, when a
resident warden was appointed) then fully opened [EANar43]. It operated in 1944-45.

In 1976, the hitherto unused top floor was converted by local effort into a new dormitory with
washroom, providing an extra 14 beds [EAar77].
✚Closed end 1983 season. Proceeds from the sale of hostel and the warden’s cottage were used to
finance the purchase of the assistants’ house at Cambridge.
Handbook 1939-40; 1943-83.
Alternative names: Naughton Mill (1939-70); Naughton Mill (Nedging Tye) (1971).
Property tenure: at first was an accommodation hostel, then a freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided)
1943 [EANar43] (to YHA Trust 10/3/1944).
Property profile: brick-built former water mill, rising to four storeys. There were steep ladder-stairs and low beams
inside [HN Autumn 1974].
Naughton Mill, built in 1909 as an oil-fired mill, is on the site of an earlier wooden mill which was destroyed by fire
the previous year. The foundations can still be seen: a circle between the mill and the Warden’s bungalow. The YHA
took over this four-storey building in 1938 and many signs of the building’s former use remain. The present games
room used to house the oil-fired engines; the milled grain used to be stored on the second floor during the winter, the
grain being hauled from the local farmers’ waggons to the platform above the entrance [WightWash 1973].
Now a private residence [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Naughton 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 6, Naughton Mill, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1951.
Reports, recollections and observations:

326
Square, tall and ugly, and of fairly recent date. The warden’s house is a short way off, and a deserted
camp across the road. Previous hostellers have left the kitchen things doubtful. The women’s dorm is on
the second floor, up two ladders [Mabel Pratt, June 1949].
[Looking for the warden] I went outside and decided to try the cottage nearby. The warden signed me in
and told me to call at the door of her cottage at 7.30pm for supper. She gave me the three courses on a
tray [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 28 April 1962].
One of the best things about this hostel is that it is very lived-in; it is also a mini-zoo… the warden’s dog,
cats, rabbits, geese and goats. The dormitory at Nedging Tye has very low beams… in pitch darkeness, as
each victim entered the room, I winced as he approached the first beam [T Connolly, holiday log, 1975].
More beds for Nedging Tye
A new dormitory in the loft of Nedging Tye Hostel provides 14 extra beds. The project, now completed,
was carried out by Maldon Cycling Club, with financial assistance from other cycling clubs and
individuals; under the organisation of Steve Cruse.
As well as the extra beds, which make the total at Nedging Tye 49, there are other improvements,
including two more WCS and three wash basins. The roof has been insulated, a hot water system
installed, fire exit stairs and hand rail added, and the hostel re-decorated throughout.
The electrical work was done by Peter Finch from Braintree Cycling Club. Assistance in painting came
from Beacontree CC whilst the rest of the work was completed by Maldon CC. Fred Emery, the Warden,
who is President of Maldon CC, led and controlled the work throughout.
The whole project was accomplished at very little cost to the YHA, a remarkable achievement by
voluntary effort [HN Spring 1977].
NERQUIS One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930, to open summer 1931. Did
not open.
Nercwys, Flintshire. GR: SJ 2360 approx.
▼A delightful site, overlooked by Moel Fammau, had been offered the Group for the first hostel in its chain [BYHA
prospectus, 1930]. It was replaced at the planning stage by Maeshafn Hostel.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Alf [Embleton] organised a bus party, which took us to Nerquis, where we saw the site Mr Emrys Jones
had presented for the first hostel to be built. (This was subsequently changed to Maeshafn owing to lack
of water here) [Bertha Gough diary, Sunday 28th September 1930].

NETHER SILTON 1952 to 1958.
Silton House, Nether Silton, Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: SE 456923*

▲Opened 6/1952 (Whit) [YHAF], a small hostel to replace the pre-war Osmotherley Hostel. Mr
and Mrs Richardson placed half of their house at the region’s disposal [WEAar52].
✚Closed 30/6/1958, as the wardens left the district.
Handbook 1952 supplement-58.
Property tenure: an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: stone village house with arched entrance porch.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc

NETHER WALLOP 1933 to 1940.
Stockbridge and Salisbury Road (A30), Nether Wallop, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: LON
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on the Regional Guide map≠.

GR: SU 269351

▲Opened 1933. The hostel was run in conjunction with a petrol station.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated up to closure in June 1940 [LON mins].

✚Closed 6/1940.
Handbook 1933-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small single-storey hut. A postcard sketch suggests that this was of timber or composite board.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Nether Wallop 751 ≈† RG35.tif
A very different place is Nether Wallop. Remember first that it is neither Nether nor Wallop, but high on
the open hills, three miles out by a road that runs right over the roof of the Downs unflinchingly into the
south-west wind. It was a wet wind when we walked into it that July evening at an hour when I had
hoped to be at supper. But at last we found the hostel, and in it that spirit of good cheer that befits a
hostel whose warden is an old sailor. Soon we were passably dry and set to work to cook our supper from
the ample stocks we had laid in from the grocer in the last village just as he was closing. The hostel (an
old army hutment) is not a spacious one; indeed there is (or was) almost need of a notice “Cooking

327
facilities for thin hostellers and small eggs only.” Still we fed well and slept well, and next morning were
well rewarded for our wetting; the rain-washed air was keen like wine, and full of the golden sparkle of
sunrise in an unclouded sky, and all around us the long soft sweep of the hills. [Southern Pathfinder
article, Spring 1934, by Herbert [Gatliff?]].

NETHER WASDALE (see Wastwater)
NEUADD FAWR 1948 to 1951.
Neuadd Fawr, Cilycwm, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire.
Historic County: Carmarthenshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 752418*

▲Opened 1/7/1948 partially, 1/2/1949 fully. The 1948 Handbook advised of future opening; its
supplement that the hostel was fully open.
Neuadd Fawr is in the hands of the builders. Rows of wash-basins are being installed, shower baths, sinks, etc., being
fixed, and at the same time the plumbers are trying to solve the mysteries of the mile or so of piping that is in the hostel.
The great hall, the biggest rooms. and the exterior are being re-decorated, and already there are plenty of signs that the
final result is going to be excellent. At the same time, Mr. Donald Picken of the National Executive Committee and
some skilled helpers are installing the new electric plant. Everything should be finished before August Bank Holiday,
but in the meantime it’s business as usual during alterations. Augusto and Doreen are finding things rather hectic, with
10 workmen all over the hostel, and anything up to 30 hostellers in at night. Wanted: volunteers to clean up after the
builders at Neuadd Fawr towards the end of July [SWAHr 7/49].

However, it always made a very large loss; by 1950 the Regional Council decided to dispose of it
[SWAar50]. It appears that the decision to acquire this property was always divisive.
✚Closed 15/9/1951 and the property sold 28/9/1951 [YHAPB], or mid-summer [SWAar51].
Handbook 1948-51.
Alternative names: Llandovery (1948); Neuadd Fawr, Llandovery (1948 supplement); Neuadd Fawr, Cilycwm (1949)
Property tenure: approved for purchase by National Finance Committee [SWAHr 12/47]. Freehold purchase (Ministry
of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 3/2/1948). Sold back to the original owners [postcard comment].
Property profile: large mansion of 40 rooms discovered in a sorry state. It was sold back by YHA to the original owners
[postcard comment]. The property is now semi-ruined.
Warden detail (snapshot): The first wardens were Mr & Mrs Vinnicombe from Boulter’s Lock [SWAHr Spr48], or Mr
R Morley [L Porter]. Later [postcard comment], Mrs Sears.
My father Ray Morley was in a work party preparing the near derelict house for hostel use. One evening
they lit a huge fire to try to dry out the property. There was a ghastly moment when strange noises and
nvisions were experienced by the firelight. They turned out to be the wallpaper unfurling in cascades
[Helen Maurice-Jones, rcalled 2014].
The ‘Mansion in the Mountains’ opened on 1st July. There is still much needed there, and members who
are willing to give at least three full days work each week may stay for a week or a fortnight at an
inclusive charge of 25s per week [Rucksack Midsummer 1948].
(v)

NEWBIGGIN (probably) 1932 to 1938.
Laurel Bank, Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 469291*

▲Opened 1932, about July, with 218 bednights [LAKar32].
✚Closed 1938 [Rucksack Autumn 1938], at the request of the host [LAKar38].
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: stone detached house next to the post office at the time [LAKar32]. It is now a private residence [JM,
2007].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Newbiggin 751 † RG32.doc
(v)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Temporary hostels planned 1969-77. (See entries below)
The 1970-74 Handbooks contained an entry for Newcastle upon Tyne. These stated that it was hoped to have a
temporary hostel open again (no details are given). The 1975 entry (again with no details) stated that there would be a
hostel.
Handbooks 1970-75.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (TEMPORARY) [Jesmond Dene] 1969 to 1972.

328
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 2.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD

GR: NZ 254672*

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 21/7/1969, the end of season being 25/8/1969. There were 44
beds and a members’ kitchen, but no meals were provided. The 1970-72 Handbooks contained an
entry for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, stating that it was hoped to have a temporary hostel open again (no
details are given).
✚Closed 1972; not available in 1973 [HN].
Handbook 1969 supplement-72 supplement (in supplements only).
Property tenure: rent paid to Local Authority [YHAar69].
Property profile: Georgian House, designed by John Dobson, with Arts and Crafts period additions by Norman Shaw.
In the 20th century it was used as a college, Civil Defence establishment (tunnels still exist under the house), and
seminary; by the time YHA had use of it in the summer months it had become a Local Authority Special Needs
Boarding School.
Since 2005 the property has functioned as the Jesmond Dene House Hotel and Restaurant.
Published material: article Tyneside Temporary, Youth Hosteller April 1969.
Published material: article House Full, Youth Hosteller November 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1970 I rang the local paper to say that we had had 2,000 overnights in 5 weeks, from umpteen
countries and no vandalism or trouble of any kind. Response was ‘Oh yes’ as much as to say what news
is that? In 1973 my mother rang me one evening to say that she didn’t know we had thieves at the YH
until she had read in the paper that two American girls staying at YH had been fined for shop-lifting!
Now that was news worth printing!
It had to be given up as hostellers continued to turn up out of season, disturbing the resident children and
staff [Freda and Ian Miller, wardens].
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE [Ashleigh Hall] Temporary hostel planned 1973. Did not open.
Ashleigh Hall, Elmfield Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE3 4BW. GR: NZ 237673
▼There was a Handbook entry for Newcastle upon Tyne, stating that it was hoped to have a temporary hostel open
again [1973 Handbook, no location or details]. These appeared in the 1973 supplement.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Ashleigh House, Elmfield Road residents were naturally horrified learning that a ‘hostel’ was to be in
their midst and a public meeting was called. The private dentist next door asked what time hostellers left
(10am) and when they got in (5pm) ‘So between these hours you have no control over them?’ I replied
yes and even during the stated hours I only have control INSIDE the building. ‘That’s even worse than I
thought’ and he got his brother who happened to be director of education to give us the top three floors
of Claude Gibb halls of residence [Freda and Ian Miller, Newcastle Hostels wardens].

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE [Claude Gibb] [Temporary] 1973 only.
Claude Gibb Hall of Residence, Sandyford Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD

GR: NZ 252650*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 14/7-1/9/1973 only. The 1973 Handbook contains an entry for
Newcastle upon Tyne, stating that it was hoped to have a temporary hostel open again. No location
or details were given. Details followed in the 1973 supplement.
Handbook 1973 supplement.
Property tenure: rent paid to Local Authority [Ian Miller]
Property profile: Newcastle Polytechnic student hall of residence. The hostel was located on the top 3 floors of the 11storey Claude Gibb Hall.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We took it over for one summer; it was the hostel with the highest bicycle shed in the country [Freda and
Ian Miller, wardens].

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE [St Dominic’s School] [Temporary] 1974 to 1977.
St Dominic’s School, Crawhall Road, New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1.
Historic County: Northumberland
YHA Region: BD
GR: NZ 259644*
Positional note: on the east [west is incorrect] side of town, near A193 road to Tynemouth. NZ 274638 in HN is
incorrect.

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 1974. In the first year it was open 15/7-14/9. The 1974
Handbook contained an entry for Newcastle upon Tyne, stating that it was hoped to have a
temporary hostel open again. No location or details were given; these followed in the 1974

329
supplement. The 1975 entry, again with no details, stated that there would be a hostel. It provided
50 beds but no meals [SYHA Echo 7/1974].
✚Closed 1977.
Handbook 1974-75 (supplements only); 1976-77.
Property tenure: rent paid to Newcastle polytechnic [Ian Miller]
Property profile: Victorian school premises, taken over before YHA use by Newcastle Polytechnic [Freda and Ian
Miller, wardens].
The block has since been demolished and replaced by housing.

NEWCASTLE [Jesmond Road] 1978 to 2011.
107 Jesmond Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 1NJ.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD; N

GR: NZ 256655*(s)

▲Opened by 2/1978. The 1978 Handbook expressed a hope to open here, with no details; these
followed in the 1978 supplement. The property was found by and in time wardened by Freda and
Ian Miller.
In 1994 the washrooms were much improved and storage heaters fitted in the corridors [YHA
News June 1994]. The following winter the dormitories were improved with new décor, improved
security, better cycle provision and enhanced entrance hall and further heating [YHA News April
1995]. In 1999 extra accommodation was considered: 21 single bedrooms behind the Metro could
be taken at £15 per room. 62% occupancy was needed to break even, and 1 week’s notice was
needed to cancel [YHA internal memo]. It is not known if this was taken up.
✚Closed 31/10/2011 (last overnight 30/10/2011).
Handbook 1978-2009 .
Alternative name: Newcastle upon Tyne (1978-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 9/1/1978 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: formerly the Sanderson Hotel, on a main thoroughfare.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We have been involved with all Newcastle YHs from 1969. Rents were paid to local authority by region
for all but St Dominics, which we rented from the Polytechnic.
Violet Hart was warden in 1978 – I had known her from her being a GVC cadet when I was their
chairman and when I, as Hon Treasurer had bought the YH she was fed up with her current job so took it
on during the week and Freda and I gave her time off at weekends to go to her home in South Shields. I
managed to get redundancy in 1980 and Violet didn’t want to face another summer and we took over in
May 1981 with her giving us time off during the week so she was at home with her husband at weekends.
Violet’s husband had access to a van and I sold the hotel’s divan beds at £5 each delivered with his aid so
we had room for the bunks. He and I sawed up sheets of 8’ x 4’ ply to put on the beds while Freda bought
the mattresses etc. and I paid the bills (sounds familiar?) I got the keys on 17th December 1977 and we
opened by February 1978.
Room 6 that you had, was 1st floor with you going to 2nd for toilets.
Peter Elkerton, National architect had one of his assistants draw up plans for modifying the YH of course
without regional involvement and he brought them when we had opened. Gone were the single rooms
you appreciated on your visit. All hardboard partitioning was removed to leave the large Victorian
rooms! He turned some of the existing washbasins 90 degrees so they were all the same on drawing. Dept
of Education gave a 50% grant to purchase & mods National paid 3/4 of the balance and region had to
pay the rest - so I refused and they sent a different young architect who had just done Greenhead - he said
how would I like it and that’s how it is now. When I asked the first one about my small rooms he said
YHA don’t like small rooms and when asked why, he said that couples could ahem get together in them.
I said if YH was quiet couples could ahem get together in one of his 10 bedded rooms if it was empty.
I wasn’t on the regional council when in 1986 the regions surrenderd their hard saved money to National
to run up massive debt. I used to lend Bert Armstrong national accountant a few thousand to get him over
a bleak winter and get it back in spring as memberships came in. The voluntary side have no power
whatsoever now.
In 2009 Newcastle was closed while it was made ‘fit for purpose’ - implying that before it had been unfit
for purpose. Scaffolding outside for weeks and friends said ‘what are they doing at your hostel?’ and
though on the regional council as a Vice President I had to say that I didn’t know - why should they
deign to tell us? [Ian Miller, Newcastle Hostels warden].
After the improvements to the washrooms in 1994, one lady staying at the Hostel in February was heard
to remark that she felt like moving her bed in there [YHA News June 1994].

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (see Newcastle)1

330
NEWHAVEN Hostel planned about 1950. Did not open.
Newhaven, East Sussex. GR: TQ 4401 approx.
▼A large old building of considerable character had been acquired, which it was hoped to open during 1951 [LRN
2/1950]. A 50-bed hostel should be provided in 1951 [LONar49, presented 3/1950]. The plan did not proceed due to a
full and very unfavourable report on the property [LRN 6/1950].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fort Newhaven YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH
Profile

NEWHAVEN (FORT NEWHAVEN) 1983 to 1985.
The Guard Room, Fort Newhaven, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9DL.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SE

GR: TQ 449002*

▲Opened late summer 1983.
✚Closed from 1/7/1985: the region reluctantly took closure action because the owners were not
operating to the standards required by the Association and the public health authority [SEar85].
Handbook 1983 supplement-85.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: barrack room of Victorian fortress.
This is now the entrance / exit point and shop for Fort Newhaven visitor attraction [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fort Newhaven YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-South Downs YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Newhaven Fort was the first fort to be built into the English landscape, rather than standing on top of it. It
was constructed in the 1860s high on the cliffs of the Sussex coast to see off Napoleon [sic] and its
advantageous position was utilised in both World Wars. The fort was handed over to the local council in
1962 and was eventually restored as a military history attraction. The big guns facing out to sea on the
cliff can be climbed over, and the old Victorian tunnels and corridors to the magazine (where gunpowder
was stored) and the laboratory (where explosives were prepared) can be explored [Independent
Newspaper article, 2006].
(v)

NEWGALE (See Penycwm)
NEWLANDS CORNER Property investigated 1941. Did not open.
Newland Corner, Surrey. GR: TQ 045495 (probable)
▼A huge hotel and farmhouse property here was on the market for £10,000 in 1941; London Region Group sought the
advice of the National body about pursuing this property and was left in no doubt not to do so.
NEWMARKET [Flintshire] One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open
summer 1931. Did not open.
On the slopes of the Gop Hill. GR: SJ 0979 approx.
▼The site here commanded the best panoramic view in the district [BYHA prospectus, 1930]. Gop Hill is near the
village Trelawnyd, Flintshire, since 1954 the Welsh name for the old settlement of Newmarket.
Reports, recollections and observations:
From [Nerquis, qv] we walked via Moel Fammau, Moel Arthur, Moel Etty to Newmarket where it was
proposed the second hostel should be. (This did not materialise). It was 21 miles hard walking but it was
a fine day, and all the party were very enthusiastic about the hostels. The only people I have a note of
being present were Tom [Fairclough], Alf [Embleton], Connie [Alexander], Tom Lloyd-Jones, Ann
Caddick (now his wife) Ingram [Knowles] and Molly [Bertha Gough diary, Sunday 28th September
1930].

NEW MILTON 1935 to 1935 or 1936.≠
New Milton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

▲Opened 1935. There were 204 bednights in total [SOUar35].

GR: SZ 2495 approx.

331
✚Closed 1935, almost certainly, or early 1936SY: there is now no hostel at New Milton [Rucksack
Winter 1935]. Perhaps the future was unclear, as the 1935 Annual Report footnote ran closed till
further notice [SOUar35]. It was replaced by Burley (Forest Glen) Hostel.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: property at an unknown address.

NEW OXFORD (see Oxford)
NEWPORT [Isle of Wight] [Temporary] 1971 to 1978.
Youth Centre, St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE

GR: SZ 497892*[GD]

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 1/7/1971 in part of the Old Grammar School. A limited
members’ kitchen was available. There were 31 beds.
✚Closed 1978.
Handbook 1971 supplement-78 (brief details only).
Property tenure: leased from the Isle of Wight County Council: the island’s temporary hostels were Youth Centres
during term time, but Southern Region rented them for the summer. Initially the opening period had been all of July
and August, but usage in early July was relatively low. Later the opening period was moved to start in mid-July.
Property profile: the hostel was at the corner of Lugley Street [GD].
King Charles 1st once stayed in the building.
Reports, recollections and observations:
At Newport, the accommodation was in two single-storey temporary buildings (I used to call them
Asbestos tents) at the back of the old grammar school: a useful location, but visitors tended to be
disappointed by the actual building as the “King Charles I slept here” publicity was a little economical
with the truth. The demise of the hostel came after a Hostel Standards inspection in 1977, where the
inspector was less than impressed to see that when a customer ordered a salad, I would disappear into the
(outside) Gents toilet (the only running water available) to wash it. The hostel didn’t have a phone, but I
was able to make occasional use of the phone in the main building (in which King Charles did actually
sleep). The caretaker there summoned me to answer a call one day, to find that it was an ordinary
hosteller checking details. How had she got the (unpublished) number? She had mistaken the 6-digit Grid
Reference in the handbook for an Isle of Wight phone number, and when she dialled it, found herself
talking to someone in Niton who – by luck – had heard that YHA was using the Youth Centres, and
looked up the Newport number in the phone book.
The equipment at the [island’s temporary] hostels consisted of camp beds, blankets (one alarmingly
labelled as having come from an isolation hospital!) and a two-ring electric hob per hostel (shared
between wardens who provided limited meals, and self-cookers) except at Wootton Bridge which had a
proper cooker. There was a very small plug-in Belling oven used at Shorwell (perhaps allocated there
because there was less choice of commercial food nearby) - it had a temperature gauge but no thermostat,
so cooking anything (I made the odd quiche) required a constant vigil to manage the temperature.
The kit was all stored in the loft at Whitwell Hostel. The warden there, Pete, rigged up a pulley system
over an old bicycle wheel to hoist kit up and down, just like an Amsterdam merchant house.
It was a brilliant job: I got it after listening to Radio 4’s “You and Yours” which had a feature on “Jobs at
the Seaside” that mentioned YHA. I was 19, at the start of the summer vacation from university and
about to start looking for a job in boring Croydon, so this sounded wonderful. I phoned Southern Region
in Streatham and went up the next day to meet Ken Oliffe, the Operations Manager (?) who offered me
the job on the spot despite my complete lack of experience of running anything, or of having any real
expertise in catering.
I have many happy memories, including delivering enormous blocks of cheese from Cash & Carry in
Newport to a fellow warden using my Honda-90 motorbike. And it was the origin of my involvement in
YHA which eventually took me to being a National Officer - albeit only Assistant Treasurer - in the
1980’s [John Geddes, Newport warden, 1976 and 1977].
(v)

NEWPORT (PEMBS) / NEWPORT (DYFED) [Maen Llwyd]
Maen Llwyd, Cilgwyn Road, Newport, Dyfed SA42 OQG.

1972 to 1976.

GR: SN 066382*
Historic County: Pembrokeshire
YHA Region: WS
Positional note: the Grid reference is for the hostel, Maen Llwyd. Fountain Hall, GR: SN 067382*, was the warden’s
home, a hundred yards south-east.

▲Opened 25/3/1972, with 849 bednights in the first season [WSar72]; the hostel first appeared in
the supplement to the 1972 Handbook. The warden was Mrs Phoebe Lewis, except for Mrs MV
Procyk in the opening months.

332
✚Closed 5/11/1976 [WSar77].
Handbook 1972 supplement-76
Alternative name: Newport (Pembs) (1973-74)
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: the YHA architect’s floor plan of Maen Llwyd showed 3 small dorms, a common room, a kitchen and
a bike shed / toilets. The office and a little shop were at Fountain Hall. Both Maen Llwyd and Fountain Hall are now
much adapted private dwellings.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Newport is a new and welcome addition. There is still a certain amount of adaptation work to do. The
warden lives about 100 yards away [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 30/5/1972 (extracts)].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,200 bednights..
Newport is a small old-fashioned country cottage in very good condition despite its age and rustic
condition. It has the basic essentials for a Simple hostel plus running water and electricity and therefore
has WCs and the necessary power to provide all the other basic comforts.
There is a good deal of close wood panelling on the walls and ceiling. The rooms tend to be dark.
Painting in a bright gloss is the only way of livening up the bedrooms. The floors, except for the
Members’ Kitchen floor, which is concrete, are good. These floors need revarnishing.
Bad overcrowding is obvious. I measured: Dorm 2 – 16sq ft per bedspace; Dorm 3 – 21sq ft per
bedspace, and all dormitories have in addition a hand basin. There are two WCs but there should be a
spare. No electric shaver points. No sanitowel dispenser. This should be supplied as the warden lives off
the premises. There is no hot water in the Members’ Kitchen. An electric hot water heater is the answer.
Alternatively, it should be fairly easy to put a large Sadia in the attic and run hot water to both the
Members’ Kitchen and the hand basins in each dorm.
Newport is a good basic Simple hostel, easy to improve if the bednight figures justify it in the future
[Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 1/8/1973 (extracts)].
We lived at Maen Llwyd before it was a hostel. A YHA worker from the Haverforwest area worked with
someone who had connections with Maen Llwyd. Mrs Lewis was asked to warden [Mr Lewis, speaking
in 2006].
(s)

NEWPORT (DYFED) / TREFDRAETH [St Mary’s Street] 1995 to present.
Lower St Mary’s Street, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA42 OTS.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SN 058392*

▲Opened 1/7/1995. Officially opened 15/11/1995.
Handbook 1995-2009
Alternative names: Newport (Pembs) (1995-97); Newport (Pembrokeshire) (1998-99); Trefdraeth (2000-06), Newport
(2007-08).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former school, built 1874 and replaced by a newer building late in the twentieth century.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pwll Deri YH
Profile
(s)

NEW QUAY SANDS (CEI NEWYDD) 1971 to 1989.
The Glyn, Church Street, Newquay, Dyfed SA45 9NU.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SN 389600*

▲Opened 1971, temporarily adapted in the first year [WSar71]; building work was virtually
complete by 1973 [WSar73]. Through the efforts of volunteers the new family unit and enlarged
members’ kitchen came into use on 01/06/79 [WSar79].
✚Closed end 1989 season. In 1989-90 the property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar90].
Handbook 1969-89 (1969 as hoped to open, no details).
Alternative names:New Quay (1969 and 1983-84); New Quay (Cardigan) (1970-73); New Quay (Cei Newydd)
(Cardiganshire) (1974); New Quay (Cei Newydd) (Dyfed) (1975-78); New Quay (Dyfed)(1979-82); New Quay Sands
(1985-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 13/12/1968 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: formerly the seafront Glyn Hotel.
The premises are now Vanity, a hair and beauty shop [KF, 2011].

333
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 3,000 bednights.
New Quay is an old hotel and therefore easily converts into a hostel. Converts is the operative word. The
builders have been in for nearly eighteen months now and there is still much work to be done. In
particular, I found WCs without doors, and a pile of building material in the Common Room. The warden
has had to clear much of the builders’ rubbish himself. But this does not hide the fact that this hostel is
definitely Standard now and could be, after the new work is finished, up to Superior grade. I have no
doubt that once the word gets around, it will attract a very large number of people who do not fit into the
categories of dedicated walkers or cyclists but who nevertheless spend their holidays hostelling. We must
wait until next summer to see it as a completed hostel.
The most important job to be done, after the major building work is finished, is improvement of the
floors. With the exception of the Common Room, which has a fitted carpet, the floors throughout are bare
wood often in a pretty bad state. The stairs are narrow and badly in need of a tidy up. These stairs are the
only means of access to the entire building (which consists of basement, ground, first, second and third
floors; a tall narrow building) and therefore get a lot of wear.
There are seven dorms, one out of action. All bunks, mattresses and blankets are new and attractive.
Hand basins are in most rooms and even with this extra addition, there is no sense of overcrowding.
Some dorms have been recently decorated and look smart; others still show signs of the builders’
handiwork. There will be 1 WC, 4 hand basins and 2 showers for each sex, but these are still being built
(men’s showers not operating, no doors on some WCs). Also I WC at rear of building.
The Dining Room is still in the process of decoration with a meals provided washup just behind. A
comfortable Common Room is in the front of the building. The Members’ Kitchen is in the basement
(access by a new spiral staircase). New and fairly smart but no bench or side table for the preparation of
food and the small tables for eating are soon occupied on busy evenings. The warden keeps an excellent
food store despite shops being so near [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 30/7/1973
(extracts)].
(s)

NEWQUAY [Cornwall] 1976 to 1994.
Alexandra Court, Narrowcliff, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2QF.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SW 820620

▲Opened Summer 1976, with 70 beds, with financial assistance from the DES. Opening would be
delayed [HN Spring 1976]. By 1979 it was adapted to full superior standards [HN Spring 1979].
✚Closed 1994. The final bednights were in 1994SY, finishing 28/2/1995.
Handbook 1976-94 (1992 and 1993 as for sale and may not be available).
Alternative name: Newquay (Cornwall) (1976-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 11/12/1975, assisted by the DES (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: formerly the United Services orphanage, built in the 1930s.
The building was demolished by July 2003. On the site stands the Narrowcliff Surgery [KF, 2011].

NEWSTEAD ABBEY 1933 to 1935.
Longdale Farm, Longdale Lane, Linby, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 575526*

▲Opened 1933, for 3 months [NMIar33]. Thereafter there were 394 and 238 bednights
respectively in 1934SY and 1935SY.
✚Closed 1935 [NMIar35].
Handbook 1933 supplement-35.
Alternative name: Linby (1933 supplement).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a mushroom farm. In 2002 a private school.
(v)

NEW TALBOT HOUSE (see London)
NEWTOWN [Isle of Wight] 1935 to 1939 or 1940.
Old Town Hall, Town Lane, Newtown, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 423905*

▲Opened 7/1935. The 1935 Handbook provided no details, but advised members to contact the
address provided.
✚Closed 1939 [YHAF] or 1940, the end of season being 15/9/1940.

334
Wartime arrangements: records of possible usage or bednights for 1940 are missing. The tenancy was terminated about
this time as the hostel was in the wartime ‘D’ Restricted Area [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42]. The hostel was
definitely withdrawn by 14/10/1940.
Handbook 1935-40
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 10/3/1936).
Property profile: Town Hall, built 1677 [GD] [or 1699, NT], in a medieval new town now reduced to village status. The
building had been rescued by the Ferguson Gang, a group of eccentric anonymous masked philanthropes, reportedly
women, who raised funds to save traditional England, and was handed over to the National Trust in 1933.
It was restored for £1,000. The men’s quarters were downstairs, women’s were upstairs, with the washing and catering
facilities at the north end of the basement [GD].
Newtown was created in 1256 by the Bishop of Winchester. He divided the land into 73 burgages (long, thin strips of
land) which he rented out. Bv the mid 1300s, around 300 people lived here, making a living from farming and trade
from the harbour. However, the town was burnt down during a French attack in 1377. There has probably been an
official building here since the 1250s, but the current building was built in 1699. Newtown had two Members of
Parliament from 1584 to 1832, despite its tiny population. The 1832 Reform Act declared Newtown to be a ‘Rotten
Borough’. It lost its MPs and the Town Hall fell into disrepair [National Trust notice].
Web resource:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3636108/Fergusons-Gang-masked-maidens-with-an-excellent-cause.html
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Newtown IoW 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

NEWTOWN [Mont., Broad Street] 1936 to 1940.
26 Broad Street (33 Broad Street), Newtown, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SO 107918*

▲Opened 30/5/1936.
✚Closed 1939 or 1940, the end of season being 30/9/1940.
Wartime arrangements: the premises were requisitioned during 1940SY, then temporarily released, but too late for the
season; it would probably remain closed until permanently released. Nevertheless, there were 280 bednights in
1940SY. The hostel was withdrawn by 14/10/1940, staying closed in 1941-43 [BMWar41,43]. As late as 1943 the
region anticipated its return after the war [BMWar43], but this did not take place.
Handbook 1936 supplement-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel, a former woollen mill, was described as opposite the Post Office adjoining the river bridge.
The address given in 1939-40, 33 Broad Street, was the warden’s address. The mill was a little distance down river
from Broad Street, on the south bank; previous to YHA use it had been an occupational centre for unemployed men.
The building survives in 2006.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Newtown Mont A 751 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Volunteers worked to eradicate the stench from the stables beneath the hostel [Birmingham Region
working party volunteer M Reynolds].
(v)

NEWTOWN [Mont., Llanllwchaiarn Road] 1958 to 1967.
Old Llanllwchaiarn Church School, Llanllwchaiarn Road, Newtown, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW; WS

GR: SO 109919*

▲Opened 1/3/1958, replacing Cefn-y-Coed Hostel, from where equipment was transferred;
Newtown was thought to be a more suitable location [BMWar57]. The address given in 1958 was
27 Commercial Street, opposite the hostel, where the warden, Mrs O Owen, lived [BMWar58].
✚Closed 1967, because of lease difficulties, and replaced by Newtown (Severn Place) Hostel.
Handbook 1958-68.
Property tenure: leasehold from the Church Parish from 15/5/1958 for 5 years (to YHA Trust 15/6/1958), and extended.
The tenancy expired 1/3/1968 [YHAPB].
Property profile: former church school [or chapel hall, see below], more recently the Powys Theatre, whose address is
now given as Canal Road or Cambrian Way.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Trefin YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Van YH Profile
Published material: article, Newtown, New Hostel, Youth Hosteller March 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We helped set up Newtown hostel. Bob Powell painted the railings a shade so distinctive that it was
always known in YHA circles as Newtown Green [Sylvia Errington, reporting in 2013].

335
The hostel which had only just been opened was a chapel hall which it was proposed to use as such in the
winter and as a hostel each summer. ‘P’ and I were the only occupants of a huge dormitory [Pat
Packham, International Tramping Tours, Holiday for Railway Enthusiasts, 19 August 1958].
I had a huge room to myself and bolted the door and then wedged it with my hostel handbook to stop it
rattling [Pat Packham, Touring Wales on a bicycle, April 1959].
(v)

NEWTOWN [Mont., Severn Place] 1968 to 1973.
Severn Place, Newtown, Montgomeryshire SY17 2NQ.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: WS

GR: SO 107917

▲Opened 31/3/1968, replacing Newtown (Llanllwchaiarn Road). A South Wales region memo of
1968 referred to the intention to lease 3 rooms: boys’ dorm on the ground floor, common room etc
on the first, and girls’ dorm on the second, though this appears to have been simplified
subsequently. A formal opening was to be held on 14/7/1968, but was beset with problems and
cancelled. Correspondence was with 27 the Flats, Canal Road, Newtown, the same warden’s
address as that of the previous hostel, but by the time of the official opening Mr Lewis was in
charge. He died in 1969, and Brian Green was in charge from 1970. Newtown Hostel became the
first in the region to be converted to North Sea Gas.
A compulsory purchase order was served in 1973 for demolition, leading WS regional council to
consider as replacement a terrace of condemned houses, Weavers’ Cottages, ¾ mile east of Severn
Place.
✚Closed 31/10/1973 [WSar74]. Equipment was to be transferred to other hostels.
Handbook 1968 supplement-73.
Property tenure:
Property profile: first floor of old commercial premises, since demolished for an area improvement scheme. In 1970 the
warden’s dormitory was downstairs (reducing the accommodation to M20W16), while the office and shop were on the
first floor – the warden sought to improve the layout, but the hostel was known to be temporary [SWA mins May
1970].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,500 bednights.
Newtown hostel is centrally placed in the town. YHA has the use of part of a large building containing a
number of offices. The building is soon for demolition and we are likely to lose it in a year.
There are 2 dormitories some distance apart. The men’s dorm contains 20 beds. Mattresses and springs
are good but some of the blankets are worn out and need changing. It is about 420sq ft, about 21sq ft per
bed, so I suspect overcrowding. The women’s dorm contains 16 beds. Beds and mattresses are
satisfactory but again many blankets need replacing. All rooms needed redecorating but will see the
season out. Both dorms are heated during the day by a central heating system primarily for the offices.
This should mean no warm dormitories for at least part of the night.
The men’s wash is adjacent to the dorm. It has cold water, plastic bowls and 1 WC. Facilities are similar
in the women’s wash but they have an additional loo which is shared by office staff.
Newtown is a 36 bed hostel with no meals provided. However, the Dining Room / Common Room seats
a bare 18. With an annual bednight figure of 1,500 there must be some overcrowding at the busy periods.
There are 17 easy chairs. General decorations are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. The
Members’ Kitchen is a trifle small for a no meals provided hostel, but it has 14 gas points, a grill and an
oven. There is sufficient space for food storage but only one small sink, certainly insufficient for this
hostel. There is no Drying Room. A good cycle shed. With shops within 2 minutes walk the food store is
sufficient.
To sum up, this is a good Simple hostel but I hope that it would be replaced, if the Region can find
suitable premises [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 18/4/1973 (extracts)].
(s)
NEWTOWN [Mont.] Hostel planned 1974. Did not open.
Newtown, Montgomeryshire. GR: SO 1191 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here. Regional minutes suggest that the Severn Place property was the one considered,
but it came to nothing. Old terraced houses near the river, already condemned, were also considered.

NINEBANKS 1947 to present.
Orchard House, Mohope, Ninebanks, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NY 771513*

336
▲Opened 1/8/1947 [NOTar47]. In 1958 the hostel was adopted by five members, who put a
drainage trench around the warden’s cottage to divert hill water [Tyneside Hosteller Jul/Aug 1958].
Closure was planned for the end of 1990; the property was put up for sale by YHA, and the hostel
bought by two long-term members who started an operating agreement with YHA. The premises
have been considerably modernised in recent years. In 2004 capacity was increased with the
addition of a new attic room, and solar panels were added [Triangle]. In 2007 the old mine shop
part of the hostel, that was previously an annexe with dorms, was totally refurbished to give four
small en-suite rooms. It is now part of the main building, joined on by a new large dining room.
The common room had the magnificent stone floor lifted (all pieces were numbered so it could be
put back), a damp proof course fitted, and everything put back as it was [YHA Website].
Handbook 1947 supplement-2009
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 2/6/1947 or 2/7/1947≠). From 1990 there has been an Enterprisetype agreement between the new owners and YHA.
Property profile: two former lead miners’ cottages dating from the seventeenth century form the hostel with annexe and
warden’s cottage. A men’s dormitory hut was placed to the rear. This has been taken out of use in recent years.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/340207
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rock Hall YH
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 103, Ninebanks, Youth Hosteller July 1966.
Reports, recollections and observations:

Ninebanks memories
Looking at the website, I wouldn’t recognise it as the place I stayed at, especially the inside.
I stayed there in the early 1960s with my sister and a school friend when we were breaking in boots for a
Scottish holiday. We arrived to find the place locked up, even though we were booked, and had to find
someone to open up for us. An old man let us in and left us to it. Everywhere was very run down and
damp so we lit a fire in the old range that was there then and dragged the best of the damp mattresses
downstairs to dry out by the fire. Fortunately we were the only ones there so we did in fact spend a very
enjoyable evening sitting by the fire. By the time we went to bed the mattresses were reasonably dry, but
the upstairs rooms were in an awful damp condition and left a lot to be desired [Janet Windale, recounted
in 2007].

An idyllic setting
Since Alston Hostel opened, understandably fewer Pennine Way walkers have made the detour to stay
overnight at Ninebanks. Towards the end of May last year, only 23 people had been there in 23 nights.
Yet Ninebanks is the sort of remote, idyllic place that hostellers remember with nostalgia. A 200-year-old
former lead miner’s cottage, it stands on a lonely road which turns into a track and then into a footpath
over Mohope Moor. The only sound to be heard is the warbling call of the curlew. An old walled green
road starting half a mile north east of the hostel leads over White Hill towards Alston, only seven miles
away.
Orchard House lives up to its name, with an apple tree climbing up the wall in front. Inside, it is cosy
though simple, with a log fire and low wooden beams. Water comes from a spring and electricity from
the hostel’s own generator, so there is every modern convenience. From the common room window seat,
wide views can be seen across towards the low green hills and neatly spaced farms of West Allen Dale,
prosperous-looking and peaceful [HN Winter 1976-77].
When I stayed at Ninebanks for the first time [about 1980] I had the hostel to myself. It was bitterly cold
when I awoke in the morning, so I tried to get warm using a couple of gas hobs in the members kitchen.
Heaven alone knows what time it was! I cycled via Alston and Burnhope and it was still only 8:00am
when I reached Middleton-in-Teesdale [Tony Hartley, reporting in 2013].
(s)
NORFOLK COAST Hostel planned 1953. Did not open.
▼A disused railway station was being invesigated at an undisclosed location on the Norfolk Coast. Negotiation were
broken off after severe flood damage to the property [EANar53].
NORHAM Hostel planned 1942. Did not open.
Norham, Northumberland. GR: NT 9047 approx.
▼The Northumberland & Tyneside Group had earmarked several Ministry of Agriculture hostels for YHA hostels after
the war [NOTar42]: Norham was listed and a map was included.

NORLEYWOOD 1939 to 1983.
Norleywood, Lymington, Hampshire S04 8RS.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU; SE

GR: SZ 357975*

337
▲Opened late 1939. Hoped-for openings at Whit and summer 1939 had been frustrated. Progress
depended on a grant from the National Fitness Council [ar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was opened after war broke out [YHAar39]; accommodation was always available, if
sometimes restricted [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42]. A national notice of 8/10/1940 stated that the hostel was
operating, though one of 5/11/1940 advised that it was open to local members only. Operation continued in 1943-45,
when bednights were strong, except for a marked dip in 1944.

In 1957 the hostel’s open verandah was boarded in to make a suitable store for equipment for the
summer hostel at Lymington [SOUar57].
✚Closed 26/12/1983 [SEAR83].
Handbook 1939-83.
Alternative name: Norleywood (New Forest) (1973-82).
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 30/5/1939).
Property profile: purpose-built wooden building specially designed and constructed for YHA by ES North, an architect
based in Beaconsfield. North’s designs were also used for Hostels at Jordans and Blackboys [YHA News June 1994].
The hostel was demolished shortly after closure.
Two homes now stand on the site [KF, 2017].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Norleywood≈† SERG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A car with a man, two ladies and a dog in it stopped and offered me a lift… Soon after I had started along
the Norley Road another car stopped and took me to the hostel gate. I felt rather guilty arriving in a car,
especially when the warden’s husband said ‘Oh! You are a genuine hosteller.’
The dormitory was partitioned off into groups of four beds. The warden’s wireless had an extension in
the common room so I was able to hear the serial at 8.30pm…
One queer fellow from Leeds often went hostelling, but he had stayed at only three hostels –
Norleywood, Highgate and one in Yorkshire. He cooked his own breakfast because he had been told that
the Scarborough warden did not cook very good porridge [Pat Packham, A Holiday around the New
Forest, 29 & 31 May 1955].

NORTHCOMBE Camping barn 1995≠ to 2017≠.
▲Northcombe Farm, Hollam, Dulverton, Somerset. GR: SS 915292
Handbook 1996-2008. Open from April 1995 [leaflet]. Also open 2009-12.
Property profile: in a converted watermill. Bunk beds are provided in two barns.

NORTHLEACH 1936 to 1939.
The Oak Guest House, Northleach, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SP 113146

▲Opened fully 1/4/1936 [GSEar36], replacing Westfield.
✚Closed 1939; there were 0 bednights in 1940SY.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed to members, because of army occupation; some equipment was stored at
Cleeve Hill [GSEmins 8/2/1940].
Handbook 1936-39.
Property tenure: tenancy. After the 1937 season the hostel had lost £37, and the Regional Council secured a reduction
in annual rent from £104 to £78 to balance the income [GSEmins 10/11/1937, 19/1/1938].
Property profile: old village guest house and tea room on the north side of the main street, a few yards east of the
square. In recent years a mechanical music museum.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Northleach 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Northleach YH, ‘Royal Oak Guesthouse’, September 1935. One had to go through a corridor to find the
yard and garden behind. The warden, Mr Dawkins, was a huge fat man with double chins, old fashioned
drooping moustaches and a peremptory military manner. One had to be very careful with him, but he was
boundlessly amusing as a ‘character’. I signed in and had my blankets from him, and took them up to the
men’s dormitory, a breakneck fire escape from a yard. I slept close to the window in my high, lonely
dorm, the traffic roaring through the streets at intervals shook the house [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].
(v)
NORTHLEACH Hostel planned 1949. Did not open.
Northleach, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GR: SP 1114 approx.
▼There was a strong possibility of a small hostel here by Easter 1949 [YHAB 2/1949; Regional Guide 1949].

NORTH NEWINGTON 1933 to 1948.
Herriefs Farm, North Newington, Banbury, Oxfordshire.

338
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 419398*

▲Opened 8/4/1933 [OXFar33].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. It was noted as operating 30/11/1940 [OXFar40].

✚Closed 5/6/1948 at the wardens request, and replaced by Hanwell on that date [OXFar48].
Handbook 1933-48.
Property tenure:
Property profile: an early 19th-century farmhouse built in ironstone , and listed Grade II in 1988.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-244602-house-owned-by-wroxton-college-approxima
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-North Newington 751 ≈† RG3x.tif

NORTH NIBLEY 1950 to 1954.
Crowell Brook Mill, North Nibley, Dursley, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 745966*

▲Opened 1/4/1950, thanks to the hurried efforts of North Gloucestershire Committee. The
premises were a partial replacement for Tiltups End Hostel [GSEar51]. Mrs Longman was warden.
Accommodation was increased in 1951.
✚Closed 19/12/1954 [YHAF], or 31/12/1954 [GSEar55].
Handbook 1950 supplement-54.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: an old stone mill building of the simple farmhouse type [YHAar50].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Our newest hostel, Crowell Brook Mill, North Nibley, is adding to the fine reputation it established last
year. This is a really small, simple hostel, in the heart of green Gloucestershire. Yeoman work by the
wardens and their neighbours, aided by working parties from North Gloucestersbire members, has
provided a men’s dormitory and members’ kitchen in one floor of the mill, with the result that the
accommodation-increased by nine beds is now more compact. We could wish to discover several more
North Nibleys through the Region! [YHA Rucksack Magazine, Jul/Aug 1951].
A favourite hostel. The men’s dorm was built around the mechanism of the water wheel, and the toilet
was a ‘long-drop’ over the stream [Stephen Tyler, recounted in 2015].

NORTH PICKENHAM 1937 to 1938.
Daleacres, North Pickenham, Swaffham, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TF 852058

▲Opened Easter 1937. The warden in 1937 was Mr A Ditchfield, and accommodation M8W4.
✚Closed by Autumn 1938 [Rucksack Autumn 1938], for reasons beyond the Groups control
[EANar38].
Handbook 1937-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farmhouse ¾ mile south-west of the village.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-North Pickenham 751 † RG37.tif

NORTON COURT HALL (see Nottingham Trent University)
NORTH WALSHAM 1935 to 1939.
The Elms, 4 North Street, North Walsham, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TG 283304

▲Opened Easter 1935, when the warden was Mr G Shepherd. The hostel accommodated M4W4.
✚Closed 1939 [EANar39].
Wartime use: the hostel was to be closed [Rucksack New Year 1940], though it was almost certainly not used after
9/1939, as there were 0 bednights in 1940SY.
Handbook 1935-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: described as a modern house [Regional Guide], though in the photograph recently discovered by TK it
looks far from modern.
It is now demolished [TK].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-North Walsham 751 ≈† RG35.tif

NORWICH / NORWICH (CENTRAL) 1937 to 1941.
The Gable Tea House, 22 Princes Street, Norwich, Norfolk.

339
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TG 232088*

▲Opened 1937, but not until late in the season [EANar37]. There were 38 bednights before the end
of 09/1937.
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was
uncertain because of the restriction of movement; another of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local
residents only. Tiny numbers stayed in 1940 and 1941; there were 0 bednights after 30/9/1941, and the hostel had been
closed permanently [EANar42].

✚Closed 1941.
Handbook 1937amendments-42.
Alternative name: Norwich (1937amendments-38).
Property tenure:
Property profile: old property in city centre.
Now offices [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Norwich A 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Norwich A&B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

NORWICH (WEST) / NORWICH 1938 to 1943.
84 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TG 217086*

▲Opened 26/5/1938 [press report] to provide more accommodation than was available at Norwich
Central [EANar38]. It was available for men only until further notice [EANar39].
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that provision of accommodation was
uncertain because of the restriction of movement; another of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating for local
residents only. The hostel had tiny numbers staying in 1940-43. It was not available in 1941 [1941SY], as Mr
Ladbrooke had taken up new duties [EANar41; there was one recorded bednight. In 1942 it had been reopened, but
with limited accommodation [EANar42]. There were 170 bednights in 1943SY, 0 thereafter.

✚Closed 1943 and replaced by Norwich, 9 Earlham Road, Hostel.
Handbook 1939-40; 1943.
Alternative name: Norwich West (1939-40).
Property tenure:
Property profile: terraced house, now [2014] a private residence.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Norwich A&B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

NORWICH [9 Earlham Road] 1943 to 1979.
Bircham House, 9 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA; C

GR: TG 222086*

▲Opened 1943, probably late in the year.
Wartime arrangements: the warden [of Norwich West Hostel] had recently placed more commodious accommodation
at 9 Earlham Rd at YHA’s service; it would make a very popular hostel. The opening of the new Norwich hostel
brought all the regions equipment back into use [EANar43, dated 1/11/1943]. Usage continued in 1944 and 1945.

The hostel was regarded by the Regional Council as inadequate for many years [EAar68] but great
difficulty was found in securing a replacement. A very extensive plan to extend the hostel to the
rear, creating 60 beds, was outined in 1972-73 [EAagm72, 73]. In 1976 a family dormitory was
created, for members with children over 5 years [HN Spring 1976]. In 1977 an ideal replacement
property was missed at auction through outbidding [EAar77]. A pair of semi-detached houses was
built next to the hostel, one for staff and one to sell [EAar84].
✚Closed 1979 and replaced by Turner Road Hostel.
Handbook 1944-79.
Property tenure: leased from Norwich City Corporation. Part of the house was sub-let to the warden in 1945
[EANar45]. Tenancy agreement for (eg) two years from 1/4/1951 (to YHA Trust 10/4/1953), later extended [YHAPB].
Property profile: Grade II listed detached house (listed June 1972) of ca1840, in yellow brick, situated on the north-east
corner of Earlham Road and Paragon Place. Once home of a Norwich school [press report 13 August 1954].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-229034-bircham-house-9-norwich
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sheringham YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 69, Norwich, Youth Hosteller September 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We all had to wash in the warden’s private bathroom [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 25
April 1962].

340
(s)

NORWICH [Elm Hill] Summer temporary hostel, 1978 only.
Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA

GR:

▲✚Opened and closed summer 1978, probably in part of the old church of St Simon and St Jude,
Elm Hill that was offered by the scouts to relieve overcrowding at 9 Earlham Road [Whitewash
Dec1977]. It was for men only; 48 stayed here [Eastern Region Statistical memo].
Property tenure:
Property profile:

NORWICH [Turner Road] 1979 to 2003.
112 Turner Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4HB.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TG 212095*

▲Opened 1979: the building was opened with minor alterations in the spring of 1979; major
conversion works to provide a 76-bed superior grade hostel were planned for winter 1979-80
[EAar79]. Grants were provided by the National YHA and the DES [EAagm80]. A classroom was
providedRedevelopment work was completed in 1990 [Car90].
✚Closed and sold by 28/2/2003 for £462,000 [YHA internal memo/ YHAF] in the aftermath of the
foot and mouth epidemic, though a closure during 2004 had been forecast [2003/04 Update 1].
Handbook 1979 supplement-2003/04.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (buy auction) / leasehold arrangement with Norfolk County Council, which appears
to be a deposit and 99 years lease at a peppercorn rate from 22/12/1978 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former children’s home, built 1953; there seems to have been a previous children’s home here from
1913. Since closure the hostel building was sold to developers in 2003 and demolished in early october 2003; new
housing has been built on the site. See: http://www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC098524
(s)

NOTGROVE (see Westfield)
NOTTINGHAM (see Norton Court Hall)
NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY [Temporary] 2003 to 2004.
Norton Court Hall, Wilton Road, Radford, Nottingham NG7 5PQ.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire
YHA Region: C
Positional note: the location is assumed from the YHA Website illustration.

GR: SK 554406

▲✚Summer seasonal Campus hostel; a 100-bed YHA Campus Hostel from 4/7/2003 to 30/8/2003
[KF, Triangle Magazine], at an uncertain site, but which may have been the same as the following
year.≠ The Norton Court Hall facility was open 26/6-5/8/2004 [YHA Website 2004] or -5/9/2004
[YHA flier], when rooms were priced at £20.
Handbook 2003/04 (Update 3 only, named as a campus hostel).
Property tenure:
Property profile: University hall of residence, also referred to on Website as Norton Court Hall. Accommodation was
in single-bedded en suite rooms, with kitchen facilities nearby.

NUTBOURNE 1934 to 1939 or 1940.
Nutbourne Holiday Camp, Nutbourne, Chichester, West Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 787060*[GD]

▲Opened 1934, late in season [SOUar34], pending the establishment of a fully controlled hostel
[Regional Guide 1935]. A new arrangement would be in existence at this hostel for the following
season, ensuring greater accommodation for Youth Hostel purposes during the summer months.
The hostel was to be closed in 1938, until 31/10, but would then be open continuously [Rucksack,
Autumn 1938].
✚Closed 1940 [Rucksack Summer 1940], or perhaps 1939.
A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the provision was uncertain. In the absence of bednight returns
for 1939 and 1940, the closure date remains uncertain, though a later notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed

341
until further notice. Closure was because of camping restrictions in place in 1940; the warden had since left [SOUar42,
reporting on period 1939-42].
Handbook 1934 supplement-40.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel, by arrangement with the holiday camp [SOUar34].
Property profile: a small holiday camp on the levels north of the railway halt at Nutbourne. Contemporary adverts offer
floored tents and bungalow huts. All buildings appear to have been replaced by the time of the publication of the 1970
1:2,500 Ordnance Survey plan, at which time it was the Hambrook Holiday Camp. The site housed the Hambrook
Country Club and associated trailer park in 2009 [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Nutbourne 751 ≈† RG35.tif

OAKENCLOUGH 1945 to 1967.
Oakenclough House, Higher Sutton, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MAN; PK

GR: SJ 961693*

▲Opened 26/8/1945, with only 20 beds at first [MANAR46]. Electricity was installed about 1957
✚Closed 3/1967 [YHAF]. The property was sold 31/7/1968 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-67.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 2/8/1945).
Property profile: built 1920 of local stone, 1,200 ft up on slopes of Shutlingsloe. There were oak floors, and walls
panelled with oak from the woods of Peover Hall. The former recuperative home of the daughter of Mr Lawrence Holt,
who as Chairman of the Alfred Holt & Co shipping line, had been Lord Mayor of Liverpool 1929-30, and was a
principal supporter of the pioneer Merseyside Region.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Oakenclough 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600010 Carr Winter
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 15, Oakenclough, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Frequently isolated by snowdrifts in winter, the hostel was used as a skiing centre
A wonderful building, a Liverpool shipping magnate’s home for his ill daughter [Carr Winter, recalled in
2004].
I found a tiny members’ kitchen much lacking in equipment [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks
and Lakes, July 1966].

OAKLANDS / OAKLANDS, BETWS-Y-COED / OAKLANDS, LLANRWST (see Betws-yCoed)
ODIHAM 1934 to 1938.
Great Rye Farm, Odiham, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 777502*

▲Opened by 6/1934 [LONmins 26/6/34].
✚Closed 1938, the end of season being 30/9/1938. There were 0 bednights in 1939SY.
Handbook 1934 supplement-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel was in the upper storey of a large barn. The barn has been converted into a private residence
[owner].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Odiham 751 ≈† RG35.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
When we bought the farm in 1969 from Mr S Keep’s son, Dick, the barn was still as it was in the 1930s,
although not used for hops, but grain, stored on one end of the second storey and fed into a hopper for
grinding cattle food. At the west end of the barn there were two large rooms approx 20ft x 20ft, plastered
with wattle and daub and plank floored. Dick told me they were used as Landgirl accommodation during
the 1939-45 war, but did not mention the youth hostel. The Keeps certainly did a roaring trade in bacon
and egg high teas during the war, so I expect they would have catered for any hostellers.
I should think the barn dated from the middle/end of the 18th century. The farm belonged then to the
Dogmersfield Park estate (Lord Mornington, father of the Iron Duke). It was tenanted by the May family
from then until the Keeps bought the farm in 1922 when the estate was broken up [S Oliver].
OFFLEY GROVE Hostel planned 1939. Did not open.
Offley Grove, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. GR: SJ 760271 (Offley Grove Farm)
▼A 60-bed hostel would be opening in the summer [Rucksack Easter 1939]. It was accepted by YHA 1/7/1939.

OKEHAMPTON (DARTMOOR) 1997 to present.
Klondyke Road, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1EW.

342
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SX 592944*

▲Opened 1997.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-08 inclusive.
Handbook 1998-2009.
Property tenure: Enterprise-type partnership between the owner and YHA, designed for 60 beds and opened with some
funding for the project from West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council. In 2009 the owner extended the
business to include Bracken Tor Hostel, used by YHA as external DoIt4Real accommodaton in 2008-09. For a time a
further property under the same ownership at Throwleigh Youth Centre was used for groups, including some YHA
bookings [owner].
Property profile: the hostel is a conversion of the goods shed in the yard on the east side of the former LSWR and SR
railway station.
(s)

OKEHAMPTON (Bracken Tor)

2007 to 2008 (Di4R); 2009 to present (standard YHA hostel)

Historic County: Devon

GR: SX 592944*

▲Opened 2007.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2007-08 inclusive.
In 2009 the owner of the main Okehampton Hostel extended the business to include Bracken Tor Hostel, used by YHA
as external DoIt4Real accommodaton in 2007-08.
Property profile: a large Arts and Crafts house I substantial grounds.
(v)

OKEHAMPTON (near - Throwleigh Youth Centre)

Operational years uncertain.

Historic County: Devon

GR: SX 675892*

▲✚open for an unspecified time between 2000 and 2014.
For a time the owner of the two Okehampton sites, John Elsom, operated a specialised third
property at Throwleigh Youth Centre for groups; some YHA bookings were taken [owner].
Property profile: former village school at Providence Place, Wonson, about a mile south of Throwleigh. Streetview
shows the property with a YHA triangle.
(v)

THE OLD BARN (see Charing)
OLD BRADWELL (MILTON KEYNES) (see Bradwell Village)
THE OLD HOUSE CANTERBURY (see Canterbury Old House)
THE OLD REPEATER STATION (See Grindon)
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE (see Godshill)
OLVESTON 1941 to 1942.
Friends Meeting House, Olveston, Bristol, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 600867

▲Opened early Summer 1941 [GSEar41].
Wartime recorded use: a small hut, costing about £9, and black-out material would be needed, and a complaint was
made about the state of the roof [GSEmins 20/10/1940; 21/7/1940]. There were 224 and 588 bednights recorded in the
two years.

✚Closed Autumn 1942 [GSEar43], though there was a message that the hostel would open the
following winter [GSEar42] and a regional minute expressed a forlorn hope that it might be
possible to reopen it [GSEmins 26/11/1943].
Handbook 1941-42.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: 17th-century building, a Quaker meeting house. A farmhouse at the Green, Olveston was donated by
William Rogers of Hill House in 1695 and enlarged into The Meeting House [http://www.olveston.com]. A YHA
postcard shows the building without the two gables seen today.

ONCE BREWED

1934 to 1968.

343
East Bog Farm, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD

GR: NY 752668

▲Opened late in 1934; it had just opened, and building was completed, in 9/1934 [NOTar34].
Plans were prepared by YHA Architect F Austin Childs and Lady Trevelyan.
Wartime arrangements: it was closed on the outbreak of war but reopened for week-ends, 4/11/1939 to the end 3/1940;
then in constant YHA use [NOTar40] 1940-45.

In the early 1960s there was a thwarted plan to extend the old farm buildings:
The Once Brewed extension project is now moving ahead fast. The National YHA gave the scheme their
encouragement. Mr Austin Child was engaged as our architect. Promise of financial help was won from
the Ministry of Education. The extension will include extending west from the present common room and
then running south and east to join up with the women’s dormitory. The south and western sections will
be largely small dormitories. There will be good drying facilities and facilities for warden’s catering and
for an assistant warden. There is, however, still a tremendous amount of work necessary before this
improvement is achieved [NOTar61].

✚Closed 1968; demolished on the instruction of the County Council for road widening.
Handbook 1934-68.
Alternative name: Roman Wall (1934).
Property tenure: early Demonstration Hostel, a gift from Professor Trevelyan, and supported financially by the
Carnegie Trust (£450) and Cadbury Trusts, part purchased 1934 (to YHA Trust 5/10/1934); part a later freehold
purchase 28/4/1947 [YHAPB]. Sir Charles Trevelyan, in his will, donated the land at Once Brewed to YHA
[NOTar59].
Property profile: part of East Bog Farm. The extent of new works in 1934 to create the demonstration hostel has not
been established, though the common room and the two wings facing south appear to be of new stone in a brochure ‘a
National Hostel for the Roman Wall’ of that year. The leaflet advises: ‘The new National hostel [is] built of the local
greystone, and so much part of the landscape that it looks as if it had already been here for a hundred years’.
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was reportedly Lady Trevelyan who coined the hostel’s name, suggesting that tea was a more suitable
drink than that found at the Twice Brewed Inn.
(s)

ONCE BREWED 1968 to 2015.
Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7AN.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: BD; N

GR: NY 752668*

▲Officially opened 28/9/1968. The wardens’ quarters were extended in 1979 [BDar79]. A major
remodelling plan started up in 1986 to provide more accommodation for members and staff
[YHAar86], with funding from the Countryside Commission and the late Dr Daniel Rutenberg
[commemorative plaque]. There was a formal reopening on 7/10/1987.
✚Closed 11th September 2015 for demolition in preparation for the construction of YHA the Sill at
Hadrian’s Wall [next entry].
Handbook 1969-2009.
Property profile: newly constructed hostel, located a few yards west of the previous hostel, within the Northumberland
National Park visitors centre.
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Published material: article, Once Brewed – Twice Built, Youth Hosteller November 1968.
(v)

[ONCE BREWED] / the SILL at HADRIAN’S WALL to open 2017.
Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7AN.
Historic County: Northumberland

GR: NY 752668*

▲Due to open September 2017 (at March 2017). YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall is the
reincarnation of Once Brewed hostels on the same general site. Like its 1968 predecessor, it is in
partnership with and incorporated within a site with the Northumberland National Park’s own
public attraction, now styled the Sill – landscape discovery centre.
Property tenure:
Property profile: This 86 bed hostel with modern facilities: a self-catering kitchen, classroom for group and school
residential use, and relaxing social areas. The 26 bedrooms are split evenly across two floors and consist of either two,
three or four beds. Eighteen of the rooms are en-suite and two are fully DDA en-suite compliant. All bedrooms have
free Wi-Fi and Salto key card access for enhanced security.
1 x 3 bed en-suite with double bed
8 x 2 bed en-suite

344
2 x 3 bed en-suite with double bed
8 x 4 bed
8 x 4 bed en-suite
The hostel’s facilities include a retail shop, meeting rooms, an open plan bar/dining room, a self-catering kitchen and
extensive landscaped areas in which to sit, play and learn.
Inspired by The Great Whin Sill, a nearby geographical feature, the building complements and reflects the landscape
with dry stone walls, glass and timber. There is an open access green roof. Renewable energy is used throughout the
facility in keeping with YHA’s green ethos.
The Landscape Discovery Centre attached to the hostel includes inspiring exhibition space plus a shop and café with a
large terrace which is perfect for admiring the spectacular views. Outside there are innovative spaces designed
specifically for outdoor learning, music and theatre, or relaxation.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Six years to The Sill!
Friday evening marked the end of what has been a long journey and the start of a new one.
Along with Margaret Hart, our Vice Chair, James Blake, CEO, and Jake Chalmers, Property Director, I
had the privilege of representing YHA at the official opening of The Sill and wanted to share with you
the excitement generated and some of the moments along the way to get to this point.
It all started six years ago, when Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) and YHA in
discussion both came to the same conclusion that neither organisation offered facilities at Once Brewed
that we could be proud of, yet alone be described as world class. We were operating from dated buildings
and not offering what people wanted, visitors spoke with their feet and the comments on TripAdvisor
were there for all to see.
We needed to act and after an initial discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), it became
apparent collaboration was the way forward. And so the work began, first on the concept - it started from
a workshop where someone came up with mud huts! We quickly moved on to more practical suggestions
around the opportunities that were out there and how we could provide a visitor attraction with
accommodation that capitalised on the amazing location and yet didn’t just focus on the Romans which
many others locally do really well. The landscape was key, the need to provide an opportunity for people
to explore it, understand it and nurture it and for visitors to connect with the people, the heritage, farming
and wildlife that has shaped it.
HLF loved the hub idea, a base and a conduit through which to explore the upland areas of the North of
England, and they gave us a £400,000 grant to work up the proposal in more detail. A project team was
assembled and the ideas began to crystalise around it not just being about a building, but also the
activities and events that would be delivered at and from the site. The next hurdle was obtaining planning
permission for what was to be the biggest building created in the National Park. The quality of the
development shone through our plans, and we cleared that one. Finally, the biggest hurdle of them all,
our request for funding of £7.8million for The Sill was considered by the HLF National Board of
Trustees alongside other major national projects. You know the outcome as here we are today.
Within an hour of the doors opening on Saturday morning the car park was packed (200 spaces) as
people thronged to experience this new attraction and the YHA team spent the day constantly showing
our world class facilities to the crowds who poured in through the doors. Everyone, to a person, was
extremely complementary; "you’ve come a long way in a short time", "fantastic", "amazing facilities",
"how do I book" were heard over and over again.
Everything we talked about when developing those funding bids has been delivered - the iconic building
design, the activities and events – Saturday saw an eclectic mix – choirs performing, pipers playing,
wood turning, star gazing, storytelling, nature talks and guided walks. The whole site exudes quality and
has been thought about in great detail, such as the views from each window, the finishes and practical
things, like the sound insulation and adjacencies which makes operating the hostel easier and more
efficient. All this you get from having a big budget and the benefit of designing something from scratch.
The Sill is unique and as one YHA guest said, a project of this quality doesn’t come without a lot of hard
work, everyone at YHA should be proud of their efforts as it’s very special. Many people across YHA
have played their part in ensuring we hit the ground running, it was fantastic to see the place alive with
children and young families really enjoying themselves and the hospitality delivered by Richard and the
team [Simon Ainley, Head of Capital Fundraising and Partners, writing in YHA Connect 02/08/2017].

ONE ASH GRANGE Camping barn 1999≠ to 2001.
▲One Ash Grange, Monyash, Derbyshire. GR: SK 169652
Handbook 1999-2002. Closed by the time of issue of 2002 booklet.
Property profile: stone barn.

ORGANFORD 1936 to 1938.

345
Bere Farm House, Dorchester Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SY 942934

▲Opened 17/9/1936, replacing Bournemouth Hostel. The wardens were Mr and Mrs Buck Mason
and accommodation M16W12.
✚Closed 30/09/1938 [SOUar38], because of Mrs Mason’s illness. The wardens were moving
[SOUar38].
Beyond 1939 the hostel was still in the region’s thoughts: it had evacuees until YHA’s tenancy
expired. This was not renewed, however, as deemed too costly [SOUar42].
Handbook 1936amendments-39.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Organford 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Organford 752 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bournemouth &
Organford YHs Profile

ORTON 1932 to 1936.
Cross Green, Orton, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 622082*

▲Opened Whit 1932. Hostellers slept in the attic. The warden was Mrs Bryning, and
accommodation M6W6 (1932).
✚Closed 1936, the end of season being 30/9/1936.
Handbook 1932-36.
Property tenure:
Property profile: double-fronted stone-built house with porch.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Orton 751 † RG32.doc
(v)

OSMINGTON BAY 2008 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2008-10 inclusive.
OSMOTHERLEY 1933 to 1940; 1980 to present.
Cote Ghyll, Osmotherley, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL6 3AH.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA; BD; N

GR: SE 461981*

▲Opened 1933, 5/1933 being the date hoped for. The hostel was basic and simple.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open from Easter to 9/1940 [WEAar40], though a national notice as late as
14/10/1940 advised that the hostel was still operational to all members despite being near to a restricted zone.

Closed 9/1940, or somewhat later [national notice], because of requisition.
After a gap of almost 40 years, Osmotherley Hostel reopened, probably on 1/7/1980 [leaflet].
Financial assistance from the Countryside Commission and North York Moors National Park
Commission enabled a much larger and better-appointed superior-grade facility at this site, to serve
the Lyke Wake Walk, Cleveland Way and other schemes. It was officially opened 13/9/1980.
The hostel was sold to new owners in 2012, who continue to provide hostel accommodation
through the YHA Enterprise scheme.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-10 inclusive.
Handbook 1933 supplement-41. Handbook 1980 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 28/10/1980 [YHAPB]; an Enterprise arrangement from 2012.
Property profile: former linen mill.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Osmotherley A 751 † RG36.doc
(s)

OTBY 1942 to 1943.
Otby House, Walesby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 138935*

▲Opened 6/1942, according to a caption on the hostel postcard. The wardens were Mr and Mrs
Aylward.
Wartime use: the hostel registered 766 bednights in 1942 and 1564 in 1943, solely.

346
✚Closed 9/10/1943, an attractive and useful hostel disappointingly lost [Sheffield Bulletin
10/1943]. It was replaced by Lynwode Hostel.
Handbook 1943.
Property tenure:
Property profile: manor farmhouse, now demolished and replaced [JM, 2001].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Otby 751 ≈† pc.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I helped open this hostel [Jack Whiting, recounted in 2006].
(v)

OTTERDEN Opened [1940] or 1942 to 1943.
Cuckoo Wood Farm, Otterden, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 941529*

▲Opened 1940 [Regional Guide 1943] or opened during year 1942SY [YHAF].≠
Wartime arrangements: Otterden was a temporary wartime replacement for Stalisfield Green, though that hostel never
reopened. The operation of the hostel in 1940-41 is not certain, as records conflict and possible bednight returns may be
missing. In 1942 the hostel was open to Defence Area residents only, as it was in a restricted part of Kent, but
restrictions were lifted temporarily during the year [LONar42]; operation then continued up to the closure date.

✚Closed late 1943, after the end of the [statistical] year, as it was needed by a neighbouring farmer
[LONar43, dated 12/11/1943, and LONar44].
Handbook 1942-43.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: small farmhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Charing YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Farm 400 years old. [Stayed] Oct 17/18 1943 [postcard message].

OTTERHAM 1944 to 1965.
Otterham House, Otterham, Camelford, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW

GR: SX 167906*

▲Opened 1944.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel registered 363 bednights in 1944SY and 1957 in 1945SY.

✚Closed 30/9/1965. The tenancy for 20 years had expired [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-65.
Property tenure: tenancy agreement (to YHA Trust 14/8/1946).
Property profile: Otterham Rectory.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Otterham Rectory was a property held on lease by a Mr Billington. Quite a character, and proved himself
as such when I first met him at Otterham Station. I had no car in those days and often had to travel
around by train in getting about the two counties. On arrival at the rectory, I was met by Mrs Billington
and invited to sit down to a real Cornish Cream Tea. After a general discussion as to the ‘whys and
wherefores’ of the YHA and general agreement being reached that I would put his proposals to the
committee regarding the setting up of a hostel at the rectory, with the Billington’s acting as the wardens.
Mr Billington’s other hobby was designing board games, for commercial production. He did get quite a
number put on the market.
There were two things to discuss, the first was the taking over of the remaining lease at Otterham, the
second, to discuss the obtaining of a lease at Tintagel. his week-end retreat property In both cases the
YHA were interested and soon made arrangements to transfer the Otterham lease. The YHA continued
here for many years, under the able wardenship of Mr and Mrs Saunter, ‘Bert and Tim’. Still members of
the Plymouth Cycle Club, they received good support from the club cyclists. The famous ‘Rabbit Pie’
suppers, always brought a full house from the clubs. One great effort organised by the wardens was the
raising of for the installation of an electric lighting plant, to replace the oil lamp and candle lighting at the
hostel. The sum of £100 was raised and it was then possible to install a Lister engine plant, and then the
hostel really came alive when the electric was switched on.
Eventually the hostel was put up for sale, but the association was not interested in the purchase, because
of the now live interest in the opening of the Tintagel hostel [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs,
1977].
In the church book visitors were asked to state if they were YHA members. The warden’s husband came
to talk to us. He said that the hostel would be closing soon; originally it was a hostel with joint wardens

347
but bednights had gone down after the opening of Boscastle [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall,
July 1964].
(v)

OTTERY ST MARY (see West Hill)
OVERTON [Derbyshire] 1933 to 1939; 1949 to 1955.
Overton Hall, Ashover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 346622*

▲Opened 2/4/1933, secured largely through the interest of the Clay Cross Co and a grant from the
Demonstration Hostel Fund. 40 beds were soon increased to 96 [NMIar33].
Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed for the entirety of hostilities and beyond. It was used as accommodation
for the staff (at least) of the evacuated Derby Boys Grammar School, one of several schools to use it during this era
[NMIar55].

Reopened Easter 1949. In 1955 it would stay open until a Matlock hostel had been found
[NMIar54].
✚Closed 30/9/1955, or 3/11/1955, or 6/11/1955, as it was over-expensive [LRN 11/1955, press
article, YHAF], and replaced by Matlock (Matlock Bath) Hostel.
Handbook 1933-39. Handbook 1949-55.
Alternative name: Ashover (1933-39).
Property tenure: tenancy (eg) from 25/12/1948 from Clay Cross Company for 5 years (to YHA Trust 19/3/1949) and
extended .The tenancy was surrendered 5/7/1956 [YHAPB].
Property profile: three-storey mid-to-late 17th-century, square-built historic mansion, listed Grade-II (1967), with
extensive remodelling with additions in 1702, 1788 and 1900. It was once the home of the naturalist Sir Joseph Banks
who went round the world with Captain Cook. After the First World War it was sold to the Clay Cross Company, who
had extensive quarries on the estate and made great improvements to the Hall. It was recorded as a nursing home in
1986, but is now (2014) divided into several residential properties.
Web resources: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-393408-overton-hall-and-attached-outbuildings-a
http://www.ashover.org/wihistory.htm
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was graciously spacious, a pleasant, restful, commodious building in its days of personal ownership.
There is a great satisfaction in buying provisions: these hostel stores are good. Common rooms are the
joy of the hostels. This one, large and airy with gorgeous armchairs and large fireplace, was particularly
pleasant. Off this room was another quite as large, with a piano on a small platform. Our bedroom was a
large room with several windows [Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, July 1934].

OVERTON [Hampshire] 1962 to 1992.
The Old Infants School, Red Lion Lane, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG25 3HH.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/ SE; S

GR: SU 513496*

▲Opened 9/6/1962 [LON memo]: it was hoped to open here at Easter [YHr 1/1962], though
everything depended on the weather and the builder [YHr 4/1962]. A 30-bed self-catering
establishment, it replaced Hannington Hostel, and took some of its equipment from there. An
official opening followed on 21/7/1962. In 1977 the hostel moved to volunteer wardening on
Saturday nights [WW Feb77].
✚Closed by autumn 1992 [Triangle Autumn 1992].
Handbook 1962-92.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former village school, situated opposite the junction with Poyntz Road.
Now a private residence [KF, 2011].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 92, Overton, Youth Hosteller January 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Official Opening
There was hectic work for three weeks before the opening. Sutton and Cheam Group bore the brunt, but
many other hostellers staying at Overton were conscripted. The ceremony was performed by Herbert
Gatliff; London Region reports that carefully-laid plans ‘all went splendidly astray’. It started with a
downpour of rain, continued with the delay of the Regional Chairman in a traffic jam so that an unbriefed
deputy had to act as MC and ended when someone forgot to put on the kettles for tea. However, everyone
seemed to enjoy the event. The report concludes ‘At least the local people cannot have gone away under
the misconception that we are an efficient organization’. [Youth Hosteller, September 1962].

348
In the dormitory the space between one of the beds and a partition was so narrow that any plump person
would not be able to get into the dormitory. The warden called again just after 9pm; she asked one
member to lock the door at 10.30pm [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Southern England, April 1965].

OXFORD COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST [Hay-on-Wye] 2005 to 2007 or 2008.
Oxford Cottage Guesthouse, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, Breconshire HR3 5AJ.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SO 231423*

▲Opened 2005 as a YHA bed and breakfast establishment.
✚Closed late 2007 or 2008.
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: Georgian townhouse.
(v)

OXFORD [Jack Straws Lane] 1936 to 2001.
32 Jack Straws Lane, Oxford OX3 0DW.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF; MD; C

GR: SP 533074*

▲Opened 9/4/1936, after four years unoccupied [OXFar36]. The Carnegie Trustees offered £755
from their Demonstration Hostel Fund. Overflow lodging was found at neighbouring boarding
houses where possible [OXFar37]. A new annexe was completed by Easter 1939 [YHAar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was unavailable throughout hostilities. It was let at beginning of the war to Poplars
School [Poplar School – GD] with OXF Regional Group responsible for running it [OXFar40].

The hostel was returned 6/1945 [OXFar45] and reopened 2/1/1946 [OXFar46]. A plan to build an
annexe in the hostel grounds to cope with demand proved impracticable [OXFar54]. In the late
1970s a further annexe plan in the grounds was refused by the City Council as too much traffic
would spoil the area’s character [MDar79].
✚Closed 14/5/2001 on the opening of the new Oxford Hostel.
Handbook 1936-39; 1946-2001 (1936 no details, details in supplement).
Property tenure: early Demonstration Hostel supported financially by the Carnegie Trust and purchased freehold for
£2,100 (to YHA Trust 31/3/1936). Extra land near Jack Straws Lane was purchased freehold 28/8/1975 (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB].
Property profile: the building, formerly Cowley House, dates from 1898. After closure, plans for demolition and the
construction of 19 flats were rejected. St Hildas College applied to convert the building to student flats and a nursery
[thisisoxfordshire.co.uk 17/12/2004]. The building, now renumbered 32B, has been rechristened Dorothea Beale House
after the founder of St. Hildas College. It is used as the college’s nursery [http://www.headington.org.uk/].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Oxford A 751 ≈† RG57.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
12 April 1955. The dormitory (Pilkington) was occupied by seven school-girls and four college students.
The students were most unsociable. Two Germans, however, occupied the other two beds so I went into
supper with one of them.
We formed quite a league of nations. In the dormitory were two Malay or Chinese, two New Zealanders,
an Australian, a French girl and four other English girls [Pat Packham, A Holiday in the Cotswolds by
Bicycle, 13 April 1955].
(v)

OXFORD (TEMPORARY) [Manchester College] 1940 to 1941 and 1945.
Manchester College Hostel, Mansfield Road, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire
YHA Region: OXF
GR: SP 517065
Positional note: TK’s photograph shows a building at the Grid Reference location on the corner of Mansfield Road and
Holywell Street.≠

▲Opened 28/6/1940. Summer seasonal hostel open during the university vacation.
Wartime arrangements: open until September in 1940; similarly open for the long vacations 1941 to 1944 [OXFar4041, bednight figures].

✚Closed 17/9/1945, after its final summer season [OXFar45, bednight figures].
Handbook 1940-45.
Alternative name: Oxford (1940).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the building, facing Holywell, was obsolete for college purposes. It survives in 2011 [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

349
(v)

OXFORD (TEMPORARY) [The Rookery] 1951 only.
The Rookery, Headington, provided by Ruskin College, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 542077*

▲✚Summer seasonal overflow hostel open 21/7/1951-13/8/1951 only at the Rookery, Headington,
a charming house with 53 beds, thanks to a characteristically friendly proposal from Ruskin
College. There were 1289 bednights in the 24 days [OXFar51]. It was not available in 1952 as it
was already booked; additional accommodation was urgently needed [OXFar52].
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Rookery, the home of the Finch family for two hundred years, is to the west of Stoke Place in Old
Headington. Largely rebuilt in 1810, it was known as Charlton Lea from 1897 to 1933. It became part of Ruskin
College in 1946, and is now known as Ruskin Hall.
Web resource: http://www.headington.org.uk/history/listed_buildings/rookery.htm
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

OXFORD HILLTOP ROAD (TEMPORARY) 1951 and possibly other years (1954 see below).
57 Hilltop Road, Oxford
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 538057 [GD]

▲✚Mrs Pratt of Hilltop Road helped YHA by taking summer seasonal overflow from the hostel on
many nights [OXFar51]. A native of Australia and YHA enthusiast, she had built a summer house
in the garden. Roger Pratt remembers this being used by hostellers on many occasions (perhaps
over several years) on an ad hoc basis, and has confirmed the address.
Property profile: detached house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

OXFORD (TEMPORARY) [Reading Room] 1954 to 1958.
Reading Room, Old Marston, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire
YHA Region: OXF
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for the church.≠

GR: SP 526087 [GD]

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel. About 500 bednights were recorded within a few weeks in 1954 at the
Reading Room, Marston, near the hostel, as well as a local member’s own home in Headington
[OXFar54]. In 1955 the Reading Room was used in conjunction with Marston Old School
buildings, with 1124 bednights between them between 19/7 and 1/9/1955 [OXFar55]. Also in 1955
some Bank Holiday wayfarers were found beds in tents on the nearby Vicarage lawn [OXFar55].
This house, 11 Elsfield Road, has since been sold and a new, smaller vicarage constructed on part
of the land [GD].
There were 886 and 889 bednights in 1956-57 respectively. Marston Overflow operated 1958 (with
a different organiser from previous years, after at first being cancelled); there were 752 bednights in
1958. The Reading Room would not be available 1959, however, [OXFar58] as it was to be
demolished in 1958-59. A memorial garden now stands there.
Property profile: former carpenter’s workshop converted by the then Vicar, the Rev JH Mortimer, into a Reading and
Club Room for the village. During and after the Second World War it was used additionally as an overflow for the
village school. The building gradually fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1958/1959. A small garden, in memory
of the Reverend Mortimer, occupies the site [GD].
Web resource: http://www.oldmarston-pc.gov.uk/reading_room.html
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile
(v)

OXFORD (MARSTON OLD SCHOOL) [Temporary] 1962 only.
Marston Old School, 9 Elsfield Road, Old Marston, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 527088

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 1962, with 370 bednights [OXFar62].
Property profile: enlarged over time, the nucleus of the building is a National School dating from 1851, located on the
corner of Elsfield Road and Church Lane. School use ceased in 1954, when the building became the church hall. It
retains this function in 2010 [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile
(v)

350
OXFORD (OLD MARSTON VILLAGE HALL) [Temporary] 1963 to 1964, and probably to
1966.
Old Marston Village Hall, (Mortimer Hall), Old Marston, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 527084 [GD]

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel opened late July and August 1963 in the new village hall, and also
1964. There were 553 bednights in 1963 and 649 in 1964 [OXFar63,64]. Further temporary
bednights were registered in 1965 and 1966.
Property profile: Mortimer Hall is named after the Reverend John Hamilton Mortimer, who was the vicar of Marston
from 1904 to 1951. The hall was officially opened on 6/9/1962 and is a single storey building, also housing a branch
library [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile
(v)

OXFORD (OVERFLOW, JOSCAS LITTLE THEATRE) [Temporary] 1967 to 1968.
Joscas Little Theatre, Joscas Preparatory School, 4 Latimer Road, Headington, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: MD

GR: SP 541068 [GD]

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open in 1967 and 20/7-31/8/1968. There were advertisements for a
warden for Mid July to end August period in Youth Hosteller. In 1967 it was open for one month
only [MDar1967].
Positional note: Joscas Preparatory School used to stand on the site of St Lukes Hospital in Latimer Road. This
overflow hostel is thought to have been located here. The buildings have since been demolished and the site
redeveloped [GD].
Property profile: in 1956 a small group of people, teachers, and parents set up their own school to prepare boys for
Common Entrance. Originally the school only had about ten pupils including the three Farrell brothers, and was based
in an outbuilding in the Farrells garden. It was named Joscas after the nickname of the eldest brother, Julian Farrell.
The Headmaster soon purchased a large house in Latimer Road, and the school grew, taking in weekly boarders as well
as day boys. But the owners of the house in 1969 wished to sell the site and the school had to move. From April 1970
the 70 boys were transported each day to the new school site at Frilford Heath [Headington Website].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

OXFORD [Slade Park] [Temporary]
unspecified address.≠
Slade Park Old School, Oxford.

1969; from 1970 up to about 1974, either here or at an

Historic County: Oxfordshire
Note: the location and Grid ref are uncertain.

YHA Region: MD

GR: SP 551058≠[GD]

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open between mid-July and the beginning of September 1969, for men
only. There were 1165 overnights, 1000 from overseas, in that year. Further temporary
accommodation was available 1970-77, at an unspecified address, but usually with the same 50
beds [MDar1971/2/3/4/6/8/9]. In 1973 it was open for one month only. See also next entry.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

Oxford [Cowley St James old school] [Temporary] 1975 and perhaps up to 1977.≠
Slade Park Old School, Oxford.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: MD

GR: SP 539038

▲✚Lesley Williams, Chair of Friends of St James Old School has advised that the former St James
School, Beauchamp Lane, Cowley, was used as a Jack Straw’s Lane summer satellite. The school
became redundant after the summer term 1975; the following article explains that YHA used the
building in 1975; this may well have been the site in 1976 and 1977. The old school has fallen on
hard times more recently, and various efforts to save it are in hand.
As Oxfordshire County Council vans drove off from St. James’ School last month with desks, tables, chairs and
school equipment, another large pantechnicon drew up at the gate loaded with bedding for the old building’s
new role as a temporary youth hostel. The first Youth Hostel guests entered the building exactly seven hours
after the last pupil had left [Cowley Chronicle, September 1975].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile

OXFORD [Botley Road] 2001 to present.
2A Botley Road, Oxford OX2 0AB.

351
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SP 504062*

▲Opened 4/5/2001 [YHA News end 2001] or 14/5/2001. Officially opened 14/12/2001.
Handbook 2001-2009.
Alternative name: New Oxford (2001-02)
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel adjacent to the railway station.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Oxford YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Liverpool YHs
Profile
(s)

OXFORD (see Oxford (temporary hostel))
OXFORD STREET (see [London] OXFORD STREET)
PANTYRONEN (see Abergavenny)
PARBOLD Hostel planned 1944. Did not open [MERar44].
Parbold, Ormskirk, Lancashire. GR: SD 4910 approx.
▼This was one of the areas being investigated in the Merseyside Group’s expansion plans.

PARDSHAW 1932 to 1938.
Meeting House Hostel, Pardshaw Hall, Cockermouth, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 103254*

▲Opened 1932: the hostel was operational for 2 months in 1932 [LAKar32].
✚Closed end of 9/1938, as the key holder moved away.
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure: a controlled hostel, leased on an annual peppercorn rent [LAKar32].
Property profile: old coach house of Quakers’ Meeting House, the hut establishment directly opposite the main gate of
the Meeting House. As recently as 2005 this hut had Hostel painted on the door, though possibly of a different era to
YHA.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Pardshaw 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cockermouth YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
EARLY YOUTH HOSTEL
Richard W Hall, a Cockermouth Quaker whose family traded as grocers at 22 Main Street under the
name Josiah Hall and Son, was a keen supporter of the Youth Hostels Association which was formed in
1930. He brought to Friends the suggestion that the now disused carriage shed be used as a Youth Hostel
and this was agreed. The Hostel opened on 1 August 1932 and the crowded event was described in detail
by the Whitehaven News, which after stressing its importance as a link between the hostels at Braithwaite
(ten miles away) and Ennerdale (nine miles) and commenting on the history of Friends in the area,
continued –
‘A numerous company assembled at the new hostel, accommodating six males and four females, on
Sunday afternoon. The gathering was addressed by Mr RV Hall, of Cockermouth, whose marriage to
Kiss Brooker twenty years ago was the last to be solemnised at the Pardshaw Keeting House. Mr Hall, in
the course of some reminiscences of the Meeting House, said that at one time over 100 members of the
Society of Friends used to assemble every Sunday at Pardshaw. The membership dwindled to 60, and in
his time, to 30, while now they met only thrice a year. The Society of friends wanted the coach house to
be of some use, and accordingly they handed it over to the YHA.
‘They wanted all wayfarers to feel that there was an atmosphere of peace. They were not among the big
mountains. They were just among the low foothills where so many of their ancestors had their living and
did their farm work in a quiet way and lived happily and contentedly. They desired that this plate should
be for the greater happiness of youth walking for health and recreation. Mr Hall introduced Mrs Charles
Hawkins (whose horse mentioned above did not like the Pardshaw stables!), who presented to Mr
Kenneth Spence, ... the chairman of the Association, the keys with which to open the hostel ...’
Mr Spence spoke of the growth of the YHA in the area, of which this was the fourth hostel opened, to be
followed by Dr Wakefield, famous Keswick mountaineer, and Charles Hawkins with his reminiscences
of Cockermouth.
The building was ‘converted for the purpose’, presumably by the insertion of wooden partitions dividing
it into three rooms. The key was collected by hostellers from a local resident, then they were left to cope
with the very primitive conditions. Access to each room was only from outside the building; primitive

352
sanitation was in a small building (still standing) in the burial ground across the road (and a spade was
provided for use by visitors before finally leaving the hostel); the water supply was a stand-pipe in the
stable block.
As the YHA gathered strength better equipped and better placed hostels were opened and Pardshaw was
last included in the hostels handbook in 1938. The occupation did not last long and the carriage shed
again became vacant [from photocopied pages of unknown source].
Unfortunately Pardshaw was rather off the beaten track and was never sufficiently used to make it worthwhile keeping open, and after a fairly good trial period, it had to be closed [Stanley Gill, West
Cumberland Times article Early Days of Hostelling, September 1966].

(v)

PARKFIELDS 1931 to 1932.
Parkfields, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Historic County: Herefordshire
YHA Region: SWA
Positional note: the Grid Reference relates to Parkfields on OS map.≠

GR: SO 627217

▲Opened 1931.
✚Closed 1932.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32.
Property tenure:
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rushall YH Profile

PARK HALL (see Mansfield Woodhouse)
PARRACOMBE 1947 to 1953.
Bumsley Mill Farm, Parracombe, Barnstaple, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 656458*

▲Opened 1/4/1947 [GSEar47]. The wardens were Mr and Mrs Hutchins. The property was
damaged in the Exmoor floods 15-16/8/1952. Volunteer work parties did good work after the flood
[GSEar52] and bednights continued; the hostel was not yet closed [GSEar52].
✚Closed 3/1953 [GSEar53], or (improbably) 4/1953 [YHAF].
Handbook 1946 supplement-53 (1946 supplement published 2/1947).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Parracombe A 751 ≈† RG47.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel is an ex-farmhouse. The men’s quarters are in a barn and washing conditions are rather
primitive [postcard comment].

PARRACOMBE (HEDDON’S MOUTH) 1953 to 1957.
Heddon’s Gate, Hunter’s Inn, Parracombe, Barnstaple, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 657484*

▲Opened 16/3/1953. The wardens, Mr and Mrs Hutchins, bought this new property and transferred
the business from Bumsley Mill Farm Hostel [GSEar53].
✚Closed 31/12/1957 [GSEar59].
Handbook 1953( supplement)-57.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: a hunting lodge dating from the 1890s. Now [2011] the Heddon’s Gate Hotel.

PARWICH 1933 to 1935.
Flaxdale House, Parwich, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1QA.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 187544*

▲Opened by 19/4/1933. A postcard with this datemark reads: the opening of Parwich enabled the
closure of Ilam. Water was obtained from the village pump for this 16-bed hostel.
✚Closed 1935.
Handbook 1933-35.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a grand farmhouse built in 1756. In recent years it was the Flaxdale Guest House, though a private
house by 2008.

353
(v)

PATCHAM (see Brighton)
PATELEY BRIDGE 1946 to 1956.
Hole Bottom Cottages, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 130652*

▲Opened 6/7/1946.
✚Closed 1/9/1956, or end 9/1956 [WESar56], when the tenancy expired [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946 supplement-56.
Property tenure: tenancy dated 13/6/1946 (to YHA Trust 7/6/1948)
Property profile: terraced miners’ cottages.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Honister YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Stayed in winter during 1950s. The walls were damp and the warden was trying to dry the place with a
paraffin stable lamp [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].

PATTERDALE 1932 to 1967.
Goldrill House, Patterdale, Penrith, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 398156*

▲Opened Whit 1932. Camping facilities at special charges were provided from 1933.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war with healthy bednight figures, though a national notice
of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice. It was in use for the evacuation of schoolgirls from the
North-East [LAKar1940]. The 1942 Handbook could advise only that it might open, but LRN 06/1942 advised that it
would reopen 21/07/1942.

✚Closed 30/9/1967 for demolition and replacement by the premises below.
Handbook 1932-67.
Alternative name: Ullswater (1932).
Property tenure: at first the property was loaned to YHA during the High Season by TA Leonard (1864-1948). Later it
was purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 12/10/1945).
Property profile: old Lakes country house; the approach and entrance were at the south of the building.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Patterdale A 751 † RG32.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600007 anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Patterdale YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
***, food f. good, wash fair, position excellent [anon holiday log, ca1944].
(v)

PATTERDALE 1971 to present.
Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 ONW.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 398156*

▲Opened mid-July 1971. Officially opened 16/10/1971. The announcement that the new hostel
was opening in 1969 [no details, Handbook 1968] was clearly premature. The property was
refurbished during 1988-89 [YHAar89]; this was probably the occasion of an extension to the rear
of the hostel.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006-10 inclusive.
Patterdale Hostel was considered for closure in 2014, but taken off the market and retained from
2015.
Handbook 1968; 1971-2009.
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: purpose-built hostel in Scandinavian-style building. The annexe to the south sits on the site of the first
hostel.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Patterdale YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Joe Boothroyd at Patterdale was called every morning by the local radio to tell them what the weather
was like in Patterdale! Not quite a weather station but it always made me laugh when the phone rang and
Joe leaped up to talk on the radio! [Duncan Simpson, recalled in 2015].
(s)

354
PATTERDALE SCHOOL 1931 to 1932.
Patterdale School, Belgrave Crescent, Scarborough, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: TA 037880*

▲Opened 25/7/1931 to 22/8/1931; 23/7/1932 to 20/8/1932. There were 168 bednights in 1932. The
Head of this girls’ school was an early supporter of the local YHA Region, and helped also with the
Cober Hill site [Cober Hill mins].
✚Closed 20/8/1932.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the large yellow-brick property at the south-eastern corner of Belgrave Crescent, at no. 3. The old
school is now Ravensworth Lodge [memory of resident], a care home for the elderly.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
(v)

PEAKLEY HILL 1943 to 1961.
Peakley Hill Farm, Barlow, Sheffield.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 335763*

▲Opened 1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 1961 [YHR 12/1961] as the farmer needed the land for his own use.
Handbook 1943alterations-61.
Property tenure: tenancy (eg) for 5 years from 29/9/1951 (to YHA Trust 10/4/1952) and extended [YHAPB]. The lease
expired 29/9/1961 [YHAPB]. Confusingly, there are references to the hostel being bought by the Sheffield SubRegion,the owner being a YHA member [Sheffield Bulletin 6/1943 and 1/1944].
Property profile: small agricultural hut situated 150 yards SSE of Peakley Hill Farm, above Brundwoodgate in the
Cordwell Valley, 2 miles south-west of Dronfield, it was known as th’en-oil and converted by YHA volunteers. A
small corrugated-iron attachment at one end served for the Elsan.
It is now demolished. The area is overgrown with trees and dense undergrowth. SW from Barlow Lees the YH was on
the right a few yards after a sharp right-hand bend [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Peakley 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600009 Muriel Dean.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
My late husband, Brian Dean, and his uncle Harold Ford, Sheffield, both worked on Peakley Hill YH
from late 1948 to about 1950. Barry & Trevor Ford, Harold’s sons, were also involved when boys.
Peakley Hill YH was probably an ex-WWI soldiers’ hut, though it was often described as a henhouse,
perhaps an intermediate use [Muriel Dean, reporting in 2004].
PEEL Planned YHANI hostel, 1938. Did not open.
Peel, Isle of Man. GR: SC 2484 approx.
▼YHANI hoped to open a hostel here in 1938 [Rucksack Easter 1938]. This would have partnered the first Colby
Hostel.

PEEL Bunkhouse arrangement operating 1989.
Manx Fell and Rock Club, Arrasey Farmhouse, Glenmaye, Peel, Isle of Man. SC 2379
Isle of Man Crown Dependency
YHA Region: WN
Positional note: an isolated property in Arrasey forest is located at this Grid Reference.≠

GR: SC 247788

▲✚Opened and closed 1989. A bunkhouse with Alpine style sleeping platform. An arrangement to
use this was made with the Manx Fell and Rock Club.
Handbook 1989.

PENDENNIS CASTLE 1963 to 2000.
Barrack Block, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4LP.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SW 823319*

▲Opened 1/6/1963. There was a reference in the 1963 Handbook late news to a Falmouth hostel,
which it was hoped to open at Easter. Officially opened 11/7/1964 [DACar64, Opening Day
programme].
✚Closed 8/9/2000 [YHA internal memo]. There was no agreement between YHA and English
Heritage regarding renewal of the lease [YHA internal memo].
Handbook 1963 supplement-2000.

355
Alternative name: Pendennis Castle (Falmouth) (1966-87).
Property tenure: leasehold (determinable) for 28 years from 25/3/1963 from the Secretary of State for Defence
[YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Pendennis Castle was built in the 1540s to guard the entrance to Falmouth Harbour from attack by France or Spain. The
hostel was located in a former Royal Artillery barracks, dating from 1901, within the Castle precinct. Since closure the
building has been refurbished and houses an exhibition The Key to Cornwall [GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1964 we were able to obtain the use of the old Barrack Buildings at Pendennis Castle for a hostel. This
came about by the fact that I wrote to the ministry of works, enquiring about the possible usage of the St
Mawes Castle buildings, to which request the Ministry replied that these were unavailable, but would the
Association be interested in the use of buildings within the Pendennis Castle grounds at Falmouth? This,
of course, set things on the run. I could not get the necessary meetings going quick enough to get the
various Committees, both National and Regional, to give the matter consideration.
Eventually a joint meeting was arranged between Ministry Reps, John Parkes and myself at the castle of
Pendennis. The first building that was offered to the YHA was quite a small one, just inside the gateway
entrance; this I realised was far too small, and stated that I thought that the building the Association
would be interested in would be the Barrack Block in the courtyard. The Ministry reps were a little
surprised at this request, but were equally happy for the YHA to take over this large building.
Further meetings were held at the Ministry, which I attended with John Parkes, to discuss planning and
the terms of the lease; successful terms were obtained and plans of adaption approved, which set the
work in hand, and in 1963 the building was open for the use of hostellers. In my opinion this building
was very adaptable for YHA usage, and with the colour decoration and floor covering, the building soon
got rid of the Barrack atmosphere.
There was of course one unusual feature attached to the place, that being the entry arrangements at the
Castle Gate. The Castle and grounds being open to the public during the day necessitated the need of a
Ministry gate warden, who operated from 10am to 5pm daily. At 5pm the gates were closed to all, just
when the YH Members were arriving. It was John’s job to think up an idea whereby the gate opening
could be controlled from the warden’s office. Arrangements were made for the installation of a bell push
at the gate, along with a speaker unit, the operation being that when the bell rang in the warden’s office,
he would throw a switch which would release the gate lock, allowing the member to enter. This system
operated alright for a short while, until the local lads got the idea, which resulted in the bell ringing at all
times during the night. Another meeting was held with the Ministry, and agreement reached whereby the
gate was left open at 5pm, providing the YHA undertook responsibility to close the gates at 10pm. This
of course meant that members coming to the hostel had to be within the grounds before that time. This
also seemed to be the one notice, printed in heavy type in the handbook that members adhered to
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Youth hostel cards had to be shown to the Castle custodian at the entrance. It was a luxury hostel and the
members’ kitchen was fine. I went into the common room [where] the custodian’s daughter was
employed to sell refreshments. I really enjoyed my stay [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July
1964].
(s)

PENDLE HILL (see Barley)
PENLANWEN 1946 to 1948.
Penlanwen Farm, Llandulais, Llangammarch Wells, Breconshire.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 893418*

▲Opened during the year [SWAar46], with a hope for Easter 1946. A hut (from Llanmadoc hostel)
had to be transported and erected there [SWAHr 3/1946]. The death of the warden’s husband Mr
Davies on 16/6/1947 led to an enforced move. Then Mr N Sharpe of Nether Mowbray was
appointed warden [SWAHr 7/47]. The future of the hostel was uncertain, but bookings would be
honoured [SWAHr Hrvst48]. It was open for advanced bookings only [SWAHr 10/1948], but the
following month closed at present; Mrs Davies was expecting to sell the farm, and it was doubtful
if the hostel could open again the following year [SWAHr 11/1948].
✚Closed late 1948. There were 17 bednights in 1949SY, but the hostel was closed by 12/1948
[SWAar48]. A hut was moved from here to Cilibion [SWAar50].
Handbook 1946-48.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small Welsh farmhouse. Extant in 2007.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/439325
(v)

356
PENMAENMAWR 1964 to 1992
Penmaenbach, Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd LL34 6UL.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 737780

▲Opened 1/8/1964, in which month 587 bednights were recorded [MERar64]. A feature of the
hostel was the provision of extensive cliff-top camping arrangements, including fixed bell-tents; the
wardens Mr and Mrs Fleet had already served 17 years here with Pilkington’s [YHr 9&10/1964].
In 1975 the hostel had a new roof, new central heating system and additional washbasins in
dormitories [HN Spring 1975].
By 1982 the hostel’s fabric was giving great cause for concern: the regional annual report
described Penmaenmawr Hostel as having been in a state of decrepitude for some time; it was the
principal work during the year, and the hostel was now looking good.
✚Closed at the end of 1992 [War1993]: there were a few bednights after 1/10/1992. The property
was sold to the Welsh Office after the hostel was isolated by a new dual carriageway.
Handbook 1964 supplement-93.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 19/11/1964 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: formerly the Brickfield Holiday Home, for workers from Pilkington’s, the St Helens glass
manufacturers, also the Bungalow Holiday Home, a guest house for girls.
Demolished. The site is the open grassy space immediately on the right after crossing the bridge over the railway [KF,
2011].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 100, Penmaenbach, Youth Hosteller October 1964.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mrs M Fleet retired in June 1974 after looking after the family campsite for five years. She and her
husband were previously wardens at the ([neighbouring] hostel [HN Summer 1974].
Peter Hudson, for 21 years the popular warden at Penmaenmawr, died on 12 August 1991. He was one of
a generation of wardens slowly disappearing. Facilities were basic, meals adequate, perhaps there was
dust here and there, but Pete and his hostel had character and its regulars loved it [YHA News obit, Apr
1992].
I learnt from the Kings Hostel warden the reason why Penmaenmawr had been closed down: the
engineers that built the dual carriageway upgrade of the North Wales coast road did not take into account
the existence of that Youth Hostel and the necessity of non-motorised visitors of gaining access to it
[YHA News, June 1994].
(s)

PENNANT HALL 1930 to 1931.
Pennant Hall, Eglwysbach, Llanrwst, Denbighshire.
Historic County: Denbighshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 816672*

▲Opened 24/12/1930: 20 people had spent an enjoyable time at Pennant Hall over Christmas
[BYHA-Merseyside mins 26/1/1931]. A lease was completed and a decoration scheme prepared;
this is the last mention in minutes [BYHA-MCmins 25/2/1931]. Pennant Hall was a hurried
replacement for the intended hostel at Pont Wgan.
✚Closed early 1931 due to impure water supply, but not before 7-8/2/1931.
Property tenure: tenancy, with a rent of £30pa.
Property profile: the celebrated first Association youth hostel in Britain, a large house high on the Denbigh Moors.
It is now split into two houses [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The first mention I have of Pennant Hall was in a discussion at the Clubroom whether we should go to
Camp or Pennant for Christmas 1930. Eventually we split up and Tom [Fairclough], Ena (Fairclough)
and I went to Camp whilst Connie [Alexander] and others went to Pennant Hall, where Connie acted as
warden, thus becoming the first warden in a British Youth Hostel [Bertha Gough diary, 3rd December
1930]…
This was the first hostel weekend I went on. Pennant Hall was a queer place. It had a beautiful entrance
hall, with very shallow stairs, large lofty rooms and queer underground passages, which we explored with
torches. The sanitation was most primitive, the drainage running into the river from which we got our
drinking water. It was chiefly for this reason it was given up, and the equipment transferred to Gwydyr
Ucha. We slept on camp beds and were all very cold at night, hardly any of us sleeping much, with the
result that we were all up very early [Bertha Gough diary, 7th / 8th February 1931].

357
(v)

PENRITH 1945 to 1970.
Nandana, Beacon Road, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 523309*

▲Opened Easter 1945; immediately beforehand evacuees had occupied the back of the premises
[LAK mins 1945].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the closing stages of hostilities. It had been occupied
immediately before by evacuees, for whom other accommodation was found.

✚Closed 10/11/1970 [YHAF]. The property was sold 20/5/1971 [YHAPB], the sale helping to
finance the new Patterdale Hostel.
Handbook 1945-71.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 1/11/1944).
Property profile: a magnificent merchant’s house of 1883, in local pink sandstone, with sweeping staircase, stained
glass, carved features and tiled floors. It was the home of a well-known local family the last of whom died in 1944,
when the YHA bought it [Cumbria Magazine Vol 1 No 1]. It is now [2007] being fully restored, many of the original
features having been taken out, not by YHA, but by later owners.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Patterdale YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 45, Penrith, Youth Hosteller June 1957.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The finest house in Penrith [builder].
A Penrith member (a local art teacher) offered three small drafts for a suggested mural – one accepted
with thanks and painted on a wall of the common room over the winter of 1946-47 [LAK mins 22/6
1946, Cumbria Magazine Vol 1 No 1].
The Regional Guide to Lakeland Hostels describes Nandana as a country house on road skirting foot of
Penrith Beacon but this does not seem to convey the right impression at all. The reaction of people who
come to Nandana for the first time is always one of surprise, a kind of grudging surprise. Perhaps this
will only he obviated when, at long last, we get a picture-postcard made of the place for all to see.
Many’s the time enterprising photographers have risked their lives to secure a picture of the hostel fit for
puhlication. But they have always heen defeated by the unco-operative nature of the ground immediately
surrounding the hostel, which has such a slope at the front and side that every photograph we have yet
seen presents to one’s startled gaze the whole façade of the house rearing away from one like a frightened
horse. Heroic friends have climbed the tops of ladders and trees in an attempt to get something like the
right perspective, but with no success. The only solution must lie in a drawing, and as a matter of fact we
have an artist engaged on this work at the moment. Perhaps after all we shall have our picture-postcard of
Nandana this season!
Members will be interested to know that a mural by the same artist, who is a local art teacher, has this
winter been painted on one of the walls of the Common-room. It has so far been met with nothing but
approval, ranging from unreserved praise to a reluctant Seen lots worse. The scene is of three climbers,
two men and a girl. just making the top of one of our Lakeland peaks. The venue is really something of a
composite one.
Nandana is often taken for a much older house than it is (the date is actually 1883). Its short history has
been very respectable. It was the home of a well-known local family, the last of whom died in 1944,
when YHA bought it and turned it into a hostel the following year. One of the former maids came to
inspect it in its transformed state soon afterwards; when she had been proudly conducted round its bare,
newly distempered rooms and corridors, she was heard to murmur in shocked and saddened tones If Miss
VS could only see it now ... ! I think we can say without fear of contradiction, however, that most local
people don’t feel the change is for the worse [Leslie Laycock, warden, Penrith Hostel].
The house was built in the middle or late 1880s by a successful Penrith grocer who intended to reside
there during his retirement. Shortly afterwards, however, it was sold to a local farmer named Smith…
The name Nandana is a Sanskrit word meaning Paradise or Garden of Happiness. It was suggested by
Dr John Nicholson of Fellside, a distinguished oriental scholar, who was related to the Smiths by
marriage [letter by John R Brock to Youth Hosteller, July 1957].
Nandana was purchased in November 1944 from the executors of Augusta Ann Varty Smith. Other
accommodation was found for the evacuees in occupation so that the hostel could be opened for Easter
1945. Other wartime difficulties were obtaining licenses for building alreations, fule and food supplies
and location of retail business, but the wardens, Mr and Mrs Laycock, opened on schedule and recorded
3,000 overnights in the first six months [letter by TW Thompson to Youth Hosteller, August 1957].
Hostel life seemed to sit rather incongruously in this magnificent house. The warden, Mr Morris, was a
jolly chap who had jokes posted all over the hostel. He designed his own hostel stamp from a John Bull

358
printing outfit. ‘Shop at Mogs’, it said. On revisiting the house during a refurbishment in the 2000s, I was
pleased to see that the original features of panelling, moulding and carving, heavy fireplaces and
patterned floor tiles showed no sign of YHA misuse [JM, recalled from 1964 and 2005].
(s)

PENTLEPOIR 1972 to 1999.
The Old School, Pentlepoir, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire SA69 9BJ.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SN 116059*

▲Opened 1/7/1972. Volunteers helped redecorate and provide a better members’ kitchen and
common room [WSar74], while the warden carried out extensive remodelling of the hostel
[WSar76].
✚Closed 1999, as the building had become dangerous.
Handbook 1972 supplement-2000.
Alternative name: Pentlepoir (Saundersfoot) (1973-87).
Property tenure: leasehold (eg) for 7 years from 12/3/1979 from Dyfed CC (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: village school, with warden’s quarters in the school house to the left side.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Trefin YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Standard – Recommended Simple. Approximately 2,000 bednights.
This hostel is another school house; the sort that South Wales Region is so good at finding. This one has
the additional advantage of an attached headmaster’s house which converts neatly into warden’s
accommodation. These buildings are generally old and certain things must of necessity be worn out. This
one has very bad floors throughout; old worn wooden floor boards where there isn’t any concrete.
Again the Region has solved the washroom problem by putting washing facilities in each dormitory. This
is OK if due allowance is made for the additional space those facilities take up. I found overcrowding in:
Dorm 1 – 18sq ft per bed; Dorm 2 – 22sq ft per bed; Dorm 3 – 20sq ft per bed. This is not Standard
accommodation.
The bunks are below that expected in a Standard hostel. Some mattresses are of the Ship mattress type
and there are still some of the flock type with broken springs.
The old school hall is now the Common Room / Dining Room. A large bare room with sad looking
wooden floors. An attempt has been made to brighten the room with curtains but it needs a total facelift
with better heating, repainting and refurnishing, a pleasant floor covering (hardboard and vinyl tiles) and
a fireside mat. I am not sure in this case if a dividing wall would give a better layout.
There is an excellent meals provided washup with two new stainless steel sinks. Plenty of knives, forks
and spoons and crockery. A pay phone is in the entrance way.
The WCs are in the yard at the far end of the old playground: two for men and a urinal; three for women.
These are basic and rather uncomfortable on a windy, wet night. A sanitowel dispenser is required.
In the Members’ Kitchen is a very useful little gadget, a Crownette, measuring a mere 8in by 4in in
diameter, it gives instant hot water continuously direct from the mains. One mounted over each sink
gives all the hot water needed without the need for long runs of piping. It serves the Members’ Kitchen
and the handbasins in three of the four dormitories. The Members’ Kitchen has eight gas points and four
grills.
Another gas point is needed for a 40 bed hostel. One sink and one draining hoard is provided for self
cookers. A roller hand towel would be useful.
I classify this hostel Simple because:1. The bunks in 3 of the 4 dorms are very much below standard. 2. There is overcrowding in 3
dormitories. 3. The WC facilities are off the premises. No night facilities. 4. The floors and general
decorations are in need of improvement. 5. One dorm light should be rigged up. 6. One dorm doe not
have hot water. 7. Footbaths or preferably showers should be installed [Internal South Wales Regional
Hostel Report, 4/8/1973 (extracts)].
When I went to bed I noticed that the condensation formed on the walls had frozen. I much preferred the
simple hostels and this was the simplest I had been in for a long time [Chris Downes (cyclist), holiday
log, 1975].
(v)

PENTRE COURT / PENTRE CWRT 1939 to 1969.
Henfryn Mill, Pentre Cwrt, Llandyssul, Cardiganshire.
Historic County: Carmarthenshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS

GR: SN 386389*

▲Opened Whit 1939, when one floor was rented for a small self-catering hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded before
1944SY, though it was almost certainly in use: LRN recorded its operation in 2/1940 and an internal circular of

359
18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was the only hostel open in south-west Wales. Operation in
1944-45 is recorded.

It was briefly closed in 1947 [Rucksack] while it was stripped out and expanded, hence the
temporary closure, though there were bednights in that year. In June 1947 Mr CE Sharpe, warden,
took over the hostel, then decidedly primitive, but at Easter 1948 the hostel was reopened on three
floors, with cycles on the ground floor, men’s dorm (20) and women’s (12), common room and
kitchen on the first, and room for expansion on the second [SWAHr 10/48].
✚Closed 30/9/1969 as the general standard had fallen [SWar69]. The lease expired in 1969: part
was retained for storage, and finally vacated 22/11/1970 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1939amendments-70.
Alternative names: Llandyssul (1939amendments); Pentre Court (1940-45).
Property tenure: at first a small tenancy; later a long lease was negotiated [SWAar48], for 21½ years from 25/3/1948
for £30pa [YHAPB]; (leasehold to YHA Trust 16/5/1951).
Property profile: former woollen mill of about 1870, stone-built under a slate roof, redundant since the mid-1920s.
After YHA use it remained empty for 10 years until converted to a home.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Poppit Sands YH
Profile
Published material: London Region News 7/1939 [article about the new hostel].
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Cyril Sharpe [postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:
Pentre Cwrt is being transformed by warden CE Sharpe, members and local craftsmen into an important
West Wales ‘stepping stone’ [Rucksack, New Year 1948].
It was a pleasant ride from Conwil station to Pentre Cwrt YH. When I arrived at the hostel there were no
other girls there so I had the choice of 12 beds. This hostel was quite luxurious after Poppit Sands with
running water and a box beside each bed [Pat Packham, A Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and Rail
Runabout Ticket, 10 August 1953]…
An old mill beside the River Teifi. Like many hostels it had no flush toilets and the Elsans were outside.
It was a rambling old place but the warden had made a good job of making it welcoming: 8 electric lights
were attached to each of two cartwheels hanging from the ceiling. Poachers could be heard downstairs,
which made the place quite eerie. The warden wore shorts, unusual in the 1950s [Pat Packham, 1953].
After supper we went into the warden’s sitting room, where he entertained us with tales of hostellers,
former hostels in the region and members of the committee [Pat Packham, Touring Wales on a bicycle,
March 1959].
Slept in the other warden’s room [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
Stewards Report and Comments following a visit to Pentre Cwrt 7th December 1968.
The hostel is in a very untidy and dirty state and does not appear to have been cleaned since well before it
closed in September, if the cobwebs in the common room and other rooms were and are any indication.
The common room and members’ kitchen have been cleaned as far as was practical on that visit.
The entrance hall and passage are not too bad, except for a patch on the wall opposite the Warden’s
Kitchen door, which looks like damp. The paint has blistered and is peeling off here, but elsewhere it is
only flaking off. A few minor repairs to the windows, treating quite large areas for woodwonn and
redecorating the area are all that is required here.
In the ladies’ washroom, one job has been overdue for years, according to a reliable source. Why has it
been neglected? I do not know: it is a relatively easy job. I refer to the blanket doors on the ladies’ toilets.
Because the doorways are not even parallel, the doors will have to be constructed on site. A light frame
of 2" x 1" as sawn timber cross braced with 1" x 1" as sawn and faced with hardboard will be adequate.
The hardboard can be decorated with PJA (Pinchin Johnson Associates) Gaymel Prepcoat and a
Polyurathane Hardgloss paint. The washroom needs redecorating and I intend that this should be done.
In the ladies’ dormitory, apart from redecorating and extra curtains, there is one major job to do. When
the warden’s sitting room was contracted and the dormitory expanded, a large area of unplastered wall
was left. This needs replastering.
In the Warden’s kitchen, the ceiling needs repainting urgently. There was yellow paint on it, but most of
this has flaked off. A coat of Gay’s (Trade phrase) Prepcoat ia indicated. The first things I saw when
entering the kitchen were a bowl of sugar with several spoons in it on the table and a dirty frying pan,
with the impressions of four cold sausages left in the fat, and a dirty slice. The kitchen was generally
untidy and looked as if it had been left in a hurry: even the hostel stamp ink pads had been left open. In
the refrigerator was a pint of milk, which was very old, and the refrigerator smelled horribly. I got the
impression that the place had been left in a hurry.

360
The Common Room was not too bad, but here again it did not appear to have been cleaned for months.
There was thick dust in the windows and on tile ledges. This room has been cleaned up and tidied and
only needs the windows painting and the necessary woodworm treatment. I do not advocate any changes
to this room in size or function.
The Members’ Kitchen was in a similar state to the common room, also the dustbins had not been
emptied. In one was an empty egg box and shiny black slime. I did not check to see if it was sticky. The
kitchen has been cleaned as far as possible.
Upstairs in the men’s dormitory one notices the draught. This must be rectified and should not be a hard
job. This room needs cleaning up and painting but is otherwise in good condition. The fire escape is, in
my opinion, unsatisfactory and would not pass a Fire Officer’s inspection. The route to the ladder is unlit
and, in the event of a fire down below, could easily go up in flames. I suggest installing one or two of the
belt type escape, or else, to the same fixing, a rope of about 1½" diameter.
While on the subject of fire escapes, I did not see any notices of the standard type, ie What to do in case
of fire. This omission needs rectifying before the hostel reopens.
In the men’s washroom, four sheets of hardboard are needed for the ceiling to replace those already there
which are in poor condition. At the same time, an access point to the water cistern can be provided and
decoration put in hand.
The basement is marked ‘Private’ and is reached through the common room trap door.
On the right hand side, nearest the garden, is an old store room. This contains a pile of old squash bottles,
some old tins of paint, assorted other junk and the warden’s toilet, which had not been emptied.
The old members’ kitchen appeared to have been converted into an emergency dormitory. A curtain from
the Common room has been put in the window and attacked by mice entering through a hole in the wall
by the window. The curtain is useless now.
The other part of the basement, to the left of the comnon room stairs appears to have been used as a
summer sitting room and junk place by the warden.
The cycle shed is in a reasonable condition, although the door does not close properly and some planking
to the left of it is shaky. An area of the floor boarding has been sectioned off, presumably because the
boards are rotten. I feel the area of floor boarding should be closed and the cycle shed extended into the
former men’s wash place and toilets, where, incidentally, there are three Elsan Closets.
The first impressions a hosteller gets of a hostel are from the outside. Pentre Cwrt looks shabby both in
paint work and the grounds.
The gardens can be put straight and resemble something of their former glory with a lot of hard work.
The exterior woodwork needs a repaint in a bright, light colour to contrast with the rather sombre
brickwork. I suggest Primrose Yellow.
The front door of the hostel needs a bit of attention but nothing serious as far as can be ascertained.
There is water running down the drive from the bend by the foundations of the old cottage. I believe there
is an overgrown drainage channel down the side of the drive which needs reopening. I intend doing this
on my next visit.
I do not think there has been any work done on the hostel by the warden, during the summer.
The proposed repairs and decoration are not expected to exceed £20.
I see no reason why, if we are able to retain it, this hostel cannot be developed as a main hostel in a chain
of smaller hostels. There is, in the surrounding country, some quite interesting cycling routes and much
of interest to the naturalist – I saw a fox from the hostel – and historian. True, I have not had time to
explore the area yet, but I want to prepare itineries of inter-hostel routes for cyclists and walkers by the
summer.
I would like to see Pentre Cwrt in use as a School Journey Party centre. It is not, to me, at all isolated for
such work and, by virtue of being out in the country, ideal for this purpose. It means changing the
wardening system, but increased usage will make the present arrangement unsuitable [Clifford J
Packham].
PENTREFOELAS One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930 to open summer
1931. Did not open.
Pentrefoelas, Merionethshire. GR: SH 8751 approx.
▼This district was being explored for a suitable site [BYHA prospectus, 1930]. The outcome may have been St
Michael’s Church Hall, Llanfihangel GM.

PEN-Y-PASS 1968 and 1969 (limited), 1971 (in full) to present.
Pen-y-Pass, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4NY.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: WN; W

GR: SH 647556*

▲Opened 1968, when the operation was limited: the statistics show usage at Pen-y-Pass, but it did
not yet operate seriously as a hostel, for the few beds there were available only in emergency
[MERar69]. In 1970 the hostel was closed but the newly developed café was open. The hostel
opened in full 15/2/1971 [YHAF] and officially opened 5/6/1971. An anonymous donation of

361
£50,000 allowed a shortfall to be breached in the provision of the public cafeteria [YHAar71]. The
move of the café from the hostel side to across the road was achieved by 1974, and allowed the
hostel common room to take its place [HN Spring 1974].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
In 2013 YHA announced a £1.3m complete refurbishment and expansion scheme of the youth
hostel, made possible following generous contributions from the Welsh Government’s Tourism
Investment Support Scheme (TISS), Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA), Welsh Water
and a legacy left to YHA by a long-standing member of YHA’s Welsh regional council, Tony
Drake MBE. The works ran from late 2013 to May 2014. Guest rooms were extended into the
previous staff accommodation and the unused Long Barn to allow an increase back to 111 beds.
The ground floor was considerably reconfigured and the barn brought back into use to provide 22
beds arranged mostly as 2- and 4-bedded en-suite rooms. A greatly enhanced self-catering kitchen
and dining space and a modest amount of staff accommodation have been provided. The
investment created the new Mallory’s Café and Bar with a modern relaxed atmosphere.
Additionally, the hostel offers a classroom with audio-visual capabilities and public WCs and
showers for day walkers.
Late in 2013, as a result of a successful public voting campaign, YHA was awarded £25,000 from
the Hostelling International 2013 Sustainability Fund towards the cost of £167,000 for a pioneering
biomass boiler project for Pen-y-Pass. The improvements were seen as essential in reducing both
the heating costs and the carbon footprint, as previously the hostel’s heating oil costs were the
highest across its network and the new plant would enable a reduction of 86% on carbon emissions.
Handbook 1970-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 1967 [YHAar67], or 27/4/1970 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust). Currently [2012]
freehold.
Property profile: formerly the Gorphwysfa Hotel, which came on the market unexpectedly in 1967. The design of the
dormitory block to the right of the entrance caused some controversy at the time, but was later widely appreciated.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pen y Pass YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanberis YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu &
Snowdon Ranger YHs Profile
(s)

PENYCWM / SOLVA / NEWGALE 1993 to 2005; 2007 to 2007 or 2008.
Hafod Lodge, Whitehouse, Penycwm, Solva, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6LA.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SM 857250*

▲Opened 7/1993 as a private arrangement between the owner, Ken Cross, and YHA. When opened
it was YHA’s only 5-star hostel, with full central heating, meals service and a family room.
For 1997, Penycwm Youth Hostel expanded from 14 to 26 beds [YHA News spring 1997].
It was put up for sale in 2005, as the owners wished to retire, and closed, with the future uncertain,
in 2006. The site was now under the new ownership of YMCA Wales. Working with YHA, they
planned a thorough review of the operation and partnership over the ensuing months. In the
meantime all existing bookings would be honoured but new bookings could not be accepted
[Website, 1/2007]. A new YHA Enterprise franchise was announced in the 2007 Handbook
addenda sheet, but for groups only. This lasted for about one season only.
✚Closed 2007 or 2008.
Handbook 1994-2007/08.
Alternative names: Solva (1994); Penycwm (Solva) (1995-99); Newgale (2007/08).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel until 2006. A YHA Enterprise arrangement with YMCA followed in 2007.
Property profile: converted farm buildings.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The accommodation at Penycwm is of a very high standard. It is not just the facilities which impress, it’s
the personal touches and attention to detail which make the difference. Ken and Pat have put a lot of
thought into meeting the needs of the wide range of visitors here. All rooms are en-suite and have full
sized double beds with tiered single beds above. For self caterers, there’s a well equipped kitchen and
dining facilities. The licensed ‘Brambles’ dining room on the upper floor puts the emphasis on traditional
regional dishes all prepared from local produce [YHA News summer 1997].
(s)

362
PENZANCE 1949 to present.
Castle Horneck, Alverton, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8TF.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SW 457302*

▲Opened 1/7/1949.
In 1977 the hostel was greatly improved by the enlargement of the members’ kitchen, creation of a
games room, new wash-up and reception point, remodelling of the men’s washroom and new
showers; eight extra beds were made available [HN Spring 1977].
A critical memo found that 30 extra beds were contained in 3 Portakabins [HSC(Y)memo11/1981].
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987]. It has gone on to earn a major refit in 2009.
Handbook 1949 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 24/11/1949). Currently [2012]
freehold. Penzance Barns are also Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: early Georgian manor house in landscaped gardens.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Penzance & Land's End
area YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A good thing did come out of my coming into contact with the auctioneers [see comment under Hayle
hostel], in that I had a talk with them with regard to the fact that the YHA were also looking for property
in the Penzance area, the result being that this contact put me in touch with auctioneers and estate agents
who were dealing with the sale of Castle Horneck House, Penzance [extracts from Charles Allen
Memoirs, 1977].
Good library. Table Tennis room even. Kitchen full. Basement full of bikes. Good but too big [Harry
Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
The hostel was situated in large grounds and cycles had to be placed in the basement [Pat Packham, A
Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(s)

PERRANPORTH 1981 to present.
Droskyn Point, Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 OGS.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: SW; S

GR: SW 751543*

▲Opened 18/5/1981. Officially opened 13/6/1981. This was the first hostel acquired with
assistance from the YHA Golden Jubilee Fund. The property was refurbished during 1988-89
[YHAar89].
In the late 1990s full central heating was provided [YHA News spring 1998]. A Springboard
programme of improvements was planned for the early months of 2018, necessitating closure from
8th January to 21st April. Work would include improving the bedrooms, adding a new self-catering
kitchen and replacing the furniture and fittings throughout the hostel.
Handbook 1981 supplement-2009
Property tenure: leasehold for 14 years dated 5/3/1982 from the Parish Council of Perranzabuloe (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former coastguard station and experimental anti-submarine detection centre (1952) on cliff top.
(s)

PERRANPORTH (see Trevellas)
PETERBOROUGH [Temporary] 1972 to 1974.
Madeley House, 201 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UG.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: EA

GR: TL 195998

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 15/7/1972.
✚Closed 1974, 31/8/1974 being the end of the season. It would be unavailable in 1975 [HN]. Sadly
Peterborough Hostel would not be opening in 1975 due to a change of heart on the part of the
owners of the building in preparing for the school ‘going comprehensive’ [EAmins24/1/76].
Handbook 1972 supplement-75.
Property tenure: rented at £100 in each of the first two seasons [EA memo 1973].
Property profile: annexe to King’s School.
PETERBOROUGH

Hostel planned from 2000. Did not open.

363
Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough PE3 6GA. GR: TL 174985
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here 1/8/2000 [Handbook 2000-2001] but the plan was delayed. Again it was expected
during 2001. A £2 million funding package was announced, including over £900,000 from the East of England
Development Agency and lottery funding of £490,788, for a hostel, conference centre and a centre for the city’s
voluntary organisations, expected to open 2005 [YHAN Summer 2003]. Planning permission was granted, but delays in
implementation led to abandonment of the project.

PHILLACK (see Hayle)
PIDDINGHOE (NEWHAVEN) Hostel planned 1964-65. Did not open.
Youth Hostel Dolphin, c/o Riverside, Piddinghoe, Newhaven, East Sussex. GR: TQ 434031
▼A hostel here would probably open 1/3/1965 [Handbook 1965]. Piddinghoe was the proposed mooring site for an exnaval motor launch (MV Queenleigh) purchased by London Region [LONar64] immediately after YHA’s success with
the Selby Hostel. The project was abandoned after opposition from the local parish council and the craft kept at
Newhaven dry dock, though the London Region New Hostels Committee was still investigating alternative moorings for
YHA Dolphin at Allington Marina (Maidstone), Lewes and Bramber later in the year, and Yarmouth IoW was
considered as an attractive alternative [LRN Jun66]. The craft was 70ft long and 19ft beam. Nevertheless, a standard
one-inch pin badge of Piddinghoe hostel was produced, and was being sold at Patcham Hostel in March 1967 [Pat
Packham]
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Fort Newhaven YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH
Profile
(v)

PINKERY CENTRE 2007 to 2016.
Pinkery, Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7LL.
Historic County: Somerset

GR: SS 723411*

▲Opened 2007. YHA Enterprise bunkhouse, first advertised 6/2007, at the Exmoor National Park
Authority’s residential Centre for Outdoor Education, initially for group use only, at weekends and
holidays. The facility received a refurbishment about 2013 and was offered very briefly as a
standard summer hostel for a month in 2015.
✚Closed about March 2016 as the National Park Authority instructed YHA that it was taking full
control of the premises; the facility was removed from websites and maps by April.
Update 2009.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: former Victorian farmstead, established as the Pinkery Centre and later an Eco-Centre featuring a
photovoltaic roof and wind turbine. Pinkery is owned by Exmoor National Park Authority and has provided
accommodation for young people since 1969. YHA has operated the site since 2007. A bunkhouse with exclusive use
for large groups in the Exmoor National Park, sleeping 44 in 9 bedrooms.

PLAS RHIWAEDOG (BALA) 1932 to 1995.
Plas Rhiwaedog, Rhos-y-Gwaliau, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7EU.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 947348*

▲Opened 30/7/1932 [YHA N Wales News 6/1950], or August Bank Holiday 1932 [MERar32].
There were 399 bednights in that year. In 1936 the Gatehouse was fitted out for self-cookers,
particularly juvenile parties [MERar36]. A National Fitness Council grant of £350 and loand of
£640 were awarded towards the outright purchase [MERar39].
Wartime arrangements: Plas Rhiwaedog was requisitioned early on [History of MYH]. The hostel would be available
during the winter of 1942-43 if booked in advance, and fully from Easter 1943 after National Service [MERar43].

In 1958 the derelict Gatehouse was again converted and brought into use for 12 members
[MERar58]. It became the centre for the Bala sailing courses [History of MYH].
Renovations were carried out in 1969, thanks to a grant from the Historic Buildings Council [YHr
8/69].
Work was still in hand restoring the historic building, with the Region’s apologies for
inconvenience [YHr 2/70, 4/70]. Much needed renovations were provided thanks to the Historic
Buildings Council [YHr 11.70]. In 1974 a new gas-fired boiler was provided to improve the supply
and heating for the drying room [HN Spring 1974]. In 1978 an external porch door was specially
designed and provided to suit the historic building; some partial space heating was also supplied. In

364
1979 improvements were completed to the members’ kitchen and a new wash-up and shower
provided, while help for dry rot work was received from the Historic buildings Council [HN Spring
1979].
✚Closed 1995. ‘During the year it was agreed that as Bala YH required an inordinate amount
spending on it to bring it to required safety and other standards that it would close. It has not
reopened for 1996’ [War95].
Handbook 1933-40; 1943alterations-96.
Alternative names: Plas Rhiwaedog (1935-40 and 1952-60); Bala (Plas Rhiwaedog) (1943-48, 1951 and 1985-87); Plas
Rhiwaedog, Bala (1949 and 1961-82); Bala, Plas Rhiwaedog 1950; Plas Rhiwaedog (Bala) 1983-84.
Property tenure: after an initial period it was purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 15/11/1939).
Property profile: mediaeval and 17th-century manor house; a date over the door is 1664.
The old YH, a grade II* listed building (1951), is now on Cadw’s Buildings at Risk register. It has been in disuse
shortly after the hostel closed [KF, 2011.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Plas Rhiwaedog 751 † RG44.jpg; [∂ & «]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 57, Bala, Youth Hosteller July 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I spent the weekend [4th-5th September 1932] at Bala with Tod. Miss Paul was warden there then. I did
not like her, but as Tod got on with her very well, she treated us quite decently, although she was a bit of
a tartar with lots of people. This is one of our most beautiful hostels. In those days there was a terrible
shortage of water and we had to go to the river for all the water for washing etc. Some job!...
…9th-10th May 1936: We all tried out the new rope fire escape and took photographs of each other
coming down [Bertha Gough diary].
Fred Travis [b1915] remembers dinner of jugged hare followed by an enormous plum pie, 1/6d. [B
Berry, daughter, reporting in 2004].
John Holman, warden of Plas Rhiwaedog hostel, Bala has written and published books on Field Studies
around Bala. It was very much a family effort. All the line drawings were done by his younger son, 11
years-old Ian. John's sister Ann typed the manuscript, and his wife Elizabeth did all the proof reading.
The five books in the Series are 1. Geology and Geomorphology: 2. Industrial Archaeology; 3. Ecology
of lakes rivers and forests; 4. Urban water supplies and Planning; 5. Hydrology [HN Autumn 82].
(s)

PLAYFORD 1931 to 1934.
Archway House, Playford, Ipswich, Suffolk.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 213479*

▲Opened 1931.
✚Closed shortly after the formation of EAN region 7/1934 [EANar34].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-34(1st edn only).
Alternative name: Archway House (1931(1st edn)-31(3rd edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: large red-brick house with dutch gables.

PLYMOUTH [Swarthmore] 1938 to 1940.
Swarthmore Settlement, Mutley Plain, Plymouth, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 483558*

▲Opened Easter 1938 [DACar38], though first mentioned in 1936 [DACar36]. A large amount of
work was necessary to reconstruct the Swarthmore Institute and arrangements were in hand
[DACar37, Handbook 1937, minimum details]. Accommodation was M20W20, overflow 25
[Regional Guide 1938]. For a time the YHA Regional Office was located here.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel had a mere 308 bednights in 1940SY. Usage and closure date in late 1939 or 1940 is
uncertain, but the hostel was definitely withdrawn by 14/10/1940.

✚Closed 1940, probably before the end of season, 30/9/1940.
Handbook 1937-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: educational buildings. The Swarthmore settlements were Quaker institutions. They spread from Leeds
and York (with connections to the Rowntree family); the Plymouth centre was instigated by the Society of Friends and
the YMCA.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Plymouth A 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
The first Plymouth hostel was at the Friends Meeting House, Swarthmore Hall, a 60 bed, no meals
provided hostel, with self cooking facilities available in the small hall in the rear yard area.

365
This hostel was operative for a three-year period; it opened in 1938, and closed again in 1940 owing to it
being requisitioned for hospital war time requirements. Under the local fire watching compulsory duties
that were in operation at the time, I was one of the party of three, whose duties it was to firewatch at
Swarthmore, this necessitated our sleeping on the premises for three nights each week. I being a rather
heavy sleeper, did on one occasion sleep throughout on of the local air raids, when incendiary bombs
were being dropped, some of which had fallen on the roof at Swarthmore, burning out quite a large
section of roof. I woke up to the All Clear siren, to ask what was going on, and was surprised to be told
that they had been dealing with a large fire on the roof, and in fact hadn't know that I was in the building.
A seasonal arrangement had been entered into with the Swarthmore authorities during the short period of
our occupation but, following the war, it was realised that the association would have to look around the
Plymouth area for their own building [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

PLYMOUTH [Stoke] 1946 to 2002.
Belmont House, Belmont Place, Stoke, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4DW.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 461555*

▲Opened by 8/1946: recently [LRN 8/1946]. The Charles G Allen Memorial Hostel. The Regional
Office was located at the hostel (the rooms on the left hand side of the entrance) from its opening
[DACar46].
In 1976, a specially constructed timber building was built in the grounds to serve as the Regional
Office; an extra 10-bed dormitory was thus provided in the house, along with more toilets, a larger
warden’s office and a small family room [HN Spring 1976].
The timber building was later converted to a popular self-contained family annexe with 24 beds in
6 rooms, and with utility rooms, in 1991 [Sar 91]. Under a PDMP project for the winter of 1993/94
the ballroom was converted to provide a new dining room with servery and lounge. The reception
was improved and showers and WCs upgraded. Urgent roof repair work was also undertaken [YHA
News August 1994].
✚Closed 1/3/2002 [hostel notices], or 7/2002 [YHAF], though there were 0 bednights after
28/2/2002. YHA News advised closure at the end of the 2001 season.
Handbook 1947-2002.
Alternative names: Plymouth (Devonport) (1960-61); Plymouth (Stoke) (1962-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 20/10/1948).
Property profile: Grade II listed (1975) former banker’s house, built in 1823 in classical palladian style.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-473329-belmont-house-youth-hostel-belmont-place
Reports, recollections and observations:
Following the war… quite a number of likely buildings were checked over and viewed, including the Old
Mount House School at Hartley, and the large Stoke Rectory. I_happened, one day, to mention to Mrs
Jeffray, who had called on me at the Plymouth Office (Glendower), that we were looking for somewhere
suitable in the Plymouth Area for a hostel, a permanent one. Mrs Jeffray was not then a member of the
Plymouth Committee, but a very active YHA member, making full use of the hostels, taking organised
parties on a number of hostelling weekends.
‘Why not have a look at Belmont House, Stoke?’ she said, ‘I know it is on the market for sale.’ So Mrs
Jeffray and I went to visit Belmont and were immediately impressed with the house, saying that this was
just the place we were looking for. The Chairman and Mr Lockwood were contacted, and a visit to the St
Aubyn Estate Offices were made, which brought about very swift negotiations for the freehold purchase
of Belmont for the sum of £5,000, Mr Lockwood making out a cheque for the deposit of £500 before
leaving the estate office. He was aware of the fact that the Plymouth Education Authorities were also
very interested in the purchase of Belmont, as well as the grounds, in order that they could incorporate it
with the Stoke Primary School, which was at the rear of Belmont. So you can guess what a storm was
caused by Lockwood’s action in paying the deposit to secure the property, without the ‘by your leave’ of
the local authority, and further, without prior agreement with YHA National Office.
Lockwood and I were in the red for quite a while with National Office over this deal. Nevertheless,
having secured the property, work of adapting the building for hostel use was soon put in hand.
Eventually Belmont was opened as the Plymouth hostel and regional office, which dispensed with the use
of the back room at Glendower Road, which had been used as the Regional Office since 1933. Belmont
opened in 1946 and I feel that it has proved its worth as the YHA Regional Centre, though it is still not
large enough for the heavy usage catering for the large number of French School parties making use of
the hostel, now that the Roscoff Ferry Service is in operation. Even allowing for the fact that the regional
office has now moved out of the main building to their own office in the grounds, it is still not big
enough for everyone’s needs. Belmont, of course, is a registered I Ancient Building and so cannot be
structurally altered, but a sum of £10,000, in the form of a grant was received in order that the hostel
could have an external face lift.

366
When we moved into Belmont, there was still a very active Plymouth YHA Social Committee, who at
the time were running monthly dances and whist drives at the Mutley Assembly Rooms; these were
making a profit of between £5 and £6 per event, which all went into the social fund. When Belmont
became available, it was realised that the Ball Room would make a good dance hall and also be very
useful for whist drives. The wardens at that time were Mr and Mrs Davidson, another Bob and Margaret,
Margaret being very interested in amateur dramatics. Soon a very active social group came into being,
and the Belmont Thursday evenings were set up, producing its programme of dances, whist drives, play
reading, concerts, and several small plays [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
DD recalled the super ballroom, where she slept; JGD was impressed by the building, but not too happy
about the creaking floorboards in the men’s washroom, emabarrassing in the dead of night [HN Winter
1976-77].
(s)

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY [St Teresa’s] Campus hostel open 2003.
St Theresa’s [sic],≠ Plymouth, Devon.
Historic County: Devon
YHA Region: S
GR: SX 484546*
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for St Teresa’s Hall of Residence, Plymouth University, though the Website
image was of an unknown high-rise building.

▲✚Plymouth was named as a campus hostel [Handbook 2003/04 (Update 3 only, no details), YHA
Website 2003]. The two successive Plymouth Campus hostels were locations about ½ mile apart.
Handbook 2003/04 (Update 3 only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: Plymouth University hall of residence.

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY [Radnor] Campus hostel open 2004.
Radnor and Pilgrim Halls of Residence, 10 Gilwell Street, Plymouth, Devon PL4 3BX.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SX 482548*

▲✚Open 22/6/2004-4/9/2004 [YHA Website 2004, YHA flier], when rooms were priced at £20.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Plymouth University hall of residence. Accommodation was in single-bedded en suite rooms, with a
café bar on site.

PLYMOUTH MOUNT BATTEN CENTRE 2007 to 2008.
70 Lawrence Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, PL9 9SJ.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SX 487532*

▲Opened 2007 at the Centre for Excellence for sailing in the UK; it was funded through Sports
Lottery and European finance totalling over £4 million and built on a former Air Force base on the
Mount Batten peninsula [YHA Supporters’ eNews, 12/2006].
✚Closed end 10/2008 when YHA withdrew from several similar arrangements.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: purpose-built accommodation, with facilities for 60 people residentially, lecture rooms, bars, and a
conference room for 150 people.

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY open 2013.
Plymouth University, Gibbon Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8BT.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SX 482548*

▲✚Open from 21 June to 2 September 2013. The arrangements were curtailed after one season, as
the University authority wished to explore alternative eanings from their resources.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: Plymouth University hall of residence.

PONT AR EDEN 1934 only; 1952 to 1960.
Goldmines Cottage, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Merioneth.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 734266*

▲Opened 5/1934: these were the first bednights [MERar34 monthly returns]. Closed 30/9/1934.
Reopened 1952: Easter was advised [MERar51], or Whit [YHAF]; the first bednights were in
5/1952. This was a seasonal hostel.

367
✚Closed in 1960 [1961 Handbook (late news)]. The final bednights were in 1960. The Regional
Group was not anxious to finish here, but the property became marooned with the acquisition by an
unsympathetic neighbour of land surrounding it completely [MYH history]. The property was sold
20/3/1961 [YHAPB] for £1472.7s.6d, the moneys earmarked to establish Laxey hostel [MER
memo 1962].
Handbook 1934 supplement. Handbook 1952-61.
Also known as Mostyn Cottage.
Property tenure: rented by Merseyside YHA before the war. Later a freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 2/5/1952 as
Mostyn Cottage).
Property profile: traditional row of stone-built miners’ cottages on the west bank of the River Mawddach in the Coed y
Brenin Forest. In recent years the track layout in the vicinity of the hostel has altered considerably.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 22, Pont ar Eden, Rucksack Magazine November/December 1953.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The washing facilities were girls in the river to the left of the building and boys to the right [J Bond].
(v)

PONTERWYD 1934 to 1946.
Green Villa, Parc Gwyn, Ponterwyd, Cardiganshire.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SN 756806*

▲Opened 1934, with 668 bednights.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed end of season, 1946 [YHAF]. The hostel was in very poor condition, and unlikely to
reopen the following year [BMWar46]. The property was sold 31/3/1947 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1934-46.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 3/11/1938).
Property profile: semi-detached Welsh rural cottage with typical arch-topped windows.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ponterwyd 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanilar YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Taliesin YH
Profile
(v)

PONT NEDD FECHAN (PONT NEATH VAUGHAN) 1933 to 1946.
Old White Horse, Pont Nedd Fechan, Neath, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 901076*

▲Opened early 7/1933 [SWAar33]. The warden was Mrs Richards.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel may have operated in 1940-42, though bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, however. Thereafter, there were bednights in 1943-45. In
1943 it was decided to close the hostel, but there was a rubber-stamp amendment that it would remain open
[SWAar43]. The next year it was announced that proceeds from the Llantwit Hostel sale were going towards the
purchase and extension of Pontneddfechan [SWAar44]. These were eventually diverted to the new Ystradfellte YH.

✚Closed 31/8/1946, as the warden would not continue to provide a hostel [SWAar46], and replaced
by Ystradfellte Hostel.
Handbook 1933 supplement-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: accommodation was in part of the White Horse Temperance Hotel. There is in 2007 a bunkhouse at
the extreme northern side of this building, now the White Horse Inn.
(v)
PONT WGAN One of the pioneering British Youth Hostels Association sites planned in 1930. Did not open.
Pont Wgan, near Ro Wen, Caernarfonshire. GR: SH 7670 approx.
▼This old Corn Mill belonging to North Wales Powers Co was in the first list of projected BYHA (Merseyside Centre)
hostels [BYHA-Merseyside mins 11/9/1930]. It was secured through the efforts of Lloyd George and TE Fairclough
[the same mins 30/10//1930], but was shelved in favour of Pennant Hall [the same mins 22/12/1930].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gwydyr Ucha,
Oaklands & Betws-y-Coed YHs Profile
(v)

POOL MILL 1932 to 1951.

368
Pool Mill Farm, Newton Ferrers, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 575484

▲Opened Summer 1932. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Rendell (Mr & Mrs Avery in 1937).
Improvements were made in 1934 [DACar34], and the hostel reconstructed [DACar37, Rksk
spr37].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, though a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed
until further notice and the annual report described the letting for a limited period in 1940 to a Plymouth troop of Boy
Scouts. In 1941-42, figures are unavailable, but the hostel was probably unavailable, and definitely so in 1943.
Operation resumed hesitantly in 1944 and fully 1945.

The address was Home Farm from 1948.
✚Closed 30/9/1951 [DACar51].
Handbook 1932-40; 1946-51.
Alternative name: Yealm (1932-37).
Property tenure:
Property profile: old buildings at a dairy farm in a shallow valley.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Pool Mill 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Pool Mill 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A delightfully situated hostel, on the Membland Estate, at the head of the river Yealm. The property
adapted for hostel use was once the carpenter’s workshop for the estate. All the work of adaption was
carried out by the Plymouth Committee members, and in my opinion the hostel also had an advantage to
members, in that they had to approach the hostel through the farm yard which brought them into contact
with the farmer and his workman and so built up a very friendly atmosphere with willingness on the part
of the farmer to discuss and explain the workings of the farm.
The farmer and wife acting as the wardens, along with their other work of running the farm and the local
Newton Ferrers milk supply, resulted in there always being plenty of real Devon Clotted Cream
available. In fact, Mrs Rendle was quite proud of her cream dairy, and was always willing to explain to
members the procedure in the making of the clotted cream.
This hostel had good usage mainly from the Plymouth members and also party usage from the schools
around and in Plymouth. This went on until the opening of the Bigbury hostel, which proved more
attractive to members because of the close proximity of the sands to the hostel. Lack of usage thereby
brought about the closure of Pool Mill hostel which I considered to be one of the best situated small farm
hostels that this region had the privilege of opening [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

POPPIT SANDS 1950 to present.
Sea View, Poppit, St Dogmaels, Cardigan SA43 3LP.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SN 144488*

▲Opened Easter 1950 [SWAar50], or hoped to open here at Whit [BRR 3/1950]. Immediately
there were plans to extend from 20 to 30 beds [SWAar50], and there was a considerable rebuild
after 1951: a new members’ kitchen was built, floors relaid, many walls knocked down and fewer
walls erected and steps cut down to the garden [Rksk NovDec52]. The first warden was Mr Ray
Morley.
The financial position was thrown into confusion after heavy storm damage over the winter of
1967-68, when the common room and roof were severely damaged; the new dormitory was brought
into use, and incidentally provided the region with an opportunity for the almost complete
rebuilding of the hostel, including a new wing. The improvement scheme provided a 40-bed hostel
with meals.
The former dormitory block from Cilibion, and perhaps from Penlanwen before that, was moved
here to serve as a two-unit family annexe [WSar72], though a single family facility indoors had
been advertised from 1970. The family annexe was sometimes available for ordinary use [HN
Autumn 1975]. Meals provision ceased in 1979 because of limited take-up [WSar79].
Planning permission was received for new Family Units in 1993, though there is no evidence of
implementation, and by 1998 the facility was not listed among four such in Wales. A substantial
bequest and a further grant from the WTB enabled a major improvement project to be started
[War97], to include full central heating, additional and improved showers and toilets, a major
overhaul of the self-catering kitchen, new furniture and internal decoration and additional small
dormitories [YHA News spring 1998].

369
Late in 2011 YHA completed in 4 weeks a £155,000 refurbishment of the 34-bed, self-catering YH,
with a brand new kitchen, refurbished toilets and showers, new beds, new soft furnishings and
redecoration throughout. The hostel reopened on 1st November 2011.
Handbook 1950-2009
Alternative name: Poppit Sands (Cardigan) (1969-89).
Property tenure: freehold gift (to YHA Trust 28/3/1950), presented by Mr and Mrs CE Thomas, along with 5 acres of
land to the sea, in memory of their son Fl-Lt RH Thomas, killed on active service. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former inn.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Poppit Sands YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Port Eynon YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pwll Deri YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Six of us arrived together but no warden appeared until 5.30pm. He was a funny little Irishman and had
gone for a ride with two other hostellers. No meals were provided at this hostel and just as my kettle was
boiling for a drink of lemonade the warden took it.
[Next morning...] all the girls got up at 6.45 this morning. All the water had to be pumped and as I could
not work the pump I washed in about an inch of water. I was given the most unusual duty of sweeping
the path just outside the front door [Pat Packham, A Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and Rail
Runabout Ticket, 9 August 1953]…
Poppit Sands was a small cottage overlooking the Teifi Estuary; it had been given to the YHA by the
parents of a pilot killed in the Battle of Britain and was only open for 6 weeks each year. Water had to be
obtained from a spring by a pump and was very limited [Pat Packham, 1953].
‘A’ told me that Poppit Sands was in rather a mess. The temporary warden, a member of the Swansea
Group, had taken over for a week [Pat Packham, 1960].
The writer has known Poppit for over 10 years and has seen a simple Hostel gradually evolve with
careful planning to the small standard hostel of today. The ‘new’ annexe pays adequate tribute to the
thought and careful planning of the Region. Bed spacing is slightly tight to a standard of 34sq ft per bed
but the other facilities, beds and bedding of a very high standard, furnishing, floor coverings, curtains,
decoration and cleanliness well outweigh this deficiency. Showers, toilets and washbasins built into the
Annexe show a care in planning. The beds and bedding in the house fall short of the standard set in the
Annexe and this should be looked into.
There is a pleasant Common Room, which because of the situation of the Hostel gets a lot of use. The
Dining Room is adequately furnished. The Members’ Kitchen is adequate, but ought to have the few
modest improvements necessary to uplift it to the character of the remaining part of the Hostel.
For a small Standard Hostel there is very little wrong and there is every indication that the Hostel is in
very good hands at the moment [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 29/5/1972 (extracts)].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 4,000 bednights.
It has an energetic warden who is determined to increase its already increasing usage and the hostel
shows signs of his efforts. We arrived during a water shortage crisis. Without warning the water had been
cut off a few hours before. The water heater attached to the Agar was registering the danger point, the
tanks were dry and the old water pump which had been partly dismantled a couple of years ago was being
rapidly assembled. Members were expected in an hour’s time. Yet when I inspected the hostel, it was
clean, tidy with everything in its place. A truly remarkable piece of organisation!
This is a fair Standard hostel. Its improving bednights merit money being spent on it to improve its
facilities.
Finally there are two family annexes. These are the first that I have inspected and I make the following
notes without comment. Each contained a fridge, cooker, electric kettle, iron and heater in the kitchen
cum living room. Each bedroom contained two double beds, a cot, a wardrobe and sideboard. They also
have a separate bath, hand basin and WC. The price of accommodation is the usual Standard bednight fee
[Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 31/7/1973 (extracts)].
(s)
PORLOCK Hostel planned 1955-56. Did not open.
Porlock, Somerset. GR: SS 8846 approx.
▼A property was being negotiated for a 70-bed fully controlled hostel, but came to nothing [GSEar55,56].

370
PORT EYNON 1950 to present.
The Old Lifeboat House, Port Eynon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 1NN.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SS 468848*

▲Opened 1/4/1950. A difficulty in providing warden’s accommodation was resolved with a
caravan [WSar71]. A large scheme of improvements drawn up in 1973 would cost £80,000
[regional memo] and had been approved by the National Finance Committee, but implemation
would be delayed [WSar73]. It was hoped that a major scheme would go ahead in 1975,
necessitating closure for much of that year [WSar74]. The hostel was advertised for closure for
rebuilding during 1975, but this too would be delayed [HN Summer 1975]. The warden carried out
extensive remodelling of the hostel [WSar76].
Eventually, a major extension to provide proper warden’s accommodation was built [WSar80] and
completed by 1982. Attention then turned to the warden’s kitchen, completed in 1984 [WSar84].
There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions during 1993 [War1993]. These
statutory works and Environmental Health Officer requirements necessitated relocating showers
and other facilities [YHA News March 1994].
Handbook 1950-2009.
Alternative name: Port Eynon (Gower) (1987-91).
Property tenure: freehold gift from Land Fund (to YHA Trust 12/1/1954). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former lifeboat station, initially leased from the Penrice Estate [SWAar50].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Port Eynon YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
5 August 1953. The warden was not very punctual with meals and by 8.50 when breakfast was eventually
served everybody was beginning to grow uneasy [Pat Packham, A Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and
Rail Runabout Ticket].
Presently Standard – Recommended Simple. Approximately 6,500 bednights.
Port Eynon is the old lifeboat house and is attractively placed within yards of the sea and a few minutes’
walk across the sand to the village. I saw it in the spring and found it charmingly situated but at the same
time tried to picture it with a gale blowing in the bay. The Common Room was the old lifeboat building
and looks directly out to sea and would therefore feel the full effect of bad weather. There is a small fire
in the Common Room / Dining Room, inadequate to offer much comfort in winter.
All rooms and the stairs are in need of painting. The Common Room is dingy. The floor has smart
vitreous tiles but depressing rugs. Decor is questionable.
The dormitories are overcrowded. As usual I found extra beds (34 as against a Handbook 32); both dorms
contained too many beds. I measured: girls: 16ft x 13ft – 208sq ft for 12 beds; boys: 27ft x 12ft – 338sq
ft for 22 beds. No chairs in dorms, poor curtains, bare light bulbs and wooden floors make these rooms
substandard.
There are 3 WCs, insufficient for a 32 bed hostel. 5 hand basins with hot water are again insufficient, for
a hostel of this size. Each wash had a shower.
The Members’ Kitchen has only 8 gas points and a grill but a good basin and 2 draining boards and hot
water. The hostel lacks a Drying Room and wet things end up in the porch. There is no heating to hasten
the drying. I grade this hostel Simple because it needs the several amenities to grade it Standard [Internal
South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 30/4/1973 (extracts)].
(s)
PORTHCAWL Hostel planned 1934. Did not open.
Porthcawl, Glamorgan. GR: SS 8177 approx.
▼A hostel was expected in the district in 1934 [Handbook 1934].

PORTLAND 2001 to present.
Hardy House, Castle Road, Portland, Dorset DT5 1BJ.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SY 684739*

▲Opened 2001. The first Rent-a-Hostel group stayed in January [YHA internal memo]. The
official opening was 6/4/2001. A long time previously the idea had been under negotiation [YHA
News 1995]. There had been a hope to open Summer 2000: this may be the same as the 1995
reference, but delayed.
Handbook 2001-2009.

371
Property tenure: purchased by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and leased to YHA. The partnership package
also involved the South West Regional Development Agency. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: Edwardian house, the northernmost of a trio of identical neighbouring Royal Naval residences in the
Victoria area of Portland. It was a former home of RN First Admiral, later HQ of Ministry of Defence Police.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Portland YH Profile f
(s)

PORT QUIN 1937 to 1950.
Trewinte Farm, Trelights, Port Isaac, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SW 985798*

▲Opened Whit 1937. Accommodation was on the upper floor, M20W10, warden Mr Hine
[Regional Guide 1938].
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel had been reopened, but another
of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice. There were bednight returns each year of the war, except
for closure in 1941SY. In 1942 the hostel was available again after evacuees moved out [DACar42].

After a busy 1945 season, the hostel would be closed until further notice 30/9/1945 [Rucksack
Easter 1946]. Nevertheless, there was no significant closure at this time.
✚Closed 30/9/1950 [YHAF], due to the high costs of running a hostel closed in winter. The end of
season in 1950 was 2/10/1950.
Handbook 1938-40; 1943-50.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: farmhouse.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Port Quin 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I went supperless to bed in the big men’s dorm (about 20 of us) at the top of the barn that houses most of
the hostel. (As a duty) we took down and moved back to the men’s dorm some bedsteads that had been
borrowed for the women. At this hostel, the males have to cross the yard to wash in an open barn. It was
not too warm [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1938].
(v)

PORTREATH BUNKHOUSE 2006 to present.
Nance Farm, Illogan, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4QX.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: S

GR: SW 669443*

▲Opened late 2006 as a YHA Enterprise Bunkhouse.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: a converted barn adjoining a Georgian farmhouse.
(s)

PORTSMOUTH (Women) / PORTSMOUTH 1933 to 1934.
Many Cargoes, Lombard Street, High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 632994*

▲Opened 1933; a well-used facility [Portsmouth RG ar33] for women only.
✚Closed 1934.
Handbook 1933-34.
Alternative name: Portsmouth (Women) (1933).
Property tenure:
Property profile: Many Cargoes dates from the mid-17th century, being a former ale house known as The Ruby adjacent
to the Cathedral. It features a first floor bay window under a pitched and tiled roof with dormer and a Dutch gable.
(v)

PORTSMOUTH (MEN) 1933 to 1940.
YMCA, 56 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 632993*

▲Opened 1933; a well-used facility [Portsmouth RG ar33] for men only.
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed.

✚Closed 1940. It was unable to accommodate hostellers [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42].
Handbook 1933-40.
Alternative name: Portsmouth (1934-37).
Property tenure:

372
Property profile: YMCA building now demolished, opposite Potsmouth Cathedral.
On the site is Fountain Court, 55 High Street, split into flats [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Portsmouth B 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Portsmouth B 752 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile
(v)

PORTSMOUTH 1961 to 2006.
Wymering Manor, Old Wymering Lane, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 3NL.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SU 649055*

▲Opened 1961, the start of the season being 27/3/1961, replacing Gosport Hostel. Officially
opened 14/4/1962. By June 2002 half the building was rendered unusable through subsidence
[YHA internal memo].
✚Closed 1/3/2006 [YHA departmental info].
Handbook 1961-2005/06.
Property tenure: leasehold (Department of Education grant-aided) (eg) from 25/12/60 for 28 years from the City of
Portsmouth at £250pa initially, excluding rates (to YHA Trust, 1961) [YHAPB].
Property profile: manor house of oak frame construction and pitched tiled roof, described as the oldest house in
Portsmouth, dating back to the Domesday Book, but principally Tudor. Although a listed building, the House was
condemned to be demolished in 1959; the intervention of dedicated local Councillors finally saved the fine old building
from destruction. After YHA withdrew the house remained empty, but in January 2013 Wymering Manor Trust was
given responsibility of it by way of asset transfer from Portsmouth City Council. The Trust wishes to restore Wymering
Manor to its former glory to National Trust standards and to assure its future in the local community [Websites].
The tenancy on a staff house at 92a Mayfield Road, 2.5 miles to the south, was terminated on 14th April 2002.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1146216
http://www.wymeringmanortrust.com/
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 80, Portsmouth, Youth Hosteller February 1961.
(v)

PORTSMOUTH (Temporary Hostel) 1972 only.
Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR:

▲✚68 bednights were registered at a temporary hostel in Portsmouth in 1972 [1974ar].
PORTSMOUTH YHA Campus hostel open 2003 only.
Historic County: Hampshire

GR:

Trafalgar Hall, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth

▲✚ Portsmouth campus hostel, with 100 beds. There were 185 overnights during the period 4/730/8/2003 [KF].
Property tenure:
Property profile:

POST OFFICE HOUSE / POST OFFICE STORES (see Iwerne Minster)
PUCKERIDGE 1944 to 1952.
Puckeridge Grange, Puckeridge, Ware, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 386234*

▲Opened 1944, about Whit, replacing the adopted Bishop’s Stortford Hostel with a fully conrolled
hostel. £350 was granted by the Carnegie Trust for equipment.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 30/9/1952, to help relieve a capital shortage.
Handbook 1944-52.
Property tenure: freehold purchase, though not vested in the YHA Trust; it was probably a direct purchase by London
Youth Hostels Ltd. £350 was granted by the Carnegie Trust for equipment.
Property profile: former posting inn on the east side of the Great North Road at the north end of Puckeridge. It was
called the Crown, a name still used (Crown and Falcon) by a replacement hostelry in the village. After the youth hostel
era the building was used as the head office by British Soya Products / Spillers Animal Feeds. It was later sold for
residential development into seven separate properties, including one new-build [resident’s advice]. The house has been
greatly modified at the north end.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Puckeridge YH Profile

373
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Bishops Stortford
YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Hostel large and rambling, about 400 years old. It still needs much attention, the walls of the rooms being
flaked, stained and shabby. Many of its beams are timbers from old ships [Mabel Pratt, 1950].
Washing facilities at hostels in those days were quite primitive with rarely any hot water. At Puckeridge
wash-basins were around one room which had an open toilet in the middle of it [Pat Packham, 1951].

PUCKHAM 1943 to 1945.
Puckham Farm, Andoversford, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SP 001221*

▲Opened 5/7/1943.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 30/9/1945 [GSEar45, YHAF].
Handbook 1943-45.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm buildings. The farmhouse, a redbrick building, was demolished in the 1950s and replaced.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A most unpleasant experience, up a field track to the back of the house… The woman warden was
snooty, and obviously thought that it was beneath her to be attending to rough layabouts [Mary Jephcott,
August 1945, recounted in 2015].
Our third night was to be at Puckham, near Cirencester, and in the late afternoon, we found a modest sign
directing us up a narrow, unmade track. This went on for what seemed like miles, winding ever deeper
into the countryside. We began to wonder if we were lost, but eventually a tumble-down farmhouse came
into view. The warden was a gnarled old woman, dark as a gypsy. The house was dim and unsavoury
inside, with a strong smell of paraffin pervading the air. There was no electricity, and oil lamps gave the
only light. When the old woman said that three people must sleep outside under the Dutch barn, we
jumped at the chance, but the sound of gunshots nearby scared us considerably. The warden said it was
only Cherry getting some rabbits for supper, so we had to be satisfied with that our lives were not in
peril! We settled down on the scented hay, and were soon asleep, only to be woken by some snuffling
and snorting at our feet. Our initial fright was somewhat allayed by the discovery that it was only a horse
enjoying a midnight snack! [article in YHA News, spring 1998, by Bridget Shebhard about her first YHA
trip, aged 15, August 1945].

PUTTENHAM Camping barn 2007≠ to 2015.
▲Home Farm Barn, the Street, Puttenham, Nr Guildford Surrey GU3 1AR. GR: SU 933479
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015 but that arrangement had ceased by 2017..
Handbook 2007-2009. Also open 2010-2015.
Property profile: timber-framed and weatherboarded 18th-century barn, part of Home Farm. The grade II listed building
has been restored and converted into a sustainable camping barn with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting scheme.
The property emphasises sustainability [GD].

PWLL DERI 1957 to present.
Castell Mawr, Tref Asser, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire SA64 OLR.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SM 892387*

▲Opened 19/4/1957 (Good Friday) and officially opened 6/7/1957. The opening was long delayed
by planning difficulties [SWAar55,56]. It was bought on behalf of the YHA by Pembrokeshire
County Council, the first British youth hostel to be established with aid from the National Parks
Commission. External cladding work was completed in 1973 [WSar73].
There was capital expenditure on electrics and fire precautions during 1993 [War1993]. In 1994 the
operation of Pwll Deri was changed to a seasonal self-catering only hostel [YHA News March
1994]; consequently the Small Hostels Fund was to provide improvements to the self catering
kitchen. A new cycle shed was built and the conservatory completely tiled [YHA News April
1995]. In 1998 the heating was improved with the aid of a grant from the Chris Brasher Trust;
improved toilets and a new hot water system were provided [YHA News spring 1998].
Full volunteer wardening was introduced in 2006, and very extensive improvements to the hostel
brought in over the winter of 2007-2008, most remarkably the creation of a substantial all-weather
conservatory to replace the triangular viewing area, moving it more securely ‘indoors’.

374
Handbook 1956-2009
Alternative name: Pwll Deri (Fishguard) (1969-78).
Property tenure: freehold purchase ‘respld to YHA [the Times]; (to YHA Trust 13/10/1955). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: clifftop house, built in 1939, with modern facilities [the Times].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Pwll Deri YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A new hostel in West Wales was opened at Pwll Deri. This was the most luxurious one in South Wales at
the time [Pat Packham, 1957].
A real charming spotless quiet cosy little hostel. Stayed in the outhouse with glass all round it and
relaxed in the warmth of the sun [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. Approximately 4,000 bednights.
Pwll Deri is a magnificently placed private house tucked into the cliff near Strumble Head. It is a popular
spot and is sure to grow in popularity with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (the Coast Path runs
by the door).
I classify this hostel as marginally Standard. Although it has many good points (heating in two
dormitories, parquet flooring in all upper rooms), it has a number of features that put it in the Simple
grade. The women’s wash although having hot water, three hand basins and a footbath is built in a leanto and has a bare concrete floor. There are no showers nor bath nor curtains. There is not even a footbath
in the men’s wash. Most importantly, the Members’ Kitchen is much too small. I measured it 7ft 6ins by
11ft. It contains six gas points and needs at least two more, but where to put them? In addition to its size
which leads to overcrowding, it has no preparing area, a small sink and insufficient equipment, including
knives, forks and spoons and kitchen utensils.
In addition, the bedroom equipment is out of date. The bunks are under-sized and there is insufficient
space between each bed. There is overcrowding in all of the dormitories. I measured: Dorm 1 – 13½ x 16
for 8 beds; Dorm 2 – 13 x 16 for 8 beds; Dorm 3 – 7 x 5 + 9 x l6 for 10 beds. The mattresses were the
interior spring type but very worn and barely passable. The blankets are all old and worn. There were
none of the new red camper type and only about a dozen of the grey type.
The Dining Room / Common Room is not large enough for its dual purpose and in inclement weather
must be extremely overcrowded and uncomfortable. There is nowhere else to go.
To make this a passable Standard hostel, some money must be spent on blankets, and the bedspace
should be rechecked. I counted 28 beds; the Handbook says 26. The kitchen equipment must also be
increased.
To make it an average Standard hostel, the kitchen space should be increased before next season and
some attempt be made to improve the washing facilities by the provision of footbaths in the men’s wash
or if possible showers in both men’s and women’s wash. The hostel is also very much in need of a good
face lift. Decorating must be done this winter throughout the hostel [Internal South Wales Regional
Hostel Report, 1/8/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

QUANTOCK HILLS 1945 to 2007.
Sevenacres, Holford, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 1SQ.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: ST 145415*

▲Opened 1945, probably at Easter [Rucksack].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was leased, and may have started operation shortly before, the cessation of hostilities.

During March 1969 the annexe dormitory was due to be rebuilt and enlarged [Youth Hosteller
March 1969].
✚Closed 2007. The property was sold 15/10/2007.
Handbook 1945-2007/08.
Alternative names: Holford (1945-91); Holford (Quantock Hills) (1992); Quantock Hills (Holford) (1993-99).
Property tenure: tenancy (to YHA Trust 25/4/1945).
Property profile: Arts and Crafts country house, gifted to YHA by Miss Ursula Thompson (the original owner and
lessor) in November 1963. A plan shows the main house, centre, with a garage building left and the men’s dorm right.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Holford 751 ≈† RG47.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 63, Holford, Youth Hosteller December 1958.

QUANTOCK HALL (QUANTOCK LODGE 2006) 2005 to 2006.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2005-06 inclusive.
QUERNMORE Camping barn 1992 to 1998≠.
▲Upper Brow Top Farm, Quernmore, Lancashire. GR: SD 528588
Handbook 1992-98.

375
Property profile: a field barn.
RADLEY Hostel planned 1943. Did not open.
Radley, Berkshire. GR: SU 5298 approx.
▼Oxford Group were in negotiation for purchase of a house [Rucksack Midsummer 1943].

RALEIGH’S CROSS 1933 to 1934.
Sea View House, Brendon Hill, Washford, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset
YHA Region: GSE
GR: ST 025344*
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on a Website reference to Sea View House or an adit nearby.≠
Note also: Raleigh was spelt thus in the 1933 Handbook, though modern maps show Ralegh.

▲Opened 1/4/1933 in rooms at Seaview House. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Allen,
accommodation 16 and the hostel open all year [GSEar33]. There were 605 and 641 bednights
registered in the two years.
✚Closed 1934.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £22.15s.0d, and income £31.5s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Handbook 1933-34.
Property profile: Georgian style building. From 1854 the building was leased to the Brendon Hills Iron Ore Company,
which operated Ralegh’s Cross Mine [GD].
Published material: http://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/details.asp?prn=33414

RAMSEY (ISLE OF MAN) 1953 to 1972.
Slieve Donard, North Promenade, Ramsey, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: MER; WN

GR: SC 452948

▲Opened Easter 1953. The property next door, Bernville, was purchased in 1957, essentially to
provide a cost-effective fire escape route, but a consequence allowed the family accommodation
there to be set up by 1/7/1958 [MERar57,58,1962 Regional Guide, M Kirby].
The eradication of dry rot was completed [YHr 11/70].
✚Closed 1/12/1972.
Handbook 1953-73.
Alternative name: Ramsey, I.O.M. (1953-58).
Property tenure:
Property profile: five-storey seaside terrace.
The name is now changed from Slieve Donard to Burnville Court. The building has been converted into private flats
[KF, 2011].
Reports, recollections and observations:
A practical disadvantage was the 104 steps from the members’ kitchen to the attic [M Kirby].

RAMSEY Guesthouse facility open 1986-88.
Cardie Vooar Farm, Maughold, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM7 1ES.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency
YHA Region: WN
GR: SC 4991 approx.
Handbook 1986-88.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a guesthouse offering a reduced rate for YHA members. The business was still advertising in 2009.

RAMSGILL 1967 to 1983.
Longside House, Ramsgill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 5RH.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 116721*

▲Opened by Spring Bank Holiday 1967. Officially opened 3/9/1967. Fire precautionary work was
carried out in 1978 [YKar78]. In an effort to increase overnights at the two Nidderdale hostels and
at the same time to recruit new members the groundwork was laid late in the year for a series of
pony trekking package weekends at Dacre Banks and Ramsgill, to begin in Spring 1979 [idem].
The usage of the hostel was often disappointing.
✚Closed end of 1983 season. Sold at auction in April 1984 [YKar84].
Handbook 1967 supplement-83.
Property tenure: the house was gifted to YHA by Mr Edward Haigh.
Property profile: substantial stone house.
As the ‘Longside House’ guest house it had been advertised sporadically between April 1950 and July 1952 [KF].
The property was in very poor condition when viewed by YHA [WESmins 1965].

376
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1091408
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
Published material: article Ramsgill, Youth Hosteller April 1969.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Its usage did not warrant its staying open. It was sold and became a guest house and B&B – now a
private residence [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
(s)

RANMORE AND TANNERS HATCH (see Tanners Hatch)
RATGOED 1943 to 1948.
Ratgoed House, Corris, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Merionethshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SH 779120*

▲Opened Easter 1943 [BMWar43]. The first warden was Eluned Evans and then Iris Magretta
(Gretta) Evans of Dolgoed Farm, who at the time was reportedly the youngest ever YHA warden
[Sara Eade].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

Ratgoed Hostel was to close 1946, but the abandonment was rescinded after representations were
made. Again closure was announced 30/11/1947, no warden initially being available for 1948. At
the end of the 1947 trial year it would have to close against the wish of Council [BMWar47].
Amidst all this uncertainty it was excluded from the 1948 Handbook but reinserted into the
supplement. Bednights were: 1946 - 456; 1947 - 675; 1948 - 571; it needed 1,500 to break even
[BMWar46].
✚Closed 30/9/1948, as it was perpetually loss-making. Factors in the hostel’s closure were its
remoteness and lack of road access.
Handbook 1943-48
Alternative name: Corris (renamed in 1943 Handbook alterations, and as addition to index of 1943 Handbook).
Property tenure: leased to YHA in the mid 1940s by the owner Miss Helene Lewis.
Property profile: quarry headquarters at the end of a narrow gauge quarry railway.
The house, built in the 1870s, has more recently been shorn of its three front gables; it still does not have mains water
or electricity. The first warden was Eluned Evans and then Iris Magretta [‘Gretta’] Evans, who at the time was the
youngest ever YHA Warden. It still does not have mains water or electricity! [Sara Eade, local historian].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Corris A 751 † RGc47.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600010 Carr Winter
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was horrendous. All the party were soaked and walked around all evening in a YH blanket. One new
member never went hostelling again after losing his food from a saddlebag spill [Carr Winter, recalled in
2004].
Never to be forgotten. It was dark when we got there. No electricity, of course, but I always carried
matches and a couple of candles. We thought it was wonderful [Mary Jephcott, August 1947, recounted
in 2015].
THE FUTURE OF RATGOED
The fate of Ratgoed hangs in the balance. In one side of the balance is the yearly expenditure of £90
which is necessary to maintain this hostel near Aberllefenni, Montgomeryshire. To balance this, one
thousand five hundred overnights are needed annually.
At the end of last summer, Birmingham Region reluctantly decided to close Ratgoed, and the last four
years’ overnight figures – 1,119, 1,087, 652 and 456 respectively – give justification for this decision.
After the decision had been announced, however, many protests were received, and eventually it was
decided to reprieve Ratgoed for a further year. On the usage this year depends the future of this hostel.
Ratgoed is the only link between Dolgelly and Van, and its position will be even more important when
one or two further hostels are established in central Wales, when it could form part of a chain from north
to south. In these days when the YHA is finding great difficulty in providing sufficient accommodation
for its ever-increasing membership, it would seem ironic to lose a hostel for lack of support.
A ‘Save Ratgoed’ Fund has been opened, and Birmingham Region will be glad to receive contributions.
A better way to save Ratgoed, however, is to use it [Rucksack, Midsummer 1947].

RAVENSCAR 1935 to 1938.
Peakside Farm, Ravenscar, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: NZ 978016*

377
▲Opened Easter 1935 [YSHar35]. The hostel consisted of an old chapel for the men’s dorm and
certain farm buildings at Mr Stubb’s Farm, Peakside; much adaptation was necessary by volunteers
[YSHar35, YHAar35].
There were plans to replace the men’s dorm with a new wooden structure [YSHar36]; it is not
known whether this took place.
✚Closed 1938. Equipment was moved to the new Robin Hood’s Bay hostel [YSHar39].
Handbook 1935-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: pantile-roofed farm buildings and disused chapel where once John Wesley is said to have preached;
the chapel is now [2009] a National Trust holiday cottage.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ravenscar 751 † RG36.doc
(v)

RAVENSTOR 1938 to present.
Ravenstor, Millers Dale, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8SS.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK; C

GR: SK 152732*

▲Officially opened 26/3/1938. The first wardens were Mr & Mrs Gregory.
Male Czech refugees were housed at Ravenstor early in 1939 [Sheffield Bulletin Spring 1939].
Wartime arrangements: 80 Manchester schoolchildren were evacuated here. Then in June 1940 the Ministry of Health
took the place for the LCC to use as a special school: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel
was closed. It remained so in 1941 and 1942, reopening in 1943 [in Handbook 1943 alterations only] after an appeal to
the LCC [NMIar43]. It was also remembered as an RAF hospital [R Parsons].

A new family annexe opened on 13/4/75, in a detached stone building close to the hostel, providing
a large kitchen / dining / sitting room, two bedrooms (four and two beds), a toilet, laundry facilities,
drying room and showers. Equipment included a cot and a bed-settee. It was quickly heavily
booked throughout the summer [HNsmr75].
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
A future plan to increase accommodation in 1993 by leasing other accommodation for the wardens
was outlined [Car92]; with the decision taken to move the wardens out to a nearby cottage, the
opportunity to create some additional rooms for members in the former wardens’ flat was taken.
The result was three family bunk rooms, all offering superb views over Tideswell Dale and the
surrounding area, including the 60 acres of National Trust land which form the Hostel grounds
[YHA News Mar93].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-10 inclusive. Do It 4 Real Easter Camp Site, 2006.
Handbook 1938-40; 1943-2009.
Alternative names: Millers Dale (1938-40 and 1943-45); Ravenstor (Millers Dale) (1946-51).
Property tenure: leased for £1 a week from the National Trust when first opened (to YHA Trust 13/6/1938), also (eg)
1959 and for 21 years from 30/9/1980, (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold. Litton Mill Field Study
Centre is also Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: a large house built 1907 and presented to the National Trust for YHA to have in perpetuity by
Alderman JG Graves of Sheffield [NMIar37].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ravenstor 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Published material: article, Ravenstor Comes of Age, Youth Hosteller June 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A visit to Ravenstor Youth Hostel started our President, David Bellamy, on the botany trail [HN Winter
1983-84].

(s)
READING YHA Campus hostel open 2003.
Reading Student Village, Sherfield Drive, Reading RG2 7EZ.
Historic County: Berkshire
YHA Region: C
Positional note: the Grid Reference matches the YHA Website illustration.≠

▲✚Open 2003 season only, with 27 overnights
Property tenure:
Property profile: Reading University hall of residence.

RED BANK (see Langdale)

GR: SU 725718*

378
REDHURST B & B 2004 to 2008.
Redhurst, Holton-cum-Beckering, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 5NG.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: C

GR: TF 117813*

▲Opened 1/6/2004 (Website).
✚Closed 2008, along with other such properties.
Handbook 2005-08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise bed and breakfast accommodation.
Property profile: an unconventional YHA facility with just 5 beds. The property boasted a swimming pool.

RHOSSILI BUNKHOUSE 2006 to present.
Rhossili Activity Centre, Middleton, Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PJ.
Historic County: Glamorgan
YHA Region: W
Note: the village is generally spelled Rhosili nowadays

GR: SS 422880

▲Opened 2006 as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse specifically for group business.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: the original foundations of the building are about three hundred years old; it was built as a workhouse.
More recently it was the local Primary School, housing just two classrooms. When the school closed in 1970, it was
developed as an Activity Centre.
(v)

RHUALLT, BODLONFA HALL (see Bodlonfa Hall)
RHULEN 1945 to 1948.
Bridgend Cottage, Rhulen, Builth Wells, Breconshire.
Historic County: Radnorshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 137499*

▲Opened 1945, in time for the midsummer edition of Rucksack, but as there were only 84
bednights in 1945SY, opening was probably in high summer. The warden, Mrs Shepherd, lived at
Cwmpiban Farm, SO 137496, and offered beds at the farm for 6 females, later 4, [SWAHr 5/46] to
increase the capacity. A total of 14 was booked for Easter 1946, for instance [SWAHr 4/46]. There
was no water in Bridgend Cottage, and only vegetarian meals were served to members [SWAHr
3/48].
✚Closed 31/1/1948 [SWAHr 2/1948]. There were just 10 bednights in 1948SY.
Handbook 1946-48.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: still standing as Bridgend Cottage in 2007. It is next to the church.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Rhulen satisfies all the requirements a hostel is expected to meet – simple accommodation, cooking
facilities and meals provided… If it is complained that there is no water laid on in the house, that the
warden lives half a mile away across a brook and up a muddy hill, and that only vegetarian meals are
supplied, it is open to the complainant to go elsewhere [letter to LRN, March 1948].
(v)

RHYD DDU 1932 to 1933.
Tan-y-Graig Shop, Rhyd Ddu, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 569528*

▲Opened 16/6/1932 as temporary accommodation; in that year there were 747 bednights, and 16
beds [MERar32]. 142 bednights were registered in 1933. Rose Cottage is also mentioned, as is the
house Tan y Graig. A cottage Haulfre was leased for 3 weeks for £1 per week at Easter 1933.
These properties are all in close proximity to the original shop.
✚Closed early 1933 [Rucksack Spring 1933]. The situation at Rhyd Ddu was unsatisfactory and its
stock of bunk beds was sent to Llansannan Hostel 4/1933 [MERmins].
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: a bed and breakfast establishment and no longer a shop [2002].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu & Snowdon
Ranger YHs Profile

379
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cae Dafydd &
Bryn Gwynant YHs Profile rev2015-10-01.pdf
(v)

RICHMOND Camping barn 1993≠ to 2017≠.
▲East Applegarth Farm, Richmond, North Yorkshire. GR: NZ 135017
Handbook 1993-2008. In Handbook 2009 but not on website. Also open 2010-present.
Property profile: in three former byres.

RIDGEWAY, THE 1987 to 2007.
The Court Hill Ridgeway Centre, Court Hill, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9NE.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SU 393849*

▲Opened 4/1987.
✚Closed 30/6/2007, after which the bunkhouse continued to operate independently [Court House
Trust Website].
Handbook 1987-2007/08.
Alternative names: The Ridgeway (Wantage) (1987); Ridgeway (1988-89).
Property tenure: run in an arrangement with the Court Hill Trust.
Property profile: four (or five*) converted timber barns.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marlborough YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Five (•) redundant beamed barns were dismantled, brought to the site – an in-filled former chalk quarry –
and magnificently re-erected on piled foundation slabs around a central courtyard in the style of a
traditional farmstead, to house the project [YHA News bulletin, May 1987].

RIDGEWAY FARM (see Thursley)
RIVER DART (Maypool) 1952 to 2011.
Maypool House, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon TQ5 OET.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 877546*

▲Opened by 6/1952 [YHAB 6/1952]. The 1952 Handbook had announced on the late news page
that it was hoped to open this hostel, with no details; these followed in the 1952 supplement.
In 1976 the hostel was equipped with a ground floor shower that could be used by sailing parties
during the day [HN Spring 1976].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-07 inclusive.
✚Closed late in 2010, after a brief period of general availability following a longer period of
mainly group use. A factor in the closure was a dispute with neighbours over access rights to the
riverside. Exclusive hire continued into 2011.
Handbook 1952-2009.
Alternative names: Galmpton 1952; Maypool (1953-82 and 1988-2004); Maypool (Torbay) (1983-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 19/2/1952). In 2010 freehold.
Property profile: substantial stone and brick house, built 1883, on high ground overlooking the River Dart.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 19, Maypool, Rucksack Magazine May/June 1953.
Published material: article, Sailing on the Dart, Youth Hosteller Decemeber 1968.
Reports, recollections and observations:
There really was some fun in endeavouring to obtain the keys of this property. In the early days of
negotations, Mr Watson, the owner of Maypool, was also the owner of a licenced club in Paignton, and
all his spare time seemed to be spent in disposing of the profits by way of tipping the bottle back at every
oppotunity. When he was approached by the association for the keys to Maypool, for us to look over the
property, we were accused of trying to steal the property from him. Altogether a sad case.
Maypool is beautifully situated on the banks of the river Dart, overlooking Dartmouth, and on my first
viewing of the premises I realised that it would make an ideal hostel. My continued battles with the
owner with regard to the keys came to a head one day when I was determined to obtain them for the sole
purpose of giving a final report to the committee, and also to let the Chairman of the committee, Miss
Coombes, see the property in order that an agreement on its purchase could be finalised… Eventually
arrangements were made whereby the National Treasurer, Mr Simpson, and I attended the auction of
Maypool at Paignton where the property was secured for the association for the sum of £21,000,
freehold. We could have had the cottages in the lane opposite, and the boat house, which were all
attached to the property, for another £500, but Mr Simpson would not play. Knowing the local selling

380
value of such small properties, I was convinced that these cottages could have been sold off at a figure
that would have covered the purchase price of Maypool.
The hostel opened in 1952, and the wardening was undertaken by Ted and Irene [Holman], who certainly
made a great success of the hostel, and from which they finally retired after some 25 years of service to
the association and its members. [Mr and Mrs Ted and Irene Holman were 21 years at Hayle, Maypool
and Crowcombe, finally retiring from Crowcombe in 1971] [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs,
1977].
I remember staying there in August 1958 when I was a mere lad of 14 and it has stuck in my mind ever
since. The view from one of the dormitories was the most wonderful sight I have ever seen – I can still
see it in my minds eye.
The river Dart with its boats bobbing on the water. To the left amongst the trees a huge viaduct stood and
if you were lucky, you saw a puff of smoke gradually making its way through the trees until the steam
train emerged and crossed over the bridge only to disappear again. Such good memories of the summer
of ‘58 when my friend and I toured the Devon & Cornwall hostels [Vic Archer, recalled in 2014].
The hall is baronial in its dimesions and extends the full height of the house with a balcony on the first
floor level [HN Spring 1975].
A ceilidh was held in September to celebrate the centenary of Maypool House, which now houses our
Maypool (Torbay) hostel.
Beautifully situated, overlooking the River Dart, Maypool was built in grounds of 70 acres by the owner
of a local boatyard. It was no ordinary house, for his labourers were men from his boatyard and they used
their boat-building expertise. As a result, Maypool has as fine a staircase and panelling as could have
been found in the first-class accommodation of the most stately of passenger liners. Maypool still keeps
its maritime links, with the hostel being used as a base for Adventure Holiday sailing courses on the
beautiful River Dart.
The hostel has an annual open day and garden fête which is re-establishing ‘the big house’ as the social
hub of the district [HN Winter 1983-84].

RIVERSIDE HOTEL [Monmouth] 2005 to 2008.
Riverside Hotel, Cinderhill Street, Monmouth NP25 5EY.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SO 504123*

▲Opened 2005 as a YHA Hotel Enterprise partnership designed to accommodate Wye Valley
walkers.
✚Closed by 10/2008 [YHA Website].
Handbook 2007-08.
Alternative name: Monmouth (2005-06).
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: a 19th-century coaching inn, originally the Rising Sun Inn.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1240285
(v)
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY Hostel planned 1934. Almost certainly did not open.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, Yorkshire. GR: NZ 9505 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here [Handbook 1934(1st edn & 2nd edn)].

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY 1939 to 1947.
The Grange, Thorpe Lane, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: NZ 945052*

▲Opened 25/3/1939 [Rucksack 1948, YHAar39] as a fully controlled hostel, and formally opened
on 29th April. Equipment was transferred from Boggle Hole and Ravenscar. The National Regional
Development Fund gave a grant of £70 for additional equipment [YSHar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, though uncertainties here were rife. Robin Hood’s Bay
Hostel was open during winter 1939-40 [YSHar40]. In 1940 the hostel was withdrawn by 14/10/1940, but notices of
7/4/1941 and 7/1942 advised that it was operating again. In 1943 the hostel continued to shelter evacuees, in addition to
providing YHA accommodation [YHAar43]. 20 evacuted children had been billeted here by Mrs Emily Thornton,
warden [YSHar47].

✚Closed 22/9/1947, as there were new owners [YSHar47].
Handbook 1939-47.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 24/3/1939). The lease was due to expire March 1946, but extended
[YSHar45]. It finally terminated 29/9/1947 [YHAPB].

381
Property profile: detached house, built in the Arts and Crafts style, and still beautifully preserved in its present function
as a guest house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Boggle Hole & Robin
Hood's Bay YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Robin Hood's Bay hostel closed on September 22nd, 1947, having been in existence since March 25th,
1939, during which time it had had only one warden, Mrs Thornton. That it survived the difficult war
years was largely due to Mrs Thornton's efforts, for it is certain that had it had to depend solely on the
reduced overnight income the Regional Group would have been compelled to cut its losses by closing.
However, Mrs Thornton accepted up to twenty child evacuees, and shared expenses so that throughout
the war the hostel remained open for twenty hostellers. Mrs Thornton, aided by her daughter Molly,
proved such a good foster-mother that at the end of hostilities there was a waiting list of children to be
evacuated to Robin Hood’s Bay. The premises returned to full YHA use for the 1946 season, and Mrs
Thornton once again undertook the provision of hostel meals. In 1939 the number of overnights was
1,500, but for 1946 the total was 3,835.
The search for a new hostel at Robin Hood’s Bay continues. Mrs Thornton has resigned from YHA
service, and we offer her our best wishes for a quieter and less strenuous future, together with our
grateful thanks for the gallant work she performed [Rucksack, New Yar 1948].
HOSTELS IN WAR-TIME
In the autumn of 1938 all our hostel accommodation was offered to the authorities for the reception of
evacuated children in case of war. Despite the expenditure of considerable postage, war came without
any definite requirements having been notified to us. This led to a great deal of confusion during the first
weeks of war, and in actual fact very little use has been made of hostels for accommodating evacuees.
None of our hostels is fully occupied for this purpose. The accommodation at Asenby and Thornton Dale
has been taken by the authorities for other purposes. Filey and Hackness closed for the winter on
September 30th, as shown in the 1939 Handbook, but the remainder of our hostels are available to
members. It is the wish of the Ministry of Health that as far as possible recreational facilities should be
continued during war-time, and although there will be a number of special problems it should be possible
for the Association to continue active. Enrolments are being dealt with normally, and members renewing
their subscriptions should, if possible, send their 1939 cards for a 1940 Year Mark to be affixed. It is
more important now than ever before that renewals should be made without delay in order that the
Regional and National officials can estimate requirements for 1940. If all members who have not been
called to the Forces will rally to the Association we should come through this difficult time with colours
flying [the 1939 York, Scarborough and Hull Regional Annual Report led with this account of the war’s
early stages].
(v)

ROCHESTER (see Medway)
ROCKCLIFFE 1932 to 1958.
Marsh View, Rockcliffe on Eden, Carlisle, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 357617*

▲Opened about 3/1932 [LAKar32].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed during 1939 but was to open again in 1940. It operated each year of the war.
An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from
South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

Meals would in future be provided [LAK mins 1950]. After some doubt about the hostel’s future in
1954, it was able to continue [YHAB 12/1953].
✚Closed 13/9/1958. Mrs Park, warden from the outset, was in her 70s and retiring. Carlisle Hostel
was extended at this time to cope with the loss of accommodation. A retirement gift of £50 ws to be
offered to Mrs Park without precedent for her unique service.
Handbook 1932-58.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: shoreline house, now much altered, partly to keep out the sea [Ian Park, resident and relative of
wardens].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rockcliffe 751 † RG32.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Rockcliffe hostel will be missing from the 1959 handbook. This adopted hostel, between Carlisle and the
Scottish border over the years recorded over 37,000 overnights. During that time, Mrs Park gave a real
welcome to all who stayed at this friendly little hostel [Youth Hosteller, November 1958].
(v)

382
ROCKFORD LODGE (see Brendon)
ROCK HALL 1949 to 1991.
Rock Hall, Rock, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3SB.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NU 200202*

▲Opened 21/5/1949 [NOTar49], with limited facilities while the contractors were awaited there. It
was officially opened as an 80-bed hostel on 27/5/1950 by Lord and Lady Beveridge, who had
connections with the Hall. The old servants’ hall was converted into a Field Study room.
In 1974 much work was done to improve the warden’s kitchen and the dining room [HN Spring
1974].
✚Closed 1/10/1991.
Handbook 1949 supplement-91.
Property tenure: tenancy, held on a peppercorn lease, Ministry of Education grant-aided, dated 25/12/1948 for 30 years
from the Bosanquet family (to YHA Trust 31/12/1949). The tenancy was revoked by the owners in 1991.
Property profile: former manor house and 15th-century pele tower. Some parts date back to the 14th century, one of the
outhouses was part of a Norman chapel, and other portions of the House were Stuart. Rock Hall’s history goes back to
William de Rok in 1219 [HN Spring 1977].The Hall was reduced to a shell by fire in 1752, but rebuilt 50 years later. It
was offered to YHA by Mr CIC Bosenquet, High Sheriff of Northumberland [hostel opening programme]. The year
after YHA left a local nursery school moved into the building; the school, subsequently much expanded, was still
associated with the Bosanquet family [2009]. This was due to close, however, in 2012.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rock Hall YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 13, Rock Hall, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1952.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Rock Hall – I was in the working party getting the hostel ready for its opening when a large car arrived.
It was Lady Beveridge, who arrived to wish us luck [Pitch Wilson, regular North East YHA volunteer,
reported in 2008].
The grounds at Rock Hall are famed in agricultural history for initiating the growing of turnips for cattle
in 1727. Now the hostel walled garden is again achieving fame. Wardens Mr and Mrs Ken Roche and
their daughter last year obtained 21 certificates, including 14 first prizes, in horticutural exhibitions [HN
Spring 1978].
(s)

ROEWEN
(see Rowen)
ROGATE YHA property acquisition 1939. Did not open.
Rogate, West Sussex. GR: SU 8023 approx.
▼A building was accepted by YHA 1/7/1939. It is not known whether it was intended to develop a hostel here.

ROMAN BRIDGE 1935 to 1957.
St David’s Hostel, Roman Bridge, Dolwyddelan, Caernarfonshire.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SH 698515*

▲Opened Easter 1935. This very simple hostel in an old chapel was kitted out with Primus Stoves
and oil lamps.
Wartime arrangements: statistics for 1940-41 are unavailable, though a notice of 7/4/1941 advised that it was operating,
or due to do so. The hostel was open at Easter 1942 [MER Regional Handbook supplement Easter 1942] and during
1943-45.

✚Closed 30/9/1957, due to difficulties of maintenance and control. It was planned to find a small
replacement hostel [MERar57].
Handbook 1935-57.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former Blaenau Independent Chapel, built in 1876 [RCAHMW Website]. There is reference to Roman
Bridge Hut in statistics [MERar52,53 etc], seen to the left of the chapel on a photograph. The chapel was a roofless ruin
almost hidden by trees in 2010.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ro Wen YH
Profile

383
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Roman Bridge 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
Reports, recollections and observations:
February 9th-10th 1935: We called to look at some cottages near Maentwrog, but they were terrible
places with no glass and in a filthy condition. We then went on to see an old church at Roman Bridge.
We first saw the vicar and then left the car by the station and walked across the fields to the church,
which had not been used for 30-odd years. George [Radcliffe] and Mr Clarke took all the particulars of it,
and then we went to Lledr House for lunch [Bertha Gough diary].
For a time there was no warden, and the key was kept by Mrs Mair Jones at Garnedd, a mile distant, who
provided meals [M Kirby].
It seems a long time now since we first slipped over from Idwal on a Bank Holiday week-end to see how
Roman Bridge was opening up. It was Easter 1935, and as we went up the Lledr Valley and turned off
the main road into the hinterland, to find CS Jones cheerily waving a pan at us outside the church we had
lately acquired for lay purposes, our talk was of the somewhat unusual negotiations that had been
required – for this was our first church – and of the spartan hostel it would have to be.
The old church – St David’s Church – had functioned as a school for some years after its religious duties
had lapsed, so it took us as it had taken everything before and looked as it had always looked – a solidly
built little stone country chapel. In a sense it has determined the character of the hostel too, for what can
you do with one large room some 40 feet by 25 feet, with a raised floor at one end, other than to partition
off two not-too-big dormitories, put a table on the raised floor and call it the dining room, and use the
remaining odd corners for whatever purposes remained. What we have done is a tribute to the continued
popularity of the hostel in spite of – or is it because of – its simplicity: hand wash-basins, water drawn
from the stream, cooking at first over an open fire then latterly on a coal stove and primus stoves, threetier bunk beds, Elsan sanitation attended to by the
members, no meals provided, no warden on the
premises, oil-lamp lighting, and the member on his or her honour to respect the premises and leave them
clean and tidy for the next comer: what we have had to do is to put a hut in the grounds to provide
sufficient accommodation for the numbers who want to go there each year.
Mrs Roberts, who lives two miles a way at Hafod Llian, supervises the hostel fur us, deals with advance
bookings and with house book signings. Also, by private arrangement, she serves first class meals to
those disinterested in their own culinary efforts.
The hostel is uniquely situated, away from the metalled track, in the foothills below Moel Siabod, and it
offers to the member a change, a complete and satisfying change, from the highly organised civilisation
of our day. But please, don’t go there unless you are prepared to pull your weight in maintaining its
attractive simplicity, There are other hostels within easy reach for those who don’t think that looking
completely after oneself makes for a good holiday [Merseyside Regional Group News, Feb/Mar 1950].
(v)

ROMAN WALL (see Once Brewed)
ROMSEY Planned hostel about 1980. Did not open.
Romsey, Hampshire. GR: SU 3521 approx.
▼Plans for a Lord Louis Mountbatten memorial hostel were proposed by the townsfolk of Romsey and accepted by
YHA. An appeal fund was set up and a potential property earmarked for a 100-bed hostel and community facilities.
Plans for adaptation and conversion were well under way [SEar80].
ROMSEY
There were new YHA properties on the drawing board in many parts of the country, including Romsey, in Hampshire.
This would be to replace Burley hostel. [YHA eNEWS, 12/2006].
ROSEBUSH Hostel planned 1949. Did not open.
Linden Hall, Rosebush, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire. GR: SN 073293*. [Position GD].
▼The plans for a hostel here fell through at the last minute [Handbook 1949 (brief details only)]; YHA’s offer had
been accepted, but the house was withdrawn at the last minute [SWAHr 4/49]. This was to be a small house in the
village [Rucksack 1949/1]. Llwynihirion School was offered as a temporary replacement hostel by Pembrokeshire CC
[SWAar49].
A small double-fronted house.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile

ROSEDALE [First hostel] 1935 to 1938.
7 and 8 Bank Top Cottages, Rosedale West, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 720951*

384
▲Opened 1/4/1935 [YSHar35], a fully-controlled 18-bed hostel established with a grant of £35
from the Regional Development Fund [YSHar35]. The hostel was sometimes overcrowded, and an
opportunity to expand by renting the adjacent no. 7 was taken [YSH(York)ar38]. It was described
as two cottages [YSHar38]. The warden was Mrs Clarke. Her house was at no. 16 [sign on gate in
photograph]. This was probably an early arrangement, as the addition of no. 7 would be to
accommodate both the warden and extra sleeping space.
✚Closed Summer 1938 and transferred to 12 Bank Top Cottages very close by, in time for the
August Bank Holiday.
Handbook 1935-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: within a block of former North Eastern Railway cottages built to serve the hill-top western terminus
and engine sheds of the Rosedale Railway. The block has now been demolished.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rosedale YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rosedale A 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

ROSEDALE [Second hostel] 1938 to 1945; 1949 to 1953.
12 Bank Top Cottages, Rosedale West, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 720951*

▲Opened Summer 1938. The hostel was acquired 8/1938, transferred to these new premises under
one roof a few yards from old hostel at Nos.7 and 8 [Rucksack Autumn 1938]. The yard of no. 13
was also available for use [YSHmins 1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was available each year of the war. Early in 1940 there were evacuees alongside
hostellers, for whom YHA received 1/6d out of an 8/6d allowance, or 2/- out of 10/6d [YSH(Central)mins 4/1940]. The
hostel was withdrawn by 14/10/1940, but notices of 7/4/1941 and 7/1942 advised that it was operating again.

The hostel was closed after the 1945 season [YSHar45], too late for exclusion from the 1946
Handbook, but reopened 1/4/1949 with Mrs Mewett as warden; there were 10 beds, soon increased
to 14, then 20, then 30, with a separate members’ kitchen [YSHar51].
✚Closed 1/10/1953, when the warden terminated the agreement [YSHar53].
Handbook 1939-46; 1949-53.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 5/8/1938). From 1949 an adopted hostel.
Property profile: larger building in a different block and of a different design from the first hostel, and with other
buildings adjacent, which may have also been used. The exact layout of facilities in the various arrangements is not yet
known. The principal house remains as a private dwelling, now styled no. 1.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rosedale YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Farndale YH
Profile
(v)

ROSSINGTON 1934 to 1940.
Hayfields Farm, Rossington Bridge, Rossington, Doncaster, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SK 638997*

▲Opened 1/1934 [WESar34]. The warden, Mrs Graham, could accommodate an uneven split of
M26W8 [1936 Regional Guide]. This suggests that one of the large brick barns might have been
used for men. The hostel was used mostly by cyclists. A review described the hostel as most
successful [WES hostels report, 1/12/1938].
✚Closed, probably before Whit 1940 [Handbook 1940]. The warden had given a year’s notice, as
she was leaving. Rent was paid up to end 1/1940.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed either at the outbreak of war, or shortly afterwards. A national notice of
14/10/1940 advised, rather confusingly, that Mrs Graham’s address for Rossington Hostel was Blythe House, Tickhill:
the new hostel there.
Handbook 1934-40.
Property tenure: adopted hostel; the Regional Group received a proportion of the overnight fee [WESar35].
Property profile: farm. After YHA use, Hayfields Farm was with the Farmer family for many years. It was then
considerably renovated by the present owner and resident. One of the old brick barns at the rear, that may have featured
in the hostel accommodation, was demolished some time ago. Another remains.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rossington 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

385
ROTARY CLUB CAMP (see Hayling Island)
ROTHBURY Hostel planned 1938-51. Did not open.
Pondicherry, Thropton, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland. GR: NU 039017*.
▼It was hoped to open a new hostel near Rothbury in the summer 1939 [Handbook 1939], but not before late summer
[Rucksack Midsummer 1939]. Land at Thropton for a specially constructed hostel was purchased freehold, for £150 (to
YHA Trust 22/11/1939) [YHAPB]. Architect Austin Childs drew up plan for a 50-bed red cedar hostel [NOTar38,40].
A start was made on the building, but abandoned because of the war [YHAar39]. As late as 1947 building operations
would have to wait [NOTar47]. The plot was inspected for many years, but the hostel was never built. Finally, in 1951
the land was being grazed and was to be sold [NOTar51]. A buyer could not be found, however, and it was not solded
by YHA until after 2010.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y750101-Rothbury (Pondicherry)

ROTHBURY 1959 to 1969.
Garleigh Road, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD

GR: NU 064008*

▲Opened 1/8/1959. In the hostel two washrooms were created, cooking benches and food dockets
and a stove were installed. The wardens at first were George and Betty Pearson, whose adjacent
cottage was made more pleasant by installing a bath, indoor WC, and new sink, stove, fireplace,
wiring and decoration. [NOTar59]. Mrs Pearson remembers constant problems with running damp
in both the hostel and the family cottage. This family went on to Keswick Hostel in 1961.
✚Closed 1/10/1969.
Handbook 1960-69.
Property tenure: leasehold for 14 years from 1/7/1959 from the Duke of Northumberland [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
The tenancy was surrendered 29/9/1969 [YHAPB].
Property profile: former isolation hospital in simple green-painted huts on open high ground to the south of Rothbury.
These have since disappeared almost without trace.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I had been told that it was a log cabin painted green so I had no difficulty finding it… More and more
hostellers kept arriving so that thirty-seven were accommodated instead of the normal thirty [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 29 July 1962].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alnwick YH
Profile
(v)

ROTHERHITHE (see [London] ROTHERHITHE)
ROTHLEY SHIEL 1949 to 1956.
Rothley Middle Shiel, Hartburn, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NZ 034914*

▲Opened July 1949 [NOTar49], the projected date advised as 1/7/1949 [BRR 7/1949]. The warden
was Miss E Carmon.
✚Closed 8/4/1956.
Handbook 1949 supplement-56.
Property tenure: made available at nominal rent by Sir Charles Trevelyan.
Property profile: a very small wooden bungalow built as a shooting lodge, and named Wideopen Cottage on a recent
OS map, but a ruin obliterated by vegetation in 2007. It had no rear exit.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rothley Shiel 751 ≈† RG50.tif
(v)

ROWEN / ROEWEN / RO WEN 1947 to present.
Rhiw Farm, Rowen, Conwy LL32 8YW.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 746720*

▲Opened 1947. It was hoped to open here early in July [YHAB 6/1947], but it opened late 1947
season as a simple type of hostel without a resident warden [MERar47].
In 1978 the hostel was equipped with flush toilets (replacing the last of North Wales’ Elsans) and
washrooms and new wardens’ accommodation.
In 1993 hostellers could look forward to improved comfort with work to damp-proof the building,
including a survey with a view to tanking the inside walls below ground level. The hostel was also

386
being re-rendered [YHA News May 1993]. In 1997 the washblock was modernised, a shower
added and a neat arrangement was implemented to allow some daytime access [YHA News
summer 1997, end 1997]. The following year, the hostel was rewired and the members’ kitchen in
line for renewal [YHA News spring 1998].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
There was a significant refurbishment, starting 10th July 2011, ready for reopening on 8th August.
Work included new showers and toilets, a new self-catering kitchen, new beds and bed-lights, new
lounge and dining furniture and roof repairs. A new borehole was sunk [Hosteltalk].
Handbook 1947 supplement-2009
Alternative names: Roewen (1947-71); Ro Wen (1972-88).
Property tenure: freehold, later transferred from Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd 1/2/1984 (liquidated assets to YHA
Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: hill farmhouse, named the Harold Burrows Memorial Hostel after a tireless worker for the Merseyside
Regional Group of YHA.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y600017
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Ro Wen YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:

Rhiw Farm in the fifties
In 1952 access to Rhiw was by way of a rutted stony track passable only to tractors and Land Rovers. I
carried supplies up from the village on my back, my daughter too if she tired. She was three. There was
no electricity or sanitation, and running water was from a cold tap in the door-less scullery, fed by an
inadequate spring on the other side of the Roman road. This last, the continuation of the stony track, was
skinned with grass over a cobbled core and far superior.
It was a primitive hostel and my chores corresponded; in the morning there was the fettling of Primus
stoves, pressure lamps, hurricane lanterns and the curious oil stove called a “Florrie” housed in the dark
back kitchen. There were the Elsan closets to empty; the men’s lavatory was in the pig sties and I was
forced to put up a notice directing that they should be used “only when necessary”. (Full chemical closets
are heavy.) This didn’t apply to the women who used my place: a hole in a bench in a miniscule stone
outhouse. Below the hole was my neighbour’s field.
I washed the sheet sleeping bags by hand, heating water on a Primus stove. I earned three pence apiece: a
nice little earner augmenting my salary of one pound a week in summer (£25 today), halved in winter
when the hostel closed and I was merely a caretaker. The following year I got a rise of 50 pence in the
high season. So in summer we lived well helped out by the sale of talks and short stories to the BBC and
by way of food from the RAF Mountain Rescue team who brought us their leftovers after the weekend
exercise rather than take them back to Valley where they would go for pig swill.
Leisure was limited. By the time I’d dropped Sheena off with her current minder and hitchhiked round to
Ogwen, there was only an hour or so to climb before I must get back to open at five. The sharp little crag
on Tal y Faen was more convenient. Sheena learned to climb there and the day I caught her walking
along the ridge-pole of the house in pursuit of the cat who was after swallows, she was introduced to the
rope. I was the one who, never troubling to rope on boulder problems, fell thirty feet from a hard crack
and broke my ankle.
Winters at Rhiw were solitary. Evenings in the lamplit kitchen (Sheena asleep, myself attended by dozing
cats) you could imagine the chink of armour beyond the gate as the legions passed on the Roman road. I
wrote compulsively – about them and everything else as one does when young – and the rejection slips
poured in. I was on half-wages, my lover was in the Highlands and the source of supplementary food
from the rescue team had dried up and we were skint. Together we fell ill and, without a telephone, no
one knew. Two hostellers, passing by, not meaning to stop because the hostel was closed, decided after
all to look in. They found me comatose and Sheena sick with whooping cough.
The village was alerted. Sheena was carried away to the isolation hospital while I left Rhiw on a
stretcher, taken down the mountain by two stalwart medics to the ambulance which couldn’t get up the
track.
Two years later I returned: to the cottage three fields to the south where I stayed for seven years and
climbed and wrote my first book. The YHA gave me the beautiful ship’s cookstove from Rhiw which
was to grace my kitchen for the rest of the time I lived on Tal y Faen. It was a good stove [an extension
of Gwen Moffat’s autobiography Space below my Feet published by Phoenix/Orion, 2013].
On arrival [Margaret] was met by the warden, an unmarried mother (something which was very unusual
for the time).
That night there were a total of four people in the hostel, and as the female there she ended up doing the
cooking for all of them. The hostel kitchen consisted of one primus stove, located at the opposite end of
the room to the single (low powered) oil lamp. The meal consisted mainly of sausages which were
cooked by a system of inspired guesswork (put the frying pan over the stove, count to 10, 20 or whatever

387
other number you thought of and then take it over to the light to check on progress). I understand there
were no complaints about the food however.
Bed time was also fun as there was no lighting in the dorms and they only had one torch between them,
as the lady, Margaret claimed it. The hostel did however have running water to allow her to wash in the
morning (the stream outside). Toilets were another memorable feature, being located at the bottom of the
garden. On the door there was a sign please don’t go unless you have to and there was apparently even
less incentive inside. It consisted of a seat over a large drop, which the wind found an excellent outlet.
Looking down also gave an excellent view of the village.
Margaret rejoined YHA in 2003 [R Dennis, relating to his mother’s trip in 1950].
At the bottom of the hill that we had to go up was a notice that said something like: If you haven’t booked
don’t bother coming up. You had to sleep on straw mattresses [Suzanne Vernon (14), holiday log, 1975].
The building is a converted Welsh farmhouse and has kept its traditional character, it has a cosy common
room, a rustic dining room, both with open fires, and a well equipped kitchen. It sleeps 24 in 2-, 4-, 8and 10-bedded dorms) [YHA News, end 1997].

(s)
ROXTON Hostel planned 1952-54. Did not open.
Lock Cottage, Roxton, Bedfordshire. GR: TL 159534*
▼A 27-bed hostel would open here, after a delay, 4/7/1953 [Handbook 1953, details provided; and 1954, it was hoped
to open, no details]. Dating from 1846, this was the Lock Keeper’s Cottage until around 1930 when it became a private
house, set in nearly 30 acres of grounds and lakes. Much of the work involving the opening of the new hostel would be
with work parties [CAMar53]; however there were unexpected water supply problems and there was no right of way
for cyclists who were expected to be the main users.

RUAN MINOR (see Kennack Sands)
RUDYARD LAKE 1933 to 1969.
Cliffe Park Hall, Rushton Spencer, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: MAN; PK

GR: SJ 938599*

▲Opened 1/6/1933 [MANar33]. Negotiations were proceeding [1933 Handbook], then the hostel
was described as open in the 1933 supplement.
Two nights after staying at Clent YH, George Orwell spent the night here, 3rd February 1936 [KF].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns the Potteries and West
Riding.

In 1958 the hostel was closed for repairs, then reopened 6/7/1958 [MANar58].
The hostel was modernised in 1968 [PKar68].
It was due to close on 30/09/69, but as the sale was delayed, would stay open on Saturdays until
8/11/69 [YHr 10/69].
✚Closed 8/11/1969 and sold 4/8/1970 [YHAPB]; the recent improvements had not led to an upturn
in the hostel’s fortunes, and the Council decided to close rather than spend more money [PKar69].
Handbook 1933-69
Property tenure: later purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 29/9/1955) [MANar55].
Property profile: Cliffe Park Hall (grade II listed in 1967) was built in 1811 for about £25,000 by the Howarth family
who were land owners around Rudyard Lake. The Hall was bought in 1900 [or 1904] by the North Staffordshire
Railway as a golf club and hotel. The golf course closed in 1926. It is now a private dwelling consisting of 14
bedrooms.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-275300-cliffe-park-hall-horton
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rudyard 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «:]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
After finishing at Hartington we moved on to work at another hostel to do a similar job; Cliffe Park Hall
(Rudyard Lake). I am a joiner, and remember carrying a saddle bag full of tools to splice doors and
frames that had been forced open. I was walking around there 2 or 3 years ago. The building has survived
and the setting is beautiful, complete with a ha-ha [Fred Travis (b1915) gave this account in 1993].
With all the gaucheness of youth, we were deposited from a lorry late one moonless October evening at
the nearest point on the main road, a mile from Cliffe Park Hall, without any thought of bringing a torch
for the muddy pitch-black lane. We were astonished the following morning to find we had reached and
slept in a graceful building in a beautiful setting [JM visit, 1963, recalled in 2014].
(s)

388
RUISLIP Hostel planned 1989. Did not open.
Ruislip, Middlesex. GR: TQ 0887 approx.
▼A hostel here was proposed [Triangle Autumn 1989].

RUNNAGE Camping barn 1995 to 2017≠..
▲Runnage Farm, Postbridge, Devon. GR: SX 667792
Handbook 1995-2009. Also open 2010-2017≠.
Property profile: two camping barns, one a former hay loft and shippon, the other a converted stables.

RUSHALL 1939 to 1979.
Gatchapin, Rushall, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2PE.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD

GR: SO 641350*

▲Opened Easter 1939. The premises were made available by Mr JJS Powell [BMWar60].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

The layout changed with bewildering rapidity according to the landlord’s plans [BMWar49].
In 1951 there was an unsatisfactory position; a new warden was to be appointed [BMWar51, Rksk
Jan/Feb 1952]. Electricity was brought to the hostel and warden’s cottage in 1959 [YHr 5/1959].
The April 1971 Youth Hosteller announced:
Until a permanent warden is appointed at Rushall, Midland Region’s relief warden, Mr J Osborn, will be
in charge. The hostel has been run on an emergency basis during the winter months, thanks to the kind
help of next-door neighbour Mrs Hambling.

✚Closed 12/11/1979; the hostel was running at a loss, with low usage.
Handbook 1939-79.
Property tenure:
Property profile: converted farm outbuildings built in grey-yellow mudstone, consisting of a hop-drying store and
attendant buildings. The warden’s cottage was made inhabitable for YHA use after several years of neglect. An unusual
feature of the gift was that it required that both the youth of the nation and the workers of the village would be catered
for. Local people were able to use part of the buildings – the ground floor to the left (though perhaps not at the very
beginning) – as a licensed meeting room known as the Club. The juxtaposition of then teetotal YHA with licensed
premises led to some interesting evenings, many enthusiastic thirsty interlopers and a few rumblings of complaint,
especially during hoe downs and harvest evenings. After YHA left, the Club took over the entire building, though by
now the top floor was unsafe and the stairs removed. The premises were given a new porch entrance on the left gable
wall and a new bar cum meeting room at the rear to replace older lean-tos. The exterior, most of the interior, the cycle
shed and the warden’s cottage remain in recognisable form [2015].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rushall YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lyonshall &
Staunton YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Rushall 751 ≈† RG39.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
We opened Rushall at Easter ‘39. M12W12. It was then the latest thing, unique in having the commoncum-dining room and members’ kitchen on floor 1 and everything else below. A converted barn with
hand-pumped water, generously made available by Mr Powell, the local farmer and squire whose
successors live there yet. All brand new, the furniture consisted of plain scrubbed deal trestle tables, some
straight backed wooden chairs and benches. A row of Primus stoves on a table, enough crockery, pots
and pans. You carried your own cutlery. Beds the usual double decker slats with hair mattresses, three
blankets and a pillow of sorts. Washroom was a table with enamel bowls, lit by oil lamps and candles,
and the toilets I recall not – chemical closets at best. As a touch of distinct class it had chintzy curtains
sewn by ladies of the committee. The warden lived nearby – a common feature as many were little more
than keyholders. They just signed you in, collected fees, did advance bookings (no phone in those days)
saw to basic stores, and when the hostel was busy may have issued and done some supervision of hostel
duties. The more rigorous refused to turn up until 10am with your cards which were not issued until
satisfied that all necessary duties were properly done. As, by and large, they were [G Smith, Caveat
Nostalgia].
... our experiences with the Warden were not exactly pleasant. We arrived in Rushall about 4.30, so
decided to sit on a fence and wait outside the hostel until after 5, when it opened. At about ten past five,
no-one seemed to be about to open the hostel, so we went to what we supposed was the Warden’s house,
further up the road. We knocked on the front door, but this brought no reply, so we went round to the
back, where we knocked, apparently rousing a dog. We still had no answer, however, and were just
leaving in despair, when an irate female accosted us, demanding to know why we’d been round her back.
However, we were very polite to her, and she soon signed us in, and told us that the local football team
used the hostel on Saturdays for their teas, and also that the internal water system was broken, and that

389
we would have to carry water pumped from a stream across the orchard. On examining the water we had
brought to the hostel, we found it contained several fresh water animals, or fish, so we decided it would
be advisable to boil it before using it for drinking purposes. [Rev G Greenhough, 1947].
(v)
RUSHDEN

(See Knuston Hall)

RYDE [Smallbrook] 1935 to 1940.
Smallbrook Youth Hostel, Smallbrook Lane, Ashey Road, Swanmore, Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SZ 594907
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on Smallbrook Farm; the wrong address was given in the 1936
Handbook.≠

▲Opened 7/1935 [SOUar35]. Accommodation was M26W26 in 1937.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was in the 1940 Handbook but a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that
that it had closed. The tenancy was terminated, as it was in the ‘D’ Area [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42].

✚Closed by summer 1940 [Rucksack Summer 1940].
Handbook 1936-40.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: thought to be at Smallbrook Farm, an old red-brick farmstead.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ryde A 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Ryde A 752 ≈† RG38.tif
(v)

RYDE [Temporary] 1945 to 1945 or 1946.
Ryde, Isle of Wight. ≠
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 5992 approx.

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel 1/8/1945 to 4/9/1945 [Rucksack Midsummer 1945, SOUar45], 1418
bednights, and possibly 8/1946≠ [SN correspondent], though 0 bednights were recorded in that
year. Operated by courtesy IoW Education Authority [SOUar45].
Property tenure:
Property profile: the location remains unknown.≠ This might have been at Smallbrook, though probably not, as it was
operated by courtesy of the Isle of Wight Education Authority. There is no record of this in the Isle of Wight Education
Authority minutes for 1945 [GD].
The temporary youth hostel in Ryde in 1945. According to the IW County Council Education Committee (Youth Subcommittee) minutes for April 1945, the hostel was in Ryde Youth Centre, Mount House, George Street. The building is
no longer there. In the 1970s there was a car park on the site which is now occupied by a large Co-op store.
The grid ref is SZ 592924 [Isle of Wight local studies, GF]

RYE Planned hostel 1949. Almost certainly did not open.
Rye Youth Centre, Rye, East Sussex. GR: TQ 9120 approx.
▼The premises here were offered to London Region as a Saturday night hostel provided YHA could supply a warden
[YHAB 12/1949]. The County Education Committee wanted a regular warden, however, not a rota of volunteers [LRN
9/1949].

SAFFRON WALDEN [Illawarra] 1933 to 1939.
Illawarra, 52 Debden Road, Saffron Walden, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: LON/CAM

GR: TL 537379*

▲Opened 1933. Described as popular and comfortable [CAMar36,37]. It was established by the
London Group.
✚Closed 18/3/1939. 133 bednights were recorded in 1939SY.
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: substantial Victorian house, located on the west side of Debden Road immediately north of the now
closed railway bridge [GD].
After YHA use it became the Rural Council Offices, but has since been demolished [B Munro].
On the site today is an apartment block [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden YHs
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Saffron Walden A 751 † RG35.tif
(v)

390
SAFFRON WALDEN [Myddylton Place] 1942 to 2011.
1 Myddylton Place, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1BB.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: CAM; EA; C

GR: TL 535386*

▲Opened 8/1942.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

For a long time this hostel had been a source of worry because of failing condition, but in 1950 was
taken freehold [YHAar50]. The lower rooms in Bridge St were brought into use as a peak-period
common room and men’s wash; there was concern over deterioration of the property [CAMar52,
YHAar52]. The hostel was reopened 1/6/1957 after rebuilding [CAMar57]. Major restoration was
planned in 1984 [EAar84].
The Essex Heritage Trust was one of a number of charitable organisations donating towards special
preservation work to be completed here. The work involved stripping a large section of the roof and
replacing any of the handmade peg tiles which were broken, whilst restoring the roof to first class
condition. On the inside, a special lining was put between the eaves to preserve it. Room 1 has
exposed beams allowing visitors to see this fine example of a roof construction which has lasted the
test of time. Apart from the roof, repairs were made to two original windows and a further window,
which had been added at some stage, was restored to suit the original style and pattern [YHA News
spring 1996].
✚Closed 28/06/2011.
Handbook 1943-2009.
Property tenure: purchased in 1942 by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, for lease to YHA, who in
turn purchased it freehold (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 31/10/1950 as 1 Myddelton Place and 1
and 3 Bridge Street). In 2011 freehold.
Property profile: former maltings, grade I listed (1972), the oldest inhabited building in Saffron Walden, built ca1532.
Grade I listed buildings of various dates. The Myddylton Place frontage is two storey, jettied with exposed timbers and
dates from the late fifteenth century. The Bridge Street frontage includes two 16th-century timber-framed cottages.
Features include two medieval shop windows and a contemporary blocked doorway. The buildings were converted to
maltings by 1731, the roof hoist and a small red-brick extension at the rear dating from this period [GD].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-370400-1-saffron-walden
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 79, Saffron Walden, Youth Hosteller September 1960.
Published material: article, Unfair to Saffron Walden?, Youth Hosteller November 1960.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We were just going to bed when we heard someone singing in the common room. It was a hosteller who
was a student at the Royal Academy. It was 11.15 before we went to bed [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour
in East Anglia, 25 July 1961].
Nice friendly warden. Lovely garden and well-kept hostel [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment,
1960s].
The gent’s toilets must be the grandest in Essex [article, YHA News summer 1999].
(s)

SALCOMBE 1938 to 2013.
Overbecks [properly, Overbeck’s], Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8LW.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 728374*

▲Opened Easter 1938. This was the first fully controlled hostel in DAC region; considerable
alterations were required [DACar38].
Wartime arrangements: The hostel was reopened Whit 1940 after closure for some months [LRN 6/1940], and earned a
few hundred bednights in that year. This seems to have been the last usage until after the war; it was used as a
children’s residence during the summer of 1940 [YHA memo] and definitely withdrawn as a YH by 14/10/1940.

Reopened, after a delay, possibly mid 7/1945, though probably after 1/10/1945, as the first post-war
bednights were in 1946SY. Various ambitious plans for improvement of the layout of the YHA part
of the building were raised in the 1990s, though these seem to have been greatly simplified or
curtailed.
✚Closed 2 November 2013. YHA had announced on 14 May 2013 that Salcombe Hostel would
close at the end of the 2013 season. The lease from the National Trust was due for renewal early in

391
2014, and YHA were unable to negotiate a new rent that would enable them to make a profit on the
site. Reluctantly the decision was taken to close the hostel.
Handbook 1938-39; 1945-2009
Alternative name: Sharpitor 1938.
Property tenure: leased from the National Trust (the land was the gift of the late Otto Overbeck) from 25/12/1937 (to
YHA Trust 10/6/1942). Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: Edwardian building, standing in semi-tropical gardens, with rare trees and plants; a local museum
existed in part of the house [YHAF].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1057818
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Salcombe 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 77, Salcombe, Youth Hosteller July 1960.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Overbecks is situated in a wonderful position on the Bolt Head cliffside at the entrance to Salcombe
harbour. The one time owner of the property was a scientist by the name of Overbeck; he left the
property under certain conditions in his will, one of those conditions was that the premises should be put
to use as accommodation of young people. In the first place the house was offered to the Salcombe
Council for development as a leisure centre, with the gardens open to the public. The Salcombe Council
were not prepared to take on this responsibility and turned the offer down. The next condition regarding
the future of the house was for the National Trust to be given the opportunity to consider making use of
the place, failing this, then the whole estate was to be sold at public auction, the proceeds of the sale to be
given to the local Marlborough Football Club, of which Mr Overbeck was a keen supporter.
Lady Waring, Chairman of the local committee of the National Trust, managed to obtain in the
agreement with the Overbeck Trustees that the building be made use of, a part museum, and the
remainder of the property be used for the accommodation of young people, as stipulated in the will of the
late Mr Overbeck. It was at this juncture that the YHA were consulted, as to the possibility of making use
of part of the building for a Youth Hostel. Meetings were arranged between the two organisations, and I
was contacted to meet one of the Overbeck executors, and along with John Parkes for the Youth Hostels
Trust, did visit the building for the first time. We were immediately overawed by the wonderful situation
of the building, and I agreed with John Parkes that he should make a very favourable report to the
national body, for agreement with the National Trust that the YHA were prepared to enter into a lease in
respect of Overbecks as soon as possible.
Eventually we came to the job of meeting the local Trust Member, to discuss the adaptations that would
be necessary at Overbecks. Lady Waring always acted as chairman for such meetings, of which there
were many. I can remember at one such meeting we were discussing the need of washing facilities for the
members, and Lady Waring remarked, ‘Surely there would be no need to go to all that expense, could not
the members go down to Slat Cove and take a swim?’
The position of the hostel has always proved a great attraction to members, with several good bathing
coves at hand, and having one of the most attractive coastal footpaths in Devon, it being possible to walk
by cliff path practically all the way to Bigbury hostel. This walk made certain that Overbecks hostel
would always be a success.
Wardens for this hostel have always brought a certain amount of interest with them. In the first place it
was Mr and Mrs Webster, the chauffeur and cook at Overbecks, who took on temporary wardenship and
were able to tell us a lot about Mr Overbeck himself and his collection of curios from around the world.
They were followed by a Mr and Mrs Nesbitt, both writers and publishers, rather on the arty side, and
really very interested in the members requirements. They were in fact one of the first to take flight to
America in 1939. Then there was a hotchpotch of wardening for nearly 12 months, until the end of 1940,
at which time the Army took over the building by requisition and remained in occupation until after the
war when the building was de-requisitioned.
After that we then had to look around for a permanent appointment, following the renovation of the
building after the army had vacated. We were fortunate to obtain the services of Mr and Mrs Kelly
[Selly], from Welwyn Garden City. Mrs Kelly [sic] was at one time secretary to Jack Catchpool (‘Catch’)
the National Secretary, so they had a good knowledge of youth hostel workings, both being able to give
as good as they got from Lady Waring, who was always ‘looking in’ to see how the hostel was being run,
Mrs Kelly [sic] always being up to the mark in providing coffee and cakes for My Lady, which brought
about a good co-operation between the National Trust and the YHA.
Overbecks opened in April 1938 and for the last 20 years has been in the capable hands of Paddy and
Gerry [Bentley], well versed in youth hostel requirements, maintaining one of the highest usage figures
in the region, with adventure holidays of snorkeling, diving, and sailing from the hostel [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Joey and Jock (Hemmings), London Region’s best-known wardens, who made literally thousands of
friends at Winchester and Canterbury hostels, moved into Sharpitor hostel at Salcombe (Devon) on May
7th, having accepted wardenship at that hostel under the Devon and Cornwall Regional Group. Sharpitor
reopened at Whitsun, after a closure of a few months [London Region News article, June 1940].

392
In the very last weeks of YHA Salcombe, there was a large rambling group from Cardiff staying, who
loved the place and were distraught to hear of its closure. One of the girls – a Scot – was tootling about
on a guitar, with the usual failed attempts at community singing. After an hour or so of fairly
unproductive urging to get everyone to join in with Penny Lane and Green Grow she suddenly broke into
a solo My Love is like a Red Red Rose, and everybody stopped breathing. It was so beautiful a
performance, and long too, maybe 5 minutes. I’ll remember Salcombe for that moment [John Martin,
October 2013].
(s)

SALISBURY (OLD SARUM) Possibly open late 1932 only.≠
The Old Sarum Hostel, Ye Olde Castle Inn, near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 141325*

▲✚There are two enigmatic references to this hostel. One is an entry in the 1932 (October)
Handbook, address as above, 1½ miles from the nearest store in Salisbury, wardens Mr & Mrs
Barnes. There is another reference [Hiker & Camper Magazine, 8/1932] to a new hostel, just open,
at Old Sarum. No further references to this hostel have been found, and its operation as a YHA
facility must remain in question. It may have operated briefly before the Old Mill Hostel at West
Harnham, Salisbury, opened in 1933.≠
Property tenure:
Property profile: the article above advised that a room in which Samuel Pepys wrote part of his diary adjoined the
youth hostel. The Old Castle Inn still functions in 2014.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
(v)

SALISBURY [Old Mill] 1933 to 1935.
The Old Mill, West Harnham, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 135294*

▲Opened Whit 1933. At first the mill housed both hotel and hostel. In 7/1935 the quarters were
entirely removed from the hotel to buildings on the opposite side of the stream, above the hotel
garages [Rucksack Autumn 1935].
✚Closed 1935.
Handbook 1933-35.
Alternative name: Salisbury (West Harnham) (1933).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the mill dates from 1550, with traces of 13th-century work [GD].
Before and after YHA use the premises have been a hotel and restaurant, for example in 1994 and 2004.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Salisbury A 751 † RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
June 1935. ...to West Harnham Mill YH Salisbury. The hostel premises, which are new, were not so easy
to find. They are in a big yard beyond the old mill. As yet, only the men’s dorm is ready for use. It was
even more difficult to find the warden – walked all round by the old mill and knocked at the door of the
house, found nothing, and came back to the hostel. Then we found that the warden was the lady at the
café. She was an amusing little woman with Eton-cropped hair, thin, sharp, hooked features, humorous
blue eyes and an almost never failing cigarette. The men’s dorm was full and not very well ventilated...
[Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935]…
West Harnham Old Mill is no longer a YH, now an expensive café [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1939]
(v)

SALISBURY [Castle Street] 1936 only.
Milford House, 194 Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 144306*

▲Opened 4/4/1936, replacing Salisbury (West Harnham) Hostel with first class accommodation
[YHAar36].
✚Closed 1936, the end of the season being being 30/9/1936, and replaced by Salisbury (54 Endless
Street) Hostel.
Handbook 1936.
Property tenure:
Property profile: 194 Castle Street. The house was known as Milford House and was quite a fine building, double
fronted, with large front door with a porch facing into Castle Street and situated on the corner of Wyndham Road. In

393
front was a low stone wall with swinging chains between oak posts in its entire width. Gardens and tennis court were
behind the house and parallel to the lower part of Wyndham Road. This became a vacant site and has had three houses
built on it while the house itself has been razed and a garage built on the corner Wyndham Road and Castle street site.
About 1900 the owner was Walter Francis Tiffin, well known Salisbury artist and miniaturist. He was one of the
founders of Salisbury Museum Porcelain Collection. Before that it had been a coaching inn with carriage house and
stables. In 1914 the house becarne the property of the Trethowan family and Monty Trethowan, one of the partners in
Trethowan and Vincent, a well known legal firm, was born here on 28th August 1914. The family lived here for some
years. In the 1920s the tennis courts were much in use privately and for some County Matches.
When the Trethowan family moved into the country the house was taken over by Arthur Lurcock [sic] and his wife. He
was a lay vicar of the Cathedral. They ran a first class boarding house here for well-to-do bachelors who had come to
take up business positions in the city. Lurcombe [sic] is mentioned in the 1930 City Directory. After the Lurcombes left
the house was empty for a while to be temporarily occupied as a warehouse by Dibben’s builders merchants. It became
almost derelict, but by dint of a devoted band of enthusiasts who did it up it could be used as our local Youth Hostel.
The whole site was [then] cleared and two brothers Hobden, sons of a local business man, set up as motor engineers
and traded as Wyndham Motors – this after extension and some rebuilding, is now trading as Caffyns Motor Engineers
[uncredited and undated YHA internal account].
Caffyn’s Garage in 1994 [SN]. Later a Toyota dealership and The Capital Car Wash from 2008. By 2013 these
premises were abandoned and derelict.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
(v)

SALISBURY [Endless Street] 1937 to 1939, 1940 or perhaps 1941.
54 Endless Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 144303*

▲Opened by end 1/1937, replacing Salisbury (194 Castle Street) Hostel; a specially built hostel
could hardly be more suitable [WILar37]. The following year temporary sleeping accommodation
was added on the top floor [WILar38].
Wartime arrangements: a circular of 9/11/1940 explained that Wiltshire Regional Group was having difficulties with
the requisition arrangements. The warden had agreed to these without the Group’s consent, and had consequently
resigned. It seems possible, therefore, that there may have been some hostel use in 1940. A statistical note suggested
continued income to YHA in 1941, but this may have been sub-rental from the authorities.

✚Closed 1939, 1940 or perhaps 1941.
Handbook 1937-39.
Property tenure: taken at a high rent on a three year lease, with a 21 years option.
Property profile: a handsome Georgian house dating from the late 18th-century, one of a matching pair, of 3 storeys
plus attic. 54 Endless Street has been used as a warehouse and doctor’s surgery since the YHA period, but is now
[2013] converted into flats. A blue plaque records that it was the school and home of the historian, Henry Hatcher,
between 1824 and 1846.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Salisbury C 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Accommodation here will be better than at Castle Street [Rucksack, New Year 1937].
(v)

SALISBURY [Milford Hill House] 1961 to 2015.
Milford Hill House, Milford Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2QW.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL; SW; S

GR: SU 149299*

▲Opened 13/5/1961, on a limited basis for self cookers only, to be fully opened 1962 after work
over the winter [WILar60].
A critical memo found that 58 extra beds were contained in 5 Portakabins [HSC(Y)memo11/1981].
The large timber annexe was reported as in a poor state [PDMP report 1986]; refurbishment
followed [YHAar1987].
Closure was announced in 2011, despite good trade, as the building needed considerable renovation
work and Milford Hill House was not easily adptable to modern needs. Nevertheless, the hostel
lasted until 2015.
✚Closed 30/9/2015, with the handover date to the new owners being 30/11/2015.
Handbook 1961-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (£10,000) (Ministry of Education grant-aided) 5/10/1960 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Currently [2012] freehold.

394
Property profile: Grade II Listed Building, a villa of ca1833. Prior to the 1950s it appears to have been empty for
several years, but directories record that it was a guest house (1953) and headquarters of several youth groups (1959)
[Wiltshire County website]. The large timber annexe is thought to have been of army origin. This was used originally
both for staff and members, with the manager living in a bungalow in the rear right corner of the grounds. This
arrangement was changed with PDMP so that staff used the bungalow and members the annexe.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
(s)

SALISBURY [Temporary] 1971, 1972 and 1973 and possibly for many years afterwards
Jerred House, Godolphin School, Milford Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: SW

GR: SU 151300*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel opened Summer 1971, using accommodation at a girls’ private school,
located on the opposite side of the road to the main school buildings [GD].
In 1973 the Annual Report [SW] advised: Once again we have been grateful to the governors and
headmistress of Godolphin School Salisbury, for making available to us Jerred House as a summer
annexe to Salisbury YH.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Jerred House, part of Godolphin School.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The seasonal overflows came and went very quickly, often unrecorded because if there really was a lot of
demand they didn’t need advertising so there is often no entry in any documents and the only indication
is probably in the accounts which would have shown extra beds for certain months. Salisbury was an
example of that. YHA took accommodation from Godolphin school next door and anyone arriving signed
in at the main hostel and then was told how to get to the school. The first season I was there we stopped
using the overflow as it had proved to be too expensive. We went there in December 1990 and so it must
have been [from then] that it stopped. We started using tents instead on the lawn at the side of the hostel.
[Duncan Simpson, 2013].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile
(v)

SALISBURY [Temporary] 1979 only.
Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: SW

GR: SU 1430 approx.

▲✚A 40-bed temporary annexe was rented in 1979 as summer seasonal accommodation;
availability was doubtful for 1980 [SWar1979]. The relationship, if any, to the entry above is
unknown.
Property tenure: rented.
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Salisbury YHs Profile

SALTBURN-BY-THE SEA 1937 to 1992.
Riftswood Hall, Victoria Road, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland TS12 1JD.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WTE; BD; N

GR: NZ 662204*

▲Opened 5/6/1937, the first King George V Jubilee Trust hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open 10/1939 to 1/1940 [WEAar40]. From that point there was no operation for
the remainder of the war.

After the war the 1946 Handbook advertised that it might open [again], but it was delayed through
1946-47 by the need for heavy repairs [WEAar47]. It was finally reopened 15/4/1948 [Rucksack,
Spring 1948]. Field Study facilities were provided [YHAar70] and a new departure, an Urban
Studies room, provided in conjunction with Bede College, Durham [BDar75].
✚Closed 1992. The 1992 Handbook advised that the hostel was for sale and might not be available.
It was now sold [Triangle Spring 1992], although 200 bednights were registered after 1/3/1992.
Handbook 1937-39; 1946-92.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 5/6/1937), with additional Special Areas assistance [WEAar37].
Property profile: large redbrick Victorian house with Dutch gables, in parkland.
The cycle shed was in the cellar, accessed by precipitous open stone stairs [KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
16th-17th October 1937: Northern Advisory Board meeting at Saltburn. There was a good exhibition of
Calor Gas given by the firm who makes it. Winnie had not booked so there was no bed for her, so I took

395
my three blankets and our palliasses and we went up in an attic (which we had to ourselves) and made up
a bed for two on the floor. It was quite comfortable. The hostel was a fine building but is not yet fitted up
properly as a hostel. We saw a preview of ‘The Magic Shilling’ which is certainly a better film than
‘Youth Hails Adventure’ [Bertha Gough diary].
(s)

SANCTON GRANGE 1935 to 1937.
Sancton Grange, Sancton, East Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 899397*

▲Opened 20/7/1935 (formal opening by Dr T Ritchie Rodger) [HullRGar35]. The hostel was
brought into use in response to Hull members wanting convenient accommodation. Increased
accommodation was provided [HullRGar36].
✚Closed 6/12/1937 [YSHar37].
Handbook 1936-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: old Wolds farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Sancton† YDRG36.doc
(v)

SANDOWN [Beach] 1932 only.
Beach Huts Restaurant, Culver Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SZ 604845[KF]
Positional note: the Grid References relate to the extent of Culver Road. The road has since been extended and renamed
Culver Parade [GD].

▲Opened 1932.
✚Closed 1932, the end of season being 9/1932.
Handbook 1932.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a 1934 holiday brochure has an advert for the Beach Huts Restaurant. The hostel / restaurant has been
demolished, probably in the mid to late 1960s. On the site today is Wight City, an entertainment centre. [Sandown
Local Studies Library, KF].

SANDOWN [The Firs] 1945 to 2007.
The Firs, Fitzroy Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 8JH.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SZ 597843*

▲Opened 3/1945 [SOUar45].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was bought and opened in the final stages of the war.

The official opening date given in Rucksack, 22/10/1949, was actually for Swanage, an error later
corrected. Sandown was a fully conrolled hostel from the beginning.
In 1967 Southern Region was considering replacing the hostel with a new one to alleviate
overcrowding; three ex-hotels / guest houses each with beds for about 70 were investigated.
In its final year the hostel offered 12 bedrooms, 3 on the ground floor of the old house and 9 on the
upper floor of the newer. The upper floor of the old house incorporated the manager’s 2-bed flat
and 2 assistants’ rooms.
The hostel was smartened up with extensive decoration externally and internally [YHA News
spring 1997]. By 1998 the two 26 bed dormitories had been replaced by 8 small rooms with washbasin and the showers and WCs were also upgraded [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed 10/2007. The property was sold 31/10/2007.
Handbook 1945-2007/08.
Alternative name: Sandown (Isle of Wight) (1946 and 1948-82).
Property tenure: leasehold (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 9/3/1945).
Property profile: Victorian villa. After closure, the former YHA building was demolished in 2009 and a block of new
homes built on the site [Andrew Archdale].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Sandown B 751 ≈† RG50.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
The girls’ dormitory held 32 beds [Pat Packham, A Tour of the Isle of Wight, 25 July 1957].

SANDRIDGE PARK 1942 only.

396
Sandridge Park, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 859564*

▲Opened 1942. London Region News expressed a hope that it would open by the end of June
[LRN 06/1942]. The hostel was opened experimentally in co-operation with National Association
of Boys’ Clubs; it had a beautiful vista of the Dart Estuary [DACar42].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel recorded 445 bednights, in 1942 only.

✚Closed 1942.
Property tenure:
Property profile: LRN 06/1942 explained that the large mansion standing in this park (300 acres) is no longer required
as a refugee home for children from overseas, and the National Association of Boys’ Clubs is going to use it for a
series of leader camps. They have agreed, however, to set aside 24 beds [men only] for ordinary hostel use by YHA
members. The Italianate mansion was Grade II* listed in 1952. It was built in 1805 for Lady Ashburton, and designed
by John Nash.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A large manor house, standing on the higher banks of the river Dart, which was jointly taken over by the
Youth Hostels Association and the National Boys Brigade. The hostel was wardened by the resident
Brigade Master who had the unusual name of Faithful Davis, and he certainly was faithful to the boys of
the Brigade Organisation, acting at the same time as the Youth Hostel warden on a joint service basis.
The joint use of Sandridge Park was quite useful to members, and a good liaison was maintained with the
Brigade. Then the house was put up for sale, but neither the Brigade nor the YHA were interested in the
purchase.
Sandridge Park was a much older house than Maypool and would have been quite a major problem with
regard to maintenance. After only being opened from 1948 until 1950 [1942 only - Allen seems to have
confused Sandridge Park’s dates with those of somewhere else], it was eventually sold, and, after very
large amounts of money was spent on re-vamping the place, opened up as a country club [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

SANDY WOOD FARM (see Wrotham Heath)
SATTERTHWAITE 1931 to 1942.
Force Forge, via Ulverston, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 339910*

▲Opened late 1931 [LAKar32]. Amenities had been improved [LAKmins 5/3/1933].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed
the need to keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 1942. It was closed early [LAKar1943]; 0 bednights in 1943SY indicate that closure was
probably around 9/1942.
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-42.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel.
Property profile: three-storey former mill-owner’s house, behind the derelict bobbin mills damaged by fire many years
ago. It is extant in 2011.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Satterthwaite 751 † RGc32.doc
(v)

SAUNDERTON 1934 to 1936 or 1937.
Saunderton House, Saunderton Station, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 815980*

▲Opened by 8/1934 [LONmins 28/8/1934]. This was the largest of the new Chiltern hostels, yet
described in 1937 as small. It was in one wing of the practically derelict old workhouse, opposite
the station [LONar34]. YHA could use the back block, consisting of a large hall, an office and three
dormitories. An attempt should be made to open it by August Bank Holiday [LONmins 26/6/1934].
The hostel accommodated M10W10, and the warden was Mr AJ Searle [Regional Guide 1935].
✚Closed 1936, after 1/10/1936, or 1937 and replaced by Speen Hostel; closed early in the year
[LONar37]. There were 242 bednights in 1937SY.
Handbook 1934 supplement-36.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: wing of disused workhouse, built of flint and brick. It has since been demolished.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Saunderton 751 ≈† RG35.tif

397
SCARBOROUGH 1935 to present.
The White House, Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 ODA.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: TA 026907*

▲Opened 1935 (before Easter) [ScarboroughRGar35]. Expansion was planned for the following
year [YHAar35]. The owner and first warden was Mrs Atkinson, who sold up to YHA in 1943.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated during the winter of 1939-40 [YSHar40]. Thereafter a national notice of
8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, but only to members resident in the restricted area. Others of 7/4/1941
and 7/1942 advised that it was open. 1943-45 operation is also recorded.

The hostel was out of action from 27/10/1961 to 31/3/1962 for extensive alterations; the capacity
was being increased from 50 to 70. Fire precautionary work was carried out in 1978 [YKar78]. In
1984, after Kingsley recommendations, dormitory improvements at Scarborough hostel provided
more comfort for male hostellers, plus special facilities for families. The 40-bed male dormitory in
the 1962 timber extension was divided into three separate rooms, all carpeted, and three of the
original female dormitories were now available as family rooms, leaving five dormitories for use
by either sex as required [HNsmr84, YKar84].
In 1990 plans were drawn up to further enhance the annexe by creating five bedrooms. The plans
were modified immediately or within a few years to four bedrooms, that furthest from the hostel
becoming a disabled en suite room with adjacent disabled lounge and kitchen, all served by an
outside ramp. Later in the 1990s a small washroom near the annexe was replaced by a WC with
wash hand basin and shower, removing the necessity for the through dormitory near the ladies
washroom [YHA News spring 1997].
The extension was also made available separately for group rental purposes [(eg) RAH leaflet and
E2 Website 2003-2004 and 2007-2008].
Scarborough Hostel was presented for closure in 2010, a long-running withdrawal process that led
to the contracts finally being exchanged early in 2013 with Rob and Elise Fletcher who wished to
continue seamlessly to run the hostel on an Enterprise basis. The new arrangement was due to start
on 3 June 2013.
Handbook 1936-2009.
Property tenure: an adopted hostel until 1943; purchased from Mrs Atkinson for £1,000 (to YHA Trust 19/2/1943),
becoming the first hostel to be owned by the Region. The Board of Education gave a grant of £600 towards the
purchase [YSHar44]. Currently [2015] freehold.
Property profile: converted 17th century water mill, one of four Scalby Mills once operating on the Sea Cut, an outflow
channel built in 1804. The mill was later derelict, then a farm and later a guest house, in a cluster of mixed stone and
brick pantile-roofed buildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Scarborough B 751 ≈† RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 76, Scarborough, Youth Hosteller June 1960.
Reports, recollections and observations:
During breakfast the warden gave us a speech of welcome…
After supper ‘M’ went to tell the warden that the electric light would not work. He laughed, said that
there was no electricity and gave her a tiny oil lamp [Pat Packham, A Tour in the Yorkshire Moors, 22
July 1956].
(s)

SCAR TOP, HEBDEN 1940 to 1944.
Scar Top, Hebden, Grassington, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 027639*

▲Opened Spring 1940, replacing Grassington Hostel and, at first, Ellingstring.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war until closure. Shortly after opening, it was reported as
having had its troubles, but a reasonable season [WESar41]. It was to have closed in 1943 to equip Linton Hostel, but
a campaign forced a reversal of decision and it was kept open from Whit to October 1943 [WESar43].

✚Closed 1944. The hostel was closed [Rucksack, New Year 1945].
Handbook 1940-44.
Property tenure: adopted hostel, rent-free since the spring of 1940 [WESar44]. The tenancy was lost when the owner
Mr Sturgeon let it instead to a friend.
Property profile: hilltop stone-built farm, dating from 1860 [sales brochure]. A postcard view shows single-tier beds in
a low-celinged beamed loft dormitory. A private residence in 2011.
Reports, recollections and observations:

398
For the lover of hill country there is more than the usual attraction about a hostel which stands on the
1,000-foot contour line. There are at least three favourite haunts of the Youth Hostel fraternity which
enjoy this distinction. But whereas Black Sail Hut lies deeply entrenched in a valley, and Jerusalem Farm
stands on a gentle slope amidst upland country, Scar Top House is perched on the very crest of a steep
spur of moorland, high above the lovely valley of the Wharfe.
Though the weary traveller's heart may sink when he approaches and spies the hostel some 500 feet
above the valley road, yet he will have his reward, for there is magic in the situation of Scar Top and
magic, too, in the lovely old building itself.
The origin of the building is wrapped in mystery, but it is generally supposed to have been built by the
monks of Fountains Abbey or of Bolton Priory, and used by them as a retreat or rest house. At a later
period it served as a farm for many years; then for a long time it lay empty and became ruinous. Tne
present owner bought it, renovated it, and carried out structural alterations, installed a water supply,
electric lighting and heating systems. For some years it was let as a private hostel.
Scar Top House is a long, narrow building facing eastwards and consisting of four main parts. The first
of these (from the south) is of recent date, and consists mainly of store-rooms. The second part is the
oldest portion of the building; experts ascribe it to the latter part of the 15th century. The lower room is
the present common-room and has a magnificent arched ingle-nook, beneath which is a somewhat
unworthy modern grate. Above this room, opening off one of the bedrooms, is a tiny praying-cell or
penance room. The next section of the house, now the warden’s room, is of more recent date than the
common-room, though it is probably centuries old. A door leading from here to the fourth bay carries in
its lintel-stone the date 1618, but it is stated by the owner that this stone was found in the yard during the
renovation and therefore does not necessarily belong to this room. The fourth bay of the house, now
divided into kitchen, corridor and other domestic rooms, is on a different floor-level and clearly served as
a barn in olden times. This is borne out by the large porch at the north end of the building. In the big
dormitory above this section, a huge beam crosses the room at a low height, and many unprintable words
have escaped the lips of hostellers who have made too violent contact with it.
Scar Top was taken over by the YHA in March, 1940, when it was prepared and opened by a party of
hostellers from Bradford Technical College. Indeed, for the first four months it was they who ran the
place almost every week-end, until Mr Pratt took up his appointment as full-time warden in August,
1940. In those first months little could be done to improve the house; later, by judicious application of
paint and varnish, the place was rendered brighter and more cheerful. The present warden, Mr A Gibson,
took up his duties in November, 1941.
Scar Top House can be a grim spot in winter, and more than once prolonged frost and deep snow has
rendered it untenable for a period. But though the winter wind succeeds in penetrating the house and is
apt to make it cold and draughty at times, there are compensations for such minor discomforts.
Scar Top stands defiant to every wind that blows. It breathes the very spirit of the open moorlands, and
its ancient fabric serves to remind us of the heritage of our Northern Dales [article from unknown YHA
regional publication by DWS].
(v)

SEDBERGH [Underbank] 1933 to 1935.
Underbank Farm, Sedbergh, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 667925*

▲Opened 1933. Lakeland Region agreed to adopt the hostel subject to the approval of the W
Riding Group [LAKmins 5/3/1933].
✚Closed 1935 and replaced by Waverley Hostel. The warden was Mrs Leach.
Handbook 1933-35.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: farm premises. The property is now a farmhouse and associated buildings and dwellings but no longer
with a farm. The house had its origins in the mid 17th-century but it has been much altered by various owners over the
years. The Leach family are not among the deed holders and must have been tenants. The pavilions referred to by Clare
Ajenusi were privies, one being extant; the interior is oak lined. Some of the blocks of the stone gateway remain as part
of the garden features [Edward Cullen].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Sedbergh A 751 † RG32.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
My grandfather Donald Boyd co-wrote a guide to walking the Pennines. His co-author was Patrick
Monkhouse and the book is titled ‘Walking the Pennines’, published in 1937 by Alexander Maclehouse.
In the chapter covering the Western Fells he describes the route from Ingleton to Sedbergh and
recommends the Underbank Youth Hostel as follows:
On this journey I was making for the Underbank Youth Hostel, and hurried, as I was late for the
appointed hour of supper. The Underbank lane takes off from the junction of the Kirkby Stephen and
Hawes roads, in a grove of trees. It is a pleasing lane, which brings one straight into the impressive portal
of Underbank. It is a gateway of enormous square stones, with an enormous single stone lintel, and has

399
wrought-iron gates. The adjoining buildings are stables and the gates are wired to keep hens out of the
garden. Coming to the paving one discovers a little flagged terrace, and below it two small classical
pavilions. It is incongruous and astonishing. I advanced on to the terrace where a table was set in the sun,
and apologised for my lateness, which was no matter to the warden, Mrs Leach, who exercises a genial
lenience to such sins. In the wash-place I found a cyclist who was anxious to bathe himself, being almost
as hot as myself, but when he got his socks off and looked at his feet he decided they were too hot to be
washed. ‘It would mean my death if I did,’ he said, solemnly, and put his socks on again. The men
hostellers of Underbank in the summer actually sleep in a rather tumble-down cottage by the farm
marked as Stone Hall. Some of them use, for their morning washing, the water in front of the cottage
door, in spite of the expostulation of ducks and hens, who regard this foul pool as peculiar to themselves.
There is much cleaner water in the beck, a hundred yards east.
The additions to Underbank caused me some curiosity, particularly when I discovered that of the two
pavilions one was a tool-shed and the other a closet, elaborately lined with oak and originally (1899)
fitted with some sort of flushing device. The stone of these buildings was clearly carved, if without any
marked sense of design, and I asked for some explanation. The owner of the estate, apparently, had a
passion for architecting the buildings on his land. Underbank was one of his properties. But the
alterations were never finished. In all his work he specially valued three things: carved stone, wrought
iron and oak panelling; and they were all worked for him in Sedbergh. His gardener’s house, I was told,
was a wonder. This alone seemed to make him unusual. But I heard from another inhabitant that he also
had the graces of hospitality, generosity and music. He was fond of the piano and the ’cello; he played
dominoes and would ask even a poor man who was good company to stay with him. He liked good food
and drink [Clare Ajenusi, August 2009].
(v)

SEDBERGH [Waverley] 1936 to 1939.
Waverley Hostel, Main Street, Sedbergh, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 658921*

▲Opened 1936, later in the year, replacing Underbank Hostel. The warden in 1937 was Mr Leach,
Waverley Hotel; accommodation was M16W8.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1936 supplement-39.
Alternative name: Sedbergh (Lakes) (1936 supplement).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: in premises on the south side of the main street opposite the former Waverley Temperance Hotel. The
old hotel is now [2017] nos.48-50, and occupied by a Boot’s pharmacy. An old postcard shows a hotel sign hanging
from the bracket that nowadays sports the pharmacy symbol. The premises ‘opposite’ could have been either the
present plain-fronted shop, a three-storey Georgian house at 49 Main Street, or even the next property to the east,
Marshall House, 53 Main Street, a Grade I-listed house with railings. There is an alleyway to the east of Marshall
House that possibly conforms with the information below [KF, JM, 2017].
Reports, recollections and observations:

Note from FW Parrott to LKS Committee
I visited this hostel on Saturday 3rd June [1939]. I made known to Mrs Leach and to Mrs Leeding
(Deputy Warden) the nature of the complaint received from Miss Nancy Lamb.
Mrs Leach feels very indignant about the complaint. She is an invalid and not able to visit the Hostel but
takes a personal interest in its usage. She engages Miss Leeding and another woman to attend to the
home and Hostel duties.
She says that this year she has spent nearly £20 on renovating the YH property. Subsequent viewing of
the Hostel showed that it has been repapered and painted throughout and and new linoleum placed on the
floor in the common room. The rooms are just opposite the Waverley Hotel but to get to them one has to
go down a yard and back. This is not very convenient and does not help to ensure the oversight that is
desirable.
On the date in question Miss Leeding was attending a course of First Aid classes and that may explain
why she was away. She admits that there might have been some accumulation of junk but this was due
to the spring cleaning operations and feels that it was unfair to quote this against the Hostel.
Both Mrs Leach and Miss Leeding deny that the floors have ever been covered with dirt and state that the
second woman engaged washes the floor at least once every three weeks. Certainly they did not look
dirty on the occasion of my visit. A similar denial is given regarding the complaint regarding pans and
kettles. These, since Mr Chapman recommended on a previous visit are kept in the home and can only be
obtained on application and Miss Leeding says that they are regularly cleaned and under her supervision.
I saw the furniture and agree that it is broken but was informed that the breakages are due to the
hostellers. Insofar as hostellers are supposed to perform duties it was considered as part of their bargain
to carry fuel.

400
Mrs Leach says that she pays a rental of £20 yearly for the rooms and a bednight usage of 800+ does not
make the running of a hostel a very remunerative proposition. She feels that complaints are too one-sided
and that she in turn could complain of some of the guests. Blankets are not folded, rooms not swept, and
washing up not done on occasions. I pointed out that the warden (or deputy warden) should see that these
jobs are done and it has to be admitted that the actual walking distance from the dining quarters to the
sleeping quarters is such that it makes adequate supervision difficult. Printed notices regarding jobs to be
done hang on the walls so that right-spirited visitors need be under no misapprehensions. I think that this
hostel is an improvement on the old quarters and that if more direct supervision could be given there is
no reason why the complaints should not cease…
Sedbergh somehow does not come up to high standard but I can see nothing else to be done. I would give
it say 5½ or 6 marks out of 10 and think it worth keeping [Note from FW Parrott to LKS Committee].
I hope Sedbergh can be pulled through, but the whole crux of the matter is the rent of the hostel quarters
and the usage. Suggestion: the Group takes over the renting and equipping, gives the Leaches a
percentage on each overnight fee plus catering profits? The present arrangement is bound to affect the
members very badly [reponse to above from Harry Chapman to FW Parrott, June 1939].
(v)

SEDGEFORD 1949 to 1950.
The Vicarage, Sedgeford, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TF 706364*

▲Opened 9/4/1949, replacing Kings Lynn (Warren Farm) Hostel. The vicar’s wife, Mrs Mascall,
was warden [EANar49].
✚Closed 10/1950 because of Mrs Mascall’s indifferent health and resignation [EANar50,51]; there
were 10 bednights in 1951SY.
Handbook 1949 supplement-51.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: former vicarage adjoining 14th-century church.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs
Profile

SELBY 1966 to 1982.
Sabrina W, Swing Bridge, Selby, Yorkshire YO8 8AG.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 621320

▲Opened Easter 1966 [notice of delay in late 1965 YHr and poster, YK Region] after several
delays: the hostel had been announced prematurely [Handbook 1964, late news, brief details only].
An official opening was staged 11/6/1966. Volunteers converted the barge to youth hostel use;
providing triple-layer bunks [The Hostellers, BTF film], a galley and canal-side toilet block.
In 1974 the hostel had a full-time warden and no longer reled on Saturday night volunteers [HN
Spring 1974]. At the beginning of 1976 the galley floor was to be replaced and ventilation
improved [HN Winter 1975-76]. There were persistent problems with security and vandalism.
Perhaps because of this, hostel inspectors recommended that a YHA flag was not to be flown on the
vessel [YKmins 1978]. At this time Pocklington was being discussed by Yorkshire Region as a new
venue for the floating hostel.
✚Closed 25/9/1982.
Handbook 1964-82.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former River Trent grain barge, 30 tons, 60 or 72 feet by 18½ feet, later the Hull Boys’ Barge Club
gymnasium, then used by Hull Sea Scouts, before conversion to a youth hostel. The barge was purchased by YHA for
£700, as the answer to high property prices, and towed to Selby [HN Winter 1974-75, WESmins 9/1963].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600012 Ken Vitty.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
She was a dock lighter used for grain. We found her on Worfolks yard in the River Hull and she was
towed up to Selby by barge owner Tommy Eastwood of Thorpe Willoughby. As she was too wide for
Aire & Calder canal locks she had to be brought through Selby lock on a special high tide. The main
mover in Selby working parties was Harry Tanner who worked for BOCM [British Oil and Cake Mills]. I
was criticised at the time for getting the glory in the film whilst not doing much of the work (lack of
skills) [Ken Moody, recounted in 2013].

401
Used by Scouts in Hull. Bought by YHA. Voluntary wardens only and moored on Selby Canal.
Maintained by volunteers. Closed due to lack of use and damage cause by vandals. Sold to someone from
York who had it converted to a houseboat [Ken Vitty, reporting in 2004].
Richard Bell, 1974 warden, spent his leisure hours renovating the exterior of the barge using a raft lent by
a neighbour. He installed mini showers paid for by members’ donations, and a record request service has
helped to finance other hostel improvements [HN Autumn 1974].
(s)

SEVERN FARM B&B 2005 to 2008.
Severn Farm, Severn Lane, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7BB.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: W

GR: SJ 233069

▲Opened 2005 as a YHA Enterprise bed and breakfast establishment.
✚Closed by 10/2008 (YHA Website).
Handbook 2005-08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: farm buildings.

SEVERN BRIDGE (see Chepstow)
SHAFTESBURY Hostel planned 1952.
Shaftesbury, Dorset. GR: ST 8622 approx.
▼This is likely to be a reference to Marnhull. There was a note to watch YHAB for details of a hostel in this area
[Handbook 1952, no details].

SHALDON 1939 to 1940.
Middlecote, Ringmore, Shaldon, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 924722*[GD]

▲Opened 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel recorded 2158 bednights in 1939 and 940 in 1940. A national notice of 5/11/1940
advised that it was closed until further notice, for reasons arising out of the war [DACar40].

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1939-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the middle house of a terrace of three [GD, TK].
Reports, recollections and observations:
A four-story boarding house, owned by the parents of a YHA member who had prevailed upon his
parents the need of setting up a hostel in the Teignmouth area. The property was on the main road from
Shaldonto Newton Abbott.
The 40-bed accommodation hostel opened in 1938 [1939] and closed again in 1941 [1940] when the
Teignmouth authorities requisitioned the building for London evacuees. For the short period that it was
operating it was a very popular hostel, mainly because of its situation and the great interest shown by the
owner / warden fostered by their son. Regretfully it was not possible to renew the tenancy after the war
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

SHAP 1949 only.
Thornship Farm, Shap, Westmorland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 556141*

▲Opened 30/7/1949, or already open 7/1949 [BRR]; the Regional Group would allow it to open by
Whitsun [LAK mins 1949]. Mrs Fishwick was warden. There were a mere 176 bednights in that
sole year.
✚Closed 31/12/1949, though 0 bednights were recorded from 10/1949 onwards. The reason for
such a brief operation is not clear.
Handbook 1949 supplement.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: Lakeland stone-built farm, Grade II listed (1987)
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-74181-thornship-farmhouse-and-byre-adjoining-so
(v)

SHARPCLIFFE 1946 to 1954.

402
Sharpcliffe Hall, Ipstones, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 008521*

▲Opened 1946. The hostel was expected to be fully open with 100 beds by Christmas 1946;
arrears of maintenance and repairs were long overdue [NMIar46] and there was now an adequate
supply of water and indoor lavatories and washrooms were in use [Rucksack, New Year 1947]. In
1952 very extensive water installations were fitted by volunteers [YHAar52].
✚Closed 5/11/1954 [YHAF] due to an inadequate water supply and continuous losses - £200 in the
final year, despite rising use. There were 429 bednights in 1955SY: it had been closed at the
beginning of the [statistical] year and Dimmingsdale Hostel was to be developed instead
[NMIar55]. The property was sold 27/6/1956 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-54.
Property tenure: purchased end 1944 (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 3/6/1946).
Property profile: Sharpcliffe Hall is a substantial structure set in 80 acres of grounds. It is a large property that dates
back to the 17th century and an important and unique building in the area, its importance being reflected in its
designation as a grade II* listed building [though not listed on the BLB website]. The building consists of elements
from different eras, including major restoration works and extensions which took place at the latter end of the l9th
century. There are in addition more modern and unsympathetic elements in the north-west side of the main hall which
were erected early in the 20th century. The building has suffered from poor maintenance over a sustained period of
time. In April 2001 the Council commissioned a Fabric Condition Survey to look, in particular, at the condition of the
roof of the building and any associated problems. The report concluded that the structure had deteriorated beyond a
point where piece meal repairs would be feasible and that there were very urgent and substantial repairs required
[Staffordshire Moorlands Website].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Sharpcliffe 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600010 Carr Winter
Reports, recollections and observations:
HOW THE HOSTEL HAPPENED ...
In 1945 the North Midlands Regional Council were looking for a hostel in the Manifold Valley, and they
were only mildly interested when a member who lived at Ipstones reported that Sharpcliffe Hall was
vacant and that YHA might be able to rent or even purchase the building. Fortunately two officers of the
region decided to view the property, so one clear autumn day they bumped along the rough Ipstones Edge
road in a rickety old car. They were agreeably surprised by the view over the Churnet Valley from this
high ridge road, and when they reached the part where Sharpcliffe Rocks tower like sentinels on the
skyline, they stopped and looked over the miles of woodland which had found a new beauty in autumnal
colouring. Since then thousands of hostellers have stopped in the same place, and for the same reason;
but on that day Sharpcliffe had won its first two supporters.
When they came to the Hall, they found it in perfect condition, and left spotlessly clean by the hospital
which had vacated it. Already they found themselves so interested that they were mentally arranging the
rooms as a hostel, and when they looked over the terraces and lawns to the Coombe Valley below, they
were so impressed that the future of Sharpcliffe was assured. They reported favourably to the Council,
and finally their offer to purchase was accepted. After thousands of hours of voluntary work the dreams
of those two pioneers became real, and the cheerful old Hall thrilled with life again as a hostel we know
and love so well today [opening paragraph of the Book of Sharpcliffe, YHA publication].
We stayed here very often and would make special Christmas visits. We would always go to the pub in
Consall on Christmas Day. I had my 21st birthday there. Assistant warden was Cyril Stazika [Carr
Winter, recalled in 2004].
(v)

SHARPITOR (see Salcombe)
SHEEN BUNKHOUSE 2007 to present.
Peakstones, Sheen, Staffordshire SK17 0ES
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SK 111612*

▲Opened 5/2007 as a new business [owner]. YHA Enterprise Bunkhouse barn was newly
converted by the farmer-owner, a YHA member.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: gritstone barn and other outbuilding at Low House, a working farm.
(s)

SHERBORNE [Temporary] 1985 only.
The Green, Sherborne, Dorset. ST 637166

403
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SW

GR: ST 637166

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 24/7-29/8/1985, according to the Handbook. 592 bednights were
recorded.
Handbook 1985.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Sherborne School premises, possibly now demolished≠.

SHERE 1933 to 1936.
Bentley (or Bently) Cottage, Ewhurst Road, Shere, Guildford, Surrey (Northmerria, Bentley,
Peaslake, Shere in 1933).
Positional note: the road is now known as Hound House Road.
Historic County: Surrey
YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 075440

▲Opened Easter 1933. The women’s dorm, bathroom and common room were in the house, while
the men were in an outbuilding. Accommodation was M21W21 [Regional Guide 1935].
✚Closed 1/6/1936 or earlier, in common with other LON region hostels at this time, as the
establishment would not allow YHA cooking facilities (LONmins 18/3/1936) unless the YHA
erected a building for this purpose (LRM 17&23/1/1936).
Handbook 1933-35.
Alternative names: Bentley (1933); Shere (1933 supplement); Bentley Cottage (1933 supplement1).≠
Property tenure:
Property profile: a chicken farm on the north side of Hurtwood Common.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Shere 751 ≈† RG35.tif

SHERINGHAM [Hillside] 1946 to 1975.
Hillside, 9 Holt Road, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8NA.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA

GR: TG 153428*

▲Opened Easter 1946. Field Study facilities were provided [eg YHAar69]. The hostel was
supplied with a new cycle shed and new outside toilets not long before it closed [Wightwash Feb
1976].
✚Closed 1975 and replaced by Sheringham (Cremer’s Drift) Hostel in the same year, though 5143
bednights were recorded at Hillside in that year, the bulk of the total. The property was sold
3/9/1976 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1946-75.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 12/9/1946). A fully controlled hostel.
Property profile: large red-brick house , built in 1893, with spacious hall. Photographs show that the front balcony was
removed during YHA’s period, but it has since been restored.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sheringham YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 54, Sheringham, Youth Hosteller March 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hosteller, as he enters, will be impressed by the spacious hall but soon find that the place has an
intimate atmosphere of its own [Youth Hosteller, March 1958].
The former hostel is now up for grabs. It was not without merit and was one of the select few to get a
new cycle shed in recent years, along with two new outside toilets [Wightwash Feb 1976].
(v)

SHERINGHAM [Cremer’s Drift] 1975 to present.
1 Cremer’s Drift, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8HX.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TG 159428*

▲Opened 1975, when a no-meals-provided hostel was offered for two summer months only; there
were 343 bednights before the end of September, and it seems likely that this was the location of
the ‘Sheringham annexe’ referred to in a 1975 Eastern Region statistical memo. Thereafter
conversion work was completed in time for full operation on 1/3/1976. The new hostel replaced
Sheringham (Hillside) Hostel. There was an official opening on 30/10/1976.
A family annexe was provided for the first time in 1984 [EAar84].
Full PDMP development of the hostel was provided with a new dining room and redeveloped
kitchen in phase 1, completed in 1990; phase 2 would improve the rest of the hostel and provide
117 beds [Car90, 91].

404
A Springboard programme of improvements was carried out over 2014-15.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-06 inclusive.
Handbook 1976-2009.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 3/7/1975 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: a substantial property, a former Roman Catholic children’s home.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sheringham YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
SIMPLE - STANDARD - SUPERIOR That seems the likely grading for the new Sheringham hostel for
the years 1975, 1976 and 1977 [WightWash magazine, July 1975].
(s)

SHERSTON 1939 to 1940 or 1941.
Tolzey, Sherston, Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: ST 852857*

▲Opened 1939, replacing Badminton Hostel. It had been hoped to open here at Whit 1938
[WILar38]. Date of conveyance 12/4/1939 [YHAPB].
Wartime arrangements: there were 400 bednights in 1940SY. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel
was operating, and this was still so at 5/11/1940. There was continued income during 1941, though this is almost
certainly to have been from requisition fees [WILar41].

✚Closed 1940 or 1941. The premises remained in requisition for several years after closure, and
though the intention was to re-establish here [Handbook 1947, no details], this was never achieved.
The YHA region had been informed that this hostel would be derequisitioned shortly [WILar47],
the building finally being freed in spring 1948. There was however no accommodation for a warden
so one could not be appointed [WILar48] and the building was sold on 25/8/1949.
Handbook 1939-40; 1947.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 24/3/1939).
Property profile: Tolsey is the local name for market hall, and is generally spelled thus. In 1922, Mr Joe Bignell, who
was a carpenter and builder in the village, purchased the old Tolsey buildings, which by then had been altered and
converted to three cottages. Due to their bad state of repair, Joe decided to demolish them and rebuild on the site. He
had many ideas for the building that was to be built, ranging from a cinema, bus depot, where repairs could be made to
the Bristol bus which ran daily through the village, and even a gymnasium. However, only the shell of the building was
erected before Joe died. The building then stood vacant for many years until it was bought by the Youth Hostels
Association. Showers were installed upstairs, partitions were erected to provide sleeping accommodation, and for many
years [sic] members of YHA used the Tolsey for overnight stays whilst on their bicycle trips. During the war years, the
Army commandeered the building as quarters for the men guarding prisoners-of-war who were detained in Sherston.
In June 1949 the members of the British Legion in Sherston were asked whether they would be willing to make a
donation or loan to raise the deposit needed to purchase the Tolsey. Until then the 100 members and their President,
Colonel Keith Menzies, had had nowhere permanent to meet. The deposit was found and for many years the rooms
were full of ex-Servicemen [Cilla Liddington, author, by permission]. In 2017 it is the village medical centre.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Sherston 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

SHERWOOD FOREST 1998 to present.
Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire NG21 9RN.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: C

GR: SK 624671*

▲Opened 5/1998, 8/5/1998 being the intended date in the Handbook. There was an official opening
on 16/7/1998 by Richard Simmons CBE, Chairman of the Countryside Commission.
Handbook 1998-2009.
Alternative name: Sherwood Forest (Edwinstowe) (1998-99).
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: purpose-built youth hostel developed by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with
YHA. It includes many environmentally friendly features and access for the disabled. It stands at the edge of a
considerable public park amenity and from the first floor lounge there are extensive views of the forest.
(s)

SHINING CLIFF [original huts] 1947 to 1976.
Shining Cliff Woods, Ambergate, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI; PK

GR: SK 335522*

▲Opened about 4/1947 [NMIar47]. The Staffordshire Knot YHA Magazine, Summer 1947,
anticipated opening on 29th March. The region took over a hut encampment on the wooded slopes

405
of a secluded Derbyshire valley and the necessary conversion work was being pressed forward
[NMIar46]. After a short period of use the cliffs above the hostel were threatening to fall on the
hostel buildings and the only remedy was to move the huts away from the danger area [NMIar49].
A new drainage system was dug in 1953 [Rksk Mar-Apr53].
✚Closed 1976, destroyed on 1/4/1976 by a conflagration caused from drying clothes around a fire;
adequate insurance enabled prompt planning for its replacement [PKar76].
Handbook 1946 supplement-76 (1946 supplement published 3/1947).
Property tenure: tenancy was recorded from 19/8/1949 (to YHA Trust 19/1/1950).
Property profile: collection of nine timber huts, formerly the Shining Cliff Camp School.
The land was originally purchased by the so-called Griff Pioneers, a pre-war group of socialist-minded
Cambridge academics who helped convert a collection of former wooden army huts to simple
accommodation and training workshops for unemployed people (at a time when there was little or no
state help). Later, school children from Derby were evacuated there [Peak District Magazine 2001].
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600010 Carr Winter
Reports, recollections and observations:
A working men’s commune in the depression [Carr Winter].
The way to Shining Cliff was very frightening and I arrived there at 9.15pm. I had to climb a ladder to a
third decker bunk… It was such a small room for eleven beds and there was hardly any room to move
[Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966].
Shining Cliff was completely destroyed by fire on the 1st April. The school party who were in that
morning left at the usual time. Around midday, flames were discovered. Being made of timber –- it was
built in the thirties from local wood – there was no chance of saving it. The Region’s plans for replacing
it are not fixed. One possibility is to get the Army to build a new hostel because lack of an access road
would make it very difficult for a convential building contractor [WightWash magazine, May 1976].
(s)

SHINING CLIFF [rebuilt] 1978 to 2007.
Jackass Lane (formerly Shining Cliff Woods), Ambergate, Derbyshire DE56 2RE.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 335522*

▲Rebuilt and reopened January [PKar78] or Easter 1978 as a simple 24-bed hostel.
In 1997 a flight of steps was built on the bank by volunteers to revent widespread erosion [YHA
News autumn 1997].
In the hostel’s final years it had been available for exclusive group booking only.
✚Closed 2007. Closure would be at the end of September 2007, or [Website] 31/10/2007, as the
rent had been increased substantially and it was difficult to manage.
Handbook 1978-2007/08.
Property tenure: leasehold for 3 years dated 29/9/1978, extended (eg) to 30/9/1988 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. The
Griff Pioneers offered YHA very favourable terms on the lease (maintained at £150) for re-establishing here after the
fire [PKar75].
Property profile: purpose-built hostel clad in stone, with a tiled roof. After closure by YHA the hostel was refurbished
as an independent groups’ hostel in 2009 and trades as Shining Cliff Centre, Alderwasley [2011].
Web resource: http://www.hollowford.org/shining/index.htm

SHIPTON DOWNS 1933 to 1940.
Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire.
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 268151*

▲Opened 4/1933 [OXFar33]. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Cook; the hostel accommodated
M16W12 (1935).
✚Closed 3/1940 [OXFar40].
Wartime arrangements: plans to upgrade this popular hostel were abandoned at the outbreak of war, as the lease expired
at the end of the 1939 season. Finances and the war would not allow the risk of extending the lease [OXFar39].
Handbook 1933-39.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: hostel in a small farm, including stabling and barns. There was a remarkable mural in arts-and-crafts,
or even fauvist, style in the small common room, depicting hostelling scenes.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Shipton 751 ≈† RG35.tif; [∂ & «:]: Y600004 Fred Travis.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Fred Travis’ [b1915] first hostel cycling trip with friends was at Shipton-under-Wychwood, in a stone
barn: each gable had murals painted by local students [B Berry, daughter, reporting in 2004].

406
SHORTWOOD LODGE 1939 to 1941.
Shortwood Lodge, Lamport, Northamptonshire.
Historic County: Northamptonshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 772758*

▲Officially opened 4-5/6/1939 [WANar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940SY, when Calor Gas lighting was installed [WANar40]. A national
notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. It was not in the 1941 Handbook, but was to remain open at
weekends, with voluntary wardens. The hostel recorded 392 bednights in 1939, 698 in 1940 and 350 in 1941.

✚Closed beginning 8/1941, as the house was needed for farm workers [WANar41].
Handbook 1939-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: fowling tower attached to a farmhouse. A private residence in 2008.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/444081; http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/444092
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Shortwood 751 † RG39.tif
(v)

SHORWELL [Temporary] 1972 to 1983.
Youth Centre, Farriers Way, Shorwell, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 8JY.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE

GR: SZ 456828*

▲Opened 3/6/1972. The 1972 Handbook gave brief details only of this summer seasonal hostel. A
limited members’ kitchen was available. There were 30 beds and hot showers were available.
✚Closed 1983.
Handbook 1972-83.
Alternative name: Shorwell (Isle of Wight) (1973-82).
Property tenure: leased from the Isle of Wight County Council: the island’s temporary hostels were Youth Centres
during term time, but Southern Region rented them for the summer. Initially the opening period had been all of July
and August, but usage in early July was relatively low. Later the opening period was moved to start in mid-July.
Property profile: former school.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The [cooking] equipment at Shorwell consisted of a very small plug-in Belling oven (perhaps allocated
there because there was less choice of commercial food nearby) – it had a temperature gauge but no
thermostat, so cooking anything (I made the odd quiche) required a constant vigil to manage the
temperature [John Geddes, warden, 1979].
(v)

SHOTWICK (TEMPORARY) 1931 to 1931 or 1932; also, perhaps, 1941.≠
Woodbank Farm, Shotwick, Chester.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MER

GR: SJ 341718*

▲Opened 20/7/31 [MERar31]. The Handbook advised that it would probably open for the whole
year; There were 400 bednights in 1931, and 21 bednights were recorded in winter 1931-32
[MERar32].
✚Closed 1931 or 1932. The Merseyside Handbook published at the turn of 1931-32 described the
hostel as temporarily suspended.
Wartime arrangements: there is an enigmatic reference to brief isolated operation in 1941 [History of Merseyside
Youth Hostels]. Max Kirby offers the explanation that this may have been to give Merseyside YHA members some
relief from the Blitz of May 1941.≠
Handbook 1931(4th edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm. There are still extensive outbuildings and a central brick-built farmhouse, which seem to be of a
style to suit the age of the hostel [JM, 2006].≠
(v)

SHREWSBURY [Swan Hill] 1934 to 1938.
9 Swan Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SJ 489123*

▲Opened 24/3/1934 [press article]. Officially opened 12/5/1934, though it had been operating for
some weeks.
✚Closed mid July 1938 and replaced by Shrewsbury (Woodlands). The 1938 Handbook predicted
the changeover as 28th May.

407
Handbook 1934-38 (omitted in error from 1937 Handbook; 1937 in amendments only; 1938 as brief note only).
Property tenure: freehold gift (to YHA Trust 31/3/1934; the first property held thus).
Property profile: 18th-century grade II listed house (with no. 10 Swan Hill) (1953/69) of about 1740.
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-458207-9-and-10-shrewsbury
(v)

SHREWSBURY [Woodlands] 1938 to 2002.
The Woodlands, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6LZ.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SJ 505120*

▲Opened mid 7/1938, after a delay, and officially opened 15/10/1938. It replaced Shrewsbury
(Swan Hill), as extra room was required.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was unavailable for the duration of the war; it was requisitioned during 1940SY
[BMWar41], was used by the WAF and remained closed until peacetime [(eg) BMWar42].

Woodlands Hostel reopened after the war, 3/1946 [unnamed magazine, 1950].
✚Closed 11/2002 [YHAF].
Handbook 1938-39; 1946-2002.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 17/2/1939).
Property profile: the house was built in 1866 for an iron founder. It then became the home of the Hazledines then the
Misses Wright, before the YHA era. In the 1970s much of the extensive garden and the lodge house was shaved away
for road rebuilding [Mrs R Berrington, daughter of long-term warden Norman Cox]. A modern staff bungalow was
built in the grounds in 1977.
The premises are still called Woodlands, and are converted into flats [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y691008-1.doc
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Shrewsbury B 751 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
There is a large common room and dining room, and extensive accommodation for cooking and washing
up. There is a special drying room, much in use last summer.
In one dormitory, I encountered some young members of a Girl Guide company from Stoke-on-Trent
under the leadership of Miss MJ Nixon who was to shepherd them on a hostelling tour of Shropshire.
They were going to visit all the hostels I have described. Downstairs in the hall, I heard a French youth,
just one of the many foreigners who come to this hostel being taught a very essential word in this
language, ‘hitch-hike,’ by a friendly crowd of English hostellers.
The membership cards of the hostellers are given in to the warden on arrival and collected again in the
morning. Each is stamped with the hostel’s name. Some of the cards belonging to English youths bear the
addresses of hostels all over Europe [article by Jaye Tonkin, ca 1950].
Very big hostel. Scythed grass as a job [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, 1960s].
(s)
SHREWSBURY Planned hostel 2003-04. Did not open.
Shrewsbury, Shropshire. GR: SJ 4912 approx.
▼A replacement location in the town had been found [Handbook 2003/04 Update 1; Update 3 advised it was due to
open in 2004].

SIMONSBATH 1946 to 1948.
Red Deer Farm, Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 810393*

▲Opened 7/, 8/ or 9/1946 [GSEar47]; now open [LRN 9/1946]. This was a small primitive selfcatering only farm hostel [Regional Guide].
✚Closed permanently 31/10/1948 [GSEar49] and replaced by Heasley Mill Hostel, which received
equipment from Simonsbath [GSEar48].
Handbook 1947-48.
Property tenure: adopted property.
Property profile: farm. In 2014 the Red Deer Nursery School was housed to the rear of the premises. Later all was for
sale.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Simonsbath 751 ≈† RG47.tif
(v)

SINNINGTON Camping barn 1993≠ to 2014.
▲Cliff Farm, Sinnington, North Yorkshire. GR: SE 752849
Handbook 1993-2009. Also open 2010-2014. The barn had disappeared from the website by late 2014.

408
Property profile: in a former granary, mattresses supplied.
SISSERVERNESS Hostel planned 1931. Operation doubtful.
Sisservernes [sic] Farm, Rabley Heath Road, Codicote, Hertfordshire. GR: TL 223179*
▼A hostel here would be opening 7/1931 [Handbook 1931(1st edn only)]. It must be rated doubtful as it did not appear
in the later editions of the 1931 Handbook, and no bednights were recorded.
Property profile: a historic grade II listed (1984) farmhouse with extensive outbuildings now forming separate homes.
Between the Wars a Miss Harrison Bell ran a poultry farm here and also a training school for (uniformed) prospective
farmers’ wives [GD].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-162006-sisservernes-farmhouse-codicote

SKIDDAW HOUSE 1987 to 1988; 1991 to 2002; 2007 to present.
Skiddaw House, Skiddaw Forest, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4QX.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: N

GR: NY 287291*

▲Opened and officially opened 4/7/1987. Closed 1988, the end of season being 31/10/1088, as the
operation had started without planning permission [YHAF].
Reopening was allowed on 24/5/1991, and full-time warden Martin Webster was in residence from
1992 to 2000. In the late 1990s many trees were planted at the back of the Hostel, and work
undertaken to improve the water supply. Skiddaw House had always been cut off from the outside
world, but CB radio and a site on the internet were introduced about this time and a shower
installed at the end of the season [YHA News spring 1997, autumn 1997, end 1997].
The hostel did not operate in 2001. It reopened in 2002, but closed again at the end of that season,
as there were difficulties over the terms of the lease. The Skiddaw House Foundation, a newlyformed charitable company, reopened the facility as an independent hostel on 6/4/2007 and as a
YHA Enterprise bunkhouse within the same month. The facilities have been upgraded to higher
ecological standards since the latest reopening.
Handbook 1987-88; 1992-2003/4 (in Update 1 but not Updates 2 or 3); 2007-09.
Property tenure: tenancy, leased by John Bothamley from Mr Waugh from 2/1986; later a YHA Enterprise
arrangement.
Isolated house built by Lord Egremont ca1820 as a keeper’s lodge for Skiddaw Forest. It was visited in the early
twentieth century by Hugh Walpole. The property was later used as a pair of shepherds’ cottages. At 1550 feet, it is the
highest Association youth hostel in Britain.
Web resource: www.skiddawhouse.co.uk/
Reports, recollections and observations:
On 4 July 1987, in the presence of at least 133 people, two horses and several hundred sheep, Skiddaw
House was opened as YHA accommodation [YHA News summer 1997].
(s)

SLAIDBURN 1932 to present.
King’s House, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 3ER.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: MAN; LK; N

GR: SD 711523*

▲Opened 14/5/1932 [MANar32], replacing Dunsop Bridge (Staple Oak) Hostel. There were 50
beds in 1934.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West
Riding.

In 1949, most careful consideration was given to transferring the hostel from Slaidburn to Dunnow
Hall, one mile south, but it was not a practical economic proposition [MANar49].
Exensive repairs were carried out [Rksk May-Jun53]; later in that year an unfounded rumour of
closure had to be corrected [Rksk Nov-Dec53].
By 1961 the hostel was noted as running at a loss, but an effort was made by the region to improve
and keep it [YHr 10/1961].
Thanks to the co-operation and generosity of the landlord, Lakeland Region was able to undertake
several improvements, including indoor toilets at Slaidburn, which had been in danger of closing
for economic reasons [HN Winter 1973-74].
The hostel benefited greatly from full central heating, replacing the portable stoves formerly used to
heat the dormitories and so relieving condensation problems. The members’ kitchen was to be
increased and an additional wc and another wash basin were to be installed close to the downstairs

409
bathroom to ease the congestion caused by the current provision [YHA News spring 1997, end
1997].
Improvements were carried out early in 2002 [YHA News spring 2002].
For many years Slaidburn Hostel has been run by volunteer wardens. It is supported by Friends of
Slaidburn.
Handbook 1933-2009
Alternative name: Slaidburn (Forest of Bowland) (1986-87).
Property tenure: an adopted hostel at the outset. In 1934 it became a tenancy [MANar34]. In the 1960s there was a
renewal of the lease (to YHA Trust). The leasehold was extended (eg) for 10 years from 12/11/1973 [YHAPB] and
1988 (to YHA Trust) [YHAar88]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former Black Bull Inn, dating from the 17th century. A Grade II listed building. There is an extension
into the upstairs portion of the old post office, adjoining to the right and incorporating inn’s coaching yard to the rear.
This extension was originally the men’s dormitory, accessed only by an outdoor staircase from the yard but now by a
short extra flight of stairs internally. The original stables (now cycle shed) and old toilet block are still seen at the rear
of the yard. The yard gains access down to the self-catering kitchen at the rear of King’s House by a steep stairway.
There is a further courtyard, enclosed, to the left of King’s House, and an old beer cellar under the front common room.
The remains of the inn bar are still seen in this room.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Slaidburn 751 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Gisburn YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
At long last Slaidburn has (or will shortly have) a shower. This news plus that of plans for a drying room
must surely tempt many to stay longer in that delightful area [YHA News November 1992].
(s)

SLIMBRIDGE 1969 to 2008, 2013 to 2014.
The John Parkes Memorial Hostel, Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BP.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: MD; C

GR: SO 730043*

▲Opened 12/10/1969. Officially opened the day before by Baroness Elliott of Harwood, Chairman
of the Carnegie UK Trust, which provided £30,000, over half of the total cost of £55,000. There
was a Field study Centre here from the outset.
In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
✚Closed 10/2008. The YHA Website advertised that it would close on 1/10/2008. There was a
suggestion at the time that it could reopen; the signs were to be left up for the time being [Parish
Council meeting, Slimbridge Village Hall 20/10/08]. The sale was completed 15/10/2009. After
withdrawal by YHA and renovation in 2010 the premises reopened as Wild Goose Lodge, an
independent 46-bed mixed-use hostel.
▲In March 2013 an Enterprise agreement was reached and the Wild Goose Hostel facility was
reopened in March 2013, marketed by YHA as YHA Slimbridge.
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the owners and YHA, and the
hostel lost its YHA status.
Handbook 1969 supplement-2007/08.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust as Land at Slimbridge) [YHAar70].
Property profile: purpose-built hostel, built on the edge of the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust Reserve, with the windows of
the observation room overlooking a pool containing wild ducks and other birds. In addition to normal hostel facilities,
the building incorporated two field study laboratories, equipped with photographic projection equipment, a library and
other apparatus [SYHA Echo 10/1969]. The hostel was dedicated to its designer, YHA’s Surveyor and chief hostel
designer John Parkes, who died in January 1976. He also designed the extension to Cambridge YH.
Published material: article Slimbridge Opens, Youth Hosteller November 1969.
(v)

SNOWDON RANGER 1939 to present.
Snowdon Ranger, Rhyd Ddu, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7YS.
Historic County: Caernarfonshire

YHA Region: MER; WN; W

GR: SH 565550*

▲Opened 5/1939 (Whitsun). A National Fitness Council grant of £1000 and Robert Davies Trust
grant of £800 were awarded [MERar39]. The Robert Davies Trust Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: bednight figures are unrecorded for 1940-41, but the hostel almost certainly operated in those
years. It was certainly operating in late 1940, a notice of 7/4/1941 advising that it was in use. A correspendent, Miss

410
Spanos, stayed there in 1942. The hostel would be available during the winter of 1942-43 if booked in advance, and
fully from Easter 1943 [MERar43]. The hostel was very busy in 1943-45.

In 1974 new wardens’ accommodation was provided in the annexe and work was starting on the
main house to raise it to superior standard; in 1975 the hostel was back to normal after two-and-ahalf years of alterations; conditions for members were now less cramped, showers, central heating
and a large, effective and well-ventilated drying room installed. Fire precautions and wardens’
accommodation were also included in the work [HN Spring 1974, aut1975].
Improvements were carried out over the winter of 2001-02 [YHA News end 2001].
Handbook 1939-2009.
Alternative name: Snowdon Ranger, Quellyn (1939).
Property tenure: (to YHA Trust 16/3/1939) [YHAPB].
. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: formerly the Snowdon Ranger Hotel.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Snowdon Ranger 751 ≈† RG44.jpg
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Rhyd Ddu & Snowdon
Ranger YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Cae Dafydd &
Bryn Gwynant YHs Profile
(s)

SOBERTON 1938 to 1949.
Reeve’s Bakery, Soberton, Southampton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: LON+SOU (SD Jt)
GR: SU 609155*
Positional note: the London Region News, 7/1947, advised – the hostel is now 150 yards south of the Post Office, not
next door, and one mile south of the church, 100 yards north of the Falcon Inn. It was the Post Office that had moved.
In the 1943 Regional Guide it had been described as half a mile south of the church. The varying directions all refer to
the same hostel [Mary Turner, daughter of wardens]. Note also: the 1939 Regional Guide sketch map puts Soberton
Hostel on the west side of the road. It was on the east.

▲Opened Easter 1938 [SOUar38], replacing Meon Valley Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. From 1940 it was also South Coast Region secretary’s
headquarters, as he was warden. Part of the premises were let after 9/1940, though accommodation was always
available to YHA members [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42]. A national notice of 8/10/1940 stated that the
hostel was operating, though one of 5/11/1940 advised that it was open to local members only.

✚Closed 1/11/1949, until further notice, in effect permanently. The hostel’s poor structural
condition, water supply and sanitation led to a sudden decision to close [LRN 12/1949, SOUar49];
the premises were sold the following year [YHAar50].
Handbook 1938-49.
Property tenure: this was the South Coast region’s second freehold property, bought in 1938 (to YHA Trust 7/7/1938).
Property profile: former New Inn and bakery, a valley-roofed building. In 2008 a private residence, much rebuilt. The
bakery room at right angles has been demolished.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Soberton 751 † RG38.tif; Y050001-Soberton 752 ≈† RG39.tif; YHA Archive file [∂ &
«]: Y600002 Mary Turner.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Alan & Rita Cole (my parents) went to Soberton Hostel to live in 1941 after they were bombed out. I
have a feeling there may have been a family living there (maybe a warden or a tenant). One or both of my
parents were wardens until it closed in 1949, when my family moved back to Portsmouth. I remember
Dad telling us he offered £200 for the Hostel. There was an acre of ground, Dad grew vegetables and
reared chickens and rabbits.
There was a well for water until main drainage was put in, kitchen range for cooking and then an AGA.
In the out house was the bakers’ oven left from the bakery.
My Father became a member of YHA early on in its formation and as his two sisters and brother became
eligible he bought them membership for birthday gifts. Mum and Dad were life members.
I remember enjoying my life there and going to other youth hostels with my Mum and Dad [Mary
Turner, reporting in 2008].

SOLVA (see Penycwm)
SOUTHAMPTON (MEN) 1938 to 1939.
YMCA, The Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SU 422129*
Positional note: the hostel was at the foot of the Avenue, on the corner of Dorset Street and Cranbury Place.

411
▲Opened Easter 1938, then Whit to 15/9/1938 [SOUar38]. There was accommodation for men
only.
✚Closed 1939, the end of season being 15/9/1939.
Wartime arrangements: the premises were closed as a hostel; our equipment was destroyed by enemy action [SOUar42,
reporting on period 1939-42]. There were 0 bednights in 1940SY.
Handbook 1938-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: handsome yellow-brick two-storey Georgian-style House with central entrance and angled bays, and
extensions to either side. it is now called George Williams House. The YMCA remains here in 2010.
The house was formerly Cranbury [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Southampton A&B 751 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lewes YH Profile

SOUTHAMPTON (WOMEN) 1938 to 1951.
Girls’ Friendly Society, 31 Carlton Crescent, Southampton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 419128*

▲Opened 1/6/1938. There was accommodation for women only.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, except for 1944 (bednight returns). Usage was
minimal in 1940-43, but more substantial in 1945.

✚Closed 1951. Now closed [YHAB 8/1951], though elsewhere the final date was put at 30/9/1951
[SOUar51].
Handbook 1938-51.
Property tenure:
Property profile: at the centre of a fine Georgian Terrace; the property featured a typical half-rise entrance flight, with
arched doorway, arched transoms to either side and railed balcony above. At one stage of its history the Girls’ Friendly
Society initials was emblazoned across the building.
The building is now offices [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Southampton A&B 751 ≈† RG38.tif

SOUTHAMPTON [Temporary] 1950 only.
316-318 Winchester Road, Southampton, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 407149*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel opened 31/7/1950. Mr & Mrs Rossiter were wardens and he the South
Coast Regional Secretary. The 40-bed hostel was at the north-west corner of Winchester Road and
Seagarth Lane, 500 yards west of later hostel. There were 865 bednights in this sole season.
Closed 8/9/1950 and replaced by 461 Winchester Road.
Property tenure:
Property profile: normally used as a day nursery, it was loaned by Southampton County Borough Education
Department [SOUar50, Southern Daily Echo].
The house has subsequently been demolished [GD].
SOUTHAMPTON (TEMPORARY) Planned temporary hostel 1951. Did not open.
Southampton, Hampshire. GR: SU 4112 approx.
▼The 1951 Handbook announced that the 1950 premises would not be used again. It offered no details, but advised
members to watch YHAB for details. The Regional Group would open the permanent hostel, the Moorings, instead.

SOUTHAMPTON [The Moorings] 1951 to 1993 or 1994.
The Moorings, 461 Winchester Road, Bassett, Southampton, Hampshire SO1 7EH.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 416156

▲Opened 30/6/1951 [SOUar51] and officially opened 14/7/1951 (information in postcard caption).
The Region proposed unsuccessfully over more than a decade to demolish the property and build a
new hostel in the grounds [memo 1967, SEar78]. A related scheme was the offer in 1968 by a
developer of a new-build hostel nearer the centre of Southampton in exchange for the Moorings and
£27,000.
✚Closed 1993, or [YHAF] 1994. The 1992 and 1993 Handbooks advised for sale and may not be
available; the 1994 expected to have closed. The last bednights were in 1993SY, finishing
28/2/1994.
Handbook 1951 supplement-94.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 19/6/1951).

412
Property profile: the building was a substantial Victorian house with oak-panelled dining-room, the name the Moorings
deriving from the nautical links of a previous owner. Before the hostel era it had been a war-time requisitioned
property.
The building has been demolished and replaced by a modern block of flats, Canada Place [GD].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 81, Southampton, Youth Hosteller March 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
At breakfast the warden announced, ‘the rail strike is on: parcels no more than 8 ounces to be sent by
post: the Conservatives have a majority of 59. That is the end of the bad news’ [Pat Packham, A Holiday
around the New Forest, 29 May 1955].
For a hostel that was supposed to have collapsed about 5 years ago, this one looks surprisingly sound and
is well maintained. The annexe has 20 beds and can only be used for one sex. [HSC(SE)report11/81].
A few days after the hostel closed Duncan Simpson was asked to go to Southampton to read the gas
meter. The hostel had already been demolished.
(s)

SOUTHAMPTON (TEMPORARY) 1967 to 1972 (probably each year), and possibly other years.
Red Lodge School (in 1967), 100 yards from the Moorings.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SE

GR: SU 416156 approx

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel listed in the 1967 annual report, with 1094 bednights, over half of
which were Juniors (there had been none in the previous two years) [SEar67]. In 1967 this was at
the Red Lodge School, 100 yards from the Moorings [YHr 11/67]. Bednights were recorded for
1967 to 1972, and the same address may have pertained in later years: a summer seasonal hostel
opened in August 1969 [Southampton Evening Echo], a temporary hostel annexe with 45 beds
[GD]. There was no handbook entry. A Southern Region document of March 1971 described the
continuation that summer of previous arrangements.
Property tenure:

SOUTH DOWNS (ITFORD FARM / BEDDINGHAM) 2013 to present
Itford Farm, Beddingham, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6JS.
Historic County: Sussex

GR: TQ 433055*

▲Opened 5th April 2013. Plans were protracted over many years. As early as 2001 a hope to open
a hostel here was expressed [YHA News 2001]. The gestation was particularly long. In 2006 it was
advertised again: there are new YHA properties on the drawing board in many parts of the country,
including Southease, near Lewes [YHA eNEWS, 12/2006]. Development started, but was held up
by the withdrawal of one of the partner agencies. At the turn of 2011/12 it was announced that,
thanks to £465,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, YHA would be able to take on the role of
developer to complete Itford Farm on the South Downs near Lewes. The hostel was expected to
generate 13,000 overnights each year with study facilities, interpretation and exhibition areas.
Property tenure:
Property profile: extensively developed 64-bed Sussex farm property right on the South Downs Way. There is a selfcontained family unit, café and bar and the South Downs National Park Interpretation Centre.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-South Downs YH Profile
(s)

SOUTH KENSINGTON (see [London] SOUTH KENSINGTON)
SOUTHWELL 1944 to 1964.
Burgage Manor, Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 703541*

▲Opened 1944, the Handbook advising early summer, and officially opened 22/7/1944 by Miss
Sara Lamport of the American Embassy in London. The first wardens were Mr and Mrs Barnes.
There was accommodation for 80, or 86 at first, M56W30 [MoI photograph].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 1964 [YHr 11/1964]. The property was sold 12/10/1965 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1944-65.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided, with the aid of a gift of £750 from the American
Trades Union Council through the British War Relief Society) (to YHA Trust 18/4/1944).

413
Property profile: Grade II-listed (1952) 16-room Georgian manor house, where Byron spent holidays in 1804 and 1806.
He was said to dislike the provincial village intensely. The building housed a hospital during World War I.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Southwell 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
... we saw a white-faced building with a green triangle containing the letters ‘YHA’, surrounded by a
cluster of trees. This was the Youth hostel! ... We wheeled our bikes through a side door, deposited them
in the garage-cum-cycle shed, and signed in at the door. After having collected our belongings from our
cycle bags and baskets, we departed to our respective dormitories and washrooms (I was with my older
sister) to make our beds (which consisted of a straw mattress and three blankets, together with a sleepingbag) and to have a much-needed wash. There was hot water in this hostel, but it was not used in
preference to cold on that day which had been so hot. There was also a bath and a foot-bath, but in
neither of these was there a plug, so the water had to be kept in by means of one’s heel... (We passed) the
time before dinner, which was at half-past, the usual time. This meal consisted of potatoes (in plenty),
meat, and a second vegetable, and a sweet. Afterwards, we did our duty, which consisted of washing the
pots... When we returned to the hostel, we saw through the conservatory that a game of table-tennis was
in progress in the hall, so we hurried in to join them. After an enjoyable game, and a snack issued from
the food hatch at ten o’clock, we retired to bed, for me, a very hard, though not lumpy one ... Next
morning ... I got up at seven thirty, to a breakfast consisting of porridge (without milk or sugar), a fried
course, and bread and jam. Rationing was still in force [Rev G Greenhough, 1947].
My dormitory was huge and smelt rather damp. The hostel had been given to the YHA by some
Americans; it could certainly have done with some painting inside [Pat Packham, 1960].
(v)

SOUTH WINGFIELD 1946 to 1948.
Wingfield House, South Wingfield, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 375554*

▲Opened by Easter 1946 [Rucksack Easter 1946]. The hostel was established in a mansion by a
demobbed hosteller [Regional Handbook 1946]. Mr and Mrs Rowland Hill were the wardens.
✚Closed 1948 [Handbook 1949 and Rucksack New Year 1949].
Handbook 1946-48.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Mr Hill sold up to the present owners in 1950. Wingfield House, the former Squire’s house with
considerable outbuildings, is now used as an occasional chapel. Parts of it are of greater age than the Georgian façade,
though all is in poor condition [JM, 2009].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-South Wingfield 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

SPEEN 1937 to 1955.
Wayside, Darvills Hill, Lacey Green, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 834995*

▲Opened Easter 1937, replacing Saunderton Hostel. Officially opened 8/5/1937 [LONar37].
Rented property; wrongly placed on map in YHA Handbook [LONar37]. The lease was extended
by single years while its future was decided [LONar53,54].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was reasonably busy in 1940 [LON mins]. Records are missing for 1941-42, but it
almost certainly remained in operation. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition,
as it was much used by young people from London, industrial Essex and Reading. Bednights were recorded in the years
1943-45.

✚Closed 30/9/1955; for financial reasons, and the lease expired.
Handbook 1937-55.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: a pleasant pre-[Great]-war house standing on a hillside overlooking Speen [Regional Guide 1937].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Speen 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-Speen 752 ≈† RG38.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries
Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
One of those square block houses with flat windows and doors everywhere and the stairs to the upper
floor were so steep you almost wanted to come down backwards [anonymous holiday log, March 1939].
Madge Turner, of Speen hostel, is one of several wardens who points out that ordering meals in advance
helps wardens to overcome the difficulties of war-time catering, and is likely to result in better fare being
provided. Hostellers who prepare their own meals can help by ordering provisions beforehand [London
Region News, July 1940].

414
Wayside, a rented cottage at Speen, was opened at Easter 1937, with 30 beds, which have been in great
demand ever since. Closure of Ivinghoe has recently increased the pressure on accommodation, and it is
often necessary for latecomers to sleep on the floor on Saturday nights, and sometimes to turn members
away. Self-cookers are greatly cramped at present, and hitherto no means of improving their facilities has
presented itself [London Region News, November 1940].
A square brick house, over whose porch was the familiar YHA green triangle. The lady warden had been
in charge for 12 years, wanted to retire, but no successor could be found [Mabel Pratt, May 1949].

SPICELAND 1943 to 1946 (probably) or early 1947.
Blackborough House, Blackborough, Cullompton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE/DAC

GR: ST 089096*

▲Opened by Easter 1943 [GSEar43]. The address was given as Spiceland in 1943-44, though
Blackborough House was ¾ mile north-west of Blackborough village, not in Spiceland; it was
given this name after a Friends’ Meeting House some miles away.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed late 1946 or early 1947, there being just 74 bednights in 1947SY.
Handbook 1943-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: once-ruined mansion, partially repaired ca1931 and used as a training home for young wayfarers
[Rucksack Easter 1943].
It passed to the Quakers in 3/1940 and was used as a home and place of training and recovery for refugees from the
Nazis until they could find ordinary work. The house is in poor repair nowadays, at the centre of a car-breaker’s yard
[correspondents Adrian Smith and Valerie Belsey].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/143908
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Spiceland 751 ≈† pc.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sutton Veny YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
This was a surprise property, locally called Spiceland Folly, and folly it was, problems galore. The
mansion stood on the top of the Blackdown hills, commanding an extensive view of Somerset and MidDevon and was made use of during the first part of the war by the Society of Friends (Quakers) for
accommodating Conscientious Objectors, one of whom was a member of the Cadbury family, who
unfortunately met his death at Spiceland by falling down the deep stairway to the cellars.
After seeing the property, and struck by the immense size of the place, it was apparent to me that it would
be quite a job to get anyone to live in this isolated house, far from any bus service and the small hamlet
of Spiceland which was nearby. The building had to be approached along a very long drive overhung
with trees which made it quite dark, but the terms for taking over the house from the ‘Friends’ was quite
nominal and so the YHA agreed to do so.
Ted Holman called on me at regional office to introduce his wife Irene and see if there was any chance of
a wardenship appointment. Arrangements were made for a visit and Ted and Irene were quite impressed
and said that they were prepared to take the place on. The committee agreed and within a week they were
in residence and by the end of the month the place was ready to receive members. Before long the hostel
was totting up overnights in the region of four thousand five hundred yearly.
A diesel engine plant was the source of the electricity supply, when one could keep it running, and being
situated in a building a fair way from the hostel it was quite a walk to get to the engine house. The hostel,
having long passage ways, it was found necessary to keep corridor lights going all the time to find one’s
way around. The electric diesel plant frequently kept breaking down, normally when it was dark, so Ted
had to think up some way of having a temporary lighting system to put into operation when this
happened. He came up with the idea of placing a series of candles on the route to the engine house, but
when the time came for him to use them, no candles could be found, it would appear that one of the many
problems in this massive place was the rats, they had removed and eaten practically all the candles. Oil
lamps were very difficult to come by due to after war shortages.
The hostel functioned for just over four years, closing, when it was put up for sale, the YHA not being
prepared to take on such a large liability. Opened at the end of 1942 [1943] and closed at the end of 1946
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

SPREYTON 1934 only.
Spreyton, South Bow, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

▲Opened 1934. 32 bednights in total.
✚Closed 1934.

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 6996 approx.

415
Handbook 1934 (2nd edn only), with brief details only.
Property tenure:
Property profile: untraced.
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel was made possible by a local Spreyton YHA member, who made an arrangement with a local
youth club for the use of their club during the summer months of July and August in 1936 [sic].
Accommodation for 12 beds was put into the club, with self cooking facilities only, there being no
resident warden. The idea was that the YHA member, a lady, would call in at the hostel on leaving her
work at 5pm. I am sure that the intentions of all who were involved in this hostel were well-meant, but
there seemed to be a lack of YHA members realising the position, and refusing to accept that position, as
intended and displayed on the notice board, and also in doing their share of the promoting of goodwill
that was required in a situation such as this.
There was also continual butting in of the local youth club members, some of whom considered that it
was an imposition on the part of the YHA to be using the place, even though they did not want to use it
for the two months already mentioned. Eventually they made it impossible for the YHA to carry on, and
even before the two months had elapsed the hostel closed [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

ST AGNES (WHEAL KITTY) 1936 to 1939 or 1940.
Wheal Kitty Hostel, St Agnes, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall
YHA Region: DAC
Positional note: the Grid Reference is based on a rough sketchmap in the Regional Guide.

GR: SW 724513 approx.

▲Opened 1936 (opening Easter, 1936 Handbook). The warden in 1937 was Mr WeymouthWilson, and accommodation M29W20.
Wartime arrangements: the 172 bednights 1940SY may have been late 1939 or early 1940. An announcement was
made that it was or would be under requisition. The hostel was definitely withdrawn by 14/10/1940.

✚Closed 1939 or 1940 [DACar40].
Handbook. 1936-40.
Alternative name: Wheal Kitty (St Agnes) (1936-38).
Property tenure:
Property profile: substantial timber huts on a hill north of the village. These are now demolished.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wheal Kitty 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A hostel building situated within the boundary of the Old Wheal Kitty mine workings. Specially built as
a miners hostel it did not present any large problems as a conversion to a youth hostel. The property was
in the ownership of a retired army Captain called Wilson, who unfortunately could not forget that he had
left Army life behind and was now a civilian and not in command of the rank and file. Captain Wilson
had the habit of saying to members, ‘You there, take a few men and get the dormitory swept’ or with
emphasis, ‘You, you and you, get on with the spud bashing.’ So hostellers were carrying out their duties
in a military fashion, which was okay if you had a good sense of humour, but at times he came up against
members who had just been released from military service and then of course the sparks would fly,
resulting, at times, in the temporary closure of the hostel for an hour or so until the Captain’s wife
managed to cool the situation down, and the storm blew over.
Captain Wilson did in the end see the light and dropped his command attitude. The hostel was open for a
period of over 5 years ending only when the Captain offered to make a sale of the building to the
association. Unfortunately the YHA were unable to do so at the time because the Government
Requisitioning Authority took over the building for evacuees. When the building was derequisitioned,
after the war, the YHA never took up the offer of Wheal Kitty and so the hostel was closed in 1942
[1940?], after first opening during 1936 [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

ST ALBANS [St Michael’s] Seasonal hostel opened 1956 to 1963; 1965 to 1978.
St Michael’s Memorial Hall, Branch Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4SS.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA

GR: TL 139076*

▲Opened 21/7/1956. The 1958 season, for instance, ran from 28/6 to 30/8 and 1959 from 1/6 to
5/9. After the enforced move to Alma Road in 1964 the hostel returned here the following year. The
1965 Handbook could offer no dates; these were to be published. The following supplement gave
more detail.
✚Closed 2/9/1978. Replaced by St Albans (Alma Road) for the 1964 season only.
Handbook 1956 supplement-63; 1966-78.
Property tenure: rented
Property profile: a large brick-built memorial hall.
The hall is dedicated for those who gave their lives in the Great War. A foundation stone is dated May 1925 [GD] .

416
Reports, recollections and observations:
I had heard bad reports of the hostel but it was a grand place with a large hall for the boys’ dormitory and
the stage for a common room…
[Next morning] I had the simple duty of sweeping the stairs up to the women’s wash-room [Pat Packham,
A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 30 July 1961].
20 members of St Albans and Luton Groups spent 3 hours at St Albans hostel recently giving it a much
needed spring clean. We hire this church hall each year from the parish council, just for the summer; it
isn't really a good advert for YHA but it is the only place we can get so far. It's now better since the 2
Groups worked on it. The paint which St Albans Group put on it some years ago is now clean again.
YHA seems to be the only organisation using the hall which actually leaves it looking better for use.
The two Groups also put up the beds and made ready for opening. Generally they made such an excellent
job of it that they will probably be asked to come again at the end of the season. Well done [WightWash
magazine, July 1976].

ST ALBANS [Alma Road] Seasonal hostel open 1964 only.
The Youth Centre, Alma Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: EA

GR: TL 153069*

▲Open 11/7/1964-9/1964 as an emergency stand-in for St Michael’s Hall.
Handbook 1964-65.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the hostel occupied two-storey Victorian red-brick school buildings.
The Public Elementary School of the St Albans School Board [GD].

ST ALBANS [Sandridge] 1981 to 1989.
Fairshot Court, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9ED.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: EA; C

GR: TL 177104*

▲Opened 11/7/1981.
✚Closed 1989.
Handbook 1981 supplement-85; 1987-90.
Alternative name: St Albans (Sandridge) (1982-85 and 1987-89).
Property tenure:
Property profile: large brick residence, used as a Hatfield Polytechnic Hall of Residence. It is now converted to flats.

ST ATHAN 1931 to 1937; 1946 to 1948.
The Holiday Camp, St Athan, Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 026671* (main building)

▲Opened Easter 1931, and already open [SWA circular spring 1931]. It was mentioned in the
Region’s Statement of Accounts [SWAar31] as being the region’s first hostel, before Trealaw and
Brecon Beacons hostels.
✚Closed 1/7/1937 and replaced by Llantwit Major. In 1937 the hostel was for men only.
Reopened 2/11/1946; the warden was Ivor Llewellyn [SWAHr 11/46, SWAar46].
Closing shortly [Rucksack, New Year 1948], and closed [YHAB 2/1948]. There were only 48
bednights in 1948SY.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-37. Handbook 1946 supplement-48 (1946 supplement published 2/1947).
Alternative name: St Athan’s Holiday Camp (1931-32).
Property tenure:
Property profile: this was a special hostel annexe of the Miners’ Welfare Group. According to a map of the camp [1936
and 1937 St Athan Camper magazine] the youth hostel was located in an annexe attached to the large Sports Hall and
overlooking the Chapel. This location matches an early lantern slide image of the Sports Hall and single-storey slopingroof timber annexe, with Jack Catchpool standing in front. The annexe seems about the right size for a YHA common
room and members’ kitchen; sleeping accommodation was probably elsewhere in the camp. The annexe may have been
the hub of the 1947 and 1961 [qv] resurrections. A postcard of the chapel of about 1960s vintage shows that the annexe
had been demolished.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Jordans YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The boys’ village was opened in the 1920s and was built by the Ocean Coal Company to provide
holidays for miners’ children. The Company’s chairman, Lord Davies of Llandinam, and its welfare
officer at Treorchy, war hero Captain J Glynn-Jones, were the visionary forces behind the formation of
the boys’ village (in the 1920s). Ocean donated £300 for equipment, land was bought on a £500 overdraft
and the firm’s welfare fund donated £42,000 over four years to the village. The camp, as it was then

417
known, was built to give miners’ families a holiday, opening its doors initially for a two week
experiment. It cost 3s a week to stay in the early days [unattributed, 1990s].
(v)

ST ATHAN 1961 to 1988.
St Athan Boys’ Village, St Athan, West Aberthaw, Barry, South Glamorgan CF6 9JA.
GR: ST 026672*
Historic County: Glamorgan
YHA Region: SWA; WS; W
Positional note: the Grid Reference is for the new 1965 building. The 1961 location within the Village is uncertain.≠

▲Opened 1961. There was a notice published that West Aberthaw hostel was due to open on 1 July
1961 [Pat Packham].
As a preamble to our annual report in recent years it has become our custom to record a notable event during
the year under review. The event of 1961 was the re-establishment of a hostel in the Vale of Glamorgan at
the St Athan Boys’ Village near West Aberthaw, thus providing a much-needed link between Chepstow
hostel in the east, and the Gower hostels in the west. We are grateful to Capt Glynn-Jones, General Secretary
of the Boys’ Clubs of Wales, for his active interest in promoting this project, and also to Mr. Ivor Llewellyn,
warden of the Boys’ Village, for his enthusiastic co-operation in operating a hostel temporarily in a hut
placed at our disposal during the summer of 1961. It is pleasant to note that Capt Glynn-Jones now renews
his connection with the Regional Group: he was one of the band of enthusiasts who founded the Group in
1932. Indeed it was he, on behalf of the Miners’ Welfare Association, who provided the region with its first
hostel at St Athan in that year [sic]. He was also the first chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.
We are making every endeavour to provide a permanent hostel by erecting our own building on a site
generously made available to us in the Boys’ Village, the aim being to provide a small, attractive hostel with
twenty-two beds. We wish to pay a tribute to the Barry Sub-Regional Group in particular, and to others,
including Mr Llewellyn of the Boys’ Village, for their excellent work getting the temporary hostel ready
before it was officially opened on 1st July. The ceremony was performed by our President and was featured
in the BBC Television news [SWAar61].

Members were advised that after one season it was now closed permanently [YHR 1/1962], but
YHA usage continued every year from 1961 through to the official opening of the new hostel
building on 29/5/1965. A difficulty in providing warden’s accommodation was resolved with a
caravan [WSar71]. In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for
school parties listed the following ‘defects’: St Athan: inadequate heating. No meals provided.
The common room was enlarged in 1975 by resiting the warden’s office, and a new entrance and
cycle shed provided [WSar75].
✚Closed 1988, 31/10/1988 being the end of season.
Handbook 1961 supplement-88.
Alternative name: West Aberthaw (1961 supplement-63); St Athan (West Aberthaw) (1964-87). In 1964 the name was
changed from West Aberthaw at the request of the Boys’ Village authorities.
Property tenure: leasehold (Department of Education grant-aided) was taken from 1/4/1962 for 26¾ years from the
Trustees of St Athan Boys’ Village. At first this was for land at St Athan (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: the 1961 building was a hut within the Boys’ Village [P Packham]. The new 1965 building, at the
northern extreme of the camp, was a red-cedar hut with central entrances on either side, purpose-built by and for YHA.
Between the central entrances, one on either side, was a combined common room and kitchen. The larger boys’ camp
consisted of the original well-designed chief buildings in brick, wood and corrugated iron. There were a church,
swimming pool, and numerous dormitory huts, as well as post-war buildings of less distinguished design. In 2007 the
whole of the Boys’ Village, including the final YHA structure, was in a vandalised and ruined state.
Most of the Boys’ Village and the YHA-built hut had been demolished by 2010 [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Port Eynon YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,100 bednights.
The building at St Athan is as near perfect a custom-built Simple hostel as you are likely to meet. It
contains all the essentials. A large Common Room / Dining Room / Members’ Kitchen as you open the
door; to the left, a 14 bed men’s dorm with abolutions and WCs at the end; to the right front, an 8 bed
women’s dorm also with ablutions and WCs at the end and right back a 4 bed switch dormitory.
Not much wrong with this hostel except that it must be wardened off the premises, which some would
find a disadvantage.
An abnormally large number of minor repairs needed to be done and equipment bought. The 2 main
needs are a Sadia-type water heater over the Members’ Kitchen sink. It’s a modern, clean building and on
mains electric. Without hot water on tap Members’ Kitchens always tend to become dirty with an
accumulation of grease on all difficult to clean surfaces. The other is some heating in the main room. An
electric heater is a must to help preserve the building (and the members) in winter [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report, 29/4/1973 (extracts)].

418
(s)

ST AUDRIES 1931 to 1936.
Perry Farm, St Audries, Bicknoller, Taunton, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 118429*

▲Opened 18/4/1931. The hostel operated for 19 weeks in the first year [GSNDar31]. It would
serve in its present state for another season [GSNDar32]. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Prout.
✚Closed 9/1936 [GSEar36]. Nothing could be wasted by way of equipment: the chemical closet
was sent on to Wookey Hole Hostel and the stove to Doulting Hostel [GSEmins 17/3/1937].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-36.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1932 was £28.15s, income £43.9s; in 1933 £35.15s., income £51.16s)
[GSNDar1932&33].
Property profile: farm buildings. Accomodation was in rooms (women) and barn (common room, with the men’s
dormitory in the hayloft above) at Perry Farm [GSRGar31].
Reports, recollections and observations:
At a Somerset farmhouse, which was the roughest of all the places we stayed in, we prepared and ate our
food in an old hayloft. This was approached by an outside stairway more like a ladder than a staircase.
When we got up there, our first job was to empty the slop pail into which previous hikers had emptied
their tea-pots and washing-up water. It was so brim full that it wouldn’t take another drop, neither could
it be manoeuvred down the stairway. We had to lower it on a rope to empty it in a farm drain.
After our meal we decided to make tracks for the sea, which was not far away (our only chance of a bath
was a swim in sea or river), but when we went to leave the loft we found that the farm cows had come
into the yard below for milking. They were milked two or three at a time, by hand, in a small, dark
cowshed. At the very foot of our stairway stood the bull. We looked down on his broad, enormous back,
his powerful shoulders and neck, his stubby horns and his ringed nose. All we could do was to sit down
at the top of the stairway and wait for him to go.
The milking took ages. We waited ... and we waited. At long last he decided to amble to the other side of
the yard. We scrambled down the stairway and hurried along the nearest wall to the gateway, keeping a
wary watch for his smallest movement towards us, but he just eyed us with utter indifference.
When we returned to the farm after our swim, in the last field we had to cross, there he was again. There
was no other route for us to take so we had to cross that field, feeling terribly vulnerable in the open,
halfway across. He looked up at us, then went back to champing the grass.
In the farmhouse the girl hikers were housed in a large, low-ceilinged, white-washed room with a stone
floor – it might once have been the dairy. Again we had iron-framed bunk beds and a small ‘cloakroom’
in one corner.
In the night the herd wandered back again to the farm buildings and we listened to them, just outs-ide our
windows, munching and whoofing, and every so often rubbing and bumping against our wall. Was the
heavier thudding that bull again?
The next morning we were glad to pack our rucksacks, pay our shillings, consult our maps and set out to
walk over the Quantocks expecting to arrive at our next hostel by late afternoon – and rather hoping that
it wouldn’t be another dairy farm [The YHA in the Thirties by Cicely Cole, HN Winter 1979-80].
(v)

ST BEES 1937 to 1955.
Ashley House, Finkle Street, St Bees, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NX 972119*(v)

▲Opened Easter 1937. Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: Ashley House was occupied by Mill Hill School through a pre-war agreement [LAKar1940].

Reopened after the war at Whit 1946.
✚Closed 1955 [YHA News], there being 0 bednights after 1/10/1955. The property was sold by
early 1956 [LAK mins 1956].
Handbook 1937-39; 1946-56.
Property tenure: a controlled hostel, leasehold (to YHA Trust 28/11/1936), though apparently owned fully by YHA at
the point of closure. The hostel was acquired with funding from the West Cumberland Special Area initiative
[LAKar36].
Property profile: old three-storey detached house.
It is now named Ashleigh House [KF, 2011].
(v)

ST BRIAVELS CASTLE 1948 to present.
The Castle, St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RG.

419
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE; WS; W

GR: SO 558045*

▲Opened Whit 1948, and officially opened 21/8/1948. The hostel replaced Aylburton Hostel and
was an unexpected acquisition [GSEar48].
Completely new toilet facilities were constructed and an improvement in cooking facilities
accomplished by re-arranging the warden’s and members’ kitchens; further improvements to
wardens’ quarters were anticipated [WSar71].
Mains water was at last connected in 1973 [WSar1973]. Urgent work on the castle’s fabric, due to
take 2 years, was started in 1975 by the Crown Estate Commissioners.
There was capital expenditure on main building facilities during 1993 [War1993], including extra
shower and toilet facilities and extra heating.
The name YHA St Briavels Castle was confirmed in March 2013.
Handbook 1949-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold for 21 years from 24/6/1948 from the Commissioners of Crown Lands (to YHA Trust
27/1/1949), renewed; again renewed for 21 years from 24/6/1976 [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: King John hunting lodge dating back to 1205, though the first part of the castle was started in 1131.
The towers were added in 1293. The castle was the administrative centre of the Forest of Dean for seven centuries and
was a debtors’ jail in the 17th and 18th centuries [YHAF]. A Grade I listed building.
A staff house at 14 Castle Crescent, St Briavels, was vacated by YHA on 6/12/2010.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-St Briavels 751 ≈† RG52.tif
Published material: article, Moat, or Mote, Youth Hosteller May 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The ‘very interesting possibility in Gloucestershire’ mentioned in our Spring notes has now become a
reality. We believe St Briavels Castle to be the first ancient castle taken over completely by the
Association for use as a youth hostel. It is a fascinating building. Its ‘Prison Room’ (now a women’s
dormitory), its ‘Chapel Room’ (dormitory for men) the men’s dormitories over the dungeons in the East
tower, the beautiful common-room, the narrow passages through enormous walls, the gaunt towers of the
gatehouse, all these things will give you the slightly eerie thrill which you expect from a castle with a
long history.
The Castle was originally built early in the twelfth century by a Fitzwalter – a Norman border castle
against the Welsh, standing 800 feet above the Wye… The moat which surrounds the Castle is dry now,
except for a pond by the gatehouse, and flowering shrubs have taken the place of water in the moat.
Inside the Castle are several fine old fireplaces, a great turnspit wheel, a ‘chapel room’ with a piscina,
and a ‘prison room’ with weird legends scratched by prisoners in the stone-work of the windows. It is a
grim and marvellous place, and a treasure house of ancient things.
The hostel is already unofficially open, but an official opening ceremony will take place on the afternoon
of Saturday 21st August, conducted by Mr John Cadbury. John Cadbury, a Vice-President and former
Chairman of the YHA, and Chairman of Birmingham Regional Group, needs no introduction from us,
and we are honoured that he has consented to open this unique hostel [Rucksack, Midsummer 1948].
A torch was always necessary for hostelling in the 1950s when many hostels did not have electricity. It
was, of course, dark when I reached the village and I could not see the castle [Pat Packham, 1957].
Unusual hostel – a real castle. Huge old common room where I played table-tennis with some lads from
the SJP [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
Presently Standard – Recommended Standard. 9,600 bednights.
It is a mixture of old in the process of being improved. The large dormitories in the main building are in
excellent condition. Bunks, blankets and mattresses are new and clean. The only faults I could find are
the bare wooden floors which, if sanded, would take a hard varnish to advantage, a lack of curtaining and
a surprising lack of hooks. These 2 rooms, the Chapel and Court, are unheated and hold 34 beds. The 3
dormitories in the East Wing hold 8, 10 and 12 beds. These rooms have heaters and certain new bed
furniture.
There is a very pleasant Dining Room that at a pinch can hold 52. It has mullioned windows, pleasant
lighting effects and parquet flooring. The only possible improvement here is the proposed sanding and
hard varnishing of the floor.
The most interesting rooms in this ancient castle are in the Common Room side: a Games Room leading
to 2 other rooms one above the other that serve as Common Room and Quiet Room. There are well
preserved stone walls and an oak staircase, some panelling – a lovely room. The Quiet Room, usually
called the Prison, has a large carpet to cover most of the floor. It is well decorated with a calor gas heater.
The Members’ Kitchen is in need of improvement and this is fairly urgent with the increasing self
cooking usage. There are insufficient gas points, too small a sink and draining board, not enough kitchen
equipment (especially small cooking and preparing utensils), no hand towel and insufficient storage
space for food.

420
The toilets are modern in the main building with curtains and a shower for each sex. Extra WCs and
ablutions for men are in the East wing.
It is essentially a Standard hostel and I should imagine that it would cost YHA a fortune to bring it up to
Superior [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 30/4/1973 (extracts)].
A ‘Mediaeval banquet’ at just £2 a head! And served in a genuine 13th century setting. That’s the
invitation to lords, ladies and serfs of the YHA from ‘Baron’ Laurie O’Leary, warden of St Briavels
Castle hostel, Lydney, Glos. In the castle gatehouse you will enjoy ‘a log fire, candlelight, a hearty meal
and a shaggy dog for wiping greasy hands!’ [HN Spring 1983].
(s)
ST BRIDES BAY Hostel planned 1949. Did not open.
Pembrokeshire. GR: SM 7917 approx.
▼A unique building near the coast might be available in the summer of 1949 [Rucksack New Year 1949].

ST DAVID’S [St David’s Head] 1950 to 1972.
Ffynon Faiddog, St David’s, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS

GR: SM 739271*

▲Opened 1/4/1950.
✚Closed early 10/1972 and replaced by St David’s (Llaethdy) Hostel. The lease was due to expire
on 29/9/1971, when the figure payable for 1972 increased more than three-fold. However, a WS
memo of 11/1970 stated that the lease had just been paid up to 1981. The property was vacated
11/1972 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1950-72.
Alternative name: St David’s Head (1950-70).
Property tenure: tenancy for 10 years from 29/9/1951, extended [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust 4/1/1952 as Fynnon Faedog).
Property profile: cottage (with rooms for a single warden) and dormitory outbuildings for 30; it is now a private
residence (JM, 2007).
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Port Eynon YH
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 23, St David’s, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1954.
Warden detail (snapshot): Mr Brian Green [postcard comment].
Reports, recollections and observations:
I cycled from Mathry Road Station to St David’s Youth Hostel. The warden, who had a beard, was a
Cambridge University student and at first I mistook him for one of the hostellers [Pat Packham, A
Holiday in West Wales by Bicycle and Rail Runabout Ticket, 7 August 1953].
St David’s has long flourished as a pleasant simple Hostel under the Wardenship of Miss Roberts, who
retired recently. The new Warden clearly has the Hostel well under control: and everywhere is neat, clean
and tidy.
Ffynnon Faiddog is a compact Hostel, with a long narrow Members’ Kitchen but with good facilities for
the size of the Hostel. There is a small but adequate dining room and a very compact cosy common room.
The dormitories, wash place and toilets are all outside, simple but adequate. Odd beds etc could do with
replacement. Improvements are in hand to the washing facilities, the toilets are of the Elsan type. It is
noted that many members ‘pop down the road’ (about 200 yards) to the modern flush toilets situated just
off White Sands Bay. At the time of writing the future of Ffynnon Faiddog is not certain [Regional
Hostel Report by HWA Alcock, 1/6/1972 (extracts)].
(v)

ST DAVID’S 1972 to present.
Llaethdy, St David’s, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PR.
Historic County: Pembrokeshire

YHA Region: WS; W

GR: SM 739277*

▲Opened 15/10/1972, replacing St David’s (Ffynon Faiddog) Hostel. A new members’ kitchen
was provided in 1977, started by the warden and finished by contractors [WSar77]. Meals provision
ceased in 1979 because of small take-up [WSar79].
In June 1997 St David's benefited from two weeks’ work by volunteers; the South Wales Area
Panel’s spent two weekends humanising the large 16-bed stable dormitory by constructing a
partition and inserting two roof lights to improve natural lighting. Time was also found to
redecorate the family and common rooms [YHA News autumn 1997].
A considerable programme of improvements was implemented early in 2017, the hostel reopening
in March. The farmhouse was renovated to provide 5 bedrooms, with the emphasis on families. The

421
two outbuildings were reconfigured, the dairy with its seven 2 or 4 bed rooms, and a new selfcatering kitchen and lounge provided. The hostel received a complete redecoration.
Handbook 1972 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold (eg) for 21 years from 29/9/1972 from the National Trust [YHAPB]. Currently [2012]
leasehold.
Property profile: farmhouse and outbuildings at a former potato farm.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Previous hostel’s bednights: 3,500.
St David’s opened in April 1973. It is not the (previous) St. David’s but an entirely new building (or
rather old farmhouse) on lease from the National Trust. The 3,500 bednights of the hostel’s predecessor,
a Simple hostel of a fairly basic type, indicates the potential.
A building in the process of establishment. There is the main house which at present houses the warden,
the Members’ Kitchen, Common Room, Dining Room and round the back, the women’s wash and WC.
Presently, there are three outhouses (and these really are outhouses) being used for dormitories and the
men’s wash.
It is difficult to make any constructive remarks on a hostel so much in embryo. No. 1 Dorm is a
converted cow barn with the minimum of conversion. Here are still the animal stalls (one for each double
bunk), the feeding trough, excellent for rucksacks, and the sump ways. Only the smell has gone. There
are innumerable holes in the door and between the walls and roof. The place would be arctic in winter
with a gale in the bay. But it seems to delight many as it is.
Dorm 2, called the Granary, is above the cycle shed. A little overcrowded – 22sq ft per bedspace. No. 3
Dorm down the yard holds 6 beds at present and could take another double bunk. The three WC s, one
for women and two for men, are contained in two ablutions. One of the WCs in the men’s hasn’t a door.
The women’s wash has a hot tap and a bench for plastic bowls. The men’s slightly larger, is similarly
furnished except for the hot tap. The Members’ Kitchen is far too small for the 20 or 30 hostellers who
are using St. David’s most days of the week in summer. No food storage space. No hand towel.
The Common Room has poor lighting, no curtains, lino covered floor and a small carpet, all of a sadly
dilapidated appearance. The Dining Room barely seats 24 and is also the dining room for self cookers,
there being no other. All in all a very basic Simple hostel but again there are plans for a much more
organised and well- furnished future. It remains Simple and we must see what the future will bring
[Regional Hostel Report by CA Parrott, 3/8/1973 (extracts)].
…classed as a simple YH which I think was a bit of an overstatement. We slept in a stable and girls in a
cowshed. Peter had begun to get worried about standards of the hostels – Superor, Standard, Simple and
now what he classed Basic or Primitive. That evening we played cards with some girls from a convent
and every now and then a teacher would pop in and out with a different excuse every time [Chris Downes
(cyclist), holiday log, 1975].
Wales has four youth hostels with separate self-catering accommodation for families, including St
David's. Each self-catering unit (sleeps 4 plus a baby), is self-contained and includes bedrooms, a
kitchen, lounge and toilet/washing facilities. They are generally booked by the week (Sat Sat), but shorter
stays may be available in non-peak periods. Facilities and comfort vary between the four locations from
modern apartments with a colour TV to an old farmhouse lit solely by gas and this is reflected in the
price. Prices start at £82 per week. This type of family accommodation is very popular and gets booked
up quickly [YHA News spring 1998].
(s)

ST JOHN’S-IN-THE-VALE Camping barn 2001≠ to 2006≠.
▲St John’s-in-the-Vale, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria. GR: NY 316205
Handbook 2001-2006.
Property profile: 18th-century stable and hay loft.
ST LEONARDS Hostel planned 1950. Did not open.
St Leonards, East Sussex. GR: TQ 803094 [Ellenslea Road, see below]
▼The idea and purchase of a boarding house close to Warrior Square Station had been approved with some
misgivings [LRN 4/1950, LONar50], but the building was sold and the idea abandoned [LRN 9/1950]. A YHA property
file, now missing, was titled 2 Ellenslea Road, St Leonards on Sea, 1950 [P Bassett 1980].

ST MAWES 1933 to 1937.
Waterloo Farm, St Mawes, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SW 846339*

▲Opened 1933, the start of the season being 1/5/1933. Falmouth TocH helped to establish it
[Plymouth RG ar33]. In 1937 the warden was Mrs Mitchell and accommodation M8W8. Some

422
sleeping accommodation was above a cowshed; the hostel was rough [member’s recollection in
1942].
✚Closed 1937, the end of the season being 10/1937, and replaced by Falmouth.
Handbook 1933-37.
Also referred to as Mitchell’s Farm.
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
The old YH now is called ‘Waterloo House’ and is a care home for those with learning disabilities [KF, 2013]
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-St Mawes 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-St Mawes 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
This was another farm hostel, wardened by yet another of the Rowe family, the YHA being put in touch
with them by the TocH of Falmouth. Members of the Cornish Branch of the TocH were great workers for
the YHA in the early days of the association. The Falmouth branch even undertook to carry out all the
necessary work of fitting up the barn buildings that were made available, building the partitions for the
dormitories, the common room and the members’ kitchen. This only left me to arrange for the hostel
equipment to be installed and as soon as this was done, the hostel was ready for the first members, in
1934 [1933]. The hostel made a good link travelling from Boswinger hostel via the St Mawes ferry to
Falmouth. Regretfully the hostel had to close at the outbreak of war in 1939 [1937] [extracts from
Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH HALL (see Llanfihangel)
ST PANCRAS (see [London] ST PANCRAS)
STAINDALE 1948 to 1966 or 1967.
Bridestones Hostel, Low Staindale, Lockton, Pickering, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK

GR: SE 869903*

▲Opened 10/5/1948, the same day as Wheeldale Hostel. The first warden, Mrs Mercer, had lived
here, but removed to a neighbouring farm when the hostel began. New wardens Mr & Mrs
Johnstone were providing meals [Rksk May-Jun53]. Working parties from Scarborough sub-region
completed the new members’ kitchen at Staindale early in 1964 after many arduous hours and the
result is a considerable improvement in the hostel’s facilities [YSHar1964].
✚Closed late 1966 or early 1967, there being just 21 bednights after 30/9/1966. The advice closed
until further notice [YHr 5/1967, Handbook 1968] suggested some uncertainty about the hostel’s
future. It was closed permanently, in effect.
Handbook 1948-68.
Property tenure: tenancy for Low Staindale House from 25/3/1948 from National Trust for 21 years [YHAPB] (to YHA
Trust 30/12/1948). The tenancy was relinquished 13/1/1968 [YHAPB].
Property profile: a simple farm property that had first been acquired by the National Trust in 1944. Consruction is of
stone with pantile roof. There were two dormitories on the upper floor, and two general rooms downstairs. The
extension adjoining to the southwest of the house became the warden’s quarters in later years. After the YHA left, the
cottage was left in an abandoned state until occupation was resumed about 20 years later, by National Trust staff.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I squelched down the field to fetch some water for washing from a tap in the middle of the field, then I
had to go for some more for the kitchen [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 3 August
1962].
(v)

STAINFORTH 1944 to 2007.
Taitlands, Stainforth, Settle, North Yorkshire BD24 9PA.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES; YK; N

GR: SD 820668*

▲Opened 12/1944 [YHAF], the intention being to open on the 2nd of that month [WESar44]. The
advice has opened [LRN 6/1944] was premature, therefore. There were many delays.
Wartime arrangements: the purchase had been completed 6/1944; the hostel operated in full in 1945SY.

Family accommodation of an early kind was provided in the 2-bedroomed cottage, with its own
garden, as descibed in HN Spring 1972:
Thanks to an interest-free loan from two anonymous Yorkshire Region members, it has been possible to
open a new family annexe at Stainforth Hostel in the Yorkshire Dales. In May 1971 plans were drawn up

423
and approved by Settle Rural District Council. Then work began in earnest for the wardens, Mr and Mrs
Les Hughes, ably assisted by Allan Turton and their son John.
The annexe, in a secluded corner of the hostel grounds, is a self-contained cottage and provides
accommodation for one family of up to eight, or two families of four, hostel ling together. It has entrance
hall, lounge and kitchen on the ground floor; on the first floor are two bedrooms, each with wash-basin,
shower unit and WC. Hot water is supplied and heating is by electric storage radiators. The cost of a
week’s stay for one family, inclusive of all services, is £11.50 and for two families £16.50.
It is hoped to open the annexe towards the end of summer and it will be open all year round.

Central heating was installed [HN Autumn 1974].
In 1978 new wardens’ accommodation was delayed but expected over the following winter
[YKar78]. In 1987 the hostel was refurbished [YHAar1987].
A much overdue improvement came in the late 1990s with the relaying of the drive [YHA News
spring 1997].
Further improvements were carried out early in 2002 [YHA News spring 2002].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2006.
✚Closed 2007, with implementation due 1/10/2007 [YHA Website].
Handbook 1945-2007/08.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 24/11/1944).
Property profile: large stone-built Georgian house, of ca1848. At the time of YHA’s acquisition, the house boasted
central heating. The Settle-Carlisle railway tunnels under the grounds.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
As one of a party of Dutchmen could play the piano very well, we had a sing-song. Quite a jolly thing it
was, too, and we spent quite a happy evening, singing long after 10.30 (normal lights out) in spite of the
fact that Miss Judson (the Warden) was with us [Rev G Greenhough, 1950].
Bonfire weekend was always at Stainforth where ‘Judy’ Judson was another hospitable warden. A
Saturday afternoon bus from Burnley took us over to Hellifield for a good walk over limestone edges,
dropping down into Stainforth on the edge of dark [Alice Palmer, Youth Hostelling in the 1940s and
1950s, reporting in 2013].
(s)

STAINTON 1939 to 1949.
Mid Town Farm, Stainton, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 485281*

▲Opened 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns. There were
complaints about food and sanitary conditions [LAK mins 1942].

✚Closed 1/10/1949 [YHAF].
Handbook 1940-50.
Property tenure: adopted hostel [YHAar39].
Property profile: stone-built village farm property.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
The cycle shed was a barn, so we wheeled the cycles through the farmyard, with its many ducks and
hens, which immediately gave us hopes of eggs for breakfast. In my dormitory there was a very varied
assortment of: two double-decker beds, a double bed, and a very springy single-decker bed. In the
women’s dormitory, there was a similar arrangement, but they had the additional comfort of washing
facilities, at least, they had a bowl and water jugs, while we had to wash at the stone sink in the farmyard
surrounded by inquisitive children and ducks and hens. What was more, it was exceedingly cold water,
and hence an exceedingly cold job. We got up quickly, hoping to smell soon frying eggs and bacon.
However, the ducks or hens clucked not for us. Our meal did not quite contain what we expected, and
there was no milk shortage [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].
(v)

STAITHES 1935 to 1937.
Cliff Grove, Staithes, Saltburn, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 779184*

▲Opened 1935, replacing Boulby Cliff Hostel. There were 489 bednights in 1935, 822 in 1936 and
63 in 1937.

424
✚Closed 13/5/1937 [WEAar38].
Handbook 1936.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the property, situated in a deep ravine close to the former railway viaduct, has also been called Hansell
House. In 2010 Cliff Grove was the site house of a caravan park.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Staithes 751 † RG36.doc
(v)
STAITHES Planned hostel 1943. Almost certainly did not open.
Staithes, Saltburn, North Yorkshire. GR: NZ 7818 approx.
▼A hostel might be opened here [Handbook 1943].

STALISFIELD GREEN 1938 to 1940.
The Old Rectory, Stalisfield Green, Faversham, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 955527*

▲Opened Easter 1938, replacing Charing Hostel. It was a fully controlled hostel [LONar38].
✚Closed 7/1940. It was replaced by Otterden Hostel. That arrangement was intended to be
temporary, but Stalisfield Green never reopened.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was in available lists 12/1939. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that
provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement; it closed in July 1940.
Handbook 1938-40.
Property tenure: rented hostel.
Property profile: 19th-century rectory with public chapel attached. One of LON region’s remotest hostels, it stood in
the finest grounds in the region, 600 feet above sea level; twin rows of stately poplars were landmarks for miles
[LONar38].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stalisfield 751 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Charing YHs
Profile

STANBRIDGE EARLS ESTATE BARN (see Awbridge).
STAPLE OAK (see Dunsop Bridge)
START BAY (see Strete)
STAUNTON-ON-WYE 1963 to 1982; 1987 to 1990.
World’s End Lodge, Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR4 7NF.
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: BMW: MD; C

GR: SO 364450*

▲Opened 1/3/1963, replacing Lyonshall Hostel, and officially opened 23/3/1963. It was suggested
for closure as early as 1966, as it had been running at a considerable loss.
A dormitory was added and a large covered area provided for cycle storage [YHr 2/71].
The hostel closed 23/11/1982 but reopened 1987, the start of the season being 1/3/1987.
✚Closed 1990.
Handbook 1963-82; 1987-90.
Property tenure: in the first period the property was leased; in the second spell this was an adopted hostel.
Property profile: part of a 19th-century charity school made available at first by the Jarvis Educational Foundation
(1963).
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lyonshall & Staunton
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 96, Staunton, Youth Hosteller May 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
New warden Geoff McGladdery is an expert canoeist. The extensive decoration scheme at the hostel is
nearing completion and plans are in hand to improve the dining/common room and remodel the warden’s
kitchen, shop and office [HN Autumn 1974].
(v)

STEEPLE ASHTON 1934 to 1940.
High Street, Steeple Ashton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: ST 907566

425
Positional note: the exact location is not yet settled, though the hostel is shown on the Regional Guide map to be
opposite Silver Street, at the southern end of High Street. A property called Home Farm was long established at this
location.≠

▲Opened Easter 1934 (24/3/1934 in the Handbook), replacing Bratton Hostel. Establishing the
hostel cost £20/10/5d. In 1935 the wardens were Mr & Mrs E Whiting, and accommodation
M12W8; it was an attractive hostel, where hospitality is freely dispensed [Regional Guide 1935].
✚Closed 1940, the end of season being 30/9/1940.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940. It is not known if the subsequent closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1934-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Steeple Ashton 751 ≈† RG35.tif; Y050001-Steeple Ashton 752 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
1st Feb 1935. We went along the street, with its houses and grass plots, till we came to the house labelled
YHA, where I asked a woman who was just going in if we could get tea anywhere. Officially the hostel is
closed for winter, but she offered to get us tea (luckily, since not a place exists in the village) and gave us
an excellent meal, including an abundance of first-rate celery. Afterwards In the dusk she showed us the
airy sheds that form the hostel [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1934].
June 1935. ...to Steeple Ashton YH. The hostel, a long low building which used, I imagine, to be stables,
is as bare and as lacking in comfort as it could be [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].
STEPPING HILL Hostel planned. Did not open.
Stepping Hill, Chinnor, Oxfordshire. GR: SP 7600 approx.
▼A hostel on the Ridgeway Path was planned here and would have been established at no cost to YHA. The project
was disallowed by YHA national finance officers on the grounds of financial unviability.

STEPS BRIDGE (DARTMOOR) 1935 to 2006.
Blythswood, Steps Bridge, Dunsford, Exeter, Devon EX6 7EQ.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 802882*

▲Opened 31/8/1935. The premises were provided by the chairman of the Group, Dr R Pickard,
with a great deal of equipment, and at first accommodated 12 [DACar35]. The 1939 Handbook
advised that there was a possibility of closure whilst an extension was built.
Wartime arrangements: bednights were registered for every year of the War, despite the upheavals, including one in
late 1940: a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice. Nevertheless, an internal
circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth,
Devonport, etc. In 1942 considerable improvements were made in preparation for peace time [DACar42].

In 1945 a fault with the water supply meant that opening was delayed until 10/9/1945, with
bookings transferred to Exeter in 8/1945 [DACar45].
YHA Bulletin [6/56] announced the deletion of the meals service. In 1958 the hostel being rebuilt
to a new plan, with a new wing [DACar58].
In 1974 the hostel was connected to mains drainage [HN Spring 1974].
An extra toilet was provided in 1974 and showers in 1985 [HN Spring 1974, SWar85].
The annexe dormitory to the rear of the main building was divided into three small rooms, each
with heating and a wash basin [YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed 30/9/2006 [YHA departmental info] and sold by auction Sept 2006 [whyha.org.uk], the
intention being that Steps Bridge would continue to trade as normal as the new owners had joined
YHA’s Enterprise scheme [YHA eNews 12/2006]. However, the new owners re-sold and an
independent hostel Blytheswood emerged. YHA Enterprise status was never effected.
Handbook 1936-2008.
Alternative names: Dunsford (1936-64); Steps Bridge (Dunsford) (1965-89); Steps Bridge (1990-2004).
Property tenure: to accommodate expansion extra lands were purchased freehold 18/3/1959 and 1/9/1965 (to YHA
Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: a wood and corrugated steel structure, originally a summer house, built into a wooded hillside just
inside the boundary of Dartmoor National Park.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Steps Bridge 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Steps Bridge 752 ≈† RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sutton Veny YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The YH was a wooden hut among the woods. The warden and her husband lived in one of the new but

426
unobtrusive council houses down below. I found Mrs Ellis, the warden, was out. Her husband, who was
working the garden, took me indoors for the milk. He was employed as a roadman.
I did my bit at the pump outside, that supplies water for everybody. I found Mrs Ellis a very decent
person, and she keeps the place in good order [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1938].
Warned that the warden made people sweep under beds. So moved them all and went for cards – only to
be sent back to move the bunks [Mary Jephcott, 1945, reporting in 2008].
There was Steps Bridge in the woods high above the River Teign, where the warden roused you in the
morning with a challenging recording of Monteverdi’s Beatus Vir [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].
About three miles from Exeter we met two boys who informed us that Dunsford was an awful place...
We saw a small YHA sign on the gate of a house. We went in there to sign the housebook and were told
that the hostel was on the left a bit further along the road. The wooden hostel consisted of a common
room with a kitchen behind and small dormitories on either side. Usually men occupied these rooms and
the girls had a dormitory outside. We christened our room ‘the dark hole of Calcutta’ [Pat Packham, A
Holiday in South-West England, 4 August 1958].
Cycled to Steps Bridge YH, a small wooden hut with washing bowls outside [Roy Frost, 1961 cycle
tour].
(v)

STEYNING 1936 to 1939.
Silvermead, Cripps Lane, Steyning, West Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 180113*

▲Opened Easter 1936. Steyning Hostel was fully controlled; it was actually within SOU region
territory, but controlled by LON [LONar36]. The warden in 1937 was Mrs McKown;
accommodation was M18W12.
✚Closed 1939 [YHAF].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed on the outbreak of war [LON mins]. The 1940 Handbook advised that it might
reopen; this did not happen.
Handbook 1936-40
Property tenure:
Property profile: the right-hand house of a twin terraced building.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Steyning 751 ≈† RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Steyning YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
I had become a member of the Youth Hostels Association in 1937 and a year or so later set off on a solo
trip to Sussex, starting at Steyning, staying the first night at the hostel in Cripps Lane. After a solitary
supper which I prepared for myself I set out in the summer sunshine to climb up to Chanctonbury Ring.
The view was breath-taking – it seemed to have biblical connotations, as when Jesus was taken by the
Devil to behold the kingdoms of this world! [Len Clark CBE].
(v)

STICKLEPATH HALT Camping barn 1995 to 2001.
▲Sticklepath, Okehampton, Devon. GR: SX 643941
Handbook 1995-2002.Closed by the time of issue of 2002 booklet.
Property profile: in former bakery.

STOCKHEATH 1949 to 1952.
Boys’ Club Camp, Riders Lane, Stockheath, Havant, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SU 711087*

▲Opened 8/5/1949 [SOUar49] as a 32-bed hostel.
✚Closed 31/8/1952. The club closed as land was required by Portsmouth City Council to develop a
housing estate.
Handbook 1949 supplement-52.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: after the war the naval authorities released land at Stockheath Camp, the former military encampment
of brick and Nissen huts. The Housing Committee of Portsmouth City Council jumped at the chance to convert some of
the buildings into habitable dwellings as a temporary measure. Once the alterations were completed, the main part of
each unit consisted of three fairly large rooms, two as bedrooms and the third as a living room. In the living room there
was a donkey stove which could be fed with coal, wood or almost any combustible waste material and this provided the
heat for the whole hut. At the back of the stove was a chimney which went through the wall and when outside was high

427
enough to clear the roof. Alongside the living room was a kitchen, bathroom and toilet. In the kitchen was the
electricity meter which took penny coins. The floor was concrete and the occupants used all sorts of materials to cover
it so as to make the rooms more homely. The residents of these huts were the first real residents of Leigh Park and they
gradually moved out as proper housing was completed on the estate [Website below]. Part of this original site became a
holiday club camp, then the youth hostel. The hostel occupied a site now enclosed by Swanmore Road, Well Meadow,
Winterslow Drive and Middle Park Way.
Riders Lane ran all the way up here at the time but now finishes a long way short. Modern housing completely covers
the site, namely Fleet End Close and Warsash Close [KF, 2011].
Web resource: www.leighpark.stauntoninfo.co.uk/26404.html

STOCKLEY 1938 to 1940 or 1941.
Old School House, Stockley, Calne, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 001676*

▲Opened 1938, too late for the Handbook, though there were 88 bednights 1938SY; the old school
required much adaptation. The warden was Mrs Ruddle.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, when 600 bednights were registered. National notices of 8/10/1940
and 5/11/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. It was possibly open in 1941, but closed for good thereafter.

✚Closed 1940 [YHAF] or 1941.
Handbook 1938amendments-40.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: old village school, now a private residence called Greystones Bungalow; Mrs Ruddle’s house stood
adjacent, to the right of the hostel entrance [resident’s information].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stockley 751 ≈† RG39.tif
STOCKSFIELD Hostel planned 1942. Did not open.
Stocksfield, Northumberland. GR: NZ 0561 approx.
▼The Northumberland & Tyneside Group had earmarked several Ministry of Agriculture hostels for YHA hostels after
the war [NOTar42]: Stocksfield was listed and a map was included.

STOKESLEY 1933 to 1936.
West End Stores, Stokesley, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 522084*

▲Opened by Summer 1933 [Rucksack Summer 1933]. The hostel was attached to a small shop at
the west end of the town.
✚Closed 1/10/1936 [WEAar36].
Handbook 1933-36.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: in 2002 the building was an off-licence.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stokesley 751 † RG32.doc; Y050001-Stokesley 752 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

STONE GAPPE (see Lothersdale)
STONELEIGH 1932 to 1937.
Old Vicarage Workshop, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 330727*

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being 8/4/1932. There were problems with the running of
the hostel. The warden’s residence was some way away, and it was difficult to keep clean. It had
improved over the winter [1932-33], but it would be impossible to renew the lease; alternative
accommodation would be needed before next Lady Day, on 25/3/1934 [WANar33]. Interim closure
followed 10/1933. Although it had been announced as closed permanently, it was found possible to
reopen at Easter 1934 [WANar34], for another 3 years. Many improvements were made: there was
a stove for winter use, and the roof was lined with Beaver Boarding; Mr CJ Thorne replaced Mrs F
Smith on 2/9/1935 [WANar35]. There was a plan to improve sanitation [WANar36].
✚Closed 31/12/1937, as the lease was about to expire; the Regional Council resolved to look for a
hostel nearer Coventry to form a link with NMI Group [WANar37].
Handbook 1932-37.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: the hostel was in centre of the village facing the green.

428
The Youth Hostel building still stands though it is much altered and extended to the right. After it ceased to be a hostel
it became the Post Office, and when that closed it was altered to become a private house, now 1 the Green (named the
Old Post Office). The reason for the address is this: at one time the premises were owned by Edward Langley Fardon
who was Lord Leigh’s blacksmith and heating engineer. He lived at 2 Church Place, otherwise known as part of the
Old Vicarage. The premises which became the hostel were close by, and were therefore his workshop area; indeed
there is still a frame in the garden for forming wheels [local resident S Woolf, KF].

STONY STRATFORD 1939 to 1946.
92 High Street, Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SP 785405*

▲Opened 4/1939 [OXFar39], the week before Easter 1939 [Regional Guide and LRN 2/1939]. Mrs
Elson was warden.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. In 1940 (eg) it was open 30/11/1940 [OXFar40]. It
was to close for the winter of 1942-43, because the warden was ill, but it was hoped to reopen here spring 1943
[OXFar42].

✚Closed 1946, because of illness [OXFar47]. There were 53 bednights in 1947SY, almost certainly
late 1946.
Handbook 1939-46.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: 92-94 High Street are Grade II-listed buildings (1953); the hostel consisted of several rooms in the
upper storey of an early to mid 18th-century posting establishment attached to a confectionary and catering business
[OXFar39]. The women’s dorm was in the café; the rest of the hostel was in the outhouses. The hotel is now called the
Vine, and may have been so historically.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/350181
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-45533-92-and-94-high-street-stony-stratfordYHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stony Stratford 751 ≈† RGxx.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
More like a pub with the hostel tacked on, noisy and horrid, and the slice of bacon which I had brought
from my ration in Birmingham had (not very surprisingly after nearly a week in my saddlebag)
developed a creepy crawly [Mary Jephcott, June 1946, recounted in 2015].
(v)

STOREY ARMS
Libanus, Brecon.

1939 to 1970 or 1971.

Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS

GR: SN 982203*

▲Opened Easter 1939; there was a target date of 6/4/1939 [RegHbk39]. YHA had hoped the hostel
would be ready by the end of summer 1937. Cardiff Corporation had delayed construction, but
meanwhile allowed continued use of Llwyn-On Hostel, which Storey Arms was to replace. It was
then hoped the building of Storey Arms would begin 3/1938 [SWAar37]), but this was postponed
further because of prohibitive costs [SWAar38]).
Wartime arrangements: bednight records for 1939-43 are missing, but the hostel almost certainly operated during these
years. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating then. It was open during 1944-45.

Temporarily closed during late 1953 while a new warden was appointed by Cardiff EC [Rksk NovDec53].
✚Closed 30/9/1971 [YHAF, YHr 10/1971] and replaced by Llwyn-y-Celyn Hostel. The final
bednights were published in 1970SY.
Handbook 1939-71.
Property tenure: leasehold from 25/3/1939; lessor City of Cardiff Corporation [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust 11/9/1940 as
part of Storey Arms Café).
Property profile: the hostel was purpose-built by Cardiff Corporation, and included in the early stages a public café.
When opened it was the highest youth hostel in England and Wales, at 1453 feet. By 1971 it was an adventure centre
run by Cardiff Education Department with a small number of beds. Until 2015 it was still run by the same authority,
with 46 beds, though its future was under review.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Heol Senni YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Storey Arms is to be destroyed when work begins on a new reservoir [press report 25 August 1953].
Only two of us at the hostel. Hostel too noisy [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
(S)

429
STORRINGTON Hostel planned 1935. Did not open.
Storrington, Sussex. GR: TQ 0814 approx.
▼Negotiations were proceeding [Rucksack March 1935].

STOUR VALLEY BUNKHOUSE 2007 to 2017.
Brantham Hall, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1PT.
Historic County: Suffolk

YHA Region: C

GR: TM 120340*

▲Opened 2007 as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse. An agreement with YHA was signed in
September 2007; the first guests stayed in October of that year. From about 2012 the bunkhouse
became available only to groups.
✚ Closed about September 2017, for the owner’s personal reasons.
Handbook 2009
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: the hostel is an extensively converted wooden outbuilding at the north-west corner of the central
complex of a historic 1,000-acre working farm.

STOUTHALL 1936 to 1937; 1994 to 1998.
Stouthall [or Stout Hall], Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AP.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA; W

GR: SS 474892*

▲Opened 4/4/1936. There were 295 bednights in 1936 and 189 in 1937.
✚Closed 1937, at the end of the year [SWAar37].
Reopened 23/7/1994 as a summer only self-catering hostel. The hostel featured small bedrooms.
Closed 1998 when the Merton Borough Council Education Centre closed, the end of the season
being 30/8/1998.
Handbook 1936 supplement-37; 1995-98.
Alternative name: Stout Hall (1937).
Property tenure:
Property profile: Georgian mansion, rebuilt 1787, set in 15 acres of parkland, mature woodland and meadow. The
property was requisitioned as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers during both World Wars and the house turned
into a Maternity Hospital in 1947. During the 1960s the Morgan family fought to rescue their house and protect what
remained of the original features. In 1974 the house was leased to the London Borough of Merton as a residential field
studies centre. Merton were forced to close the field studies centre in 2002 as the cost of maintaining the house made it
untenable.
Web resource: http://www.carregadventure.co.uk
(v)

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD 1935 to 2015.
Y Bryn, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 1AF.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: OXF; MD; C

GR: SP 191258*

▲Opened 1/7/1935. The owner Mr Horne had hoped to open late in 1934. The hostel was under
Oxford Region because of a dispute between Mr Horne and the Cheltenham branch of the
Gloucester and Somerset Region.
Wartime arrangements: at first the hostel was closed 1939. It was able to operate a little in 1940, but repeated
requisitioning wore out the warden’s patience, and he decided to sell to YHA. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was
issued to state that the hostel was closed, and it was requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Burford,
in September of that year. Although unavailable for the rest of the war, the property was purchased for the future in
1940 for £1850 [OXFar40]. YHA hoped to have the hostel derequisitioned as early as 1941, and in that year a large loft
was opened up to increase potential accommodation to 80 [OXFar41]. One room in the hostel was allowed to be
retained to store bedding, etc.

The hostel reopened after the war on 27/7/1946. There was a description of considerable delays:
claims for dilapidations after US military left were still not met. In June 1946 the local power
company reported that the wiring had been so misused and overloaded by the American troops who
occupied the premises that it was burnt out or rendered useless and the company would not
reconnect until a full rewiring had taken place [letter, June 1946]. It had been hoped to be ready to
open at Whit 1946, but the hostel finally reopened through the great efforts of the warden, with 30
beds. As an example of the state of the hostel after the ravages of wartime, a high wall fell into the
next garden, drains went wrong and the catering license was delayed [OXFar46,47]. After this
series of misfortunes, this hostel was again in full working order. New sanitary accommodation was

430
installed, with enlarged washing facilities and showers, bringing the hostel up to the most exacting
requirements [Rucksack, Autumn 1947].
In 1974 full central heating was being installed, washroom, showers and wash-up facilities
extended, new drying room, assistant’s room, fire precaution and office improvements provided,
while there were plans for a new members’ kitchen in the main building, the old one becoming a
recreation room [HN Spring 1974, aut1974].
There were extensive PDMP improvements in the 1990s. The house at the back of the garden was
up to that time the self-catering kitchen with a large dorm above, and staff accommodation was on
the right hand side of the house. With the improvements the isolated house became the manager’s
flat and the old staff accommodation was opened up as guest rooms, an expensive alteration in a
listed property.
✚Closed 30 September 2015 (last night’s use), with the handover date to the new owners expected
to be on 30th October.
Handbook 1935-40; 1946-2009.
Alternative name: as Stow on the Wold (1992-98).
Property tenure: at first it was an accommodation hostel, owned and equipped entirely by Mr Horne, with the region
receiving 1d in every shilling. In 1940 the property was purchased against peace-time needs [OXFar40], (to YHA Trust
13/2/1941). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: 16th-century townhouse on the main street, between two inns.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stow 751 † RG37.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stow-on-the-Wold YH
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 24, Stow-on-the-Wold, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1954.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Stow YH is right in the centre of the town, an old stone house with thick walls and wide doors, newly
done up in cream and green [Mabel Pratt, August 1947].
On the previous night two girls had to sleep in the washroom but on this evening the girls were far
outnumbered [Pat Packham, A Holiday in the Cotswolds by Bicycle, 16 April 1955].
(s)

[Stratford-upon-Avon] SHOTTERY [Hathaway Farm] 1931 to 1932.
Hathaway Farm, Shottery, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 182548

▲Opened 1931.
✚Closed 1932.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32.
Alternative name: Hathaway Farm (1931(1st edn-4th edn)).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the property was built in 1582. A postcard describes Hathaway Farm as next to Anne Hathaway’s
Cottage.
It was known as Burmans Farm both before and after the youth hostel [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Tea, lunch and supper in the Old Barn; official Hikers’ Hostel; 17 Guest Rooms; hikers in converted farm
buildings, warden F Hadley, store in grounds [pamphlet and 1932 press article].
(v)

STRATFORD-ON-AVON (SHOTTERY) 1933 to 1947.
Shottery Lodge, Shottery, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 184546*

▲Opened 1/4/1933, replacing Shottery (Hathaway Farm). A loft over the outhouse was
remodelled to provide extra peak dorm for men [WANar35]. Neighbours were willing to offer
accommodation at approximately YHA prices, to avoid serious overcrowding at peak periods
[WANar38]. A party of Czech refugees came 13/4/1939 [WANar39].
Wartime arrangements: The hostel was closed at the outbreak of war, and used by Moseley Road School for Deaf
Children [WANar40,41]. It was reopened 17/4/1943, after which it recorded very large bednight figures for the rest of
hostilities.

✚Closed 25/3/1947, when the lease expired. The property was to be turned into flats [WANar46].

431
Handbook 1933-39; 1943-46.
Alternative name: Stratford-on-Avon (1933-39).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 11/1/1937). The lessors were the Trustees of Shakespeare’s Birthplace
[YHAPB].
Property profile: large house and outbuildings. It survives into the 21st century.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stratford B 751 ≈† RGxx.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Lodge is a charming place. The warden and his wife were very obliging. Here we prepared our own
meals - in the evening, poached eggs, in the morning, cornflakes, milk and eggs. Several other people
were staying at the hostel, including two boys who were cycling, two girl hikers (probably from a
training college) and a Maltese student from Exeter University who came in very late. It appeared that he
was travelling round the country by train. He had just visited the Meccano factory at Liverpool and the
night before had seen George Formby at the theatre there [Brian Baldwin, Easter holiday log 1939].
[Once, in wartime] – the month was June – a friend and I had booked to stay at Stratford-on-Avon to
commence a whole week’s walking tour. When we arrived at the hostel run by the YHA in a very large
house it was to find that a residendial school of deaf and dumb children had been suddenly evacuated
there and we were to stay in a tiny lodge at the gates, one up one down, and we would have to cater for
ourselves. The latter didn’t worry us much as we always carried our rations. The only problem was there
was also a young man to stay there as well. We solved that by sharing our food, deciding the young man
should climb the ladder to sleep in the loft whilst Vera and I shared the living-kitchen and we all had a
wonderful evening at the theatre seeing the Taming of the Shrew [Constance Dixon, unknown source,
recalled 1987].
As there was no cycle shed I put my bicycle under bushes near the ladies’ dormitory. Once again there
were three-tier bunks. I had to clean the dormitory which appeared not to have been cleaned for some
time [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and Lakes, July 1966A very convenient cycling
distance from Birmingham, on a Friday evening after work or school. We may have liked it because we
went so often [Mary Jephcott, July 1944, recounted in 2015].
(v)

STRATFORD-ON-AVON [Guild Street] 1940 only.
2 (or 13) Guild Street, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire
YHA Region: WAN
GR: SP 201551*
A national notice dated 20/6/1940 described the hostel as at 2 Guild Street and the address is confirmed by a hostel card
stamp. However, London Region News, May 1940, gave the address as 13 Guild Street.

▲Opened 23/4/1940; it accommodated 40.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was offered rent free by the Vice-President of the Group as an emergency measure. It
was operating on 20/6/1940, but the position was uncertain, according to a national notice.

✚Closed 1940. The premises were requisitioned after just two months’ use [WANar40].
Handbook 1940.
Property tenure:
Property profile: red-brick three-storey house (no.2) opposite where the fire station stood. No.13 is a mid-terrace
Georgian building on the same side of the street.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile
(v)

STRATFORD-ON-AVON [Shottery Stables] 1940 to 1942 and possibly post-war.
The Stables, Shottery Lodge, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 184546*

▲Opened 1940, in stables [1941 Handbook] while the house was requisitioned.
Wartime arrangements: stables and outhouses at Shottery were fitted up as a primitive hostel for 20, it was hoped too
primitive for any requisitioning authority, but the common room was occupied by the Auxiliary Fire Service almost
immediately [national notice 29/8/1940; WANar40]. There were 161 bednights in 1940. A national notice of 8/10/1940
advised that the hostel was still operating. A further 2031 stayed in 1941SY [WANar41]. Accommodation was
provided at the neighbouring Stratford Senior School (qv) at Easter week 1942. Therafter improving the stables as a
hostel was considered, but deemed impossible, so from 8/1942 the stables were used as a camp house, and
accommodation was in tents. This arrangement was enormously popular [WANar42, YHAar42].

✚Closed 1942. The Lodge proper was reinstated in 1943, though the stables were also pressed into
use post-war, according to a correspondent (SN).
Handbook 1941-42
Property tenure:

432
Property profile: stables of Shottery Lodge.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y600016 Baldwin.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We stayed in the Stables at Shottery Lodge. This is the only hostel I have ever been in where you could
cook and eat in bed. The history of this is that Shottery Lodge closed on requisition. Warwick and
Northants Region opened a temporary in Guild Street where we enjoyed a number of weekends. This
then closed and the only foothold in Stratford became Shottery Lodge Stables, and in to which were put
beds and bedding and nothing else. Tap and loo in yard. Cooked on your own Primus at bedside [G
Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
(v)

STRATFORD-ON-AVON [Senior School] [Temporary] 1942 only.
Senior School, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Historic County: Warwickshire
YHA Region: WAN
Positional note: the location of the Senior School has not been determined.

GR: SP 2055 approx.

▲✚Opened and closed 1942. Temporary accommodation was made available during Easter week
1942 [WANar42].
Wartime arrangements: emergency peak accommodation while the main Shottery Hostel was unavailable.
Property tenure:
Property profile:
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON [Alveston] 1947 to present.
Hemmingford House, Alveston, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7RG.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN; MD; C

GR: SP 230562*

▲Opened hurriedly for Easter 1947 [WANar47]. The hostel was purchased for £15,000, the MofEd
contributing £9,000, the Region £2,000 and the balance a loan from National YHA.
The sale of Leamington Hostel helped pay for considerable improvements here in 1974, the whole
of the ground floor being replanned to provide better services for members and more convenient
working arrangements for wardens. Work was due for completion soon on the members’ kitchen
and dining room. An extension was being built to house a dining room on the ground floor, with
dormitories, washrooms and shower blocks on the first floor, and fire precautions were upgraded
throughout [MDar74, HN Autumn 1974].
Starting in Winter 1989 work began on a phased PDMP programme at Stratford on development
which will take several years to complete. Initially £204,000 was invested in structural work, basic
building repairs and services to provide a sound base for redevelopment.
At the end of 1990 warden’s accommodation was being built in the grounds, to release much
needed small rooms in the main building for use as dormitories and family rooms. The next phase,
when funds became available, would be to work systematically on improvements through the
hostel. Further staff accommodation was created by converting out-buildings. [Car90, 91].
The hostel was further considerably renovated in 2013 in a £1.2m scheme that provided a new café
and restaurant, a renovated bar and all 32 bedrooms refurbished, 16 with en suite facilities.
Handbook 1947 supplement-2009.
Alternative name: Stratford-on-Avon (1947-66).
Property tenure: freehold purchase for £15,000 (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 6/6/1947). Currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: large mansion, which had operated as the Merry Wives Hotel in the early 20th century. The grounds
were originally much more extensive.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Stratford C 751 ≈† RG57.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Stratford YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
In contrast with Idlicote [opened at the same time, qv], Hemingford House, which is to be a 150-bed
hostel, had all modern conveniences, gas, electricity, and hot and cold water in all dormitories when we
bought it. But owing to various worries, including the resignation of the warden ten days before Easter,
no furniture was moved in until the Wednesday before Easter. All sorts of willing helpers literally hauled
the furniture into place, and over ninety people were accommodated and fed each night of the Easter
week-end. Voluntary helpers dealt with all correspondence which had been held until it was sure that the

433
hostel could be opened, and we should like to apologise to all who suffered inconvenience or
disappointment because of the delay.
Our new wardens took over their duties on June 2nd [Rucksack, Midsummer 1947].
Alveston hostel has been thoroughly spring-cleaned by the Coventry Area, who have now taken over the
running of it [Rucksack, Spring 1948].
A great solid white house with neat gravel drive, mown lawns and pleasant trees and shrubs. Hemingford
House accommodates 150 persons within its large and lofty rooms. There was hot and cold laid on to
nearly all the dorms, and several commodious bathrooms as well, no extra charge for a bath, but you
were asked to be careful with the hot water. We enjoyed later an excellent dinner with cup of tea to
follow.
This hostel, by the way, like the rest, is innocent of curtains, and as all the windows are unusually large,
having a bath presents a problem. Have neatly solved same. I place everything to hand, take one last
look, and then switch off the light, and bath in the dark! [Mabel Pratt, August 1947].
(s)

STREATLEY-ON-THAMES 1936 to present.
Hill House, Reading Road, Streatley, Reading, Berkshire RG8 9JJ.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON/OXF; LN/SE; S

GR: SU 591806*

▲Opened 18/7/1936 (or 15/7/1936, LON newssheet). A number of Czech refugees were to be
temporarily housed here in 1939 [LRN 2/39]. Control of the hostel was moved from LON to OXF
region late in 1939 [LON mins].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was busy in 1940, though it was requisitioned during that year, and its fate was
undecided [OXFar40]. It was withdrawn by 14/10/1940 and did not operate in 1941, being required at the time by
Bradfield RDC. In 1942 the hostel was returned by the evacuation authorities and for the rest of the war it attracted
large numbers of hostellers; the warden was Mrs Nix, formerly of Weston Hostel [OXFar42].

In 1951 stables were converted into a members’ kitchen [YHAar51]. Field Study facilities were
provided [YHAar67].
A modest scheme to improve washrooms was carried out [SEar85].
NEC agreed £50,000 for Streatley Youth Hostel to match the Countryside Commission Grant
awarded for essential capital expenditure in the form of PDMP projects during 1992/93 [YHA
News Nov92].
Handbook 1936 supplement-40; 1942-2009.
Alternative names: Streatley (1936 supplement-62); Streatley on Thames (1994-2002).
Property tenure: after the first few years the hostel was gifted by Mrs FL Reiss (to YHA Trust 4/12/1941). Currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: a large Victorian house, offered by owner Captain LR and Mrs Reiss. The rear garden originally
extended right up onto the Downs.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Streatley 751 ≈† RG37.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marlborough YHs
Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 71, Streatley, Youth Hosteller November 1959.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mrs Nix took over Streatley Hostel [after Weston YH], where her high standards were famous,and once
the last hosteller had left in the morning she undertook all the cleaning duties the hostellers had half done
[Len Clark, recounted in 2008].
Streatley Hostel is the shiniest, cleanest and best furnished we have been in so far – no shabbiness and no
disorder. Our supper was cooked in the attractive and adequate members’ kitchen. A party of Austrians…
got locked out and effected an entrance by putting one of the girls through a window of the men’s dorm
[Mabel Pratt, September 1948].
Kibbutz-style meals will be served at a special Kibbutz Reunion Weekend to be held at Streatley-onThames hostel, Berkshire, March 2-4 1984. Warden Trevor Stevens, who himself has spent hot and
humid days on an Israeli kibbutz, is organising the weekend for members who remember similar days on
a kibbutz with affection [HN Winter 1983-84].
(s)

STREET 1931 to present.
The Chalet, Ivythorn Hill, Street, Somerset BA16 OTZ.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE; SW; S

GR: ST 480345*

434
▲Opened 19/3/1931, with wardens Mr & Mrs Cozens. In the 1930s, at least, the hostel was run by
a special Street Committee, with the Regional Committee [GSE] holding less influence than
normal. In 1933 the premises were enlarged and improved [YHAar33]. The provision of a separate
timber hut to the east (now the staff quarters, but originally the men’s dormitory) may date from
these alterations. Early in 1939 some Spanish refugees had used the hostel [GSEmins 3/5/1939].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel closed as a wartime measure in 1939, apparently soon relaxed as there were good
numbers staying in 1940SY. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice. It was
unavailable 1941-43, but reopened 1/4/1944 and operated 1945. Meanwhile, the Street Committee had been unable to
find an alternative hostel locally [GSEmins 21/7/1941].

Electricity was being installed over the winter of 1959-60. Warden Mrs Fowen announced her
retirement in 1959 after three years, but stayed until 1977.
At some stage post-war an extension on the west side for a dining room and kitchen was added.
After 40 years the hand-pump was replaced by an electric one [YHr 6/71].
PDMP work in the early 1990s led to total refurbishment, providing for the first time all the
accommodation for members inside the main building to a higher standard throughout. The
traditional atmosphere had been retained and the hostel made available for groups during the winter
through ‘Rentahostel’ [Sar91]. Later in the decade the large top floor dormitory was divided to give
two family dormitories [YHA News spring 1997]. The hostel had new heating and hot water
systems in the late 1990s to ensure that Rent-a-Hostel users were more cosy and there was plenty of
hot water for the showers [YHA News spring 1998].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-40; 1944 -2009.
Alternative name: Street (for Glastonbury) (1956-73).
Property tenure: in 1932 the hostel was described as provided and maintained by a local committee [GSNDar32];
leasehold was extended (eg) for 10 years from 1/8/1978 from the Mid-Somerset Society of Friends (to YHA Trust)
[YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: previously the private home, of idiosyncratic Swiss chalet appearance, of two philanthropic Quaker
sisters. A building date of 1914 is visible on some photographs. The house had served as a holiday and rest centre and a
convalescent home for tuberculosis sufferers. There were historical connections with the Clark’s shoe empire in the
town, itself a Quaker concern. In the early hostel days there was no mains water and the balconies were supported by
beams of an antiquated rustic appearance, later changed.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Street 751 ≈† RG37.tif; Y050001-Street 752 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
…the warden being our friend recently of Chepstow. He warned us that there were no self-cooking
facilities owing to lack of room, and that we would be too late for supper. It was not easy finding the
hostel tucked off the main road. Street Hostel is a chalet, brick built but wood lined, with balcony and
upper balcony, shallow Swiss gable. It was built by two Quaker sisters, and given to the Society of
Friends to hold upon trust for holiday and refreshment of deserving persons [Mabel Pratt, September
1948].
Chalet-type hostel. In the outhouse again. Went to a local farm for milk; the farmer took it straight from
the churn. Peeled spuds in the warden’s kitchen, also extra duty of 50 pumps for water. Good all round
hostel [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, August 1960].
(s)

STRETE / START BAY 1955 to 1989.
Parish Hall, Hynetown Road, Strete, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 ORW.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 839469*

▲Opened 7/1955 (for 7/ and 8/1955) [DACar55], a seasonal hostel in the village hall, near the
church. Photographs of the conversion operation show that two members of staff toiled to convert
the hall.
✚Closed 1/9/1989.
Handbook 1955 supplement-90.
Alternative names: Strete (near Dartmouth) (1956-64); Start Bay (Strete) (1965-67).
Property tenure: leased. The property was rented to YHA on an annual agreement, without formal contract.
Property profile: single-storey apex-roofed village hall, still used (ca2010) as village hall.
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 82, Strete, Youth Hosteller April 1961 (with special description of temporary
hostel arrangements).
Reports, recollections and observations:
A seasonal hostel open for the summer months only, the premises became available through the one time

435
baker’s assistant who made deliveries of bread to the one time Gara Mill hostel. The assistant was now
the owner of the bakery and chairman of the Parish Hall committee. This committee at the time was
seeking summer usage for the village hall. The chairman remembered that Gara Mill hostel, now closed,
had not been replaced by a hostel in the area, so he made a suggestion to his committee that an approach
be made to the YHA to find out if they would be interested in the use of the hall for the summer months.
Realising that the position was ideal, we drew up a sketch plan, showing the erection of light portable
partitions that could be erected within the hall, to form the dormitories and the common room, there
already being toilet and kitchen facilities available for us to use. The YHA Committee agreed to the plan,
a rental agreement was also reached with the Hall committee and within three months the hall was fitted
up with the portable partitions. Dartington Hall made a gift of a portable building that was erected at the
rear of the hall to serve as a members kitchen, and so the hostel opened for its first season in 1955. It
proved a very good link hostel with Salcombe and Maypool.
The seasonal warden with the longest service was Joan Williamson of Bridgewater. I used to travel over
to Bridgewater each year to collect Joan, with everything but the kitchen sink. Each year she used to
bring a dozen large paintings, the work of her husband, which were hung on show in the common room,
and quoted as The Strete Hostel Paintings Exhibition by visiting members.
Joan wardened there for eight years with pictures each year and certainly made good friends with
members of the Hall Committee, thereby establishing a good feeling towards the YHA in Strete Village
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Start Bay Hostel is situated in the village of Strete on the South Devon coast between Dartmouth and
Kingsbridge. The hostel has been operated on a temporary basis each summer, for 34 Years.
The building used by the Association is the Village Hall in Strete itself, and has been operated for a
period of eleven weeks each year. Built in the 1930s, the accommodation consists of one large room
partitioned for males and females (partitions circa 1955), a members kitchen – usually the kitchen of the
hall and one male and one female toilet. The warden (volunteer) is required to sleep behind a partition on
the stage.
The general usage of the hostel is drawn from cyclists and walkers who are very traditionally minded. It
would therefore be almost impossible to improve the performance of this operation.
Additional costs were incurred in 1988 because due to the lack of volunteers a paid warden had to be
used for part of the season. This situation may arise in 1989.
The beds and blankets are very elderly and along with all other items of equipment have to be dismantled
and stored in the roof space of the building during the winter. Generally the facilities offered are
primitive and far below the minimum standards required of the Association. Considerable time and effort
are required to establish and dismantle the facilities each year.
If the Association were to continue the annual operation it would have to consider replacing beds,
bedding and all equipment; replacement of all partitions and complete refurbishment of the building and
the creation of adequate and safe members kitchen facilities. All of this, with the requirement of
additional toilets in a building that we only rent in the summer, makes the exercise impractical [YHA
memo issued on 4/7/1989, as the hostel approached the end of its useful life].

STROUD [Downfield House] 1931 to 1932.
Downfield House, Cainscross, Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SO 836051*

▲Opened 1931, the start of the season being 20/6/1931. Men were in the loft and women in the
house; the warden was Miss Ritter [GSND Reg Guide 1931]. Meals were not provided.
✚Closed 1932 and replaced by Little Witcombe and Dursley.
Handbook 1931(4th edn)-32.
Property tenure: in 1932 the warden received [in full?] members’ payments
Property profile: Grade II-listed (1974) early 19th-century house on north side of Cainscross Road, surviving in 2011
[GD].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-131362-downfield-house-stroud-gloucestershire

STROUD [Field House] 1939 to 1939.
Field House, Bowbridge Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SO 859045*

▲Opened 1/4/1939. Officially opened 31/3/1939. It was described as one of most comfortable
hostels in the region.
✚Closed 1939; 0 bednights 1940SY [Rucksack April 1940].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was closed to members, probably for the duration of the war [GSEmins 17/11/1939].
For some time it featured in future peace-time plans, but these were not fulfilled.
Handbook 1939.

436
Property tenure:
Property profile: large valley-roofed mansion with prominent arched entrance. Field house was probably originally a
wealthy clothiers residence of some age, substantially altered by 1825. In 1971 it was the headquarters of the
Gloucestershire wing of the Air Training Corps.
Field House is at the centre of a modern homes development [GD], split into flats [KF].
Web resource: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/
SULGRAVE Hostel planned 1950. Did not open.
Sulgrave, Northamptonshire. GR: SP 5545 approx.
▼An ex-Land Army hostel was offered to Warwick and Northants Region to replace Astwell Hostel, but successfully
challenged in Parliament as it would frustrate the housing demand of the period.

SUN PATCH Intended pioneer hostel 1931 that may not have opened.
Box Hill Road, Box Hill, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey
YHA Region: LON
GR: TQ 193514≠
Positional note: the current Box Hill Road, somewhat fragmented, runs from TQ184502 to TQ210529. The exact
location of the intended hostel remains uncertain.≠

▲✚This hostel was not included among the 17 LON region hostels which registered bednight
figures between 5/1931 and 9/1931. It may have operated between 3/1931 and 4/1931, however.
Handbook 1931(1st edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: there is a possibility that the intended hostel was located at Sunhaven, TQ 193514, a 1920s tudor-style
bungalow with mansard roof and matching garage. The name is similar to that of the YH [KF].≠

SURREY CREST (see Godstone)
SURREY HILLS (see Albury)
SUTTON VENY [Woodcombe Cleave] 1939 to 1945.
Woodcombe Cleave, Sutton Veny, Warminster, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: ST 900412*

▲Opened 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is probable that the hostel operated each year of the war, though bednight figures for 1940,
1943 and 1944 are missing. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, and usage continued
[for instance] in 1942 and 1943 [WILar42,43]. In 1945 the hostel functioned until September.

✚Closed 20/9/1945, as there was a change in ownership. The warden, Mrs Johnson, moved to the
Lynchetts Hostel, which replaced Woodcombe Cleave.
Handbook 1939-45.
Property tenure:
Property profile: former Church Army hostel and boys’ reformatory, an E-shaped bungalow, with hut nicknamed
locally the chapel. The house, always styled Cleeve or Cleve locally, is now much changed [Jill Russell, local
historian].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Sutton Veny A 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sutton Veny YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
On the downs to the south of the village. Only two were in [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1939].

SUTTON VENY [The Lynchetts] 1946 to 1947.
The Lynchetts, Longbridge Deveril, Warminster, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire
YHA Region: WIL
Positional note: the precise building in this locality remains uncertain.≠

GR: ST 877417

▲Opened by Easter 1946 [Rucksack Easter 1946], though not open for a full season [WILar46],
and replacing Sutton Veny (Woodcombe Cleave) Hostel. It was mentioned in Rucksack 1947 (2nd
edn). Mrs Johnson was again the warden.
✚Closed 7/1947, suddenly, in its second year [WILar47].
Handbook 1946 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large house up lane midway between Sutton Veny and Longbridge Deveril [Jill Russell, local
historian].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Sutton Veny YHs Profile

437
SWALLOW Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Waterend Farm, Loweswater, Cumbria. GR: NY 116226
Handbook 1998-2006.A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn here as open in that year,
ownership unstated.
Property profile: in part of a traditional set of farm buildings dating back to 1670.

SWANAGE [Dan-y-Graig] 1939 to 1944.
Dan-y-Graig, St Vast’s Road, Swanage, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 030784*

▲Opened 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war except 1945. It had remained open for whole of period;
in the region only this hostel and Graffham had been available after the coastal ban of 6/1940 until the ban removal in
1941 [SOUar42, reporting on period 1939-42]. Neverthless, a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was open to
local members only. The roof took a direct hit from an enemy device, possibly an incendiary, during the war.

✚Closed 6/1944 [LRN], or early 9/1944, on expiry of lease [SOUar44].
Handbook 1939-44.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: detached house with curious steeple-roofed turret. It is almost adjacent to the subsequent hostel, and
the building of it predates Cluny by only a year or two. According to an OS map dated 1885, but possibly amended a
year or two later, these were the only two houses as yet built in this vicinity.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Swanage A 751 † RG39.tif; Y050001-Swanage A 752 ≈ RG42.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Swanage YHs Profile
(v)

SWANAGE [Cluny] 1949 to present.
Cluny, Cluny Crescent, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2BS.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU; SW; S

GR: SZ 030784*

▲Opened 15/7/1949 [SOUar49]. Officially opened 22/10/1949 by PJ Clarke OBE. It was opened
as a Field Study Hostel in 1967 [YHAar67]; six years later these facilities were considerably
expanded, at a cost of £75,000 grant aided by the MoEd, to provide two classrooms [YHAar73,
press notice]. The new classrooms were in a timber structure behind the hostel, on the old tennis
courts. The work necessitated periodic closures from 1970. During this period, the house was
extended rearwards on the ground floor, creating a new dining room, with a large balcony above, as
part of the fire precaution exit route. There was to be a formal reopening on 7/4/1973 [press notice].
Considerable further expansion took place in 1988-89, when the top floor was also extended
rearwards onto most of the balcony area. Staff accommodation was considerably remodelled at this
time, with plans for a combined manager’s / assistants’ house abandoned in favour of a smaller
manager’s dwelling, with assistants moving into part of the 1970s classroom building. A plan to
site the staff house to the right of the hostel was shelved in favour of to the left of it. Further
improvements to showers and toilets and remodelling of the top floor were drawn up in 2003, but
not all completed.
A major refurbishment was planned over the winter of 2017-18, with closure from October to 25th
March. Included are new en suite rooms, an accessible room and a new self-catering kitchen.
Handbook 1949 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: purchased freehold early 6/1949 (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 12/10/1949).
Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: Victorian house in Purbeck stone, dating back to 1888 or 1889, in spacious grounds; the oak panelling
is believed to have come from old London Law Courts [YHAF]. The building was used as a Red Cross hospice during
WWI and WWII and owned by a Harley Street physician before the YHA era [YHA notice]. A curious viewing
platform had been constructed above the roofline, and was extant for some years during the hostel era. In 1950, a
cottage in the grounds, also in Purbeck stone, was built with an unusual clock tower.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Swanage YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
(s)

SWANSEA BUNKHOUSE 2006 to 2016≠.

438
Dan-y-Coed House, Huntington Close, West Cross, Swansea, SA3 5AL.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SS 615898*

▲Opened 2006 as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse specifically for group business.
✚Closed about 2016.
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: large house. It is the administrative headquarters for the Gower Activity Centres.

SWINDALE HEAD / SWINDALE 1938 to 1946.
Truss Gap, Swindale, Shap, Penrith, Cumberland.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 514131*

▲Opened about 6/1938 [LAKar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

✚Closed 31/12/1946 [YHAF]. It was expected to close at the end of 2/1946 [Rucksack] as Mrs
Bland was looking for another farm, though the hostel’s highest-ever bednight total was registered
in 1946SY, suggesting a full season. Mrs Bland, the warden, applied to reopen the hostel in 1947,
and this was agreed [LAK mins 1947].
Handbook 1938-46.
Alternative name: Swindale Head (1938-43; Swindale in 1943 alterations).
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: old stone farm house, located at the mid-point of the valley, opposite the erstwhile church, not at
Swindale Head Farm.
(v)

SWINDON 1939 to 1940 or 1941.
1 Bridge Street, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Historic County: Wiltshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 148850*

▲Opened 1939. It had been hoped to develop a hostel and Regional Office in Swindon [WILar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, with 400 bednights, but a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued
to state that the hostel was closed. It would remain closed for the rest of summer [Rucksack Summer 1940]. The
warden was granted 20 weeks pay (£10) in 1940SY and the hostel earned £32 in 1941, though possibly from requisition
fees [WILar40,41]. It may have seen some use in 1941, however.

✚Closed 1940 or 1941.
Handbook 1939-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: this hostel was on the south-east corner of Bridge Street and Station Road, and had at one time the
appearance of a shop below and accommodation above. For a number of years after the war the address was used as an
office for the local Labour and Communist parties. It is now demolished, replaced by an office block, and the road
numbering altered.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Swindon 751 ≈† RG39.tif
(v)

SWIRRAL Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Greenside, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria. GR: NY 364174
Handbook 1998-2006. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn here as open in that
year, ownership unstated.
Property profile: in former mine building.

SYCHPWLL Camping barn 2013 to 2014.
▲Sychpwll, Llandrinio, Powys SY22 6SH. GR: SJ 310176
Website 2013. The barn had disappeared from the website by late 2014.
Property profile: 20 spaces in a strawbale barn at the Sychpwll Centre on the banks of the Vyrnwy. The centre is a
multi-provision establishment.

TADDINGTON Camping barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲The Woodlands, Main Road, Taddington, Buxton, Derbyshire. GR: SK 145710
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015 but that arrangement had ceased by 2017..
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.

439
TADWORTH Possibly opened and closed 1931.
Tadworth, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey
Positional note: the location remains uncertain.

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 2356 approx.

▲✚Early records of London Region advised that a hostel here was now being used [LONmins
5/1931]; this is the only known reference to the hostel, which was not listed in any of the four
issues of the 1931 Handbook.
TALIESIN 1935 to 1945.
Free Trade Hall, Tre-Taliesin, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Cardiganshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SN 657916*

▲Opened 30/3/1935 (Easter) [BMWar35].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. There was a threat of permanent closure at 30/9/1943
[Autumn 1943 Rucksack], but the hostel survived a little longer.
Handbook 1935-45.
Property tenure:

✚Closed 1945; BMW Council found it necessary to close the facility [BMWar45].
Property profile: within a stone-built slate-roofed terraced property, part of which was commercial.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Taliesin 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Taliesin YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Llanilar YH
Profile
(v)
TALLEY
Hostel planned 1964. Did not open.
▼Talley, Carmarthenshire. GR:
The 1964 South Wales Region annual report described negotiations for the establishment of a small hostel near Talley,
between Llandeilo and Lampeter. The following year, amidst reorganisation, negotiations had broken down.

TANGLAND CASTLE 1931 to 1932.
Tangland Castle, Goatsfield Road, Tatsfield Green, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 412572

▲Opened Summer 1931, between LON region meeting and minutes 29/6/1931 and 7/8/1931;
bednights were not yet available [LONar31, up to 9/1931]. Address details are pasted in copies of
1931 (4th edn) Handbook (supplement of unknown date).
✚Closed 1931 or 1932.
Handbook 1931 supplement-32.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Tangland Castle was known locally as the Folly. It was the place where Rutland Boughton composed
the Immortal Hour (1914), and the site of a TUC Congress in 7/1932.
Tangland Castle was demolished in the very early 1970s. On site are four homes, Storrington, Seaton, Coutlands and
Tanglewoods [KF, 2011].
It was a large flint walled house to which a folly was added in the form of a mock castle [GD].

TANNERS HATCH [and RANMORE] 1946 to present.
Off Ranmore Road, Polesden Lacey, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BE.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON; LN/SE; S

GR: TQ 140515*

▲Opened Easter 1946 (Good Friday was 19/4/1936); or 7/9/1946, replacing Leatherhead Hostel.
There had been a very long delay [LRN 8/1946], as the cottage was in deplorable condition when
taken on in Autumn 1943.
Wartime arrangements: the 1944 Handbook had innocently advised that the hostel might open then, but working parties
had to run for nearly three years, often battling with near-insuperable wartime and post-war supply and labour
regulations.

Prospect Lodge, also called Ranmore Lodge (the occasional erstwhile Ranmore hostel at TQ
134514*) was the warden’s accommodation. There were occasions in the early years when
hostellers would sleep there, and those who were not self catering would walk there for meals

440
[former warden Wilf Rendell]. It was advised in 1952 that the hostel would no longer provide
meals, except for bookings already received [Rksk May-Jun52].
The hostel was described still as having no electricity and using paraffin lamps in 1984; in 1985 the
provision of electric lighting was a major project under consideration, in line with a motion passed
at the Region’s AGM five years before because of the NEC decision to ban naked flame lights in
all hostels. As an interim measure re-chargeable lamps were provided. Of the various schemes
investigated to provide electric lighting, the best solution seems to be mains supply at a cost of the
order of £30,000. This was being considered together with the Fire Officers recommendations
[SEar85].
Tanners was being tastefully upgraded with new ceilings, insulation and central heating, to be ready
for Easter 1998. The members’ kitchen was being revamped in a sympathetic traditional style.
Other work included a new septic tank, a new water supply, a telephone on site, and a new
generator and power minder system [YHA News spring 1998].
In 2015 the National Trust agreed to extend the lease on Tanners Hatch hostel, though at the
expense of Hindhead hostel, which was returned to the Trust. Consequently, YHA invested
£180,000, partly funded by supporters’ donations, in renovations and considerable recasting of the
layout over the winter of 2016-17; the hostel reopened in April 2017 with a refurbished lounge and
self-catering kitchen. The two main bedrooms in the house now provide seven and six beds in
bunks, while a smaller bedroom has a double bed. Two large safari tents on wooden bases each
provide fully for four to six guests, while pitches allow for 14 campers.
Handbook 1944-2009.
Alternative name: 1944-48 as Ranmore and Tanners Hatch
Property tenure: currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: Tanners Hatch is a 16th-century [17th-century: website below] grade II listed timber-framed cottage
leased from the National Trust, on part of the Polesden Lacey Estate, while Ranmore Lodge was a Victorian cottage
offered additionally by the National Trust [Noel Vincent booklet].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-290089-tanners-hatch-wotton
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Leatherhead & Tanners
Hatch YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 87, Tanners Hatch, Youth Hosteller March 1962.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Joan & Wilf Rendell were among the first wardens at Tanners Hatch. Wilf met Joan through the YHA
during the war years. They were both involved in the extensive volunteer work-parties to set up Tanners
Hatch Hostel from a wreck of a cottage through the difficult later war years. They married in January
1947 and became the second wardens of Tanners. At that time the wardens’ residence was Prospect
Lodge, about half a mile away, and hostellers would make their way through the forest for meals (and
occasionally beds) at the Rendell’s outpost.
They moved on to warden at the old Batheaston Hostel, and when that closed in 1953 they became the
custodians of the new Bath Hostel.
Wilf and Joan retained great enthusiasm for their YHA years. Joan died a few years ago, and Wilf in
2009. Wilf said that at Tanners the bannister rail to the women’s dorm was made from local found wood,
also some benches etc. They would have been made by Tom Smith, a very loyal friend who was a master
carpenter [L Churchill, relative].
Work is proceeding on the latest stage of the Tanners Hatch saga, with the construction of a men’s
dormitory beyond the cycle shed, resulting in much needed dining and common room space [LRN,
10/48].
It always seemed to me that the austerity was readily embraced as part of the greater package of
discovery and not virtue handed down from above. There was the bonus of course that the privations
were valuable to embellish tales of adventure subsequently magnified in the telling.
The simple fact emerged that this ‘deal’ paid off handsomely in the early decades as YHA membership
grew rapidly, carried forward by an irrepressible enthusiasm amongst groups and individuals alike. At the
same time there emerged a sense of part ownership – what a later generation would call ‘stakeholders’ I
suppose – and a natural democracy in the regions. Keen members were in the driving seat. Weekend
expeditions by members found new buildings for hostels and patched up existing ones. Occasionally
these adventures developed almost a life of their own. Perhaps an outstanding case was at Tanners
Hatch, with its magnum opus of converting two derelict cottages belonging to the National Trust on the
North Downs. Here the weekend working parties lasted for years and there grew up a reluctance that they
should ever be allowed to finish [Len Clark – the Passing of a Dream].

441
Tanners is an absolutely glorious place. We used candles, washed in a little stone basin over the stairs,
and could, if we wanted to, sleep in 3-tier bunks [Catherine Hannam (15), holiday log, 1962].

(s), (v)
TARN FLATT Camping barn 1998≠ to 2006≠.
▲Tarn Flatts Farm, St Bees, Cumbria. GR: NX 947146
Handbook 1998-2006. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 expected the camping barn here to open in 1991,
ownership unstated.
Property profile: traditional sandstone barn.

TAVISTOCK 1951 to 1982.
Abbotsfield Hall, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8EZ.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC; SW

GR: SX 469736*

▲Opened (after delay) Whit 1951. The previous year the Handbook had advised in late news that it
was hoped to open here at Whit 1950, but gave no details.
✚Closed 31/12/1982 [Charles Allen Memoirs].
Handbook 1950-82.
Property tenure: leased from Tavistock Parish Council for 21 years from 1/1/1951 (to YHA Trust 1/12/1950) and
extended [YHAPB].
Property profile: former mid-1840s house built for Thomas Morris, tin-mine owner and uncle of William Morris, artist.
It became in 1940 the headquarters for various divisions of the British Army, and two years later of the American 29th
Division, the meeting place of General Eisenhower and Field Marshall Montogomery prior to D-Day. Later it housed
Italian and German prisoners of war [YHAF].
It is now the Abbotsfield Hall Nursing Home [KF, 2011].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 36, Tavistock, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1956.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The property was a manor house situated on the Tavistock to Gunnislake Road. Originally built by the
Copper Councils Company of Gunnislake some 120 years ago, and during the war used as the
headquarters of the American Forces stationed in the West Country, prior to the D Day landings in
Europe. Since opening as a youth hostel in May 1950 [1951] there have been a number of Americans and
their families visiting Abbotsfield, mainly to show the children where father was stationed during the
war. Another interesting feature within the house is the fine oak staircase and the panelling in the hall
entrance. These was originally built for the ‘Titanic’ state rooms, but owing to alterations during the
construction period of the Liner were never made use of and were eventually purchased by the Price
family (of Price’s Candle fame), and when large alterations were carried out at Abbotsfield the staircase
and panelling were installed.
The property is held on lease from the Tavistock Council, and is known locally as the Haunted House of
Tavistock, why I don’t know, as I have lived in a flat at Abbotsfield for some time and have never been
disturbed by a ghost. One episode that was noisy, and that I always felt was rather funny, was when a
wardens’ wife called up the stairs to me, shouting that the leader of a party that were staying the night
was fighting her husband.
‘Come quick,’ she yelled, and so I quickly went down to see what was going on, and sure enough, they
were locked together, in what appeared to be a wrestling match… I later found out that the barny had
started because the party leader had told a member of the party to sweep the hall, the warden having
already detailed the job to another member. The warden then took affront with the leader as to who was
in charge at the hostel. The high spot of the escapade was that the leader turned out to be a member of the
National Executive, a school teacher who was taking his party on their first Youth Hostel School Journey
Party.
A few days later I received a letter at the office requesting the regional council to dispense with the
services of the warden at Abbotsfield, on the grounds that he was a person quite unfit to be in charge of a
youth hostel. This of course put me into quite a quandary, because really the warden in question was of
the most considerate to all members, no matter where they came from. Fortunately, because of the fact
that I was partly involved made it necessary for me to reply in one of the most tactful letters that I had
ever written as a secretary, stating what a complete misunderstanding it had been between himself and
the warden in this instance, luckily no further was heard about the matter.
I had taken up residence at Abbotsfield because of the difficulty of getting across the Torpoint Ferry to
go into Cornwall, having at most times to join the car queue for an hour or more before I could set off on
my journey into Cornwall. This was of course before the Tamar Bridge had been built. Further more,
having a good store at Tavistock, it was possible for me to load up the van and journey forth to the
hostels just like a travelling salesman, with pots, pans and goods in general for the hostels, much to the
enjoyment of the wardens who would probe into the van to pick and choose and also to find out what was
in the van for other hostels to be visited.

442
I have been living at Abbotsfield for the past thirty years now, and have of course been quite attached to
the place, especially now that I can potter around the gardens and greenhouse that help to keep me
occupied in my retirement [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Too big for me but normal standards. Very large and impressive entrance hall [Harry Willey Cycle Tour,
postcard comment, August 1960].
(v)

TEALBY [North Wold Farm] 1933 only.
North Wold Farm, Tealby, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 153919*

▲Opened 1933. Interestingly, as a measure of the special circumstances here, there were no
bednight returns for any Tealby hostel in the Regional Annual Reports (though there were for
Farforth and other 1933/34 hostels in NMI area).
✚Closed 1933.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: rented or owned by the YHA-affiliated LRF group, as at the Caistor hostel.
Property profile: Lincolnshire Ramblers’ Federation hostel with 10 beds at a Wolds stone farm, used only for storage in
2001(v).
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Tealby A 751 † HB33.tif
(v)

TEALBY [Thorpe] 1934 only.
Watery Lane, Tealby Thorpe, Tealby, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire
YHA Region: NMI; PK; C
GR: TF 146900
Positional note: the Handbook states just east of Tealby village. This is wrong: it should be just west of Tealby village.
The Grid Reference is that for Thorpe House Farm.

▲Opened 1934. Lincolnshire Ramblers Federation replacement hostel with 15 beds. The only
known hostel photograph, leaving Tealby Thorpe, could be a match for today’s outbuildings.≠
✚Closed 1934.
Handbook 1934.
Property tenure: rented or owned by the YHA-affiliated group, as at the Caistor hostel.
Property profile: farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Tealby B 751 † HB34.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
A lady who died about 15 years ago aged about sixty (therefore born about 1930) told me that her father
(a man with a sharp Doncaster accent, he remembers,) had run a youth hostel at Thorpe House Farm.
Watery Lane was another name for Thorpe Lane (as it has two fords) [Mr John Sivill, local resident,
reporting in 2006].
From long-term residents Joyce Roach and Rita King: Rita thought she remembered hikers using North
Wold Farm; Joyce thought that the hostel was at Thorpe House Farm (not to be confused with Thorpe
Farm) [Hugh Nott, Tealby village Website, reporting in 2006].
(v)
TEALBY
Hostel planned 1935. Did not open.
▼Tealby, Lincolnshire. GR: TF 147909 (junction of road and track)
The 1935 Tealby Hostel prospect was advised in the 1935 Handbook; it was hoped to open here by Whit 1935. New
premises were in the course of construction on the Tealby-Walesby road below Castle Farm (GR: TF 147914), northwest of Tealby village. There is no sign of any construction at this spot, and local historian John Sivill does not
remember any.

TEBAY 1986 to 1998.
The Old School, Tebay, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3TP.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 618044*(v)

▲Opened 1/1986 [YHAF].
✚Closed in summer 1998, due to the illness of the joint owner Pat Weatherall [Nar1998].
Handbook 1986-98.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: formerly the Tebay Endowed School. Since YHA’s withdrawal, the premises have operated as the Old
School B&B and tearoom.

443
TELSCOMBE
Hostel planned 1949-52. Did not open.
Telscombe, Lewes, East Sussex. GR: TQ 4003 approx.
▼A site near Telscombe had been donated, and a model hostel was to be built [LRN 2/1950 and 2/1951]. A
competition was held for architectural students [LONar49] to design a simple building. These plans were abandoned
10/1952 due to the opening of Alfriston Hostel. Property at 51 Telscombe Cliff Way, Peacehaven, perhaps the same,
was disposed of by YHA Trust in 1986.
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Alfriston YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH
Profile
(v)

TELSCOMBE 1979 to 2015.
Bank Cottages, Telscombe, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3HZ.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SE; S

GR: TQ 405033*

▲Opened 5/1/1979 and officially opened 28/4/1979. The conversion was likely to cost £30,000
[WightWash, October 1976].
The hostel had new heating and hot water systems in the late 1990s to ensure that Rent-a-Hostel
users were more cosy and there was plenty of hot water for the showers [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed 9th November 2015 (last bookings) as the lease expired; YHA was due to hand the
property back on 16th November 2015.
Handbook 1979-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold.
Property profile: a row of three converted Grade II listed 18th-century cottages.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1092804
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Telscombe YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-South Downs YH
Profile
(s)

TEMPLECOMBE 1932 to 1934.
The Granary, Templecombe Hotel (Templecombe House Hostel in 1934), Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset
YHA Region: LON/SOU
Note: the village is sometimes styles Temple Combe.

GR: ST 707228 [GD]

▲Opened 1932. The hostel, 100 yards from Templecombe Station, was reported as in a dirty
condition [LONmins 9/1934].
✚Closed 1934.
Handbook 1932-34.
Property tenure:
Property profile: part of hotel building.
Templecombe House was an L-shaped building located on the east side of the Templecombe to Wincanton road, some
300m north of the railway bridge close to Templecombe Station. The hostel was in part of (or attached to) a hotel
building, which has since been demolished; there is a modern estate on the site [GD].

TEMPLE GUITING 1947 only.
Temple Guiting House, Temple Guiting, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SP 092280*

▲Opened 18/5/1947 [YHAar47]. There were 275 bednights only.
✚Closed 30/9/1947. The hostel had a very short life; the position was ideal, but wardens Mr and
Mrs Forge were too burdened with other work, and after a brief experiment with temporary
wardens it had to close [GSEar48].
Handbook 1947 supplement.
Property tenure:
Property profile: part of country mansion or its estate.

THARSTON 1932 to 1949.
The Poplars (Poplars Farm), Tharston, Long Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk.

444
Historic County: Norfolk
YHA Region: EAN
Positional note: Poplar Farm (sic) on modern maps is much nearer Long Stratton than Tharston.

GR: TM 188928*

▲Opened 1932, probably later in the year.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that
provision of accommodation was uncertain because of the restriction of movement, but one of 8/10/1940 advised that
the hostel was operating. Annual bednight totals were tiny, ranging from 28 to 158. After 1941 the region advised that,
though accommodation had been very restricted since start of the war, more might be available next year [EANar41].

✚Closed 3/1949 [YHAar49], on the death of the long-serving warden, Mrs Grainger or Rainger,
and replaced by Wacton.
Handbook 1932 (October)-49.
Property tenure:
Property profile: small whitewashed clay-lump farmhouse hostel with 6 beds. Mrs Grainger’s Farmhouse caption on
1937 photograph.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Tharston 751 ≈† RG35.tif
THARSTON Planned hostel 1949.
Tharston, Long Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk. GR: TM 188928
▼There was a good prospect of a new farmhouse hostel [Rucksack, Midsummer 1949]. This was probably Wacton.

THAXTED 1941 to 1942.
8 Newbiggin Street, Thaxted, Essex.
Historic County: Essex

YHA Region: CAM

GR: TL 609310*

▲Opened 21/6/1941, through the generosity of Rev David Bickerton, a local curate and YHA
enthusiast, who left Thaxted in 1942 [B Munro].
Wartime arrangements: there were 115 bednights in 1941 and 248 in 1942, though there were only 4 beds advertised.
The operation was a temporary arrangement only; the Council was seeking larger premises for a permanent youth
hostel [CAMar41].

✚Closed 1942.
Handbook 1941-42.
Property tenure:
Property profile: tiny town cottage.
A larger outbuilding stands behind [GD].

THETFORD BRIDGE 1955 to 1961; 1964 to 1970.
Thetford Bridge Station, Thetford, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN; EA

GR: TL 880829*

▲Opened Easter 1955 [EANar55]. The region had hoped to open here in summer 1954, but this
was postponed to 25/3/1955 because of tenancy difficulties with the British Transport Commission
[EANar54]. Closed 1961, when the first threat of adjacent road reconstruction was posted. The
lease was thus surrendered 30/11/1961 [YHAPB], but the hostel reopened 1/7/1964 [YHr] pending
a compulsory purchase for road improvement.
✚Closed 30/9/1970 [YHAF].
Handbook 1955-61; 1964 supplement-70.
Property tenure: tenancy with British Transport Commission (to YHA Trust 2/5/1955).
Property profile: country station on the Thetford to Bury St Edmunds line. This was reduced to freight-only during the
first spell and disused during the second.
The site lay to the SW edge of the 1970s roundabout connecting the A1088 and A1066 on a patch of land clearly
visible on aerial views. The station lay derelict for years until finally being demolished about 2001 [KF].
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-King's Lynn YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Quite exciting to be there – a goods train came through [Mary Jephcott, August 1959, recounted in 2015].
The members’ kitchen had previously been the station lamp room and water had to be pumped…
[The following morning] a small railway vehicle came past the hostel on the disused track and stopped
under the nearby bridge [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 27 July 1961].
The warden was a former employee of the railway at the station, and presented me with a Thetford
Bridge freight waybill as a memento [JM, June 1965].
(s)

445
THIRLMERE 1970 to 2001.
The Old School, Stanah Cross, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TH.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 318190*

▲Opened 1970 (9/3 was start of season).
In 1982 Manchester Corporation’s Dalehead Hall nearby was briefly considered by the Region as a
replacement.
At last, a shower was fitted [YHA News April 1995]. Electric panel heating was being installed at
and some insulation added over the common room area [YHA News end 1997].
✚Closed 30/9/2001.
Handbook 1970-2001.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 23/12/1969 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: formerly the Old Legburthwaite School. Plans existed to rebuild the hostel on the site, first by YHA,
and then with the subsequent owner as an independent facility, The old hostel was finally demolished in 2009 [Ray
Milner]. A new property, Lakeland Lodge, has been built on the site.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A stay there could be either heaven or hell…horribly overcrowded, and lacking any heat except in the
common room, and with very limited washroom facilities, the pleasure of a stay depended on several
factors, the most important being other guests and the weather.
In a nice warm summer’s day, maybe half full, it could be a wonderful place with great communal
atmosphere. When I was there it was board games, communal games after a communal meal and people
from all over the world getting together. Foreign backpackers often loved the ‘mountain hut’ type
atmosphere and personal touch.. but others were shocked at quite how rudimentary and, well, ‘hut like’ it
was. BUT totally full, on a cold rainy October, with grumpy guests who were only there because
Ambleside and Keswick were full it could be a bit grim. The dorms were cold, and sometimes damp and
the washroom corridor could run with condensation damp.
It demanded a lot of co-operation between guests for it to work. If it had been located up the far end of a
remote valley, it would have been as legendary as Black Sail, but situated on the main A591 road, all it
needed was a couple of non-hostellers expecting what they had the night before at a ‘superior’ or even
‘special’ grade hostel and difficulties arose easily. It was not uncommon that on the same night one set of
guests would say it was the best hostel they had stayed at, and the people next to them to demand money
back for being made to sleep in a ‘garden shed’]…
It had been opened and run as a self-catering hostel. Ca1984 rudimentary catering facilities were
provided to introduce at least partial catering service, rudimentary here meaning a gas cooker and
microwave in a corridor!
There was no shower till about 1987, when one was provided for 33 people.
It was popular in the couple of years post 1989 with the fall of the iron curtain, when large numbers of
Eastern Europeans with very little money appreciated the cheapest YH in the area.
It was a very basic hostel – even for the time. It had been planned to demolish and rebuild ever since it
was bought, but the money was never available. Foot and mouth year showed the money never would
be, and it was closed.
Due to its position of the western flanks of Helvelyn at the bottom of sticks pass, it was often mistaken
by walkers for Helvelyn Hostel [Ray Milner, 13 years warden in 1980s & 90s, recounted in 2014].
(v)

THIXENDALE 1971 to 1999.
The Village Hall, Thixendale, Malton, North Yorkshire. YO17 9TG.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YK; N

GR: SE 841611*

▲Opened 9/4/1971 [YHAF]. The April 1971 Youth Hosteller announced:
When Thixendale opens at Easter, the warden is expected to be Mr L Lyus, proprietor of the nearby
village store.

In 1975-76 the exterior was decorated by volunteers as a gesture of goodwill to the local people
[HN Winter 1975-76].
On 4th July 1989 the following Northern Region memo was circulated:
Request for designation of THIXENDALE as NO-SMOKING hostel
Thixendale is an 18-bed, simple, self-catering hostel situated in the Yorkshire Wolds. The building is
unusual in that it spends only half the year as a hostel – in the winter months it is the village hall. There is
a single public room used as common room and dining room which is divided from the two dormitories
by wooden partitions. These do not reach the full height of the hall and have to be erected and taken
down each season.
There is a problem with smoking in many hostels where there is no eating space in the members’ kitchen
and only one public room. At Thixendale the problem is compounded in that a member smoking in the

446
common / dining room does not only affect diners; smoke also drifts into the dormitories, and the
ventilation of the building is such that it tends to linger. The dual usage means that YHA cannot make
permanent modifications to the hall, and the lack of a horizontal ceiling makes full-height partitions
impracticable.
Northern England Regional Council requests that Thixendale be designated a no smoking hostel for two
reasons, the health of members and the fire risk with the amount of wood in the building.

✚Closed end of September 1999 following lack of progress over necessary improvements to
standards at the hostel (the building is not owned by YHA) [Nar1998-99].
Handbook 1971-99.
Property tenure: rented by YHA for summer use only.
Property profile: former village school, of attractive design in brick, with chimney and bell tower of exaggerated height
and steeply-pitched roof. The hostel toilets were in a traditional schoolyard block.
A ballot was held in 1999 for local residents concerning YHA’s continued use of the hostel, and was overwhelmingly
lost [YHA internal memo].
Reports, recollections and observations:
During winter the hostel reverted to Village Hall use [Ken Vitty].
(v)

THORNDON CROSS 1935 to 1940 (and perhaps up to 1946).
Thorndon Cross, Okehampton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 532939*

▲Opened by Whit 1935 [Rucksack Whitsun 1935]. There were 8 beds. It was hoped to reconstruct
the hostel by spring 1938 [DACar37].
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel was closed, but circulars of
8/10/1940 and 5/11/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. Improvements were made as late as 1943, though the
hostel was probably not available for general usage after the closure date given below [DACar43].

✚Closed 1940, or see below, and perhaps unofficially, spasmodically up to 1946.
Handbook 1935-40.
Property tenure: initially leased at nominal rent by YHA from Mr Reddie Mallett. The property was gifted to YHA in
1936 by Mr Mallett, regional vice-president [DACar35,36, Rksk spr37] (to YHA Trust 23/12/1937).
Property profile: wooden bungalow opposite Railway Cottages, where the warden lived. There is still [2011] a
bungalow adjacent to this site that may be connected with the original hostel. There are also wooden sheds to the rear
of it that similarly may be part of the YHA story.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Thorndon Cross 751 ≈† RG3x.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
(At Port Quin YH) I had a talk with a man who had been working at Thorndon Cross hostel. He said it
had been so crowded that people had been sleeping on the tables [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1938].
Another gift property, from a member of the Exeter area, a Mr Redcliffe [Reddie Mallett?] who was well
known in the area as a writer on wild life and the countryside. The building was situated alongside
Maddeford Halt on the Exeter to Bude railway line, and therefore did not present any problems for the
Exeter members to visit, and at some weekends warden the hostel, it had always proved rather difficult to
obtain a local person to do so on a seasonal basis. The keys of the hostel were held in the keeping of a
railway worker who lived nearby.
The hostel presented many problems, in the first place, it was a wooden building lit with oil lamps and
candles, quite a risk with no resident warden. Water supply was only available from the hand pump
situated in front of the hostel, and shared by the other bungalows nearby, who seemed to think that the
pump was village property and that the YHA members were intruding, whereas in actual fact the pump
was the property of the Association.
Great difficulty was also experienced in obtaining supplies of oil, bread, milk, etc. There were no meals
provided, so you had to be sure that to bring along your own food and everything you needed. The only
thing for sure that members could rely on was the welcome one received from the family of donkeys in
residence in the field adjoining the hostel, all of whom would let out a welcoming bellow on seeing any
member approaching the hostel. They would also continue to bray in the early hours of the morning,
which seemed to get the members moving in the mornings.
Eventually the hostel was taken over for evacuees, and after the war the YHA decided to make a sale of
the property, which presented no problem, there being an evacuee that had been in residence at the hostel
during the war, had taken up farm work in the area after the war and was only too willing to enter into the
purchase of the property. The hostel opened in 1935 and was used up until 1940 then spasmodically until
1946 when it was sold [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
(v)

THORNTON DALE 1934 to 1939.

447
Warrington House, Whitbygate, Thornton Dale, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 833830*

▲Opened 18/5/1934 [YSHar34]. There were 20 beds for YHA members at this catering and CTC
establishment.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was taken by the authorities for other purposes [YSHar39].
Handbook 1934 supplement-39. Alternative address: the Café (1934 supplement).
Property tenure:
Property profile: former coaching inn of about 1800. Warrington House is still a guesthouse and café [JM, 2010].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Thornton Dale 751 † RG36.doc
(v)

THURLBY 1980 or 1981 to present.
Capstone, 16 High Street, Thurlby, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0EE.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: TF 097168*

▲Opened 1980 or 1981.≠ It was officially opened 4/5/1981, though one newspaper reference
displayed in the hostel refers to opening 1980. If so, this would have been after 30/9/1980.
The hostel was to close at the end of the 2002 season [Free Press article, 19/3/2002]. A strong local
campaign against closure was held for more than a year from 3/2002. An objection to the closure
was registered by interested bodies, who claimed that it was against the benefactor’s wishes.
Closure in 2003 (in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic) was averted when Lincolnshire
CC and South Kesteven District Council stepped in. Thurlby hostel reopened on 3/3/2006, having
been extensively modernised. The plan was to run the hostel together with Woody’s Top as
voluntarily-staffed satellites of Lincoln, but with that hostel’s demise, it became (7/2006) fully
managed, with Woody’s as a very distant satellite. In 2010 Thurlby became volunteer-wardened.
About 2015-17 the hostel was apparently only available for private hire, but it did become available
for standard usage for a short period in July 2018.
Handbook 1981-2009.
Property tenure: freehold acquisition 5/7/1979 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. In 2004 Lincolnshire County Council
purchased the property, [letter 21/4/2005], leasing it back to YHA for a peppercorn rent. Currently [2012] leasehold.
The garden is currently a separate leasehold [2009].
Property profile: 15th-century forge, bequeathed to YHA by Harry Garwood Sneath in 1979. The bequest originally
covered 1½ acres. Part of this was sold off for housing in 1990.
(s)

THURSLEY 1931 to 1935 or 1936.
Ridgeway Farm (Barnard’s Nurseries), Hyde Lane, Thursley, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 891385*

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 244 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31]. The
wardens were Mr & Mrs Barnard.
✚Closed 1935 [YHAF]; or by 4/1936 [Rucksack April 1936], as the establishment refused to allow
YHA cooking facilities [LONmins 18/3/1936].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-35.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel in a guest house where teas were served to the public.
Alternative name: Ridgeway Farm (1931(1st edn-3rd edn) and 1932).
Property profile: a typical Surrey farmhouse, though refronted in the 19th century; accommodation was in the
farmhouse, a cottage, caravans and a railway carriage [Regional Guide, 1935].
A grade II listed (1986) timber framed farmhouse dating back to at least the 16th century [website below].
Web resource: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-439313-ridgeway-farm-house-thursley
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Thursley 751 ≈† RG35.tif

TICKHILL 1940 to 1948 or 1949.
Cuckoo Hall (Blyth Gate House in 1941), Tickhill, Doncaster, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding
YHA Region: WES/NMI
GR: SK 580915*
Positional note: a 1941 sketch map wrongly placed the hostel at Bagley Farm, GR SK 591916 [Sheffield Bulletin
5/1941, corrected 9/1941].≠

448
▲Opened 1940. The wardens were Mr and Mrs Graham of Rossington Hostel. Calor gas was used
for cooking; after closure the cooking equipment was moved to other hostels in the region.
Outbuildings were used in part [resident].
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was in use. After opening, the hostel
operated each year of the war. After an initial season in WES region, it was taken over by NMI region, as it was too
remote to keep contact [NMIar41]. A complaint in 1944 was that many bookings had to be cancelled at short notice
because of temporary permits [Sheffield Bulletin 12/1944].

✚Closed 1948, or [YHAF] 2/1949. Closed by 2/1949 [YHAB].
Handbook 1941; 1943-49.
Alternative name: Cuckoo Hall, Tickhill (1943-46).
Property tenure:
Property profile: a Grade-II listed (1981) early 19th-century small brick farmhouse and outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Tickhill 751 ≈† RG46.doc
(v)

TIDESWELL SCHOOL [Temporary] 1941 to 1942.
Tideswell, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 153758*

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel in 1941 and 1942 with 614 and 434 bednights respectively.
Wartime arrangements: this was a North Midlands Region facility in response to overcrowding. In 1941 the hostel
operated for 3 weeks in August. The experiment continued for a second season, also in August; it was a peak period
hostel intended for non-member children groups, and also popular with members [NMIar42].
Property tenure:
Property profile: village school, now a private residence.
(v)

TILLINGBOURNE 1948 to 1952.
Tillingbourne House, Sheephouse Lane, Wotton, Abinger Common, Dorking, Surrey.
Historic County: Surrey

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 132470*

▲Opened mid-June 1948, though not fully equipped (LRN 7/48]. By 1952, however, it had fallen
short in several ways of what was expected of a hostel [LRN 8/1952].
✚Closed 30/9/1952. The estate (including Tillingbourne House) was sold in that year.
Handbook 1948 supplement-52.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large house with extensive outbuildings. The estate belonged to the Duke of Norfolk for many years,
but was taken over by the Evelyn family of Wotton Hall. The house was demolished in the 1960s.
Reports, recollections and observations:
At Tillingbourne hostel we have a riding stable, where members interested can learn stable management
and the care of horses and if desired receive riding lessons at reduced charges [LRN 11/48].
At least part of the hostel was in huts [Fred Blampied].
To Tillingbourne Manor, near Dorking. There members had to sleep in the stables. At 10.30 some had
not made their beds and found there were not enough. Consequently two slept on the bunk under me [Pat
Packham, 1952].

TILTUPS END 1945 to 1949.
The Gables, Tiltups End, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 845972*

▲Opened by 8/1945 [LRN 8/1945], though as there were just 22 bednights before 30/9/1945,
initial use was surely no earlier than August. These premises replaced Dursley Hostel.
The warden’s greater attention to non-YHA guests was the source of a complaint [GSEmins
31/8/1945] that more attention was paid to motorists than to hostellers.
✚Closed end 1949 due to the warden’s ill health [Rucksack 5/1950, YHAF], there were 0 bednights
in 1950SY: the replacement North Nibley was opened in 1950 [GSEar50].
Handbook 1946-50.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large house and outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Tiltups End 751 ≈† RG47.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:

449
The hostel is a small one (16 women, 16 men) with a lady warden in charge, who has a caterer’s licence
and who serves luncheons, teas and suppers to passing motorists and to anybody staying in the small
Black Horse nearby. The café was once a farmhouse, and is on the main Bath road. The family lives in
the farmhouse, and the hostellers are distributed among the many outbuildings. The men’s dorm was
once a barn, the women’s is a tin Nissen hut, the common room was a stable, and the self-cookers’
kitchen next to it could have been a loose box. Roger and I were the only hostellers, and we made
ourselves thoroughly comfortable. Light and heat were provided by Calor gas and the beds were
particularly good [Mabel Pratt, April 1948].
Lots of rooms – in and out for everything [Mary Jephcott, September 1946, recounted in 2015].
A corrugated iron barn to the left of the house had been used as a chicken shed and was converted by
volunteers into the men’s dorm [F Blampied, GSE region volunteer].

TINTAGEL 1947 to present.
Dunderhole Point, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 ODW.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SX 047881*

▲Opened Whit 1947. The hostel would be closed over Easter 1948, reopening 17/4/48, for a
National Working Party.
Rejuvenated in winter 1971-72, for about £7,000. The almost primitive building, belonging to the
National Trust, was prone to damp from sea spray. The Regional building team, the warden and
certain Plymouth committee members, with help from sub-contractors, brought the accommodation
up to standard. A new dormitory replaced the small, damp one which has been fitted out as
washroom, shower and drying room. The second dormitory was fully modernised with a fine oak
floor and new windows, and a new washroom was added. Outside toilets (on the cliff-edge) were
brought indoors. The common- and dining-room had a new floor and fireplace, whilst the
members’ kitchen portion was renewed. The warden’s kitchen was completely refitted with electric
cookers. Night storage heaters were provided in the dormitories and kitchen. The Region received
contributions from an anonymous donor, the Elmgrant Trust, the YHA’s own Small Hostels’ Fund,
the National Trust and from members who sent donations in memory of ‘Nunc’ Powell, a former
warden, all of which made this transformation possible [HN Summer 1972].
The hostel was totally refurbished inside and out with a grant of £32,000 from the European
Regional Development Fund over the winter of 1994-95, reopening at Easter 1995 [Car94-95] and
officially on 23 October. The work included a new local slate roof costing £90,000, new double
glazing, central heating and renewed washrooms and showers [YHA News end 1995].
Handbook 1947-2009.
Property tenure: tenancy dated 1/7/1946 from the Church Commissioners, later National Trust (to YHA Trust 7/2/1949
as land and buildings). Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former stone-built quarry buildings and wartime Radar station.
Published material: article, Tintagel Tonic, Youth Hosteller September 1958.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The buildings were originally the quarry offices of the infamous Cliff Face Quarries, that were worked
here on the face of the cliff overhanging the roaring sea below, into which many a quarry worker fell, to
be dashed to his death on the rocks. At a point just past the hostel buildings, on the cliffside, can still be
seen the quarry cuttermen’s shed, where the slate was brought from the quarry face to be cut into the
required sizes for building use. Following one more death the authorities made a forced closure of the
quarries, and at the outbreak of war and the scheme for flying aircraft from America to England for war
purposes, the quarry buildings were taken over by the Air Ministry.
This was to establish a Radar Control for incoming planes from the USA that were being supplied to this
country, before America’s entry into the war. The Air Ministry, to make habitation of the buildings
possible, brought in mains water supply, electricity and telephone lines, thus making it possible for the
inhabitants to have a fairly comfortable existence. Following the end of the war and the vacation of the
buildings by the Air Ministry, Mr and Mrs Billington from Otterham took over the original quarry office
buildings for the purpose of making a weekend retreat for themselves, this before taking on the
responsibility of Otterham hostel. It was there that I first heard of the Dunderhole building, as I had
mentioned to thems that the Association were looking for properties on the North Coast of Cornwall.
Later, on one of my visits to Otterham Mr Billington asked me if I thought that the YHA would be
interested in taking over the Dunderhole buildings from them. I went along with them to see the place,
and not having any idea as to where the buildings were situated, I was quite surprised to find them
perched so close to the cliff edge.

450
Wardens. Following Ernie Jones, came ‘Nunks’ Powell. I think it was his first wardenship appointment
for the YHA, but he set his stamp on this hostel as he did for all the other Youth Hostels that he
wardened for the association [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
A work party is being arranged for three weeks at Easter, 1948, at Tintagel hostel, the wartime Radar
station. There is much work to be done in clearing the land of wire defences and filling in workings
[Rucksack, autumn 1947].
Eight members of a youth club were using the tiny members’ kitchen which was part of the common /
dining room.
In the morning when I asked the warden for a duty he said: Your duty is to carry your card [Pat
Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(s)

TOR ROYAL (Princetown) Possibly open 1931 only.
Tor Royal Farm, Princetown, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: (DAC)

GR: SX 599731*

▲✚There is a single personal memory, uncorroborated, of an early YHA hostel here in 1931 [YHA
warden, details unrecorded]. The existence of this hostel is therefore uncertain.≠
Property profile: the farm was once the Royal Stud belonging to King Edward VIII.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1353794

TOTLAND BAY 1976 to present.
Hurst Hill, Totland Bay, Isle of totland PO39 0HD.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE; S

GR: SZ 324864*

▲Opened fully 1/1/1976 [HN 1/1976, Wightwash 2/1976]. Although not officially open yet, the
Region’s latest hostel at Hurst Hill, Totland Bay, on the Isle of Wight has been open for business
since January 1st [Wightwash 2/1976]. It had been hoped to open 9/1975 [HN,YHAF] and
Southern annual report for 1975 gives the opening by the end of 1975. The hostel was officially
opened until 27/5/1976 (by Earl Mountbatten, who had sold the property to YHA) [WightWash
February 1976:] The first bednights were in the 1976 statistical year. There were 66 beds at the
beginning. There was some swapping of beds between dormitories to comply with grading
requirements [Wightwash May1977]. Cycles were available for hire [Wightwash Oct1977].
The hostel was smartened up with extensive decoration externally and internally [YHA News
spring 1997].
The hostel was detailed for closure in 2010, but was purchased by the YHA manager who kept the
facility going seamlessly on an Enterprise basis.
Handbook 1975-2009.
Alternative names: Totland (Isle of Wight) (1975); Totland Bay (Isle of Wight) (1976-82); Totland Bay (West Wight)
(1991-99).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 28/3/1974 (to YHA Trust as the Hurst Hill Hotel) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] a
clawback arrangement.
Property profile: Victorian house, the Hurst Hill Hotel when purchased by YHA, when it was adapted and an extension
built.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A really first class members’ kitchen with large fridge,lots of grills, water boiler and plenty of all kinds of
equipment [Report, WightWash Jun1977].
The hostel opened fully to members in January and is newly equipped throughout. It was originally a
large private house. During its history it has been owned by an animal lover who gave indoor sanctuary
to all manner of creatures including goats, but no trace of them will be found in the dormitories today!
The building was used as a military billet for Canadian troops during the war and the Ethiopian emperor
Haile Selassie is reputed to have spent time there. Before the YHA took over the building it was used as a
hotel, but it required extensive renovations and a new section has been built on, to provide more spacious
acrommodation. A ghost is said to haunt the part occupied by the wardens. The members’ kitchen is
equipped with ample cooking points and even has an oven and a large fridge [HN Spring 1976]
(s)
TOTTERIDGE PARK Hostel planned 1939. Did not open.
Totteridge Park, Totteridge, Hertfordshire. GR: TQ 233941 (conjectural)
▼This was offered to YHA by the Treasury (Land Fund) in 1939.

451
TRAWDEN Camping barn 1999 to about 2017≠.
▲Middle Beardshaw Farm, Burnley Road, Trawden, Lancashire. GR: SD 903381
The barn was called Middle Beardshaw Head in the 1999 Handbook, but given an incorrect grid
reference.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2017≠.
Property profile: historic Lancashire longhouse.
TRAWSFYNYDD Hostel planned 1933-34. Did not open.
Dolwen, Trawsfynydd, Merioneth. GR: SH 7035 (uncertain position)
The premises were on the south side of village 200 yards from the road, across track and on the left facing the village.
▼A hostel was to open here by 19/5/1934 [Handbook 1934(1st edn only)]. The plans did not proceed; it was replaced
by Pont ar Eden Hostel.
Reports, recollections and observations:
We took Connie with us on the Sunday [14th January 1934] and went to Trawsfyndd to see the house
‘Dolwen’ we thought of taking as a hostel with accommodation for 26. We had to pick up the man with
the key from a fishing lodge two miles away. We already had 6 in the car, so when we had him in as well,
it was more than a squash, and he smelled terribly of fish! It was a very cold, dreary day, and whilst
George [R] and Bert [Greenall] measured up the house and took all particulars, we raced each other
round to try and keep warm. It had neither sanitation nor drainage, and although we practically took it,
we eventually turned it down and took a place at ‘Ganllwyd’ (Pont ar Eden) [Bertha Gough diary].

TREALAW (ADOPTED HOUSE) 1931 to 1946.
Mid-Rhondda Community House, Brithwenydd [Brithweunydd] Road, Trealaw, Rhondda,
Glamorgan.
Historic County: Glamorgan

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 003921*

▲Opened about Easter 1931: the hostel was already open [SWA circular spring 1931]), and thus
may have been one of the very first pioneer hostels.
Members of the Youth’s Hostel Association [sic] made Community house, Trealaw, their headquarters during the
recent holidays. They were so well pleased with the accommodation afforded that negotiations were entered into with a
view to it becoming a recognised hostel for hikers, and these negotiations have been crowned with success [The
Rhondda Leader 16/4/1932]. The article goes on to describe an ingeniously constructed building. Volunteers had put in
15 months of hard work, with 2,000 hours of overtime. There was a garden of ease, a lily pool, a gym and tennis courts.
Inside, book-binding, woodwork, weaving, carpentry and cookery classes were held, and there was a retreat room to act
as common room. A Chapel of Holy Grace, with stained-glass window, was the nucleus around which the whole house
was built.

A curiosity in the above is the mild suggestion that the hostel was not fully functional in 1931.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, however, and it is likely that it saw service each year. There
was certainly YHA business in 1944-45.

Though 0 bednights were registered in 1946, F Blampied stayed here four nights, 1-4/9/1946.
✚Closed late 1946. The warden would not continue to provide a youth hostel, however [SWAar46]
and it was closed permanently [SWAHr 3/47].
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-46.
Alternative names: Mid Rhondda Community House (1931(2nd edn-3rd edn)); Trealaw (1931(4th edn)-37).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the Community House, Rhondda’s Temple of Social Service, was opened on 26/9/1929. The idea was
conceived by the pastor of the Central Wesleyan Hall, Tonypandy, as a church without a pulpit, and represented the
monastic ideal without the segregation of a monastery [synopsis of anonymous press article, 10/8/1929]. It was an
educational settlement set up by the Quakers following the hardships of the General Strike in 1926, led by William and
Emma Noble. The Hostel was in Maes-yr-Hâf, a mid to large-size house [F Blampied] on a plot of ground north of
Brithweunydd Road. Two bungalows in front and various other buildings were associated with the centre. This centre
has now been demolished [extra information by courtesy Anthony Pritchard, Rhondda-Cynon-Taff Libraries, 2009].
Trealaw Hostel thus forms an interesting comparison with that at St Athan.
(v)
TREARDDUR BAY (ANGLESEY) Hostel planned 1979. Did not open.
Trearddur House, Lon St FfraidTrearddur Bay, Anglesey. GR: SH 255794
▼A hostel was opening in the spring / summer of 1979 [Handbook 1979] within a group of former school buildings.
YHA plans were abandoned after a surveyor concluded that the planned hostel had deteriorated too far [HN Spring
1979].

452
TREFDRAETH (See Newport)
TREFIN [Trevine] 1968 to 2006.
1 Ffordd-yr-Afon, Trefin, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5AU.
GR: SM 840324*
Historic County: Pembrokeshire
YHA Region: WS; W
Positional note: the sometime warden’s address of 11 Ffordd-yr-Afon was quoted in certain YHA literature

▲Opened 1/4/1968 [Handbook].
The hostel was officially reopened on 28/6/1993 by the Secretary of State for Wales after major
refurbishment during the previous winter, during which the original single-storey configuration was
converted to two-storey; the improvements had emanated from a partnership with the local
community and resulted in significant funding from the Welsh Office and the National Park
[War1993]. NEC agreed £20,000 to secure the Local Authority Grant for the PDMP project during
1992/93 [YHA News Nov92].
✚Closed 31/10/2006 [YHA departmental info]. After closure the YHA hostel was taken over by an
independent body and was operating as the Old School Hostel and B&B by 3/2007.
Handbook 1968-2005/06.
Alternative names: Trevine (1968-75 and 1988-93); Trevine (Trefin) (1976-87 and 1994-99).
Property tenure: tenancy. The leasehold was terminated and returned to the landlord 10/2006 [whyha.org.uk].
Property profile: former village school.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Trefin YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Newport Pembs
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A pleasant ‘chummy’ simple hostel. The wardens live across the street. There is a small but simple store
kept [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 30/5/1972 (extracts)].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 2,100 bednights.
Trevine is another old school in the centre of the village which the Region has converted cheaply into a
good Simple hostel.
There are two dormitories housing a dozen beds each and simple washing facilities (bowls on a bench)
for members. A footbath would be useful, but space in the dorms is at a premium. The shortage of hooks
noticed by the previous inspector has been remedied. There is some overcrowding in the dormitories. I
measured 23sq ft per bed in the women’s dorm and only 20sq ft in the men’s. Beds, mattresses and
blankets, especially in the women’s dorm, are mostly new and modern. A couple of safaris would be
useful for emergencies.
The Members’ Kitchen, Common Room and Dining Room are in the old school hall. Personally, I find
this layout with all facilities immediately apparent to the members an advantage. When the Members’
Kitchen and Common Room are separate, the flow of traffic to and from the cooking facilities is uneven
and liable to produce bottlenecks. When members can see that all the cooking rings are already engaged,
they remain seated until the kitchen space empties a little. Bryn Poeth Uchaf has a similar layout and
during our stay there at Easter, I noticed the advantage of it.
Hot water is laid on to taps in each dormitory and thankfully in the Members’ Kitchen. An ascot type
heater is used and this is locked away from members. A neat touch is the formica covered high bench
separating Members’ Kitchen from Common Room. This serves as a preparation bench for meals and on
the opposite side lined with high stools, as an eating table. Double sinks and double draining boards give
plenty of washing space. A hand towel is provided. The Common Room part of the hall has a few easy
chairs and sufficient other suitable furniture. Curtains need replacing. The fire is very ancient pattern
convector (the warden tells me thirty years old) and needs to be replaced. This is particularly so not only
because the room has a very high ceiling and must take a lot of warming up in early spring and autumn,
but because the warden uses this room and fire to air bedding during the Winter, there being no other
place to store bedding when the hostel is closed.
Outside are the WCs (two for each sex and a urinal for the men). None of the WCs have inside locks and
this should be seen to as soon as possible. There is also a drying room in the yard. The warden tells me
that there is an electric fan heater which is plugged in when needed to dry clothes.
There is no cycle shed, the old one being taken back by the chapel authorities who own the building. This
must be replaced. The warden does not keep a store. There is a grocer’s shop next door and this serves
the members [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 2/8/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

TREFRIW (see Crafnant)

453
TREGARON (see Blaencaron)
TREVELLAS 1950 to 1954.
Trevellas Camp, St Agnes, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SW 737517

▲Opened Whit 1950 [1950 Handbook late news]. There were no details; these appeared in the
supplement. The warden was Mr F Toole.
✚Closed by 10/1954 [YHAB 10/1954]. The hostel would have to close in 1954 on expiry of the
lease [DACar54]. There were 0 bednights 1955SY.
Handbook 1950-54.
Alternative names: Perranporth (1950); Trevellas (Perranporth) (1951).
Property tenure: short-term tenancy.
Property profile: military camp single-storey masonry hut(s) with tall brick tower. These are now demolished.
The site is now occupied by Talk of the West, the entertainment building at the heart of Perran View Holiday Park [St
Agnes Museum, KF].
Reports, recollections and observations:
These camp buildings were situated on the coast near Perranporth. It was quite a large camp, and we
were given the choice as to which of the buildings we would like to take over for hostel purposes. The
camp was very large with over a 100 buildings within the camp boundary; we decided to take the two
huts nearest to the entrance so that members would not lose themselves trying to find which of the
buildings was the YHA amongst so many others.
One of the huts comprised the warden’s quarters and the kitchen, along with the common-room. In the
other was the provision of the dormitories and the washrooms, which were already fitted with handbasins etc. A section of this hut was partitioned off to provide a members kitchen. The buildings were
connected with a covered passageway so making the set-up quite a compact hostel.
The problem now was to find a warden for the place. The camp on the whole was rather a bleak- looking
affair and not very attractive to anyone for full time residence. Nevertheless a Mrs Rogers did apply for
the appointment, saying that she was quite prepared to take on the job, without first seeing the premises.
It was agreed at the meeting that I would call on Mrs Rogers to collect her private belongings for
transport to Trevellas. She said that she only had a few ‘bits and pieces’ to take along.
The time came for me to fetch Mrs Rogers for the move to Trevellas, I then found out that her ‘bits and
pieces’ turned out to be more than I could manage in one load, her friends having given her many items
of which they were sure would be helpful to her in the ‘Boys Hostel’ which Mrs Rogers called the place.
She was though, a most helpful warden, nothing being too much trouble for her to do for the members. It
was real fun to visit the hostel at the end of the month to collect the returns, Mrs Rogers saying, ‘there’s
all the money that I have taken this month, you had better take it back to the office, I’m sure they will be
able to sort it out.’
The hostel operated for 5 seasons, only closing when the camp was sold for development as a holiday
chalet and caravan park. So it was once again that I set about looking for a replacement somewhere on
the North Cornish Coast [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

TREVINE (see Trefin)
TREYARNON BAY 1947 to present.
Tregonnan, Treyarnon, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8JR.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW; S

GR: SW 858741*

▲Opened Whit 1947.
Improved fire precautions were provided in 1985 [SWar85].
Treyarnon Bay Hostel reopened 18/6/2004 after significant refurbishment and enlargement, with
accommodation for 68 in 16 rooms, a public café or bistro and a training facility.
A further refurbishment was completed over the winter of 2016-17, finishing in April 2017. Guest
accommodation is for 68 in 16 bedrooms, four of which are en suite. The hostel’s location allows it
to serve YHA guests and local holidaymakers and residents with a newly revamped bar,
café/restaurant and public spaces; it even provides its own ice cream shack. Camping at Treyarnon
has been considerably developed since the mid-2010s; four standard and six premium luxurious
fully fitted bell-tents and several camping pitches catering for 12 complete the provision.
Handbook 1947 supplement-2009.
Alternative name: Treyarnon (1948-64).

454
Property tenure: the hostel was donated to YHA by the National Land Fund (H.M. Treasury). It passed to the State in
lieu of death duties, and was the first such example to benefit the Association, who gained the freehold (Ministry of
Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 17/9/1947). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: a twentieth-century building, the 1930s summer residence for the Willis family. The double garage
was converted to the men’s dormitory.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Chancellor’s Budget Speech – NATIONAL LAND FUND – First year’s working of the National Land
Fund.
This Fund, which amounts to £50 millions, securely and properly invested, a large part of which, as I told
the House last year, I regarded as a fixed sum for national parks and similar projects for the future…
… I am handing over to the Youth Hostels Association a modern seaside house with three acres of land
on the North Cornish cliff near Padstow. This house is exceptionally well situated for a hostel and for the
enjoyment of young people who have not much money to spend. Both England and Wales have made a
very good start in the first year of this new institution. Scotland, I hope, is going to give us something in
the second year. (Laughter) [The Scotsman 16/4/1947].
Under a government decree it was made possible for people having to pay Death Duties to do so by
turning over properties they owned to the Treasury at valuation in lieu of actual cash payments. The
Treasury Department were authorised to make over such properties to any voluntary organisations for use
by its members. These properties were given as a free gift from the Treasury and in this instance the
Treyarnon Bay property was the first building under this new act to be given to an organisation, the
YHA.
I was notified by the National Office to meet the treasury representative at Bodmin Station for the
purpose of visiting Tregonnan House. We were to agree a valuation of the property; he made a
suggestion of £10,000, to which I readily agreed, and so the hostel was assured for the association
[extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Once again the boys were in an outhouse apart from the main building. For the very first time had electric
rings, but only three, so very crowded. Only thing wrong was the kitchen [Harry Willey Cycle Tour,
postcard comment, August 1960].
The rain is forgotten. Now we are suffering from sunburn. The hostel at Treyarnon is like a hotel. It is all
whitewashed and spotless. Lots of people do surfing on the waves [Child’s postcard comment].
(s)

TRIGGABROWNE 1933 to 1939.
Triggabrowne Farm, Lanteglos, Fowey, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SX 151513*

▲Opened mid-summer 1933 [DACar33]. The warden in 1937 was Mrs Collins, and
accommodation M12W12.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: it is not known if the closure was enforced by the war.
Handbook 1933 supplement-39.
Alternative names: Triggabrown Lanteglos (1933 supplement); Triggabrown (1934-38).
Property tenure:
Property profile: farm.
This is now owned by the National Trust as Triggabrowne Farm [KF, 2013]
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Triggabrowne 751 ≈† RG36.tif; Y050001-Triggabrowne 752 ≈† RG37.tif

TROUTBECK (see Windermere)
TRULEIGH HILL 1974 to present.
Tottington Barn, Truleigh Hill, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 5FB.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SE; S

GR: TQ 220105*

▲Opened 1/1/1974 [SEar74]. There were many setbacks: a memo as early as November 1966
projected an estimated usage of 5,300 per annum, while Handbooks 1968-71 advised readers to
apply to the regional office for date of opening. The 1971 supplement boldly stated that it would
not open. Three years later it finally opened; there was an official ceremony 23/3/1974 by the Duke
of Norfolk.
A modest scheme to improve washrooms was carried out [SEar85].
In the late 1990s the hostel was renovated outside and in and the grounds tidied up [YHA News
spring 1997].

455
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005 and 2009.
In 2015, as part of YHA’s Springboard programme, along with general refurbishment, provision
was made to modernise the open lounge, dining and reception area on the upper storey of the house
to maximise comfort and the impact of the sea views, and the hostel’s garage was converted to a
cycle store. A state-of-the-art bicycle repair station was provided at the front of the hostel.
Handbook 1968-71; 1974-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold for 99 years from 1/1/1974 from West Sussex CC (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently
[2012] leasehold.
Property profile: sometimes described as a purpose-built hostel, but [SEar72] an adaptation of an existing 20th-century
modernist cuboid building, with an adjoining flint barn to the right replaced by a YHA-built two-storey dormitory.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Truleigh Hill YH Profile
(s)

TRURO 1951 to 1965 or 1966.
Moresk Road, Truro, Cornwall.
Historic County: Cornwall

YHA Region: DAC; SW

GR: SW 825451

▲Opened 30/6/1951. The first wardens were Mr & Mrs E Jones, and accommodation M25W25.
✚Closed 1965 or 1966 [YHr 2/1966] because of a compulsory purchase order.
Handbook 1951( supplement)-66.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: house with a walled garden, formerly used as a hospital and now demolished.
The site is now occupied in part by a car park and Truro Bowl, a ten pin bowling alley [KF, 2011].
Reports, recollections and observations:
These premises, once upon a time the Truro work house, were purchased by Mr and Mrs Jones, one time
wardens of the Lostwithiel hostel. It was a very substantial building, situated in the centre of town near
Truro cathedral, a building that had a charm of its own, with a palm court yard, approached by a narrow
private lane, which always gave me the feeling that I was entering a monastery. Mr and Mrs Jones put in
a tremendous amount of hard work in getting the premises and gardens into shape before opening the
hostel up to members. The building was already divided from its previous usage, that is for male and
female.
It was a very successful hostel and continued tor a number of years until the Truro City Authorities
became interested in the purchase of the whole area in which the building was situated, for the sole
development of new roads, shops and offices. They made the Jones an offer of the paltry sum of £2,500,
which really did not cover the monies spent by them in adapting the place for hostel purposes. So I was
asked to attend an inquiry, at Truro, regarding the compulsory purchase order that was being placed on
the premises, and did so, giving a report to the inquiry committee as to the likely cost of setting up a
replacement hostel in the Truro area. The decision I came to as to the likely cost was a figure of £10,000
or more, and so reconsideration was given to the purchase of the building by the City Authorities, and a
good figure was obtained, satisfactory to the Jones. Shortly after this the YHA moved out, having opened
in 1952 [sic] and finally vacating the building on the 31st October 1966.
The wardens moved on to the hostel at Treyarnon Bay, which happened to be without wardens at the
time. At the time of the enquiry, the ministry did state that they would give the Association the first offer
when they moved out of local office premises into the new County Headquarters that were under
construction at the time, but the offer never did come, and so a replacement hostel for Truro was never
undertaken [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
Normal hostel, but hard to find. Nothing really good and nothing really bad [Harry Willey Cycle Tour,
postcard comment, August 1960].
Of the twelve members staying at the hostel four were members of a singing group. They sang two negro
spirituals for us as one of the party was an African. The warden said that he had not known a year with so
few hostellers staying at Truro [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in Cornwall, July 1964].
(v)

TURKS HEAD FARM, HIGH HALDEN (see High Halden)
TUTSHILL (see Chepstow)
TUXFORD 1937 to 1938.
Eastfield House, Dunham Road, Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.
Historic County: Nottinghamshire

YHA Region: NMI

▲Opened 09/1937. There were 20 bednights recorded in 1937 and 77 in 1938.

GR: SK 748715*

456
✚Closed by Easter 1938, at short notice [Rucksack Easter 1938], or 6/1938 [NMIar38]. The notice
closed [1938 Handbook index] would suggest a demise early in that year.
Handbook 1937amendments-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a large red-brick house with lawn backing on to the LNER main line.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Tuxford YH Profile
(v)

TWICKENHAM (LONDON) (see [London] TWICKENHAM (LONDON))
TWYFORD 1933 to 1938.
Charvil Farm, Bath Road, Twyford, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 775761*

▲Opened Easter 1933.
✚Closed by autumn 1938, the end of the season being 31/10/1938, as the property was required for
building [Rucksack Autumn 1938], though this was delayed. The building plans may have been
abandoned due to the war [GD].
Handbook 1933-38.
Property tenure:
Property profile: 18th-century valley-roofed farmhouse, the first hostel in the Thames Valley [LONar33]. It is a listed
building standing on what is now Gingells Farm Road, within a 1970s housing estate [Clerk, Charvil Parish Council].
The outbuilding to the east of the property is thought to have been accommodation for women [W Crane, local
historian].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Twyford 751 ≈† RG35.tif

TYNCORNEL / TYNCORNEL BUNKHOUSE 1967 to 2014.
Tyncornel, Llanddewi-Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion SY25 6PH.
GR: SN 750534*
Historic County: Cardiganshire
YHA Region: WS; W
Spelled Ty’n-y-cornel on Ordnance Survey maps, Tycornel on a postcard, Ty’ncornel and Ty’n Cornel elsewhere.

▲Opened Easter 1967 [YHr], having been converted the year before [HN Winter 1975-76] to
include running water, flush toilets and gas lighting; there were 560 bednights in 1967SY.
In 1966 it was Nantllanerch –1967 saw the opening of another new hostel – Tyncornel. To quote The
Youth Hosteller – ‘a 17th century farmhouse, converted by volunteer week-end working parties led by D
Robinson and J Wager, Tyncornel is a simple hostel with a difference: its cheerful comfort will be a
constant attraction for further visits and gives all hostellers a welcome opportunity for exploring the
Elenith’ [WSar67].

A move by YHA to purchase the property was ‘almost complete’ in June 1973, with moneys from
the Small Hostels Fund [WSar73].
The hostel was refurbished in the mid 1980s [YHAar1987].
Typical of the regular work done by volunteers was an extensive week’s renovations in October
1997 by seven members, especially to make good the shed opposite the hostel. All jobs were done
to a professional standard for a minimal cost of less than £300 [YHA News spring 1998].
It was placed on the market 5/2006; sold 7/2006 to a supporter who, through the Elenydd Hostels
Trust, wished to continue as a YHA Enterprise bunkhouse [whyha.org.uk]. YHA departmental
information gives a closure date of 27/12/2006. The hostel would continue to trade as normal
[YHA eNews, 12/2006].
Late in 2014 a new affiliate arrangement came into force between the Elenydd Hostels Trust and
YHA, and the hostel gave up its YHA status. The affiliation itself ceased early in 2017.
Handbook 1967-2009.
Alternative name: Tyncornel (1967-2002).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 18/7/1973 [YHAPB]. A YHA Enterprise arrangement since 2006. Currently [2012]
a clawback arrangement.
Property profile: remote former 17th-century farmhouse, until recent years without electricity.
YHA Archive resource: article in Youth Hosteller, April 1967.
Warden detail (snapshot): Will Lewis was the warden and former owner of the property. He died as the result of a car
accident in 1987.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 750 bednights.

457
Tyncornel is very similar to Bryn Poeth Uchaf with built-in bunks and an air of remoteness and comfort.
With WCs, built-in bunks small enough to be snug and off the beaten track, it is a walkers’ ideal hostel.
Electricity is not laid on, but water and sewerage is.
Some care has been taken in the hostel’s design and layout. Downstairs on the right through the front
door is a large Member’s Kitchen containing eight gas points, three grills and a calor gas instant hot
water heater. This latter, I consider important – such a help in keeping dishes, pots and pans clean.
Opposite the Members’ Kitchen is the Common Room / Dining Room, sufficiently large to seat all
possible inhabitants there for meals and relaxation. Good decoration and curtains.
Behind these two rooms are the two washes and WCs. Bowls and cold water only, but instant hot water is
obtainable from the nearby Members’ Kitchen.
Upstairs are the three dormitories. With a resident warden occupying at present the switch 2 bedder,
accommodation is down to sixteen, but spare mattresses are available for unexpected overflows and no
walker or cyclist who makes this lonely spot should be refused admission especially on a bad night.
All the dormitories are in good condition and some consideration has been given to layout and
furnishing. Built-in bunks, cubby holes for rucksacks or cycle bags, hooks, an air of permanence and
deliberate design which the normal iron removable double bunk never has. There are good decorations,
strategically placed clothes hooks, wooden bed boards each with a spring mattress or the new foam
mattresses. Mostly new blankets. I checked Tyncornel’s facilities against the grading scheme and I
believe that, with very little additional expense, it could be converted to Standard [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report (extracts), 29/7/1973].
(s)

TY’N DWR HALL, LLANGOLLEN (see Llangollen)
TY’N-Y-CAEAU (see Brecon (Ty’n-y-Caeau))
TYN-Y-COED (see Llangollen (Tyn-y-Coed))
UFFCULME Hostel planned about 1948. Did not open.
Uffculme, Devon. GR: ST 0612 approx.
▼It was unfortunate that the proposed new hostel at Uffculme did not materialise, as it resulted in an appreciable setback to Work Party activities; labour was redirected to other tasks [DACar48]. This would have been a replacement
for Spiceland Hostel.

ULLSWATER (see Patterdale)
ULVERSTON 1950 to 1956.
Weint End House, Great Urswick, Ulverston, Lancashire.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: SD 269746*

▲Opened by 6/1950 [YHAB 6/1950]. The warden was Mrs Westwood, and accommodation
M6W4. The hostel was closed temporarily [YHAB 8/1955], but it reopened and registered 191
bednights some time between 1/10/1955 and 30/9/1956.
✚Closed 1956.
Handbook 1950 supplement-56.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: a village house, the easternmost of a terrace of three properties. It stands on the corner of Weint Lane,
to the north of Urswick Tarn. In YHA days it also offered refreshments, according to the only known photograph.
Weint is a north country word for an alley.
(v)

UNDERBANK Camping barn 1999≠ to 2015.
▲Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough, Macclesfield, Cheshire. GR: SJ 973677
The camping barn became a YHA affiliate in 2015, an arrangement that ceased in February 2017.
Handbook 1999-2009. Also open 2010-2015.

UNION MILLS (ISLE OF MAN) 1952 to 1961.
Ballavagher House, Union Mills, Douglas, Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Crown Dependency

YHA Region: WN

GR: SC 348783 [C Burton]

▲Opened Easter 1952 [YHAF]. The hostel was fully open by mid-1952 [Rksk May-Jun52].

458
✚Closed 1961, the end of season being 30/9/1961, and replaced by Laxey Hostel. The hostel was
described as cramped, on its closure [MERar62].
Handbook 1952-61.
Alternative name: Union Mills, I.O.M. (1952-58).
Property tenure: adopted hostel tenancy. The lease expired early in 1962.
Property profile: double-fronted house. In 2009 a private residence [C Burton].

UPPER BOOTH Camping barn 1999≠ to 2004≠.
▲Upper Booth, Edale, Derbyshire. GR: SK 103854
Handbook 1999-2004.
Alternative name: also referred to as Gee in 2002 camping barns leaflet.

UPPER CHAPEL (MERTHYR CYNOG) 1934 to 1945.
Pant Gwyn, Upper Chapel, Brecon.
Historic County: Brecknockshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SN 994391*

▲Opened 16/6/1934. The hostel was expected, according to the 1934 Handbook. The warden in
1939 was Mrs Morgan.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. It is likely that
the hostel saw service in those years, however: a national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, and
a 1943 membership card is stamped Upper Chapel. Thereafter the hostel was used in 1944, but as Mrs Davies had
moved to the Llanwrtyd Wells area, the new tenant could not offer catering [SWHr 1/1945]; the hostel would open
before Easter 1945 only with advanced booking [SWHr 3/1945]. Only 73 bednights were recorded in 1945SY.

✚Closed by midsummer 1945 [Rucksack Midsummer 1945, YHAF]. New tenants found it
impracticable to cope with the farm, a young family and the hostel.
Handbook 1934-45.
Property tenure:
Property profile: the house was built in the late 1800s, reputedly by a retired doctor, as a residence. It became a youth
hostel and a farm of some 80 acres [George Feiner, former resident].
(v)

UPPER MIDWAY 1933 only.
The Garden Tea Rooms, Burton Road, Upper Midway, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The
hostel was in Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 295214*

▲Opened about 5/1933; the total takings were 7s.9d over the hostel’s 5 month span.
✚Closed 1933.
Handbook 1933.
Property tenure: almost certainly an accommodation hostel.
Property profile: the Garden Tea Rooms was a short-lived venture at a bungalow extant in 2013 at 745 Burton Road,
opposite Bretby Park. A pictorial advertisement of unknown origin or date [illustrated in Burton upon Trent
Recollections, 2002] describes it as a catering establishment, open 10am to 9pm including Sundays. It does not mention
the YHA [KF].
(v)

USK 1931 or 1932 to 1940.
Helmaen, Llanbadoc, Usk, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: ST 375992*

▲Opened 1931 or 1932: the hostel was to open all year from 1/7/1932 [List of New Hostels
Opened in 1932: South Wales Hostel leaflet]. Intriguingly, the hostel had also been mentioned in a
Statement of Accounts for 1931 [SWAar1931].
✚Closed 1940.
Wartime arrangements: A national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel had been reopened, and it was
still in use on 14/10/1940. A national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until further notice; there was no
YHA use after then.
Handbook 1933-40.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: former guest house one mile from Usk; the later Stardust Variety Club venue is thought to have been
here.≠ In the 1990s it was a hotel, then a demolition site in 2002 [GD]; a large gated private development Hanley Cwrt
has been built here since.

459
VAN 1936 to 1956.
Greenfields Hall, Van, Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SN 948877*

▲Opened Easter 1936, replacing Llangurig Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed after Easter 1956, because it was difficult to find a warden [BMWar56], but shown as
closed indefinitely in YHA Bulletin, 6/56.
Handbook 1936-56.
Alternative name: Llanidloes (1936-37).
Property tenure:
Property profile: detached house, the former residence of lead-mine manager, and built for Captain William Williams
of Holywell in 1871.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Van 751 ≈† RG39.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Van YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Taliesin YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A former mine manager’s house on a lovely dramatic site on the approaches to Stay-a-Little above
Llanidloes. Before, during, and for a time after the war, it was run by the incomparable Mrs Jones the
Hostel. (16 of the 18 miners cottages in the hamlet were Jones occupied). She of the warm and motherly
greeting and the generous meals which she must, surely, have produced at a loss. Perhaps it is fortunate
not many partook. Mrs Jones spoke, but did not write English beyond that necessary to deal with ABVs
[Advanced Booking Vouchers].
I became Hostel Steward of this one around 1947 and had to make monthly visits mainly by cycle and
sometimes with rail assistance to or from Shrewsbury. It is some 80 miles from Birmingham and I
worked most Saturday mornings. There were occasional extraordinary journeys in deep snow by hitch,
bus and foot. I once had to leap off the weekly Stay-a-Little bus in to a snowdrift as it went round the
bend above the hostel – the driver would not stop at Van as he would never get going again.
When I took over I found the hostel badly run down and almost devoid of equipment other than beds and
bedding. Mrs Jones was getting too old to manage and living in pretty poor conditions even for those
days. I got hold of a load of gear from the closed Ludlow Hostel (Angel Hotel), bought oil lamps and a
new coal fired range, and took it all down there in a borrowed cattle truck.
Tried to refurbish the barn to provide additional peak period beds, a waste ultimately as had we but
known it the peak was over before it was finished. The only volunteer who ever came this far to help me
was Arthur Truby – he had to hitch hike.
A later notable effort was a cycling Working Party arranged by Bill Yates and friends of North
Birmingham Group. They created a partitioned passageway to the Members’ Kitchen which doubled as
her living room. They also refitted the Members’ Kitchen.
Following Mrs J’s retirement there were a number of changes of Warden. Local residents tended to be
put in without training and with no test of aptitude. Came and went. None stayed too long. None really
made a go of it. Then a period when Marion, (later Fowen of Street) worked as assistant to her father.
And soon after that I left the scene. In fact the hostel had entered that now familiar desperate fatal
downward spiral of insufficient usage – insufficient income – insufficient expenditure – cheese paring in
maintenance and so on – leading to further decrease in usage. Basically it was a good locale and a sound
building. Well placed for explorations of the Plynlimmon [Pumlumon] massif before the coming of the
reservoirs, afforestation and all that. On the main cycling route to the Cambrian Coast. Popular in its day
but by-passed as transport got easier and hostelling patterns changed [Geoff Smith, Caveat Nostalgia].
The Treasurer of the Birmingham and Mid-Wales region was of German extraction, always referring to
‘Wann’ and ‘Vilderhope’ [Sylvia Errington, reporting in 2013].
(v)
VENTNOR Planned hostel 1939. Probably did not open.
Ventnor, Isle of Wight (location unknown). GR: SZ 5677 approx.
▼It was announced that a new hostel might be opened in the southern part of the Isle of Wight during the summer of
1939 [Regional Guide 1939].

VERNHAM DEAN 1937 to 1940.
Masons (Masons House), Vernham Dean, Andover, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: WIL

GR: SU 340565*

460
▲Opened Easter 1937, the start of the season being 20/3/1937. The hostel was offered by the
former warden of Marlborough Hostel, who took the property and offered an arrangement to YHA
[WILar37].
Wartime arrangements: there were 400 bednights in 1940SY, but no income from the hostel thereafter [WILar41].

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1937-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: a former inn, the Masons Arms, opposite the village pond (which has since been replaced with a small
green). The building has a Victorian facade but the core is much older [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Vernham Dean 751 ≈† RG39.tif

VICTORIA (see [London] VICTORIA)
WACTON 1950 only.
Hill House, Haynton’s Lane, Wacton, Long Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TM 186917*

▲Opened 5/1950 [EANar50], or will be ready 7/1950 or earlier, but no date fixed [YHAB 6/1950],
replacing Tharston Hostel. There were 12 beds.
✚Closed 10/1950, on the resignation of the warden [EANar51].
Handbook 1950-51.
Property tenure: adopted hostel.
Property profile: isolated house.

WADESMILL 1931 to 1935.
The Mill House, Wadesmill, Ware, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 359174*

▲Opened 1931: there were (eg) 42 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31]. There were
beds for 10 men and 10 women.
✚Closed 1935, discontinued because there were no cooking facilities. 48 bednights were registered
in1936SY, suggesting a late 1935 closure.
Handbook 1931-35.
Alternative name: The Mill House (1931(1st edn-3rd edn)).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel
Property profile: red-brick double-fronted house, once a licensed house, adjacent to the mill. The Mill House is now a
private residence. The small unnumbered house to the right was also part of the property in the youth hostel era.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wadesmill 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wadesmill YH Profile

WAGGONERS WELLS 1932 to 1943.
Summerden, Waggoners Wells, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey. The hostel was in Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 856342*

▲Opened 1932, probably later in the year.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1939, at Christmas, and 1940, when it was reasonably busy
[LONar39,40, LON mins]. Records are missing for 1941-42 but it is likely that the hostel saw service then. Bednights
were recorded in 1943SY, during which the hostel closed.

✚Closed 1943. Closed by the time of the 1943 Handbook alterations and LONar43, though a hostel
stay on 11th June 1943 was advertised in the Watford Local Group’s itinerary. A 1946 YHA
membership card is stamped Waggoners Wells Independent.
Handbook 1932 (October)-43 (1943 as a deletion in the index).
Alternative name: Liphook (1932-33).
Property tenure:
Property profile: Waggoners Wells lay in a wooded valley at the foot of a chain of three lakes.
Waggoners Wells Tea Gardens, offered accommodation, meals, refreshments and camping. In 2009 the house of the
National Trust Warden [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Waggoners 751 ≈† RG35.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Marrick & Grinton
YHs Profile

WAINFLEET Hostel planned 1940 and 1946.

461
Magdalen College School, Wainfleet, Lincolnshire.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 498587*

▲✚The intention was to open both at Whit 1940 and in 1946 in part of, or adjacent to, a 15th (or
14th) century building (elsewhere, built ca1480). London Region News, March 1940, advised: New
hostel at Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, made possible by the generous loan of the property by Magdalen
College, Oxford, is expected to open by Whitsun. The May 1940 LRN gave address details, but the
hostel did not open in 1940 and probably did not open in 1946.≠
Wartime arrangements: the 1940 intention was frustrated by the war, and the hostel did not open. The Magdalen
College authorities agreed to postponement of the arrangement until after the war [YHA General Purpose mins
10/8/1940].

There was sufficient hope of success in 1946 to publish the following description:
On the south Lincolnshire coast, about four miles from Skegness, one finds the village of Wainfleet and
here is the 14th-century school built of Flemish red brick which we expect to open as a hostel soon. The
building itself is rectangular in shape with corner towers and high twisted chimneys and beside it are two
huts which help to make up the hostel [Peak Regional Guide, probably early 1946].

Later in the year there followed the ambiguous statement that [the losses of Wymeswold and
Lynwode and] the loss of the college school at Wainfleet [led to] a decrease in the number of
hostels available [LRN 8/1946]. There is no mention anywhere of bednight figures for this hostel,
though NMI were meticulous in including statistics from other temporary hostels such as the
Derbyshire schools [NMIar46]. One may conclude that it almost certainly did not open on the
second occasion either. This notion is backed up by separate long memories of two North Midlands
Region volunteers at that time.
Handbook 1940; 1946.
Property tenure:
Property profile: it is not clear whether YHA’s intention was to use the huts alone, or in conjunction with the venerable
school building, a massive red-brick structure built in ecclesiastical-collegiate style. The old school now houses the
village library and a museum [JM, 2002].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wainfleet 751 † RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
This property did not open [Jack Whiting, recounted in 2006].
(v)

WAINSTALLS 1934 to 1949.
Low Farm, Wainstalls, Halifax, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire W Riding

YHA Region: WES

GR: SE 023291*

▲Opened 12/1934 [WESar35]. The hostel was first proposed 9/1933 [WESmins 33], when
accommodation was planned for W8 only, as Mr Hesselden would not convert a lumber room for
men.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-40 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. A national
notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. There was good usage in 1941-45.

✚Closed 30/11/1949 [WESar50] and replaced by Haworth Hostel. For a time before and after the
YHA era (and perhaps during) it dispensed teas to walkers in the local beauty spots [resident,
2008].
Handbook 1935-49.
Alternative name: Luddenden Dean (1935-43).
Property tenure: the Regional Group received a proportion of the overnight fee [WESar35].
Property profile: stone-built moorland farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wainstalls 751 ≈† RG36.doc
(v)

WALLINGTON 1931 to 1955.
The Granary, Wallington Hall, Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NZ 027842*

▲Opened 5/1931 as a YHA hostel [see below]. A hostel had been opened in 1929, one of seven, by
Northumbrian Trampers Guild, forerunner of YHA’s Northumberland and Tyneside Region. In the
first YHA year it and a few other local hostels had the distinction of a hostess, Lady Trevelyan,
instead of a warden. Members were advised to approach the building from the back: where the road

462
from Cambo takes a sharp left-hand turn at cottages, enter past the cart-shed and go on to the hayshed at end of path. The hostel is behind the shed.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. Sir Charles Trevelyan put evacuees in West Hall so as
to allow the hostel to continue. As examples, it was reopened for week-ends, Christmas 1939 to the end of March 1940;
then was in full-time hostel use [NOTar40].

On July 11th 1945 Sir Charles Trevelyan proposed a newly built hostel at nearby Cambo (qv) to
replace the inadequate facilities at Wallington. In 1949, however, the hostel was further improved
by switching the common room and girls’ dorm [NOTar49].
✚Closed 1955. To close 31/12/1955 [NOTar55].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-55.
Alternative name: Cambo (1932).
Property tenure: the hostel was loaned free of rent, or at nominal rent, by the President of the Region, Sir Charles
Trevelyan.
Property profile: a stone-built granary at the north-west corner of Wallington Hall, the National Trust’s first property.
The granary still operates as a National Trust bunkhouse for groups. The open wooden barn adjacent features in an
early YHA film and may also have been used.
Web resource: (account of wartime evacuation) http://www.cultureshock.org.uk/stories/wallington-hall.html
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick
YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wallington 751 † RG32.doc; Y050001-Wallington 752 ≈† RG50.tif, Y711003
Reports, recollections and observations:
YOUTH HOSTELS – Scottish Movement’s Anniversary – PROGRESS IN TEN YEARS
Mr J Wilkie, of the Carnegie Trust, recalled how Sir Charles Trevelyan, in 1924, had converted an old
stable block into the first hostel in the country [1924 is 5 years earlier than most sources and seems
incorrect] [The Scotsman 17/2/1941].
Northumberland and Tyneside Region was founded in 1931. The Regional Group was formed out of the
pre-existing Northumbrian Trampers Guild, of which Edith Bulmer was a member. The Group’s first
Hostel was Wallington. The Northumbrian Trampers Guild at a General Meeting on 28th May 1931
resolved to seek affiliation to the YHA and by resolution constituted itself the Northumberland and
Tyneside Region of the YHA. Certainly Wallington was in operation as a hostel from the very
beginnings of the Region, and should I suppose be regarded as having been opened as a Youth Hostel on
28th May 1931 [J Philipson, writing in 1945 and 1946].
(v)
WALMERSLEY Hostel planned 1931. Probably did not open.
The Home, Birtle Edge, Walmersley, Bury, Lancashire. GR: SD 821134 (Birtle Edge House)
▼There is good documentation of hostels and bednights in the Manchester Region in 1931 and 1932. This location is
not included in these lists or statistics, and is only supported by the solitary Handbook entry [Handbook 1931(4th
edn)]. It seems most unlikely that it opened. It was a children’s home which had lain unoccupied for five years.

WALSINGHAM [Edgar House] 1937 to 1938.
Edgar House, Walsingham, Norfolk.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EAN

GR: TF 916381*

▲Opened 24/6/1937. The property was described as Edgar Farm House, Great Walsingham. The
1937 Handbook had advised, with no details, that it was hoped to open here: details followed in
amendments. This was the East Anglia Group’s first fully controlled hostel. There were 171
bednights in 1937 and 446 in 1938.
✚Closed by autumn 1938 [Rucksack Autumn 1938] and replaced by Great Walsingham
[Schoolhouse] Hostel. It had to close; a condition of the lease was that it would have to be given up
if required to be let [EANar38].
Handbook 1937-38
Alternative name: Edgar House, Walsingham (1937 amendments).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 21/6/1937). The hostel was leased free of rent, and with a grant; it was the
first King George V Memorial Hostel and was placed at YHA’s disposal by the Walsingham Estate Co. [EANar37].
Property profile: large red brick pantiled farmhouse, with extensive outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Walsingham A 751 ≈† RG.tif
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Walsingham & Wells
YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:

463
YOUTH HOSTEL OPENED IN NORFOLK – Named After Late King George V
The first Youth Hostel to be named after the late King George V was opened yesterday afternoon at
Edgar, near Walsingham, Norfolk, by Commander the Hon. Roger Coke, chairman of the Norfolk
County Playing Fields Association. The hostel, to be known as the King George V Memorial Youth
Hostel, formerly Edgar House Farm, will accommodate ramblers and cyclists, members of the Youth
Hostels Association, for 1s a night. Situated about two miles from Walsingham and the old Walsingham
Pilgrim Way, it has been equipped by means of a grant received from the King George V Jubilee Trust
by the East Anglia Regional Youth Hostels Group. It will accommodate twelve men and eight women,
and be open all the year round [The Scotsman 23/7/1937].

WALSINGHAM 1969 to 1983.
c/o The Roman Catholic Pilgrim Bureau, Friday Market, Little Walsingham, Norfolk NR22 6DB.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: EA

GR: TF 933368

▲Opened 1/7/1969. The hostel was run by the Catholic Pilgrim Bureau. It was located in a cul-desac on Almonry Lane off the High Street, and accommodated 30 members. In the final year (by
26th July 1983), and anticipating closure, the management moved the hostel to Aelred House, a
listed building nearby at GR TF 933367* [letter from manager to YHA].
✚Closed 1983, the end of the season being 13/11/1983; it was no longer offering accommodation at
YHA prices.
Handbook 1969 supplement-83.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: group of medieval buildings. Before the YHA era it had been the Scout HQ [EAagm69].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Walsingham & Wells
YHs Profile

WANDON 1943 to 1970.
Wandon, Rugeley, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI/BMW; PK

GR: SK 038144*

▲Opened 9/1943. It had been introduced as Cannock Chase Hostel [Rucksack Easter 1943].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war, though there were 0 bednights recorded
before 1/10/1943.

Working parties retimbered the front of the hostel and installed a new men’s WC in 1955.
Electricity was due to arrive in 1956. On 1/1/1965, shortly before reorganisation, the hostel was
transferred to BMW Region.
✚Closed 2/1970 [MDar72] or 3/1970 [YHAF] as it was virtually destroyed by fire [YHr 4/1970].
Handbook 1943alterations-70.
Property tenure: Land at Brereton, Staffs was purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 11/4/1944). YHA held a triangle of
land here for many years after closure (see next entry).
Property profile: a battered second-hand Australian Forces’ wooden hut erected on a grassy clearing bordering the
afforestation by the efforts of members of the Staffordshire Group.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wandon 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 99, Wandon, Youth Hosteller March 1964.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel is a prefabricated wooden building, extensively improved, which was literally manhandled
from its former site in Stoke-on-Trent and erected by the untiring work of local members [YHA
Staffordshire Bulletin, October 1944].
Half-past seven arrived, but no supper with it. We waited and waited, but it was not until half-past eight
that we were able to satisfy our hunger. Breakfast, unlike supper, was quite on time, and consisted, as
usual, of porridge, toast and fried tomatoes, and bread and apricot jam. Two Dutchmen at the hostel were
travelling on motor bikes, but had to be very secretive about this, as the ban on motorized travel was
pretty strictly enforced in 1948. The hostel, by the way, was a wooden hut, raised from the ground so that
the bike-shed was the space between the hostel and the ground [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].
WANDON Hostel planned 1971-72 and following. Did not proceed.
Wandon, Rugeley, Staffordshire. GR: SK 038144
▼A replacement hostel was under consideration [Handbook 1971-72, no details]. The possibility of a hostel lingered
on into the 1980s. The 1981 Midland Regional Group Annual Report stated that the Camping Club had developed the
site (opening Spring 1982), with five pitches reserved for YHA members until 5pm each day. The Region retained the
right to build a youth hostel on the site. The land was not sold until 17/3/2006.

464
WARWICK 1936 to 1946.
Marble House, Theatre Street, Warwick.
Historic County: Warwickshire

YHA Region: WAN

GR: SP 278649*

▲Opened 9/4/1936.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. Bednights were boosted [in 1941] by members who
had lost their homes in air raids [WANar41].

✚Closed 31/12/1946 [YHAar46], enforced because of the serious illness of the warden, Mrs Hardy;
the hostel was to be turned into flats the following year [WANar46].
Handbook 1936-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large old house, of five storeys, and with castellated wings. At least part business premises in recent
years.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Warwick 751 ≈† RG39.tif; Y600016 Baldwin.doc
The hostel at Warwick besides being almost as roomy [as Bennetston] is more picturesque and far more
comfortable. In spite of the fact that it is almost in the middle of the town it is surrounded by a beautiful
garden. There is a fine common room, with easy chairs and writing tables, which looks out through a
wide window on to the lawn. We were the only visitors that night, and as the warden had no cooked meal
we finished the few ham sandwiches which still remained with a glass of milk [Brian Baldwin, Easter
holiday log 1939].
A nice cycling distance from Birmingham, on the edge of town. It had very wide steps for access [Mary
Jephcott, August 1944, recounted in 2015].
Marble House, Theatre Street, is now an up market suite of offices. I knew it as a run down rabbit warren
of a place, ill lit and with beds in basements, corridors, cupboards or whatever. A large one for its day it
was convenient for quick weekends from the Midland conurbations and took the overflow from Shottery
Lodge. This was Warwick and Northants country and you could usually at a weekend meet parties from
one of the local clubs. A good Common Room. Good sing songs and one or two ‘star turns’ from a
known few – it collected regulars from a slightly arty world. Convenient on midwinter Saturday
afternoons. The Wardens was a ‘character’ and I guess one of the few who could have kept this
ramshackle caravanserai going. Sadly missed [Geoff Smith – Caveat Nostalgia].

WASTWATER [Windsor Farm] / NETHER WASDALE 1936 to 1968.
Windsor Farm, Nether Wasdale, Seascale, Cumberland.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LAK; LK

GR: NY 120057*

▲Opened Easter 1936.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from South Lancashire and West Yorkshire towns.

Closed 30/9/1965, but reopened 1/4/1966. The Regional Council was to consider running the hostel
on an adopted basis or with only one warden [LAK mins 1950]. This suggestion was renewed [ibid
1953], when Windsor Farm was singled out as a heavy loss-maker. Closure was considered as an
alternative. In the late 1950s the self-catering arrangements were non-existent and members had to
use the warden’s stove and equipment with mutual inconvenience. It was recommended that the
hostel be advertised as lacking self-catering [ibid 1958-08-30].
✚Closed by 5/1968, probably about 30/3/1968, on the opening of Wasdale Hall, which replaced it
[YHr 5/1968]. A camping barn was due to open at Windsor Farm in 1993 [YHA & Countryside
Commission booklet].
Handbook 1936 supplement-68 (1966 supplement only).
Alternative names: Nether Wasdale Lakes (1936 supplement); Nether Wasdale (1937-63). Renamed Wastwater
30/9/1963.
Property tenure: adopted hostel, perhaps only latterly.
Property profile: Lakeland farmhouse hostel, of very simple provision.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wasdale YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
What a hostel! Chicken for supper! ½ fried egg each for breakfast. Loo down yard [Mary Jephcott, 1944,
reporting in 2008].
We spent a happy half hour scrambling through a beautiful brown bog and crawled into the farm, not
caring whether conditions were good or bad… we had come to this dirty minute farm in the midst of
nowhere [Carol Fraser (15), holiday log, 1962].

465
I had to toil up a long steep stony drive. When I opened the hostel door two dogs bounded out and started
barking at me. I had to pass through stinging nettles to reach the cycle shed. There was no mattress on my
bed so I put two blankets underneath my sleeping bag [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in the Peaks and
Lakes, July 1966].
(v)

WASTWATER [Wasdale Hall] 1968 to present.
Wasdale Hall, Wasdale, Seascale, Cumbria CA20 1ET.
Historic County: Cumberland

YHA Region: LK; N

GR: NY 144045*

▲Opened 30/3/1968, replacing Windsor Farm Hostel. The property was refurbished during 198889 [YHAar89].
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-06 inclusive.
Handbook 1968 supplement-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold (eg) for 21 years from 25/3/1968 from the National Trust [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: half-timbered building dating from 1829, owned by the National Trust.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wasdale YHs Profile
(s)

WATERCOMBE Camping barn 1995 to 2002≠.
▲Watercombe Farm, Cornwood, Devon. GR: SX 625613
Handbook 1995-2002.
Property profile: camping barn equipped with bunk beds.
WATERINGBURY Hostel planned 1939. Did not proceed.
Wateringbury, Kent. GR: TQ 6953 approx.
▼There was soon to be a new hostel at Wateringbury [LRN 8/1939]. A 12-bed hostel was to be opened in the early
autumn in a former mission hall, owned and offered by composer J Sterndale Bennett.

WATLINGTON [Market House] 1932 to 1934.
Market House, Market Place, Watlington, Oxfordshire.
Historic County: Oxfordshire
YHA Region: OXF
GR: SU 687944 [GD]
Positional note: the precise location in the Market Place is not recorded. [In the 1930s the Market Place address was
used informally for a small number of premises facing the town hall. The town hall (centrally located in the tiny market
place) is also referred to locally as the Market House – but this is a single building and conflicts with the description
moved next door above [GD].

▲Opened Whit 1932.
✚Closed 1934. It seems that there may have been several emergency rearrangements: it was
recently found necessary to move the hostel, but arrangements are being made to reopen it next
door as soon as possible [OXFar33]≠. It had made this switch by the time of the Rucksack Spring
1934 edition.
Handbook 1932-34(1st edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: unknown

WATLINGTON [Market Place] 1934 only.
Market Place, Watlington, Oxfordshire.
Historic County: Oxfordshire
YHA Region: OXF
Positional note: the precise location in the Market Place is not recorded.≠

GR: SU 687944 [GD]

▲Opened 1934, by spring, having relocated from next door [Rucksack Spring 1934]≠. The Market
Place premises, including these, presumably, were described as having been unsatisfactory
[YHAar34].
✚Closed 1934, replaced by Old Brewery House [Rucksack Autumn 1934].
Handbook 1934 (1st edn only).
Property tenure:
Property profile: unknown

WATLINGTON [Old Brewery House] 1934 to 1940.
The Old Brewery House, Brook Street, Watlington, Oxfordshire.

466
Historic County: Oxfordshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SU 688943 [GD]

▲Opened later 1934, replacing Watlington (Market Place). It was reopened 5/1937 after a refit
[OXFar37].
Wartime arrangements: the property was requisitioned in 1940 but then released; there was a successful season 1940,
but the hostel was requisitioned again [OXFar40] and a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was closed until
further notice. Before this, however [OXFar39], the regional committee had resolved to close the hostel in mid-1940
because of the high rent.

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1934 (2nd edn only)-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large house with first-floor balustraded balcony.
Early 19th-century stucco house on the corner of Brook Street and Couching Street, formerly the Head Brewer’s house
for the adjoining Watlington Brewery.
The house has since been demolished [GD].
Numbers 47-55 Brook Street occupy the hostel site [KF, 2017].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Watlington C 751 † RG35.tif
WATLINGTON Hostel planned 1978-81. Did not open.
Pyrton Hill House, Watlington, Oxfordshire. GR: SU 6894 approx.
▼Hopes for a hostel at the former police station and magistrates’ court at Watlington were referred to [EAar1978].
The property was then withdrawn from Auction, but some time after 9/1979 the property was again placed on the
market for sale by private treaty [EAar79]. Even later, negotiations were proceding on a site for a new hostel building
[ERar81], though a purpose-built hostel had also been mentioned earlier at Britwell Hill, rejected by local opposition
and later on the site of the old cinema [EAar77, WightWash Oct & Dec1977].
WAVENEY VALLEY Hostel planned 1996 onwards. Did not open.
Location unknown. The River Waveney forms the Norfolk-Suffolk border for almost its entire length.
▼YHA were in discussions about a possible new hostel [HN Winter 1996-97].

WAYSIDE (see Buntingford)
WEARHEAD Camping barn 1991 to 2009 at latest.
▲Blackcleugh Farm, Wearhead, Co. Durham. GR: NY 851397
Opened Autumn 1991.
Handbook 1992-2009. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 advised the camping barn here would be opened in
that year, ownership unstated. A website review stated that the facilities had not really functioned since about 2007.
Property profile: former farmhouse.

WEEK (see Dartington)
WELDERS HOSTEL (see Jordans)
WELFORD OX (see Weston)
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA 2002 to present.
Church Plain, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1EQ.
Historic County: Norfolk

YHA Region: C

GR: TF 917431*

▲Opened 1/5/2002, with assistance from Clothworkers’ Company. The 2001 Handbook had led
with advice that, subject to appeal, the hostel would open in 2002; there were no further details.
Wells-next-the-Sea hostel received a significant refurbishment ready for reopening on 22nd
December 2011.
Handbook 2001-09.
Property tenure: currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: formerly the St Nicholas Church Rooms, built 1914.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Walsingham & Wells
YHs Profile

WELSH BICKNOR / WYE VALLEY 1936 to present.
Welsh Bicknor Rectory, Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6JJ.

467
Historic County: Herefordshire

YHA Region: SWA; WS; W

GR: SO 591177*

▲Opened 1936, right at the end of the season, replacing Kerne Bridge Hostel. Nevertheless there
were 1469 bednights by 30/9/1936 [SWAar36]. There was an official opening 26/9/1937.
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded though it is
almost certain that the hostel saw service then. A national notice of 8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating, for
example, while an internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was the most
important link in the Wye Valley chain. A 1943 membership card is stamped Welsh Bicknor. There were significant
bednights in 1944-45.

When purchased outright in 1948 the hostel had to accept a MoE insistence of a reduction in
capacity from 60 to 45.
Emergency measures had to be taken at Welsh Bicknor Hostel when the spring, and also the well
supplying water, dried up. Drinking water was brought in by tank by the local Council and an
emergency arrangement was made to pump water from the river for other uses. Steps were taken to
clean out the well and deepen the bore hole [SWAar57].
A new septic tank was provided and improvements to toilet facilities were in hand [SWAar64]. A
landslide carried away part of the drive to the hostel and there was no access for vehicles. However
it was intended to keep the hostel open [WSar69].
After many years’ attempts, a right of way was established over the old railway bridge linking the
two banks of the Wye near the hostel [HN Spring 1972]. The wardens helped with significant
improvements: a new members’ kitchen, enlarged wardens’ kitchen and dining room, new wash-up
and improved and extended annexe dorms [WSar75].
A programme of expansion and improvement was implemented in the early 1980s. In 1981 a twounit family annexe was added, presumably the Old Billiard Hall, now the manager’s house. The
following year YHA acquired a 3-bedroomed house, Laundry Cottage, 200 yards distant from the
hostel. It was to accommodate family or group bookings, and was given a significant refurbishment
in 1989. It is now the staff accommodation. The path from the hostel to the Laundry Cottage was
widened by a work-party in 1993. Two showers were added on the top floor of the hostel and an
extra shower and WC provided for the annexe dormitory, with better proximity, ready for the 1998
season, while a more substantial and secure cycle store was provided [YHA News spring 1998].
Welsh Bicknor Hostel was renamed YHA Wye Valley in March 2013.
Handbook 1937-2009.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 30/9/1936). Later a freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aid of not
more than £500 for an estimated expenditure of adaptation of £800) (to YHA Trust 4/6/1948).
The Old Billiard Hall, Old Laundry Cottage and a garage were leased (eg) for 20 years from 29/10/1980 (to YHA
Trust) [YHAPB].
The sale and leaseback of YHA Welsh Bicknor and the associated cottages was completed on 28th February 2006
[YHA info]. Currently [2012] leasehold. The Old Billiard Cottage is also currently [2012] leasehold.
Property profile: former rectory, set at the disposal of YHA by the Ediswan Cables Company for a nominal rent
[YHAar36].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1151619
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 diaries Mabel Pratt Diaries.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Kings YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Lyonshall &
Staunton YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The hostel had once been a solid and comfortable country house. It was being provided slowly with a
little mod.con. and the warden and his wife were charming people [Mabel Pratt, April 1948].
Presently Standard – Recommended House: Standard, Annexe: Simple.
Welsh Bicknor consists of a large family mansion type house and an annexe. The contrast between these
two is considerable; the house warm and comfortable, the annexe resembling a barn.
The Common Room lighting is far too dim. The room is comfortable with 16 easy chairs. It could do
with a fireside mat to brighten things up. A large open fireplace is installed. The Dining Room seats
about 32 and more if necessary. There are no curtains and bare strip lighting. Decorations are fair.
The Members’ Kitchen has 8 gas points and 4 grills. The room is bright and clean but too small to serve
as an eating room as well when being used to full capacity. There is a very bad staircase leading from
basement to ground floor. It is heavily used and needs better treads, more lighting and redecorating.
The usual overbedding in dormitories; I counted 10 beds over the Handbook figure. The inside
dormitories are overcrowded. Ablutions total 5 WCs and 8 handbasins with hot water. There is a footbath
in the men’s. There were no showers for either sex.

468
This annexe is one of the shabbiest dorms I have seen. There are three rooms, two still with bare
crumbling stone and except for patches of hardboard, in a decayed condition, open to the rafters. A rough
wooden floor, broken windows and poor bed frames and bedding complete a depressing picture. I had
weeds growing in the wall alongside my bunk. This sort of accommodation cannot be charged at
Standard fee, even allowing for a men’s wash with hot water and WCs across the yard.
At a pinch the dormitories in the main building once the extra beds have been taken down are about
Standard. The annexe falls far short of this and can only be graded Simple [Internal South Wales
Regional Hostel Report, 25/4/1973 (extracts)].
Welsh Bicknor hostel is continuing to expand, with the acquisition of a cottage 200 yards away.
Following hot on the heels of last year's expansion when a two-unit family annexe was added to the
hostel’s accommodation, a self-contained three-bedroomed house with capacity for 16 people has been
purchased. The newly-acquired building, called ‘Laundry Cottage’, has a lounge, kitchen and bathroom/
toilet and two of the bedrooms have two double bunks and the other three. A bed-settee is available for
groups of more than 14. Washing facilities are provided in all bedrooms.
You can take your pick between full meals and self-catering, with a four-ringed electric cooker and tworinged cooker being available. The dining room/lounge can be used as a classroom if desired. Any group
booking will have exclusive use of the house, but a minimum number of ten people are specified. Welsh
Bicknor can now accommodate almost 100 people including the family annexe that can be altered from
two units to one for groups [HN Autumn 82].
There has been a stunning 51 per cent increase in overnights. Friendly Face weekends in practical goatkeeping at the hostel sparked off an enormous amount of interest. Now wardens John and Eileen Cotterill
are planning farm days [HN Spring 1984].
The Youth Hostel recently benefited from the completion of environmental studies workshops in its
grounds, complete with electrics, sinks and lockable cupboards.
A recently installed all-electric heating system at Welsh Bicknor extended the operating season so that it
is now open to visitors nearly all year round. The opening season used to run from March to October.
The old heating system consisted of open coal fires and a low pressure hot water system with the
occasional electric fire. We could never get enough hot water and the environment in the Youth Hostel
could, on occasions, be quite cold’ [Manager, YHA News, Nov92].
Laundry cottage and the Old Billiards hall were owned by the factory across the river (now owned by
Patrick Vaughn the local land owner trading under Veneglaze) and presumably Laundry cottage was just
that, doing the laundry for the factory. It used to be rented out to groups but is now the staff
accommodation. The Rector who built the the hostel had a passion for billiards and so had the old
billiards hall built for him, again this was rented out to groups or families but is now the managers house.
When Chris Hawkins was the warden (about 1987) it was he who relocated the staff from the rectory to
the outbuildings [Paul Tipple, manager, 2010].
(s)

WELSH HARP 1934 to 1946.
Welsh Harp Farm, Leighton, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire.
Historic County: Montgomeryshire

YHA Region: BMW

GR: SJ 279080*

▲Opened 1934, the start of season being 24/3/1934, and replacing Kilkewydd Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed end of season 1946 [YHAF].
Handbook 1934-46.
Alternative name: Leighton (1934).
Property tenure:
Property profile: extensive farmhouse, still featuring original half-timbering in 2015.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Welsh Harp 751 ≈ lflt3x.tif; Y050001-Welsh Harp 752 ≈† RG39.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
The owner wardens lived on and farmed the place. Sited on the ridge of the Long Mountain above
Welshpool, superb and in its day a vital cycling link. Although I made several visits I barely remember it
beyond the fact it was a working farm with chickens in and out of the building. I record it, however,
because it seems to have had the same effect on many as did Ratgoed YH some years later. To this day I
continue to meet old timers who recall it with real affection as something unique. Perhaps almost
anything would be welcome at the end of that climb at the end of a long day.
It closed in ’46 because it was felt it had sunk below a reasonable standard and efforts to get the Wardens
to improve matters had failed. Must have been pretty bad! But the owners soldiered on and ran it
privately for some years appearing in the CTC Handbook amongst other places long after it disappeared
from the YHA Handbook. The first of the independents? It rang no warning bells [Geoff Smith – Caveat
Nostalgia].
(v)

469
WELSHPOOL (See Severn Farm Bed and Breakfast)
WELWYN GARDEN CITY 1933 to 1937.
1-3 Blakemere Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 239134*

▲Opened 1933: negotiations were proceeding [Handbook 1933, no details; these followed in the
1933 supplement].
✚Closed 1937 and replaced by Breachwood Green Hostel. 137 bednights recorded in 1938SY were
almost certainly late 1937.
Handbook 1933 supplement-37.
Property tenure:
Property profile: on the west side of a cul-de-sac at the southern end of Blakemere Road. The properties remain.
These were two adjoining semi-detached weather-boarded cottages, dating from ca1926 [GD].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Welwyn 751 ≈† RG35.tif

WEST ABERTHAW (see St Athan)
WESTERDALE Camping Barn 1992 to 2010≠.
▲Broadgate Farm, Westerdale, North Yorkshire. GR: NZ 671049
Handbook 1993-2008. Also open 2009-10.
Alternative name: Westerdale Bunk House (1993-99).
Property profile: former byre equipped with bunk beds. The North Yorkshire barns were officially opened at this site,
on 14/11/1992.

WESTERDALE HALL 1946 to 1992.
Westerdale, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 2DU.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA; BD; N

GR: NZ 662060*

▲Opened 1946, replacing Castleton as larger premises could be provided here [WEAar46]. By the
1950s the hostel was in very poor condition; complete closure was considered, but funding for
repairs was obtained [WEAar54]. It was therefore closed for building work in the 1955 season,
reopening by Easter 1956 [WEAar56].
✚Closed end 7/1992, with a few final bednights in that year. Closure in 1994 [YHAF] is surely a
mistake. The 1992 Handbook advised that the hostel was for sale and might not be available.
Handbook 1946 supplement-92 (1946 supplement published 2/1947).
Property tenure: various leaseholds from 25/3/1947, 24/3/1954 from the Earl of Feversham (to YHA Trust 5/10/1955).
Freehold purchase 4/11/1970 [YHAPB].
Property profile: battlemented building, a former shooting lodge for the Duncombe (Feversham) family, built before
1874 in Baronial Tudor style, with impressive exaggerated chimneys.The tower was 60 feet high [YDM 8/1947], rising
to 5-floor level. The hostel had 12 bedrooms, including one on the 4th floor and one on the 5th, but its size gradually
diminished with increasing dilapidation. It is now a much restored private dwelling.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Bob and Joe had gone into the dining room [while we girls were in the Hall] so we were expecting some
pranks. When we were in the dormitory Norma could not find her sheet sleeping bag and Margaret had
lost her pyjamas [Pat Packham, A Tour in the Yorkshire Moors, 23 July 1956]…
Many hostels still had oil lamps instead of electricity. Westerdale Hall was on the Moors. In the evening
the warden placed a lamp on the piano and played for a sing-song. That lamp had belonged to her
grandfather [Pat Packham, 1956].
The hostel had the hottest drying room ever experienced [L Cartledge].
(v)

WESTFIELD 1932 to 1935.
Westfield Farm, Notgrove Station, Naunton, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SP 086216

▲Opened March 1932 [GSEar33]. At least part of the hostel accommodation was in the Nissen hut
at the rear of the farmhouse. The wardens were Mr & Mrs Harris.
✚Closed 1935, with 867 bednights in 1935.
Handbook 1932-35.

470
Alternative name: Notgrove (1932).
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £34.10s.6d, and income £37.3s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: rooms at Westfield Farm.
(v)

WEST HILL [Ottery St Mary] 1936 to 1960.
Melverley, Metcombe Lane, [later, Lower Broad Oak Lane], West Hill, Ottery St Mary, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: DAC

GR: SY 074942

▲Opened 4/4/1936. Mr W Lathrope designed the hostel and had it built specially for YHA Devon
and Cornwall Regional Group [DACar36].
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel had been reopened. The hostel
closed in that year for London evacuees until after the war.

Reopened after War 19/4/1946 [Handbook].
In 1956 a new self-catering kitchen was being planned [DACar56].
✚Closed 1960 and replaced by Beer Hostel; it was sold 15/6/1962 [YHAPB].
Handbook. 1936-40; 1946-60.
Alternative names: Ottery St Mary (1936-39 and 1946-48); West Hill [YHAB 3/1948], West Hill (Ottery St Mary)
(1940 and 1950-51).
Property tenure: latterly, the hostel was purchased freehold (to YHA Trust 13/4/1949 ).
Property profile: purpose-built property.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Ottery 751 ≈† RG3x.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
This hostel opened through the efforts of a YHA Member, a niece of Mr Lathrope, owner of the West
Hill property at Ottery St Mary. The niece prevailed on Mr Lathrope to build a small youth hostel in the
grounds of West Hill. Eventually a single story building was completed, ready for the opening at the
Easter weekend 1936, and functioned under his wardenship until it was requisitioned in 1940 for the
London evacuees, and remained in their position until it was derequisitioned in 1946.
It was during this war period, and following the closure of the Exeter hostel, that the Misses Gards took
up residence at West Hill House, the house being seperate from the hostel premises, and when the hostel
property became available after the war, the Misses Gards, Loui and Alice, were able to take over the
wardening from Mr Lathrope and continued to do so until 1960. During this period the whole of the
premises was purchased by the association, it being a popular and busy hostel, wardened by two popular
lady wardens. They often stated that they would like to have an all-boys hostel, I think they had a soft
spot for the boys.
At the opening of the Beer hostel on the coast, it became necessary to close West Hill, the Misses Gards
then retiring from wardening after some 25 years’ service at the two Bude hostels at Flexbury and
Stratton, Exeter and West Hill [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].
The same meals were served every day. For evening – potatoes, peas, mixed veg., meat roll, jelly and
blancmange, and bread and butter and jam. For breakfast, porridge, gluey potatoes, cold egg and a few
beans. We wondered if the jellies were wartime relics [Pat Packham, 1958].
PIONEER DAYS
In 1936 Miss Louie Gard volunteered to open a hostel at Flexbury, Bude, and with the help of her sister
Alice, she put up £100 to pay the first year's rent. This generous impulse was well rewarded in that the
hostel was a great success. Eventually they moved into bigger premises at Stratton, Bude, which was
used until it was taken over in the war by the RAF Louie continued wardening at Plymouth, Exeter,
Penzance and the Lizard, and from 1946 until it closed in 1960 at West Hill.
Louie has retired for domestic reasons. The Region extends sincere thanks for 25 years of unstinted
service with best wishes for a happy retirement [Youth Hosteller, September 1962].
(v)

WEST HOATHLY 1953 to 1955.
c/o Woodcraft Folk, Chapel Road, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, Sussex.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 364330*

▲Opened Good Friday 1953. It was planned to open the hostel in 1952, but the property was in a
deplorable state. Several Nissen huts were available, but not all were taken [LONmins 1952].
✚Closed 12/1955, due to unsatisfactory circumstances at West Hoathly [LONar56].
Handbook 1953-55.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel tenancy, run by Woodcraft Folk [YHAar53].
Property profile: huts, of Nissen and block form, part of a former prisoner-of-war camp, later Women’s Land Army. At
the time of opening it was part of the Woodcraft Folk holiday and education centre and rented from them [LRN]. The

471
premises were always viewed by YHA management as a short-term expedient, because of the poor condition. Newer
houses on a short street called the Beacon have replaced the old huts.
Reports, recollections and observations:
Mr J Sallows, warden of the Woodcraft Folk’s Educational School at West Hoathly, has a new
responsibility. N Good Friday the London region YHA opened a new hostel in a hut on his camp site and
this now comes under his direct administration. Mr Sallows, who now finds himself warden of a hostel
within a hostel, said ‘the YHA hostel has been well attended and full up every night so far since it
opned.’ YHA lease the building from the Wood Folk. The West Hoathly Youth Club is also held here
[Kent & East Sussex Courier 10 April 1953].
Rather unsightly appearance of huts – 2 Nissan Huts might be removed if not needed – opposition to
youth hostel from local residents – newly built council houses on land nearby [LON minutes, 18/09/52].

WEST HYTHE 1936 to 1939.
Selby Farm, West Hythe, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TR 107335*

▲Opened 1936. In 1937 accommodation was increased to almost 60 beds; school parties were
specially catered for [LONar37]. The warden was the popular ex-warden of Tutshill (Chepstow)
Hostel, the Rev RJ Stockdale, who converted the old farmhouse largely by himself [LONar36].
West Hythe became fully controlled in 1938 [LONar38]. Lack of mains services was a problem. A
field was hired for extra capacity in 1939 [LONmins]. The Rev Stockdale floated the idea of a large
replacement hostel at Littlestone-on-Sea, rejected.
✚Closed 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned at the beginning of the war. It was omitted from the list of hostels
still open [LONar1939].
Handbook 1936 supplement-39.
Property tenure:
Property profile: an old farmhouse within two miles of the sea.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-West Hythe 751 † RG37.tif; Y050001-West Hythe 752 ≈† RG38.tif

WEST LULWORTH (see Lulworth Cove)
WESTON 1936 to 1941.
Weston Farmhouse, Weston, Newbury, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: OXF

GR: SU 400736*

▲Opened 1936, replacing Chilton Hostel. The opening date of the beginning of 12/1936 was
advised [OXFar36]; the first bednights were in 1937SY. By the end of 1939 the hostel was partly
closed, as Mr Nix had been called up; Mrs Nix would keep a few beds for YHA members
[OXFar39].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, even late season [OXFar40]. It functioned also in 1941, when a
good number of bednights was recorded. It was lost during that year, though much in demand by London members,
when the farm was sublet to a farmer who wanted to live there [OXFar41].

✚Closed 1941. Mrs Nix then moved to Streatley Hostel.
Handbook 1936amendments-40.
Alternative name: Welford Ox (1936amendments).
Property tenure:
Property profile: the handsome red brick and flint farmhouse of Mr and Mrs Nix, mushroom farmers, opposite Weston
Watermill. The exterior of the house remains largely unchanged [resident].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Weston 751 ≈† RG38.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
I suppose it was about 1940, in a frozen winter; I went on a walking trip with three other office mates
with the general aim of reaching Bath. At Weston, 6 miles from Newbury we arrived on a Saturday night
and were the sole occupants.We put in at Weston Farm, about six miles from Newbury. One of our
group, Bert Morgan, was an ardent Catholic, and anxious to attend early Mass on the Sunday morning.
Unfortunately he left the oil lamp in the kitchen flaring before setting out on his trek to Newbury. As a
result we found the whole kitchen blackened with soot, and spent the next two hours trying to clean it up.
As (bad) luck would have it the kindly warden, a Mrs Nix, had an obsession with cleanliness. As a result
we came to agreement at the end of the morning to pay for a cleaner to come in and clean up the kitchen
properly. We headed towards Bath in the wintry fog duly chastened [Len Clark, reporting in 2007].

472
WESTWARD HO! 1933 to 1940.
12 Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 435289*

▲Opened 27/5/1933 in rooms at Hugh’s Landing, Kingsley Terrace [south of the present junction
of Atlantic Way and Nelson Road]; the warden was Miss Cole, the accommodation 16, and it was
open all year [GSEar33]. In 1938 various improvements were suggested, including eight extra beds,
installation of hot water, and an increased rent to £70 pa [GSEmins 17/3/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940, with restricted bednight returns. A national notice of 5/11/1940
advised that it was closed until further notice.

✚Closed 1940, the end of the season being 8/10/1940.
Handbook 1933 supplement-40.
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £13.10s.0d, and income £34.3s.8d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: Kingsley Terrace was a substantial terraced block converted in 1873 into the United Services College;
Rudyard Kipling was a pupil. The hostel was in the easternmost property of this school.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Westward Ho! A 751 ≈† RG37.tif

WESTWARD HO! 2009 to 2014.
1 Manorville, Kingsley Road, Westward Ho! Devon EX39 1JA.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: S

GR: SS 430289*

▲YHA Enterprise Hostel opened early in 6/2009; the accommodation business here had started in
April 2009. It was advertised as ideal for families, individuals and small groups.
✚Closed late 2014, for personal reasons.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: the recently renovated 1850s Victorian gentlemans residence is the second oldest building in
Westward Ho! In 1919 it was purchased by the Women’s Social and Political Union for the suffragette movement.
Emily Pankhurst stayed here until 1920 when she moved to America. The property was split in the 1960s into two
houses, one of which became the hostel.

WEST WELLOW [Doveys] 1934 to 1935.
The Doveys, Canada, West Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SU 291181
Positional note: the exact location of the three West Wellow establishments has yet to be determined.≠ The 1935
Regional Handbook sketch map placed the contemporary hostel at this Grid Reference in the centre of Abbotts Farm
(recent OS map); this could be correct.

▲Opened 1934. The warden was Miss Nunn, and accommodation M10W4.
✚Closed Christmas 1935. The hostel was moving to bigger premises nearby [Rucksack Autumn
1935].
Handbook 1934-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: cottage called the Doveys.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-West Wellow A 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

WEST WELLOW [Tarryhere, house] 1936 to 1940.
Tarryhere, Canada, West Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SU 289177
Positional note: the exact location of the three West Wellow establishments has yet to be determined.≠

▲Opened 1936. A large house nearby had replaced the cottage in use the previous summer [1936
Regional Handbook]; Miss Nunn had moved into a larger house nearby, and had now
accommodation for M10W10. Other details were as before [SOUar35].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1939 is uncertain; there were bednight figures for 1940, which might
apply to this address.

✚Closed 1940.
Handbook 1936-40.
Property tenure:
Property profile: house called Tarryhere.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-West Wellow B 751 ≈† RG3x.tif
(v)

473
WEST WELLOW [Tarryhere, huts] 1940 to 1951.
Tarryhere, Canada, West Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire
YHA Region: SOU
GR: SU 291181[GD]
Positional note: the exact location of the three West Wellow establishments has yet to be determined.≠

▲Opened 1940.
Wartime arrangements: there were bednight figures for 1940, which might apply to this address. A national notice of
8/10/1940 advised that the hostel was operating. Thereafter the hostel operated each year of the war. The hostel had
moved again in 1940: it had slightly changed its position, and was now first turning on left after leaving the SalisburySouthampton road. The name Tarryhere was carried forward from the pre-war hostel, possibly because it was the same
warden’s house address [Rucksack Autumn 1940], though the warden had moved to a smaller cottage [SOUar42,
reporting on period 1939-42]. The hostel itself was a small single-storeyed cottage to replace the former larger house
[Regional Guide 1943], and in 1943 there was no members’ kitchen.

After the war the hostel was firmly seasonal, and appeared only in Handbook supplements, eg of
1947 (closing 31/10/1947), 1948 and 1949 (4/3-31/10) and 1951 (1/3-31/10/1951). By 1950 Miss
Nunn was operating the hostel only at weekends, in May-October [SOUar50].
✚Closed 1951. There were 270 bednights in 1951SY.
Handbook 1941-45 and supplements 1947-49 and 1951 (and possibly 1950).
Property tenure:
Property profile: single-storey hut or cottage connected with the house called Tarryhere.
Reports, recollections and observations:
I have told you before, we are not open until 5 o’clock. It was then 4.45 so I duly waited until I was
within the law. Half an hour later I tried again, with another greeting this time: Oh I thought you were
someone else last time – come in and have a cup of tea [Len Clark, reporting in 2007 on a meeting with
Miss Nunn].
(v)
WEST WINCH Hostel planned 1951. Did not open.
Rose Farm, West Winch, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. GR: TF 628161
▼Arrangements were in hand for the opening of 18-bed self-cookers’ hostel about Easter 1951 [EANar50], and it was
was listed in the 1951 Handbook. It failed to materialise [EANar51].

WEST YARDE 1932 to 1946.
West Yarde Farm, North Molton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon

YHA Region: GSE

GR: SS 719344*

▲Opened 6/1932, with warden Mrs Huxtable; the hostel would need expansion the following
season [GSNDar32]. In 1938 the warden asked for new accommodation for women, as she wanted
the women’s dormitory for her own use [GSEmins 25/5/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war except 1944: it was open spring 1942 as usual
[GSEar42], but closed after the 1943 season, was unavailable 1944, and reopened Whit 1945 [GSEar45].

✚Closed end 1946 [YHAF]; the hostel was unable to open in 1947 because it could not be staffed
[GSEar47, YHAar47]. It was replaced by Heasley Mill
Handbook 1933-43; 1945-46.
Property tenure: adopted hostel. In 1932 members’ payments went to the warden [GSNDar32], though the following
year the arrangement seems to have changed, at least in part, to tenancy. Rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £16.5s.0d,
and income £29.17s.5d [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: the hostel was variously described as in rooms or farm outbuildings at West Yarde Farm.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-West Yarde 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
...to West Yarde YH. The farm where the YHA have their hostel is a redbrick, blue-slate-roofed house,
not beautiful. The woman we saw was sandy-haired and very plain. We had the hostel to ourselves.
The common room and men’s dorm were in one of the outbuildings grouped around the farmyard with its
dung-heap. Neither smell nor outlook were very pleasing: the first, what might be expected for a
farmyard and dung-heap, the second the slate-roofed barn opposite and a green tree rising above it. The
hostel itself was all new wood inside: it was very bare and crude, with a thoroughly dangerous staircase
or ladder up to a sleeping place. The stoves were almost hopeless and the lighting, a single hurricane
lantern, very poor. To bed about 10.30, when we found with some surprise that the mattresses were
straw, thin and prickly. But four thicknesses of blanket made them very comfortable.
…Next morning, before 7, the farm had been busy: a man’s voice calling the cows, the trampling of the
cows as they were brought in, then they killed a pig and carried its carcass past under the window. The
lady of the house I had seen attending to the chickens. I was sorry to leave West Yarde, crude as it was.
You go through one of the outhouses to a lane for the lavatory [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].

474
WEYBOURNE Hostel planned 1937. Did not open.
Weybourne, Norfolk. GR: TG 1142 approx.
▼It was hoped to open a hostel here [Rucksack Midsummer 1937].

WHARRAM 1938 to 1945.
Wharram-le-Street, Malton, Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire E Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 863657*

▲Opened Easter 1938 [YSHar38] and officially opened 6/5/1938 as a fully controlled hostel,
replacing Birdsall Brow Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war, accommodating evacuees alongside hostellers at least
in part. It remained open through the winter of 1939-40 [YSHar40]. National notices of 8/10/1940, 7/4/1941 and
7/1942 advised that the hostel was operating. In 1943 the hostel continued to shelter evacuees, in addition to providing
YHA accommodation [YHAar43]. There were significant bednights in 1944, and 88 in 1945SY before the tenancy
expired 1/1945 [YSHar45].

✚Closed 1/1945 [YSHar45] and replaced by Malton Hostel.
Handbook 1938-44.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: former vicarage of red brick construction.
(v)
WHATSTANDWELL Hostel planned 1933. Did not open.
Whatstandwell, Derbyshire. GR: SK 3354 approx.
▼Negotiations were proceeding for a hostel here [Handbook 1933].

WHEAL KITTY (See ST AGNES)
WHEATHILL 1937 to 1944; 1954 to 1998.
Malthouse Farm, Wheathill, Burwarton, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6QT.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 613819*

▲Opened 20/3/1937, replacing Cleobury Mortimer Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war up to 1944; it was retained during [at least] 1941
thanks to Birmingham Education Committee [BMWar41], but closed after the 1944 season. The farm premises were
sold and the hostel vacated in spring 1945; there were 0 bednights in 1945SY [BMWar45].

Wheathill Hostel was reopened 1/7/1954, with the new owner, Mrs Hadley, as warden. When she
retired in 1965 there was a period of uncertainty, resolved when Mr F Powell took the post.
Due to swine vesicular fever, Wheathill Hostel was temporarily closed to avoid any possible risk of
the disease being carried to new areas, as it was on a working farm as well as being a hostel [HN
Winter 1972-73].
✚Closed 1998, the final 580 bednights being in 1998SY.
Handbook 1937-44; 1954 supplement-98.
Property tenure:
Property profile: large stone-built farm; the hostel part was a former grain store in the middle section of the buildings.
Since closure the Malthouse self-catering holiday cottage has been based here.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wheathill 751 ≈† RG.tif
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 84, Wheathill, Youth Hosteller June 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
This unique hostel is housed on a working farm dating from the 17th century. Warden Fred Powell and
his wife Irene own the farm and encourage members to meet the livestock. Children particularly love to
cuddle the lambs and calves in the spring. Among recent visitors were children from tower-block flats in
Central London who had never seen a cow [HN Autumn 84].
(s)

WHEELDALE 1948 to 1999.
Wheeldale Lodge, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 5AP.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: SE 812983*

▲Opened 10/5/1948, the same day as Staindale Hostel.
The hostel was at risk of closure in the early 1980s, staved off by a campaign of support [HN
Autumn 82].

475
In the late 1990s work was done at the spring supplying water to the hostel in an effort to restore a
year-round supply, recent dry summers having forced YHA to take emergency action on occasions
[YHA News spring 1997].
✚Closed 29/8/1999 (last night), after it was deemed to costly to bring up to date.
Handbook 1948-99 (1999 as for sale and may close).
Property tenure: leased from the Duchy of Lancaster (to YHA Trust 4/2/1948); later a freehold purchase was made
from the Duchy of Lancaster 12/4/1965 [YHAPB].
Property profile: former shooting lodge, or a disused shooting box [YDM 3/1948].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1135180
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 7, Wheeldale, Rucksack Magazine March/April 1951.
Reports, recollections and observations:
… off to this obscure and hidden place Wheeldale, followed by an entire flock of sheep.
Glorious place - the road peters out about a quarter mile from the hostel. More mud. Got dark very
quickly. Smashing. This hostel is crazy - apart from the warden and a lovely dog called Gyp, who is on
holiday too, there’s just us.
We can have all the pans, stores, pillows and blankets we want. No queueing for sinks or fighting for
places by the fire, no men to chat up, no kids to play with, nobody else.
The marvels continue - the lights flicker in time to the generator, the water in the washroom is the colour
of weak tea, there’s an interesting collection of drying garments left by previous tenants, a radiator that
vibrates like cymbals if you walk within 3 yards of it, and, of course, the dog. Every hostel should have
one.
After tea we staggered to the common room, and hogged the best chairs and all the magazines and the big
table. The warden is in his sitting room was playing Spinners songs on tape so now Kal is singing to
them and I’m whistling. Now the warden has opened the serving hatch between our rooms so we can hear
music better, and come in to join us, and made us coffee.
Painted, talked and read ancient copies of The Dalesman. Dashed to bed before he switches the generator
off. Lovely place, this [Gwyneth Auty (18), holiday log, 1975].
THANKS to your tremendous support, the simple grade Wheeldale hostel has been saved from closure.
But don't stop your help there. Warden Sally Heath would like more people to visit Wheeldale regularly
and do their bit to keep this simple hostel open. Sally offers her thanks to all members who have
supported Wheeldale. Posters and other publicity helped bring in business, but Sally’s work is far from
over. She says efforts will continue to brighten the hostel and to supply plenty of information and
organise winter events [HN Autumn 82].
Wheeldale was highly praised for its beautiful situation, friendly warden, good food and shop – even
pictures in the loo! [Best hostel competition, HN Winter 1983-84].

WHEELER END (WEEK-END HOSTEL) 1942 to 1946.
Wheeler End School, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Historic County: Buckinghamshire
YHA Region: LON
Positional note: assumed to be the village school at the given grid reference.≠

GR: SU 806926

▲Opened 1942.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war. This was an experimental hostel to
solve week-end overcrowding, opened with the cooperation of the Buckinghamshire County Education Committee,
who provided rooms in the village school; the idea was being repeated at Chalfont St Giles [and, YHA hoped,
elsewhere] [LONar42]. There were no beds: mattresses were placed on the floor.

✚Closed after the 1946 season [LRN 10/1946]. There were 544 bednights in 1946SY.
Handbook 1943-46.
Property tenure:
Property profile: school premises, now a nursery school.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/119854

WHISSENDINE
1949 or 1950 to 1958.
Whissendine Cottage, Whissendine, Oakham, Rutland.
Historic County: Rutland

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 828142*

▲Opened 1949 [NMIar49, reporting 26/11/1949] or 1/1/1950 [press report]. It was reduced to
temporary summer status in 1958 [NMIar58].
✚Closed 1958, because of small usage [LRN 10/1948], and sold 7/4/1959 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1950-58.
Property tenure: freehold gift from HM Treasury (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 16/9/1949).
Property profile: former hunting lodge, a lovely country house, adjacent to stables [NMIar49].

476
Now a private house [KF, 2011].
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 43, Whissendine, Youth Hosteller April 1957.
(v)

WHITBY [Abbey Stables] 1934 to 2006.
East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4JT.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: WEA; BD; N

GR: NZ 901112*

▲Opened 1/4/1934 [WEAar34] and officially opened 12/5/1934. There had been severe setbacks:
the hostel was to have opened Easter 1932, but was delayed; it was not yet open [Rucksack
Summer 1933]. The International Voluntary Service for Peace cleared the building of rubble before
the contractors moved in; adaptations cost £750, half provided by the Carnegie Trust. There would
be extensions during 1935 [WEAar34].
Wartime arrangements: it was open 10/1939 to 1/1940 [WEAar40], but then lost for the duration of hostilities.

Extensive repairs were necessary on return in 1945, the 1945 Handbook advising that it might
open. The hostel eventually reopened Easter 1946 [WEAar45,46]. In 1956 the building was
expensively re-roofed, using the same kind of pantiles to conform with the famous roofscape of
Whitby old town. In 1964, under a scheme drawn up by voluntary technical officer Harry Taylor,
the unused part of the buildings was brought in to increase the beds from 40 to 60 and provide a
better members’ kitchen. Up to 1984, Whitby had had four wardens (also two for very short terms),
all women. Diana Burton, who was there since 1960, was then the region’s longest serving warden
[HNsmr84].
✚Closed 2006 for transfer to Abbey House Hostel. Last use was 12/2006 [hostel manager].
Handbook 1933-39; 1945-2005/06.
Property tenure: leasehold from the Strickland Estates (to YHA Trust 17/8/1934).
Property profile: former two-storey stables for Abbey House, also referred to as almshouses.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Whitby A 751 † RG32.doc; Y050001-Whitby A 752 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Whitby YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The stables that became Whitby hostel
Whitby hostel, North Yorkshire, which stands high above the attractive harbour by the imposing Abbey
ruins, celebrates its golden jubilee this year. It was officially opened on May 12, 1934.
Memories of the opening are recalled vividly by Anne Wilson, now a vice president of Border and Dales
Region, who recalls: ‘On Good Friday, 1934 I was, with John Major, an early YHA pioneer, scrubbing
floors, when a woman going to church put her head through the open window, and, incensed at seeing us
working on Good Friday, said It’s people like you who are responsible for the state this country is in.
‘We carried on, along with other volunteers making the hostel ready for members to come in on Easter
Saturday.’
The hostel was originally the Abbey Stables. The International Voluntary Service for Peace cleared the
buildings of rubble and rubbish before the contractors went in. Anne remembers that half of adaptations
cost £750, which was provided by the Carnegie Trust.
The youth hostel next to the abbey looked very dilapidated so that we were rather glad that our route had
been changed and that we were not spending two nights there [Pat Packham, A Tour in the Yorkshire
Moors, 23 July 1956].
A February visitor to the hostel had to put two saucepans of boiling water in his bunk to warm it up
[historic comment, Youth Hosteller January 1970].
Dramatic position at the top of all those steps. In ’85 we found it overrun by Bank Holidaymakers all
wearing the rig of the year – fezzes. Had to instruct two 6 foot lads how to poach kippers [Geoff Smith –
Caveat Nostalgia].
(s)

WHITBY [Abbey House] 2007 to present.
Abbey House, East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: N

GR: NZ 902111*

▲Opened 9/3/2007 [hostel manager]. Work began in 2005, scheduled for completion Autumn 2006
[YHA News 6/2005], but was delayed by the discovery of carved mediaeval timbers of historical
significance. The premises were to be restored with aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a £1.5
million grant being set aside for the conversion of the building to a hostel, with a further £750,000
from the European Regional Development Fund [YHA News Autumn 2003].

477
Handbook 2007-09.
Property tenure: currently [2015] leasehold from the Strickland Estates.
Property profile: Grade I listed building, dating partly from mediaeval times and and built in part from stones from the
ruined abbey. It was the home of the Lords of the Manor of Whitby, members of the Cholmley family, one of whom
was Sir Richard Cholmley, the Black Knight of the North. In 1555 his wife Francis began the re-building (the Abbey
was dissolved in 1539) and by 1636 it had taken on its present-day character. The now ruined banqueting hall on the
northern side of the house was built between 1672 and 1682. In 1896 the house was leased to the Co-operative
Holidays Association to use as a guesthouse. CHA effected extensive improvements in 1982. The preparatory work for
the hostel included the preservation of ancient timbers and the reinstatement of some Victorian features removed by
20th-century owners.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Whitby YHs Profile
(s)

WHITEBROOK 1931 to 1946.
Fernbank, Whitebrook, Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Historic County: Monmouthshire

YHA Region: SWA

GR: SO 532066*

▲Opened end 6/1931 [Handbook]. In 1933 there were considerable extensions [SWAar33].
Wartime arrangements: the operating pattern in 1940-43 is uncertain as bednight figures are unrecorded. In the earlier
years it was withdrawn from YHA use to accommodate evacuees from London, Folkestone, etc. Farmworkers were
billeted here, including a family of 11. By 1943 at the latest the hostel was operating again: a membership card is
stamped Whitebrook, 29/5/1943. The hostel was busy in 1944-45.

✚Closed 1946 [YHAB 6/1947], due to the ill-health of the warden, Mrs Adams [SWAar47]; the
final bednights were in 1946SY.
Handbook 1931(2nd edn)-47.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel. Mrs Davies remembers that the arrangement was that the warden took about
fourpence in each shilling.
Property profile: valley-roofed cottage in the village, adjacent to a stream. The women’s dormitory was above the
common room at the back of the house. The men’s dormitory was in the former cider mill to the rear. Between these
was a small stone building with galvanised roof that served as the members’ kitchen. The property has remained in the
same family since hostel days [extra information from Mrs J Davies, the wardens’ daughter].
Reports, recollections and observations:
A favourite in the lovely Wye Valley, via the Beachley Ferry, a reasonable distance away. The men’s
dorm was across the yard, on the top floor. The pantiled roof was not underdrawn, and whilst one can see
holes in pantiled roofs they do keep the rain out. But a stray bomb dropped in the forest, near enough to
shake the dust down from the tiles! Night life was almost next door, in the village hall where we joined in
the monthly dance nights [recounted by Fred Blampied].
(v)

WHITE HART LANE (see [London] WHITE HART LANE)
WHITEMEADOWS 1944 to 1953.
Whitemeadows, Bradbourne, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 200533*

▲Opened 23/12/1944.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated at Christmas 1944 and in the last months of the war. A Carnegie Trust
grant was secured [NMIar46].

✚Closed 30/12/1953 [NMIar54], as it ran at a constant loss, and sold 8/11/1954 for considerably
less than the purchase price [YHAPB].
Handbook 1945-54.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 2/10/1944 as White Meadows).
Property profile: former guest house, a modern compact building [NMIar44].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Whitemeadows YH
Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Yoxall YH Profile
(v)

WHITWELL [the Hermitage] 1934 to 1938.
The Hermitage, St Catherine Downs, Whitwell, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU

▲Opened Easter 1934. Initially the hostel had no cooking facilities (1934).

GR: SZ 497788*

478
✚Closed 1938, the end of season being 30/9/1938.
Handbook 1934 supplement-38.
Alternative name: The Hermitage (Whitwell) (1936-37).
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: originally built 1813 as the home of Michael Hoy, a merchant trading mainly with Russia. It was burnt
down in the 1860s and rebuilt in 1895. After closure as a hostel, it housed a school during the war. From the 1970s to
1987 it was a restaurant, hotel and conference centre. Between 1990 and 1998 it was a private house and from 1998 a
luxury bed and breakfast [GD, 2009].
The house was for sale in 2011 and the hotel is permanently closed [2015].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Hermitage IoW 751 ≈† RG35.tif
(v)

WHITWELL [Isle of Wight] 1947 to 1991.
The Old Rectory, Ashknowle Lane, Whitwell, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2PP.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SZ 522777*

▲Opened Whit [April] 1947 [SOUar47].
Southern Region was hoping to improve the warden’s accommodation [SEar85].
✚Closed 1991, after 3,817 overnights and 214 days’ operation. There was a guarded inclusion in
the 1992 Handbook, for sale and may not be available.
Handbook 1947-92.
Alternative name: Whitwell (Isle of Wight) (1947-82).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 9/5/1947).
Property profile: a gothic Victorian rectory, built in 1868, for the adjacent village church.
The Old Rectory bed and breakfast establishment [KF, 2011].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The girls’ dormitory (No.1) was behind a curtain in the hall; the boys were most amused when we
appeared from behind it at supper time [Pat Packham, A Tour of the Isle of Wight, 22 July 1957].
Whitwell hostel is a 40 bed standard hostel housed in a Victorian Gothic vicarage in its own landscaped
grounds (play croquet on the lawn; bell-ringing every Wednesday) [HN Spring 1983].
(v)

WHITWELL (HERTS) 1942 to 1964.
Tun House, 16 High Street, Whitwell, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
Historic County: Hertfordshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: TL 187210*

▲Opened before Summer 1942, replacing Breachwood Green Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

Closure was announced [YHr 2/1962], but postponed for a further three seasons. At the end of its
life, a London Region internal assessment of April 1964 reported:
It would appear from the plans that very little has been done to alter it since apart from reducing the
number of beds [from 70 to 40 in 1956] and thus the queues outside the toilets.

✚Closed 31/12/1964, as it was running at a loss after a drop in usage. It was sold 17/11/1966
[YHAPB]. A replacement at Ashwell was considered by the Region in 1965-66.
Handbook 1942-64.
Alternative name: Whitwell (1942-48).
Property tenure: the property was purchased (to YHA Trust 6/3/1942) for £1,900 with grants from the Board of
Education [LONar42] and the Carnegie UK Trust. In later years, probably from 1962, an ad hoc adopted hostel
arrangement existed whereby the Region rented the YH to the warden while retaining some of the overnight and other
fees.
Property profile: three storey building, partly dating from the 17th century.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
Tun House, a red-brick hostel right on the main street. The warden and his wife, a pleasant young couple,
have been everywhere on their tandem [Mabel Pratt, July 1949].
I found it a very pleasant place [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East Anglia, 29 July 1961].

WHOLEHOPE 1949 to 1964.
Wholehope Cottage, near Alwinton, Rothbury, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NT 901093*

▲Opened 06/1949, though recorded earlier as open [BRR 4/1949, NOTar49]. The hostel operated

479
Saturday nights only at first, but it was fully open summer 1950 [NOTar49,50]. These patterns
were generally repeated. A decision was taken in late 1958 to continue with the hostel, despite
many difficulties [YHr 2/1959]. There was a great deal of voluntary contribution in its running,
including from wardens who would travel out from Newcastle on the Friday evening bus, then walk
[NOTar59].
✚Closed 10/1964 [BDar65].
Handbook 1949 supplement-65.
Property tenure:
Property profile: shepherd’s cottage, rescued from dereliction, on Clennell Street, a green lane. The premises have since
been demolished.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/127027; http://www.hipkin.net/wholehope/history.html
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 1, Wholehope, Rucksack Magazine January/February 1950.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Region is seeking a student or other person to act as temporary warden for the summer months at
Wholehope. The wage is almost nominal (£1 per week inclusive). The hostel is in a lonely situation; post
and provisions are three miles down the hills! There are few or sometimes even no mid-week visitors;
living conditions border on the primitive. Meals do not have to be provided [advertisement, Rucksack
May-June 1952].
PENNINE WAY SHELTER
The extensions of the Redesdale Artillery Range in Northumberland, makes the Rochester to Cheviot leg
of the Pennine Way even tougher.
A spartan shelter is being provided by YHA, six miles south-east of Windy Gyle. This primitive hostel at
1,300 feet, two-and-a-half miles of sheep track and over 750 feet above the Alwinton road, is Wholehope
Cottage, aptly pronounced ‘Wool Up’.
Getting equipment to the hostel has often heen reminiscent of the building of the pyramids although the
YHA slaves have had valuable tractor assistance. There are adequate cooking facilities but no stores and
no meals provided and, except by special arrangement, the hostel is only open on Saturday nights.
Although on Clennell ‘Street’ the next house north-west in the street is eleven miles further on! The least
difficult approach is from Alwinton in Coquetdale but even this is not advised after dark. (If lost after
dark go down stream back to civilisation.)
Wholehope Cottage YH is a challenge to the ambitious and opens up some of the finest Cheviot country
[Rucksack, Spring 1949].
Woolhope – a shepherds’ hut on the Cheviot Hills. It was 3 miles from the nearest village and on the
door was a Bus Stop notice and a red horse shoe. A fire was blazing cheerfully in the old-fashioned grate.
We had to wash in a stream and when we asked where the ladies’ was the warden replied that it had been
pulled down: ‘see that spade – take it and disappear on to the moors’ [Pat Packham, 1959].

WILDERHOPE MANOR 1937 to present.
Wilderhope Manor, Longville in the Dale, Much Wenlock, Shropshire TF13 6EG.
Historic County: Shropshire

YHA Region: BMW; MD; C

GR: SO 545928*

▲Opened Easter 1937 [BMWar37]. Officially opened 29/5/1937. The following year the hostel
was expanded [YHAar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was requisitioned during 1940SY [BMWar41], and not used at all by YHA during
1940-41. It was released in time for Easter opening 1942, in which year it was hoped to increase accommodation
[BMWar42]. Therafter the hostel operated each year of the war.

In the 1970s there was an extensive and extended programme of modernisation; the official
reopening was 28/5/1977. The hostel was dedicated as the John Cadbury Memorial Hostel in 1986.
The hostel was fully rewired and could now boast an effective heating system to allow comfortable
year-round use [YHA News spring 1997]. For the following season, new family rooms with
extensive views became available after the attic was converted [YHA News spring 1998].
In 2011-12 there was a £½m refurbishment, of which the WA Cadbury Charitable Trust pledged
£50,000, with many features restored to the original 16th-century pattern. Wilderhope Hostel was
ready for reopening on 11th March 2012.
The expanded name YHA Wilderhope Manor was confirmed in March 2013.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp Site, 2005-06 inclusive.
Handbook 1937-39; 1942-2009
Alternative name: Wilderhope (1937-39; 1942-64).
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 10/5/1937) from the National Trust at a peppercorn rent. An example of this
was for 21 years from 25/3/1979 [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] leasehold.

480
Property profile: originally the Elizabethan home, built 1588, of the Smallman family, six generations of which
occupied it. It was later a farmhouse. It was bought and renovated and presented to the National Trust in 1936 by the
WA Cadbury Trust for use as a youth hostel, John Cadbury having discovered it. The property is Grade I listed.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1062884
YHA Archive photofile [∂ & «]: Y691008-1.doc
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wilderhope 751 ≈† RG39.tif; [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Saffron Walden
YHs Profile
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 67, Wilderhope, Youth Hosteller May 1959.
Published material: article, A Night in Wilderhope Manor, Youth Hosteller April 1961.
Reports, recollections and observations:
In 1935 the WA Cadbury Trust began negotiations for the purchase of Wilderhope on behalf of the
National Trust and these were completed in 1936 when repairs and renovations were started, with the aim
of using the house as a Youth Hostel. The building was then in very bad condition: of the five chimneys
at the west end not one was intact, and the southern-most had fallen through the roof. Although the
timbers of the roof had remained sound, there were several places which were badly leaking, the rain
running through into the house and endangering the ceilings. At one time the stone tiles had been
removed from a large part of the roof, and had been replaced by Broseley tiles. It was decided to re-roof
with stone tiles, and these were obtained, partly from the adjoining farm buildings, where they were
replaced with Broseley tiles, and partly by tiles from a building in Herefordshire which was being
reroofed. It is perhaps interesting to note that it was necessary to obtain men from the Cotswolds to put
back the tiles. Two windows on the front of the house had been altered; of them one was bricked up.
They have been replaced by windows to match the original ones. Some small extra lights were added to
the side of the bay window on the North of the building, and also in the bedroom above. It was also
necessary, owing to the few windows which opened, to replace the old metal frames with modern ones. A
certain amount of the original glass had survived, and this was re-used as much as possible and
supplemented by a few panes found in the attics. At some time a door had been inserted immediately
under the kitchen window to give access from the kitchen to the outside of the house. This was removed,
as also was the wall blocking the original entrance from the porch to the stairs, thus making them
accessible to the rest of the house without going through the kitchen. A new range and hot water boiler
were installed, but one of the old bread ovens still remains. The old pigsties detached from the house
were converted into outbuildings.
It was intended to put the house back to its original condition as far as possible, and its new use as a
Youth Hostel was ideal since it involved no major structural alterations, beyond the addition of
washrooms with showers and a water supply. The old well by the front door (now filled in) was not by
any means adequate, so large tanks had to be installed in the cellar and rain water collected from the roof.
In 1975-6, a second major restoration programme was carried out, through the generosity of Mr John
Cadbury. Extensive repairs were made to the fabric as well as modernisation of the hostel and its
facilities. Once again these changes have been effected without altering the character of the house or
dividing up any of the main rooms. The romantic appeal of this remote Elizabethan manor - the Undern
Hall of Mary Webb’s ‘Gone to Earth’ - is still as powerful as ever.
While the house remained virtually untouched in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, nothing was left
of the original garden, so in 1936 a terrace was made, the retaining walls rebuilt and extended, and most
of the land immediately in front of the house laid out as a lawn and garden. The new retaining wall gave
more room for the two fine yew trees, which were previously standing on top of an old wall. The brick
building now used as a field study centre may be as old as the main house. It had been used as a stable,
and the remains of the standins were formerly visible; at one time it had an upper storey, though it seems
never to have been used as a dwelling. It is perhaps possible that Major Smallman’s horse stood here the
night before his famous escape and leap over the edge [Wilderhope Manor, pamphlet article by G J-S,
1978].
We sought the Warden - an elderly gentleman who was as pleasant and agreeable as anyone can ever
hope to come across. The men’s washroom was again the open air, but the water supply was not quite as
primitive as at Delamere, for there was a pump. This, however, was not always in perfect working order,
and, although it was doing well that night, I had to pour a bucket of water down it in the morning to make
it work! [Rev G Greenhough, 1949].
John Cadbury paid for new lighting to be installed at Wilderhope out of his own pocket. He also bought a
Land Rover for regional use [Olive Thoumine].
‘Please do not jump on the floor’ in the boys’ dorms. Huge dining room and circular staircase, which I
had to sweep [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
Members who have stayed here remember mice ascurrying around in broad daylight, bats in the common
room, lack of electricity, flushless loos, geese in the dining room, splitting headaches due to the low
doorways, and being kept awake at night by birds nesting in the rafters [historic comment in YHr
4/1970].

481
Herbert Gatliff left an endowment fund to assist in its upkeep. YHA have modernised it, once in the
seventies when major improvements were made, then again when I was operations manager, during the
winter 1997-98. We had spent ages considering how best to heat the building so that we could use it
during the winter. The National Trusts building manager, a heating consultant and I put together plans
and examined schemes for electric heating, but in the end we all thought they were far too expensive. I
think it was Graham Dench, the NT building manager, who then said that we could do the job for half the
price if we put in a new boiler and conventional heating system to which I retorted that we could but he
wouldn’t let us. Graham stared at me. Of course we could put in conventional heating. He thought YHA
wanted electric heating! Misunderstanding resolved, a conventional heating system was finally installed.
Over the winter, contractors also rewired the hostel, moved the staff accommodation to the stables where
an underused field study room had been, converted the staff accommodation into three new bedrooms,
completely overhauled the washrooms and installed two large cast iron chandeliers in the hall. I seemed
to spend every Friday at the manor for site meetings, fretting over costs, budgets and the time it was all
taking, while we all froze in an unheated building, but the hostel was transformed. A further project to
improve the hostel happened in 2012.
Wilderhope is special, not just because of the building, which was described to me as a completely
unmodernised meaning that neither the Victorians nor the Georgians had touched it, but also because of
its location. For a big building, a stay there can take you close to nature and there’s a footpath right past
the front door. The night skies there have to be seen to be believed and owls could be heard while you
fell asleep [Duncan Simpson, recalled in 2015].
Wilderhope – before and after
‘It is not usual to find a house of this description which stands today as it stood when it was originally
built. One of the greatest charms of Wilderhope is that it has survived practically untouched.’ – National
Trust Handbook.
‘A long wait, but well worthwhile,’ was the general verdict when the improvements at Wilderhope
Manor Hostel were completed this year. A long wait for the Region – six years of painstaking work. A
longer wait for the solid stonebuilt Manor, for the house had been waiting for almost 400 years!
Wilderhope’s history began in 1583 when land in Hopedale was purchased by Thomas Smallman and
leased to his younger brother Francis who then built the house – the initials of Francis and his wife Ellen
appear in the finely decorated plaster ceilings. The house is noted for the main circular staircase, each
stair a solid block of wood, the staircase being capped by a conical roof. The exterior walls are in some
places over four feet thick, the interior walls are of wattle and daub. The Smallmans were an old
Corvedale family and the building remained in their hands until 1742.
The YHA’s interest in the building dates from 1935 when the house was discovered being used as a farm
outbuilding with implements, farm produce and even chickens in residence! The National Trust
guidebook records:
‘The house was then in very bad condition: of the five chimneys at the west end not one was intact, and
the southern-most had fallen through the roof. Although the timbers of the roof remained sound, there
were several places which were badly leaking, the rain running through into the house and endangering
the ceilings.’ This account describes the reroofing with stone tiles by Cotswold craftsmen, the rescue of
some of the original glass, the building of the terrace. So that the house could be used as a hostel,
washrooms were added and water tanks installed, but it was not found necessary to make any structural
alterations.
Wilderhope manor opened as a hostel in 1937, recording the modest total of 1,591 overnights. The
annual report states that it was ‘greatly appreciated by members not only as a hostel but as a building of
intrinsic beauty.’ This view must have been echoed by many who stayed there in the next 35 years but
some who sampled the spartan conditions must have felt that a little of that kind of romance could go a
long way – the overnights rarely exceeded 4,000. In 1971, thanks to the generosity of Mr and Mrs John
Cadbury, work began on the scheme which was to transform conditions at the hostel but leave the
structure and external appearance of the buildings much as it was in Elizabethan times. Major items of
maintenance included replacing defective stonework, repointing external walls and the partial rebuilding
of chimney-stacks. The long job of modernisation included flush lavatories, drains and septic tank,
showers and wash basins, warden’s bathroom, the construction of a new entrance via the cellar at the east
end of the Manor (which incorporates a drying room), and the installation of electric light and heating.
The members’ kitchen and the washup were completely re-equipped, and so was the kitchen except for
the Aga. Water supply problems were solved when the mains water supply came to Longville and a
supply to the Manor is now pumped from there.
The main entrance hall, with a new inner door, now leads straight through to the back door. This is the
original plan - the wall cutting this entrance hall in half and built at a later date has now been removed.
Fire regulations have necessitated the erection of smoke doors. The fine table in the hall – three planks
of elm 16ft long – came from Attingham Hall.
And so the Manor is now lit by the wonder of electric light! Some mourn the passing of the flickering oil
lamps, the long cold walk to the washrooms – and yet the overnights increase! 1977 will certainly be a
record. The house that has seen so much turmoil and armed conflict as well as rural peace now welcomes

482
the hosteller who can with a little imagination relive the life of an Elizabethan, but still enjoy the
comforts of our modern society! [HN Autumn 1977].
(s)

WINCHESTER 1931 to 2005.
The City Mill, 1 Water Lane (formerly 4 Bridge Street), Winchester, Hampshire SO23 OEJ.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: LON+SOU (SD Jt)
/SOU; SE; S

GR: SU 486293*

▲Opened by Easter 1931 (13/6/1931 in LRN 6/1951 and 7/1952). The building had been
unoccupied for 30 years. Three pioneers described how they spent the night before it was equipped,
in spring 1931 [LRN 6/1951]. There were (eg) 535 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931
[LONar31]. An endearing feature to all but those using it was the quaint arrangement for washing
in the mill race. The men’s dorm was in former stables at this time.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated in 1940. In October of that year it was available to all members despite
being near to a restricted zone. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to keep it from requisition, as it was
so popular with young people from Southampton. LRN of 6/1942 advised that part of the hostel was recently
requisitioned and thus unavailable to members; the requisition had just been withdrawn and full normal service
restored. Bednights were recorded in the years 1943-45.

In 1950 there was a change-round of the warden’s and members’ kitchens, while the gloomy
curtaining which separated the women’s dorm from the common room was ‘removed’ [LRN 5/50].
In 1953 the hostel was enlarged with the purchase of two additional cottages [YHAar53].
In 1961 the self-catering kitchen was to be transferred to the neighbouring cottages [LRN 4/61].
Extensive dry rot was found and treated in the common room [HN sum1972]. In the late 1970s The
National Trust planned to spend about £3,600 in making the mill more attractive, including a new
staircase, perspex panels for the sluice machinery, a new footbridge and a flood wall [Wightwash
Dec1976]. Dormitories were to be reversed, with the men’s nearer the entrance and women’s on the
opposite side of the River Itchen, to give women more privacy [WightWash August 1976].
Work was proceeding, in conjunction with the National Trust, to rebuild the men’s dormitory and
the washroom, to be completed early in 1986 [SEar85].
✚Closed 1/9/2005 [Hampshire Archive Website] as the National Trust was unwilling to renew the
lease.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-2003/04.
Alternative name: The City Mill (1931(1st edn-3rd edn)).
Property tenure: leased from the National Trust (to YHA Trust 20/8/1934); no. 4 Bridge Street was a tenancy (to YHA
Trust 9/5/1934).
Property profile: watermill dating from 1743, on the site of a 15th-century mill. A staff house was situated at cottages at
3 and 5 Water Lane, sold by YHA after November 2005. In 2005 the National Trust developed new public attractions
at the premises.
Web resource: http://archive.thisishampshire.net/2005/9/5/93723.html
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Winchester 751 † RG35.tif; Y050001-Winchester 752 ≈† RG38.tif
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600013 Mabel Pratt Diaries transcribed.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 20, Winchester, Rucksack Magazine July/August 1953.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The Old Mill was full, but the warden gave us an outside address where we were satisfactorily put up for
the night… back to the hostel… there was a pretty good crowd in the common room, which looked very
pretty with earthenware jugs of lilac and buttercups. At 10.30pm we set out for our ‘private residence’
[Lilian ‘Jane’ Ash, holiday log, May 1934].
…the City Mill at Winchester, queen of London hostels. You may see it as you leave the City eastward,
lying across the River ltchen just above the bridge, closing in your view upstream with its mellow brick
walls and long roof of weather-worn tiles. But you actually come to it by a side door in a by-street,
stumbling down a few steps into a shadowy passage-room. The common room, though, is light and lofty
enough with its great open roof; this is the main mill building, lying right across the river. Down below,
half underground, are the bath rooms; for your bath at Winchester is unique, the river runs through on
either side, and when you want a bath (in summer at least) you take hold of a rope and step down into the
mill race. You must not forget the rope; legend has it that someone was once swept out of his bath into
the open stream, to the distress of the good people of Winchester. Or if you do not want to be so
adventurous, you may step down into the little garden that lies upstream, parting the river in two almost
like a boat, with a wealth of bright flowers down the middle, and on either hand flagged paths and low
stone walls where you may sit and look at the evening sky and listen to the water.

483
Winchester is no place for those lone spirits that want only their own company. Even outside the holidays
you will find many coming and going there and at Easter or Whitsun or in August there may be fifty or
more. Over all Joey, best of wardens, rules with brisk understanding. Lights out is no empty command at
Winchester. Gently but surely we are marshalled to bed; one or two of the more restless spirits
murmuring maybe of the tyranny of woman, but obedient withal; no bedside gossip here; soon the voices
of hostellers are stilled, and only the voice of the river goes on filling every corner and every minute
[Southern Pathfinder article, Spring 1934, by Herbert [Gatliff?]].
Fay Schlosser, warden of Winchester, is on the high seas. She is bound for Australia, where she will try
to find Heinz, her husband, whose fame as a cook is widespread among hostellers. Heinz will be
remembered, too, for the many improvements made in the accommodation at Winchester while he was
there. Built-in beds, floors and ceilings in the men’s dormitories were his own work. He was a political
refugee from Germany, where, in happier days, he had acted as area secretary to DJH, the German Youth
Hostels Association. He was interned and sent to Australia early this summer when the policy towards
aliens underwent a drastic change. Mrs Schlosser is British by birth, and had no details of her husband’s
final destination in Australia when she left this country late in September. Heinz’s last letter said that he
was safe and well. Fay’s mother, Mrs. Jackson, has been installed in her place as warden of Winchester.
She, like her son-in-law, is a cook of rare distinction, and Winchester’s culinary reputation should be
maintained in her hands. Over all Joey, best of wardens, rules with brisk understanding. Lights out is no
empty command at Winchester. Gently but surely we are marshalled to bed; one or two of the more
restless spirits murmuring maybe of the tyranny of woman, but obedient withal; no bedside gossip here;
soon the voices of hostellers are stilled, and only the voice of the river goes on filling every corner and
every minute [London Region News, October 1940].
We are sorry to lose Mr and Mrs AW Yeo, who despite all the difficulties at this hostel have done a
grand job of work. Mrs Yeo's health has been poor for some time and she has been advised to seek
somewhere less damp than the City Mill. We wish them luck in their transfer at Carisbrooke [Rucksack,
Midsummer 1947].
One enters the hostel from a narrow side street and opening a door falls down three steps into an
extensive basement with barely room to stand erect. It was lit entirely by electric light… I was warned
not to disturb the warden at his dinner. Right under the mill and on a wharf alongside the rushing stream,
is where you remove the dust of travel… You bail up a bucketful, and pour it into a basin on the bench…
Upstairs is as lofty as the basement is low, with nothing ahead of the steeply pitched roof. Here the
common room is divided from the women’s dorm by a curtain and at the far end, in a sort of minstrels’
gallery, is another women’s dorm. Having scaled the ladder, you duck through a 3-foot aperture and find
yourself right among the roof beams [Mabel Pratt, August 1949].
The Mill straddles the River Itchen and at [one] time ablutions took place on a platform with water
supplied via a metal bucket on a chain which was used to gather requirements from the river. The warden
[Heinz Schloesser / Henry Castles] was a German refugee with an English wife [Fay]. He was reputed to
have shot his way out of Nazi Germany and was also famed for his cooking. I recall the evening meal
which was a mountainous savoury spaghetti laced with sultanas [Len Clark, recalled in 2007].
Twenty-two years ago, the City Mill at Winchester became the first hostel in London Region, and one of
the first in England. Most of the original hostels have long since closed their doors and been replaced, but
Winchester has survived the passage of time, and today its popularity with hostellers is as great as ever.
The City Mill has a long history. The present building, a mellow, red-brick structure, dates from 1744,
but earlier mills had for four centuries occupied the same site astride the River Itchen.
Corn ceased to be ground in the mill about the turn of the last century, and thus it was as a derelict
building that the mill was saved from demolition by the generosity of local residents. The National Trust,
who had undertaken the guardianship of the mill, agreed to its use as a youth hostel and since its opening
well over one hundred thousand bed-nights have been recorded.
The attractive, well-preserved common room extends right over the river and the mill race, and above the
unique water-level washrooms. In the island garden is a tall willow grown from a cutting taken from the
tree over Napoleon’s grave on St Helena [Winchester, Hostel Close-up No.20, Rucksack July-August
1953].
Winchester Mill. I remember as a hosteller myself in the mid to late 1960s staying at Winchester; I seem
to remember that by then, the unusual bathing arrangements were optional, or for viewing only; there was
a more modern alternative by that time! But it must have been fun [Elizabeth Pitts, recalled in 2014].
(s)

WINCHESTER Temporary hostel planned 1951.
Winchester, Hampshire.
Historic County: Hampshire

YHA Region: SOU; SE; S

GR: SU 4829 approx.

484

▲✚Extra temporary accommodation was to be provided here during the Festival of Britain [YHAB
4/1951]. It is not certain that this facility was provided, though similar arrangements were certainly
made elsewhere at this time.
Property tenure:

WINCHESTER [Temporary] 1969 only.
Winchester, Hampshire. SU 4829 approx.
▲✚Temporary hostel [YHAar69] at an unknown address. 526 overnights were recorded in this one
year.
Property tenure: unspecified arrangement with the Local Authority [YHAar69].

WINDERMERE 1935 to present.
High Cross Castle, Bridge Lane, Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1LA.
Historic County: Westmorland

YHA Region: LAK; LK; N

GR: NY 405013*

▲Opened Easter 1935, on 18/4/1935 according to the Handbook.
Wartime arrangements: a national notice of 20/6/1940 was issued to state that the hostel had been reopened. It was
requisitioned 1/1941 [LAKar41], then recovered and brought back into use Summer 1942, and open thereafter
[LAKar42].

There were complaints of dampness in 1946, and a search for an alternative hostel was considered
[LAKmins 1946]. In the late 1950s the self-catering arrangements were hopelessly inadequate and
a new block recommended [LAKmins 30Aug1958].
A new dining area opening onto the terrace was added to the members’ kitchen [HN Spring 1975].
An important development was completed early in 1979 with warden’s accommodation and
subsequent re-development of the hostel, including the provision of family accommodation in a
cottage in the hostel grounds [HN Spring 1979]. The property called the Lodge was disposed of in
1987 [YHAar87].
PDMP redevelopment in 1993 involved breaking up the three very large dormitories to provide
smaller rooms with more privacy and a central block of good quality private showers and toilets
and some washing facilities outside the dormitories. A self-contained smokers’ common room was
constructed from a room at the bottom of the stairs, surplus to requirements after the major
refurbishment, to help removing smoke from the reception/common room/corridor area [YHA
News spring 1997].
Handbook 1935-40; 1943-2009.
Alternative names: Troutbeck (1939-40 and 1943-63); renamed Windermere 30/9/1963; Windermere (Troutbeck)
(1987).
Property tenure: before the war a leased controlled hostel. After a dozen years a freehold purchase was made of the
Castle and Lodge (to YHA Trust 29/9/1947). Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: imposing castellated building. The tower was removed as unsafe after some years’ hostel use.
YHA Archive file [∂ & «]: Y600003 Logs G Greenhough.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600007
anon logs Lakes ca1944.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Windermere YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A strange concrete edifice newly-built as a guest-house for clergy by an eccentric who, when its
predecessor, a wooden building, was destroyed by fire, vowed this would not happen again: he designed,
built, and furnished the building, and died; his house had no other use than to provide his funeral
breakfast. The project was abandoned and Lakeland took it on with glee. It was dubbed our new luxury
hostel, for it had an organ, seven fountains playing in the grounds and, above all, electric light!
[LKar1979].
***-, food good, sleep poor, bad position, queue for wash, 2nd stay better-good [anon holiday log,
ca1944].
Architecture makes us shudder. Most peculiar Druids’ Altar in garden. Another unlikeable warden [Mary
Jephcott, 1944, reporting in 2008].
At last I saw the familiar white fortress-like building which is blessed by the name High Cross Castle YH
above me. I helped myself to a wash which was not much more comfortable than the one I had had at
Stainton, for the water was just as cold. The Common Room, however, was very cold, since it was really
the entrance hall [Rev G Greenhough, 1948].

485
Our duty after supper was to wash all the massive pans, no problems. The Warden’s wife complemented
us – ‘that’s the first time in a month that I have not had to re-wash them’ [Two young lads’ logbook,
1949].
(s)

WINDGATHER COTTAGE 1938 to 1983.
Windgather Cottage, Kettleshulme, Whaley Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 7EH.
Historic County: Cheshire

YHA Region: MAN; PK

GR: SJ 993785*

▲Opened 30/12/1938 and officially opened 1939.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, as it was important to members from the South Lancashire towns, the Potteries and West
Riding.

Closed 1/11/1962, on the retirement of the warden from the outset, Miss Booth, and negotiations
for its reopening proved unsuccessful at first [MANar63]. It was resurrected, however, 11/1964
[YHAF]. For a period this was the highest youth hostel in England and Wales. The hostel did not
operate for most of 1979-80, while building work was carried out.
✚Closed 31/12/1983, when the lease expired.
Handbook 1939-83 (1964 in supplement only).
Property tenure: adopted hostel, with tenancy.
Property profile: simple hillside cottage, with an extension for dining-cum-common room and men’s dorm above,
originally part of a WWI gunpowder works based nearby. The adjoining wooden building was the women’s dorm, built
by members. Since closure the extensions have been removed and Windgather Cottage is again a private residence.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Windgather 751 ≈† RG46.doc; [∂ & «]: Y600006 Mary Jephcott.doc
Published material: Hostel Close-Up 89, Windgather, Youth Hosteller September 1962.
Published material: article, Windgather 1963, Youth Hosteller August 1963.
Reports, recollections and observations:
The common room is comfortably furnished with seats from a Manchester trancar [Rucksack, Easter
1939].
Hostel supper: I had two helpings of soup. I rather regretted that when I saw the next heaped plate.
Perhaps I would have a light pudding, but no – it was gooseberries and sponge. The women’s dormitory
had three-tier beds [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to Northumberland, 23 July 1962].

(s)
WINDMILL HILL 2009 to 2010.
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2009-10 inclusive.
WINDSOR [Clewer Community Centre] [Temporary] 1952 to 1957.
Clewer and Windsor Community Centre, Abbot’s Walk, Dedworth Green, Windsor, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 942761

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 2/8/1952 to 30/8/1952 (169 bednights) and 30/5/1953-31/8/1953
as Clewer (Windsor). It was not in Handbooks for those years. Operation continued in 1954-57.
✚It was closed after the 1957 season, the end of season being 31/8/1957 (but GD’s copy of the
Handbook has 7/9 written in). This facility would not be available in 1958 and a search was on for
a replacement [LONar57]. It was replaced by Windsor (Clewer Parish Hall).
Handbook 1954-57.
Property tenure:
Property profile: one or [probably] two black-painted Nissen huts.
Now demolished. The site is occupied by seven bungalows....numbers 2-14 Abbot’s Walk and a garage block on the
eastern spur of Wolf Lane - the garage stands directly behind numbers 8-12 Abbot's Walk [KF, 2017].

WINDSOR [Clewer Parish Hall] [Temporary] 1958 to 1959.
Clewer Parish Hall, Parsonage Lane, Windsor, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 953766

▲Summer seasonal hostel open 1958 (19/7 to 28/8) and 1959 (25/7 to 5/9), replacing Windsor
(Clewer and Windsor Community Centre) after a long search, as the earlier premises were not
available [LONar58].
✚Closed 5/9/1959 and replaced by Windsor (Oakfield County Primary School).
Handbook 1958 supplement-60.

486
Property tenure:
Property profile: Parish Hall of 1892, now used as the Clewer Youth and Community Centre.
Reports, recollections and observations:
In the Victorian age those that were able to do so were encouraged to give land and buildings for use as
reading rooms, for talks, exhibitions and generally to give access to learning and knowledge for working
people.
On 14th August 1890, Sir Henry Daniel Gooch of Clewer Park, and his son, Daniel Fulthorpe Gooch of
Trinity Hall, Cambridge, signed a conveyance whereby they gave a parcel of land approximately one
rood and fourteen and a half perches facing onto Parsonage Lane, to be used as a site on which to build a
Hall, under the authority of an Act of Parliament entitled ‘The Literary and Scientific Institutions Act of
1854’. The land was conveyed to a Committee of four Trustees who raised the necessary finances by
Public Subscription to build a hall for ‘the Promotion of Science, Literature, the Fine Arts, for Adult
Instruction, the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge…’
By November 1892 the building fund stood at £500 with the estimated cost at £900. Work started in late
1892, and the Architect was Mr Bell. The Hall was completed in October 1893 and has served the people
of Clewer well for over a hundred years.
In 1999 the Trustees contracted a lease with the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People
(BACYP), who successfully obtained funds from the National Lottery to enable them to carry out a
refurbishment of the Hall, and to fund a Hall Manager for three years. Since 2000, the Hall has been
known as the Clewer Youth and Community Centre (The Clewer Centre) and has a Management
Committee who employ a part-time Centre Manager. It is used for a wide variety of events and activities
including two Youth Clubs [adapted from Clewer Parish Hall history sheet].
(v)

WINDSOR [Oakfield School] [Temporary] 1960 to 1962.
Oakfield County Primary School, Imperial Road, Windsor, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON

GR: SU 955761

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened in 1960 as a late change to replace Windsor (Clewer Parish
Hall). It operated in 1960 (23/7 to 3/9) and 1961 (29/7 to 30/8).
✚Closed 28/8/1962, and replaced by Windsor (Edgeworth House) 2 days later.
Handbook 1961-62.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Primary School, still in use as such, and much expanded, in 2016.
(v)

WINDSOR [Edgeworth House] 1962 to 2003.
Edgeworth House, Mill Lane, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5JE.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: LON; LN/EA; S

GR: SU 955770*

▲Opened 30/8/1962, replacing Windsor (Oakfield County Primary School), but not officially
opened until 14/3/1964. The 1962 Handbook advised that there would be a temporary or permanent
hostel in the summer; details followed in the 1962 supplement. At the time of the hostel’s opening a
new two storey block was added and the stable block was reconstructed. There was accommodation
for 79. In March 1970 the dormitory annexe was severely damaged by a fire that had started in a
neighbouring property; the hostel was closed for a short period for emergency repairs, and a
marquee erected in the grounds during the summer [EAar70]. A warden’s bungalow was built in
what looks like a speculative development in the garden in 1976 [WightWash, March 1977].
An improvement plan was implemented in 1986 [YHAar86, 87].
The annexe was improved ready for the 1998 season by subdividing the large dormitories and
providing additional facilities to allow more flexibility in its use [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed 2003 in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic. There were 787 bednights after
1/3/2003. The 2003/04 Handbook and Update 1 (only) advised of possible closure during 2003; the
hostel was sold 2/6/2003.
Handbook 1962 supplement-2003/04.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Department of Education grant-aided) 4/6/1962 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
Property profile: Queen Anne valley-roofed period house, built about 1707 on the site of a small hunting lodge. Before
YHA purchase it had been owned by the Home Office Children’s Department, and up to the beginning of 1960 run as a
girls’ approved school [YHA memo].
Now converted to four flats [KF, 2017].
Published material: article, Windsor Open – Official, Youth Hosteller May 1964.
Reports, recollections and observations:

487
Windsor, where the building works never seem to cease… there are new assistants’ quarters; the wardens
now live in what looks lke a speculative development in the garden [WightWash March 1977].
(v)

WINDSOR [Temporary] 1968 only.
Windsor, Berkshire.
Historic County: Berkshire

YHA Region: EA

GR:

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened at an unknown Windsor address in 1968, for men only,
according to Eastern Region statistics. There were 40 beds and 154 bednights.
✚Closed 1968.
Property tenure:
Property profile:

WINMARLEIGH HALL 2008 to 2010.
Church Lane, Winmarleigh, near Garstang, Preston, Lancashire PR3 0LA
4Do It 4 Real Summer Camp external site, 2008-10 inclusive.
WINYARDS GAP 1949 to 1960.
Chedington, Beaminster, Dorset.
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU

GR: ST 488055

▲Opened 22/7/1949 [SOUar49].
✚Closed 30/9/1960, for economic reasons, and sold 21/9/1960 [YHAPB].
Handbook 1949 supplement-60.
The hostel was also referred to as Chedington.
Property tenure: freehold purchase at auction 10/5/1949 (to YHA Trust 16/7/1949).
Property profile: the former Chedington School, built in local stone, originally believed to have been the stables for
Chedington Court, whose coat of arms is over the entrance.
Reports, recollections and observations:
A very primitive hostel. The washroom was a ramshackle lean-to, with bowl and ewer [Stephen Tyler,
recounted in 2015].

WINYARDS GAP [Overflow] 1958 to 1959.
Chedington, Beaminster, Dorset. ST 4805
Historic County: Dorset

YHA Region: SOU

GR: ST 488055 approx.

▲Opened 1958. Increased accommodation was provided by renting the village hall as a men’s
dormitory in 1958 and 1959 [SOUar59].
✚Closed 1959.
Property tenure: tenancy.
Property profile: village hall.

WIRKSWORTH 1940 to 1950.
Bradley House, Steeple Grange, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 289511*

▲Opened 1940. Officially opened 15/6/1940. For a time the Regional Secretary was based here.
The hostel accommodation of 30 was partly in the coach-house to the rear of Bradley House, and
connected to it by a gangway [resident, 2007].
Wartime arrangements: after opening, the hostel operated each year of the war.

✚Closed 1950; or 1/1/1951 [YHAF].
Handbook 1940alterations-51.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: slate-roofed house with prominent porch in front and coach house to rear.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wirksworth 751 ≈† RG46.doc
Reports, recollections and observations:
A favourite hostel, by the Cromford and High Peak railway line. Wardens Mr & Mrs Bishop [Russell
Parsons, recounted in 2004].
(v)

488
WIRRAL Hostel planned 1936. Did not open.
Wirral, Cheshire. Location unknown.
▼Negotiations were being undertaken [Rucksack Autumn 1936]
WIRRAL Hostel planned 1944. Did not open.
Wirral, Cheshire. Location unknown.
▼A hostel was being sought here [MERar44].

WIRRAL (see Barnston-in-Wirral).
WISBECH Hostel planned 1993. Did not open.
Somers Road, South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2RA. GR: TF 459096
▼The hostel was under construction and would be open from 3/4/1993 [Handbook 1993]. The Wisbech Outdoor
Pursuits Trust (who were to manage the hostel) became a victim of the recession [YHA News].
Property profile: The hostel was to be in an 18th-century jail and former police station.

WITCOMBE 1933 to 1943.
Laburnum Farm, Little Witcombe, Gloucestershire.
Historic County: Gloucestershire
YHA Region: GSE
GR: SO 913153
Positional note: the location of Laburnum Farm has not been determined; the Regional Guide sketchmap of 1937
suggests that it was on the north side of Green Lane, opposite the present Willow Farm, Grid Reference as given, but
the old 1:25,000 map shows the ‘Y’ on the main Birdlip Hill Road to the south.≠

▲Opened 4/1933 (Easter) [GSEar33], replacing the first Stroud Hostel. The hostel, to be open all
year, consisted of huts at Laburnum Farm; the warden was Mrs Heydon, and accommodation 16
[GSEar33]. After her death in 1934, Mrs Miles (possibly a relative) was undertaking to enlarge the
hostel at her own cost, and wanted improved directions in the Handbook [GSEmins 17/2/1937,
17/1/1938].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war up to closure but in 1940 the hostel had been
withdrawn by 14/10/1940. It was (eg) open spring 1942 as usual [GSEar42].

✚Closed 1943, end of season being 3/10/1943.
Handbook 1933-43.
Alternative names: Little Witcombe (1933; renamed in the 1933 supplement).
Property tenure: tenancy (rent in 1933SY, for instance, was £29.5s.0d, and income £47.9s.0d) [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: farm buildings; huts at Laburnum Farm [GSEar33].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Witcombe 751 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
Saturday 16th Feb 1935. Downhill to the crossroads at Witcombe (from Painswick). We bore round to
the right, then to the left, then to the right up a lane, then slightly to the left up a muddy track to
Laburnum Farm, a half-timbered place. Here we knocked them up and went into the kitchen to sign the
book. The woman, tallish, rather gross-faced and excessively fond of smoking, was very friendly and
pleasant to us. There was a garrulous old man. Presently we went to our hostel huts, where Mrs Miles had
lit stoves for us. We heated baked beans for our supper and went to the house for our teapot.
Sunday 17th Feb 1935 ...We did not sleep too well last night. The moonlight, the excitement and the
strange creaking sounds (caused by a flock of guinea fowl). Harold was cold in the night and couldn’t get
warm. The old fellow delayed us, showing us his cider-press [Diaries of FJ Catley, 1935].

WITHERIDGE 1932 to 1952.
Westway Farm (also spelled Westaway), Witheridge, Tiverton, Devon.
Historic County: Devon
YHA Region: DAC
GR: SS 820135*
Positional note: the sketchmaps provided in the 1936 and 1937 Regional Guides show the location of the hostel
incorrectly.

▲Opened 1932. It was hoped to open here by Easter 1932 [PlymouthRGar31]. Women’s quarters
were in the house, men’s and common room in barns and outbuildings. The warden was Mr Selley.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war. An internal circular of 18/3/1941 stressed the need to
keep it from requisition, for the use of young people from Plymouth, Devonport, etc. Considerable improvements were
made in preparation for peace time [DACar42].

✚Closed 1952, as rental was no longer available [YHAB 12/1952, DACar52].
Handbook 1932-52 (1932 brief details only).
Property tenure: rented
Property profile: farm and outbuildings.

489
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Witheridge 751 ≈ RG36.tif; Y050001-Witheridge 752 ≈† RG37.tif
Reports, recollections and observations:
August 1938 (Catley makes a correct reference to the published sketch-map being wrong).
I put my bike in the barn and found my way through the muddy yard to a lighted room in the front of the
house, where there was as noisy a crew of young people as I have ever seen, plus the two daughters of the
house. The common room here is also the kitchen of the farm, an odd arrangement, and has a huge old
fireplace. The noisy party continued till 11. The farmer and his wife were as much part of the party as the
youths and girls, and altogether I thought this the oddest hostel I had ever been in. I thought it a rude and
dirty place, and the bed I slept in sagged like a hammock. I felt dubious, too, about the mattress and
blankets. Most of us bought our breakfasts from the warden, and a very good breakfast we had, a happy
party round the big table in the pleasant room next to the big dark kitchen.
A young couple, I think they had only just been married and may have been honeymooning, were not
hostelling but bed and breakfasting, so they were able to have a room to themselves last night [Diaries of
FJ Catley, 1938].
Again another farm hostel, but with a difference, one always had the feeling that you were one of the
farming community working this large farm, when staying overnight. Mr and Mrs Selley, the owners of
the farm, acted as the wardens, and what delightful people they were, nothing was too much trouble for
them. The accommodation was in a large barn, which formed part of the farmhouse, this was used for the
men’s dormitory, the girls being housed in another part of the farmhouse. Members were supplied with
meals in the very large farm kitchen, sitting at a table that must have been 12 foot long; the evening
meals being ready when the farmer and his two workers had finished milking. Each meal was a jolly
occasion, when all present were trying to understand the lovely broad Devon talk that was coming from
the farm folks, along with perhaps a smattering of Yorkshire or Scottish dialect from the youth hostel
members.
This hostel was one of the ones that remained opened throughout the duration of the war, and it was an
eye opener to enjoy the farm produce that was available at each meal without any restrictions. Food
rationing was by then of course very and truly in operation, and at all the hostels where meals were
provided, it was necessary to obtain the government food permit forms from the Food offices within the
district. There was many a time that I had to visit these offices, endeavouring to obtain more rationed
food supplies for the warden’s catering requirements, and luckily I always came away with a little extra,
all calculated on the number of meals supplied.
Another interesting feature of the farm kitchen, was the great open fireplace. This had a built-in
inglenook, with seat, and in the opposite corner a built-in wall bread oven, both of which were in
constant use. There was also a large hanging hook, fastened in the chimney, which went straight up to the
sky. The fire was kept going with large bundles of hedge trimmings, which were standing in large ricks
in the farmyard.
Poultry was of course on ration, as part of the meat ration, and at Christmas time was difficult to come
by. Bearing this in mind, I arranged for the Xmas fare for my family and friends. I organised my duties to
enable me to go to Witheridge to collect my order of 10 birds. These were parcelled up for me in a large
box secured with straw ties. I placed the box in my car and off I went on my journey home.
Unfortunately, a few miles short of Exeter, I broke down and it was necessary for me to get a taxi, to get
me and my precious parcel to Exeter Station. This I duly achieved and arrived at the platform to await the
train to Plymouth. When it finally arrived, it was packed full, with standing room only in the corridors. I
opened a door of the carriage struggling with my parcel, when a couple of soldiers grabbed the parcel and
dragged it into the corridor of the train [extracts from Charles Allen Memoirs, 1977].

WITTON Camping barn 1992 to 2008≠.
▲Witton Castle Estate, Witton-le-Wear, Co. Durham. GR: NZ 155298
Handbook 1992-2008. A Countryside Commission folder of 1991 described the camping barn here as open in that
year, ownership unstated. It was closed before 2009.
Property profile: in former byre and dairy.

WOLSINGHAM 1948 to 1955.
St John’s Hall, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham.
Historic County: Durham

YHA Region: WEA

GR: NZ 069339*

▲Opened 17/7/1948 [YDM 9/1948], this being a token opening, thanks to the work of Sunderland
Sub-Regional Group [WEAar48].
Major conversion work was still planned for 1950 [WEAar49]; more male accommodation and
extra cooking facilities had been provided by early 1952 [Rksk Mar-Apr52].
✚Closed 28/10/1955, as the business was always disappointing. The property was sold 27/10/1958
[YHAPB].
Handbook 1948 supplement-55.

490
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 14/8/1948).
Property profile: large residence, country home of William Backhouse, a Darlington banker.
(v)

WOODADVENT Camping barn 1995 to 2008≠.
▲Woodadvent Farm, Roadwater, Washford, Somerset. GR: ST 037374
Opened 1995.
Handbook 1995-2008. Closed before 2009.
Property profile: a former cider barn.

WOOD GREEN (see [London] WOOD GREEN)
WOODLANDS 1931 to 1934.
Woodlands, Kingsdown, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 562604

▲Opened 1931. There were (eg) 91 bednights between 5/1931 and 9/1931 [LONar31].
✚Closed 1934 [Rucksack Autumn 1934], as it did not conform to standards laid down [LONar34]
and there was much adverse criticism [LONar28/8/1934].
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-34.
Alternative names: Woodlands Camp (1931(1st edn)-32); Kemsing (1933).
Property tenure:
Property profile: part of a holiday camp that finally closed in the 1960s and has since been redeveloped for housing.

WOODSPRING (see Flackwell Heath)
WOODY’S TOP 1948 to 2017.
Ruckland, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 8RQ.
Historic County: Lincolnshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: TF 332786*

▲Opened 1948 (1947 according to YHA News spring 1997, probably the date acquired), replacing
Farforth Hostel nearby, whose owners offered it to YHA to alleviate the loss of that property. The
initial primitive barn building and tractor repair shop has been transformed over the years by
judicious modernisation and extensions, benefiting greatly from the dedication and contributions of
its convenor, Peter Grant.
In 1974 the hostel was fitted with a small cooker, for use by mid-week school and family visitors
[HN sum1974]. 1978 improvements included retiling, new ceilings for the common room and girls’
dormitory and a new brick-built block for toilets and cycles; much of the cost was met by donations
[HN Spring 1978]. The new entrance was built in 1979.
In 1984, Woody’s was offering parties the chance to have the place to themselves. It was open
every Saturday and Bank holiday Sunday from 1st April to 29th September, or any night
throughout the year by booking in advance. Heating was by wood burning stoves, and there were
two dormitories, one with 14 beds and the other with six [HN Autumn 84]. In 1985 a new
dormitory was constructed to give more flexibility, and the old men’s dorm refitted to provide an
excellent combined Common Room / Dining Room / Kitchen [PKar85]. Mains water was supplied
in 1986, with the trench dug for free by a neighbouring farmer, flush toilets were fitted in 1987 and
the extension built in 1990 using bricks from a local ancient cartshed [Woody’s Top annual
reports].
The hostel benefited from a bequest from Peter Grant, convenor for around 20 years before his
tragic death in 1992. His generosity provided the hostel with new pine bunk beds and new
heavyweight duvets. A new entrance was to be built onto the hostel to house a wet shelter and
drying room and allowing the hallway to be redeveloped into a more cosy area, and the provision of
a warden’s shop and office. The kitchen area was upgraded and a new full-size cooker installed
[YHA News March 1994].
During the winter of 1996-97 security enhancements were put in place at the hostel, and a new
multi-fuel woodburning stove installed to replace Woody’s faithful stove which was suffering from
metal fatigue [YHA News spring 1997].

491
Towards the year 2010 Woody’s Top was given over almost exclusively to rentals, but from that
year its use as a regular hostel for at least part of the year was re-established, and in May 2011 the
premises were upgraded, with re-decoration throughout, new beds and bed-lights, upgraded selfcatering kitchen, necessary external works to the front elevation and replacement windows. It
reopened on 10th June [Hosteltalk].
✚Closed at the end of September 2016 for ordinary overnights and due to close for group bookings
and completely from the end of January 2017. This was later revised to 31st May 2017.
Handbook 1948 supplement-2009
Property tenure: freehold purchase 24/5/1976 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: a farm building formerly known as Mr Wood’s Top Barn, much altered, expanded and improved.
It featured water provision by handcart (up a steep hill) and Elsan disposal in the fields as late as 1976 [KF].
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/483429
Reports, recollections and observations:
How we came by Woody’s Top was a very sad story.
Farforth is a small hamlet lying in the valley just off the road down road to Scamblesby and consists of a
farm, a few cottages and the large farm house known as Farforth House which had been used as a Youth
Hostel since the early thirties and which was rented on a yearly lease. Strawson who owned the farm
including the field on which Woody’s Top stands (or his wife) decided out of the blue in early 1947 that
they wanted to live there, they were at the time living on their other farm at Market Rasen.
A committee was called on Saturday evening at which Strawson and his wife were present and we were
given an ultimatum with an alternative of either sitting out our lease which had about nine months to run
or if we were prepared to vacate Farforth House more or less straight away he had some buildings at
Woody’s Top which he would make habitable and which we could rent again on a yearly lease for I think
10/- per week. Incidentally, Woody’s Top is not a name conjured up by us; the field and building were
always known locally by that name.
None of the committee really knew the place apart from seeing the buildings in passing so we trekked up
including Strawson to see the place, it was dark and all we had was cycle lamps and it looked terrible.
We visited the place the following morning and by daylight it looked even worse! The barn part of the
building which became the mens’ dorm had a large double door and a huge bench down one side, a
tortoise stove and was used as a tractor repair shop. The building which became the common room was
open along the side facing the field and was used to store farm implements and house chickens.
We drew up a rough sketch of what needed to be done and Strawson got the local builder to work and we
moved in during the middle of 1947; needless to say there was a working party nearly every weekend
that year to move the equipment from Farforth and to get Woody’s into some sort of reasonable order.
It really was primitive, there was no water or toilets and one of the first jobs was to build the ladies’ and
gents’ privies. For water there was a small well by the side of the gents’ dorm and we fitted a hand pump
on this to use for washing but for the drinking water we bought a galvanised drum mounted on a trolley
and arranged with the farmer half way down Ruckland Hill to allow us to use the tap in his farmyard. It
was easy going down but hard work going up the hill with a drum full of water half of which was usually
lost on the way. This task usually formed one of the duties.
The first winter was fairly Spartan; it was difficult to get the place warm. We started with a small tortoise
stove in the common room but had to change this to a larger cook and heat stove. The mens’ dorm had a
pantile roof and when it rained it was a case of going to bed with a cycle cape over the blankets if you
wanted to stay dry. The following summer we underfelted the pantiles. I was convener of Woody’s until I
moved from Lincoln in 1954 and I am sure that a lot of work and improvements have been done since I
left; in fact I believe the YHA now own the Hostel, but it is good to hear that after those dark days in
1947 when everyone was saddened at having to leave Farforth House that Woody’s Top is still thriving
[Letter from Edgar Franklin to Peter Knottley, 11 January 1987]
The warden had a nice fire going and a heater in the women’s dormitory. I learned that more girls were
coming. Two of them would be wardening the following evening [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour in East
Anglia, 21 April 1962].
The various wardens keep a log of what happens at the hostel and the following are extracts from it.
May 26th. Tonight I was rapidly changing roles from warden to surgeon (removing gravel from a
cyclist’s knee with a sterilized penknife) to nurse (as I comforted him in his post-operative agony) and
back to warden again. Is this a record? Twelve of the 13 people here tonight are cyclists.
September 17th. Drizzly start, but sunny breaks, the latter being very short, the former very long. Got a
good old wood fire going, had our tea (bangers and mash) and found out what ‘cosy’ meant. Although
disappointed at being unable to take advantage of the wonderfully unspoilt countryside, we are enjoying
our stay. Most popular features are: the absolute peace and quiet (lack of traffic, aircraft noises, etc), the
superb views in every direction, the fresh air in abundance (even with muck spreading and crop burning),
the carefree atmosphere.

492
October 21st. Gale blowing all night. Men’s dorm very cold, piled on all available blankets – will
someone knit 14 nose-cosies for Woody’s? [HN Spring 1974].
(s)

WOOKEY HOLE 1931 to 1941.
Ebbor Farm, Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset.
Historic County: Somerset

YHA Region: GSE

GR: ST 524478*

▲Opened 3/1931 [GSEar33], one of the very first YHA hostels. The common room and women’s
quarters were in the house and men in the barn. Mrs Masters was warden [GSND Regional Guide
1931]. With due decorum, it was noted that a shed would need to be erected before an Elsan could
be used [GSEmins 20/7/1938].
Wartime arrangements: at the start of 1940 the hostel was closed to members, because of army occupation, but soon
restored, with 1327 bednights [GSEmins 8/2/1940, 11/4/1940]. Then a national notice of 5/11/1940 advised that it was
closed until further notice; it was requisitioned by the Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, Wells, on 31/10/1940. 2498
hostellers stayed in 1941 and exemption from further requisitioning was granted during 1941SY [GSEar41], but the
hostel did not see further use after that season.

✚Closed 1941.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-41.
Property tenure: tenancy. Rent of £32.10s was paid for 23 weeks’ use in 1931 [GSRGar31]. Rent in 1933SY, for
instance, was £50.10s.0d, and income £77.18s.0d [GSNDar1933].
Property profile: farmhouse and outbuildings.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wookey Hole 751 ≈† RG37.tif
(v)

WOOLER [Railway Station] 1932 to 1939.
Wooler Railway Station, Northumberland.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT

GR: NT 993284*

▲Opened 1932, the start of the season being Whit. Formally opened 18/6/1932 [The Scotsman].
✚Closed end of season 1939 [NOTar39].
Wartime arrangements: the lease of a room for emergency storage terminated 19/6/1941, when the hut and other goods
were removed to Once Brewed [NOTar41]).
Handbook 1932-39.
Property tenure: leased from the LNER.
Property profile: North Eastern Railway station premises of 1887, closed to passengers from 9/1930 but still then with
the occasional goods pick-up train. The hostel was in waiting rooms on both platforms of the station. In 1938 a shed
was provided to improve washing facilities [NOTar38].
Web resource: http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/stations/w/wooler/index.shtml
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wooler A 751 † RG32.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
YOUTH HOSTELS – Link in the Cheviot Chain
A link in the Cheviot chain of youth hostels is to be opened to-day at Wooler (Northumberland) Railway
Station, which has been closed for lack of passengers, and has been converted into a hostel. Sir Charles
Trevelyan, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, will officiate. Dr Fothergill, secretary of the SYHA, will
be present, and connecting hostels between Northumberland and the Border chain at Ettrick may be
planned [The Scotsman 18/6/1932].
(v)

WOOLER (CHEVIOT) 1954 to present.
30 Cheviot Street, Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6LW.
Historic County: Northumberland

YHA Region: NOT; BD; N

GR: NT 991277*

▲Opened shortly after Easter 1954, or opened 1/8/1954 [NOTar54]. The premises, which replaced
Fenwick Hostel, were converted by volunteers.
The first phase of PDMP work in 1991 provided new showers and toilets for the disabled as part of
a wider improvement project. In winter 1992-93 grants of £16,500 from a dozen local trusts and
organisations such as the Northumberland National Park, the Countryside Commission and the
Rural Development Commission made it possible to extend wheelchair access throughout the

493
hostel, to carry out much needed improvements to the reception lobby and to refurbish the selfcatering kitchen [Nar93, YHA News August 1993].
The hostel was due to close in 2006, and was sold July 2006. However, Wooler would continue to
trade as normal as the new owners, Glendale Gateway Trust, had joined YHA’s Enterprise scheme
[YHA eNews, 12/2006, whyha.org.uk]. It was decided to keep it open throughout the winter,
whereas previously the Cheviot Street based hostel closed at the end of October. Northern Rock
Foundation made the deal possible by granting the Glendale Gateway Trust £170,000 towards the
purchase and management of the hostel. The rest of the funding was approved by Northumberland
Strategic Partnership and came from the capital receipt of the sale of land behind Wooler High
Street [Tweeddale Press, 26/10/2006].
Handbook 1954-2009.
Alternative name: Wooler (1954-91).
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 16/10/1953 as land and
buildings). From 2006 a YHA Enterprise arrangement. Currently [2012] a clawback arrangement.
Property profile: former Land Army hostel. This may be one of the Ministry of Agriculture hostels first suggested as a
YHA hostel in 1942, with five others in Northumberland [NOTar42].
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wooler & Fenwick YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
It was a hut similar to Hodgeston Hill. In the members’ kitchen were stacks of tins of food and I thought
the warden must be very trusting person to keep his store there [Pat Packham, A Cycling Tour to
Northumberland, 30 July 1962].
Wooler YH was previously a land army Hostel, so to convert it to a Youth Hostel for both sexes a
dividing wall was built down the centre of the dormitory wing. Even when colour washed, the wall was
still bleak, so when in 1954 Jim Mackenzie was convalescing after a motor cycle accident, he painted a
beautiful series of murals on both sides of the wall, featuring castles, land-scapes and birds. They lasted
very well, with only the very occasional need to be touched up. Last year Wooler YH was modernised,
dictating the destruction of the long wall and so, regretfully, the loss of all these paintings. Shortly after
the Hostel’s reopening Paula Sellers, a young art teacher from Scarborough, was staying there, and
offered to paint murals on the new corridor walls, of castles and their surroundings, and of puffins. They
were so admired that she was per suaded to come back and paint eight more [YHA News May 1993].
(s)

WOOTTON, ISLE OF WIGHT 1932 to 1933.
Woodside Bungalow [Woodside House, Lower Woodside Road], Wootton, Isle of Wight.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SOU

GR: SZ 545937*

▲Opened 1932. This temporary hostel was the most popular in the region [SOUar33].
✚Closed 1933, the end of season being 21/10/1933. The house was offered for sale in 1933.
Handbook 1932-33.
Property tenure:
Property profile: Woodside Bungalow (Woodside House, Lower Woodside Road), was a large Victorian bungalow
dating from ca1856, set in 23 acres of grounds extending down to the Solent shoreline. By the late 1930s the property
advertised accommodation in rooms over the boathouse, in a lodge next to the house and in chalets and cabins. It is not
known which, if any, of this accommodation was available at the time of the YHA hostel. The site was later
redeveloped as a holiday centre [GD].

WOOTTON BRIDGE [Temporary] 1970 to 1988.
The Youth Centre, New Road, Wootton Bridge, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 4HX.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE; S

GR: SZ 545921*[GD]

▲Summer seasonal hostel in a youth and community centre, opened 3/7/1970. A limited members’
kitchen was available. There were 40 beds and hot showers were available.
✚Closed 1988, the end of season being 31/8/1988.
Handbook 1970-88 (1970 and 1971 supplements only; 1972-80 brief details only).
Alternative names: Wootton (1970-71); Wootton Bridge (Isle of Wight) (1979-82).
Property tenure: leased from the Isle of Wight County Council: the island’s temporary hostels were Youth Centres
during term time, but Southern Region rented them for the summer. Initially the opening period had been all of July
and August, but usage in early July was relatively low. Later the opening period was moved to start in mid-July.
Property profile: the building was formerly the village school.
Reports, recollections and observations:

494
The equipment at the [island’s temporary] hostels consisted of camp beds, blankets and, at Wootton
Bridge, a proper cooker [John Geddes, warden at Newport and Shorwell].
(v)

WORTH ABBEY SCHOOL [Temporary] 1982 only.
Worth Abbey School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD.
Historic County: Sussex

YHA Region: SE

GR: TQ 317343

▲✚Summer seasonal hostel open 7/1982-8/1982. This facility alongside Worth Abbey was in the
International Handbook but not the YHA Handbook. Worth is near Gatwick Airport. It made a loss;
only 152 bednights were recorded.
Property profile: school buildings.

WRAY CASTLE 1931 to 1932.
Ambleside, Westmorland.
Historic County: Lancashire

YHA Region: LAK

GR: NY 375010*

▲Probably opening 7/1931 (1931 Handbook). No rent was payable up to the end of 1931 [LAK
mins 1931]. There were 2786 bednights in 1932. YHA was here for a year and a half, according to
the National Trust [GD].
✚Closed 1932. The National Secretary authorised the region to retain the Wray equipment
[LAKmins 5/3/1933]. There was some correspondence with the Regional Council [LAK mins
06/18/1950 etc] about the possibility of the premises being use again by YHA in 1950, but it came
to nothing.
Handbook 1931(1st edn)-32.
Property tenure: tenancy. Building maintenance was provided in lieu of £30/14/3d rent [LAKar32].
Property profile: the castle, built of squared slate rubble, was completed by 1846. It was designed by John Jackson
Lightfoot for James Dawson, a surgeon. It was acquired by the National Trust on 12/12/1929 and was jointly let to
YHA and the Freshwater Biological Association in 1931 (the latter continuing at Wray after YHA withdrew).
The hostel was located in the servants’ wing [GD].
The castle was advertised as guest accommodation sporadically between March 1954-March 1955 [KF].
In 2011 the premises had been been unoccupied for about 5 years, and were being considered as a hotel development,
but are now [2013] a visitor attraction under the National Trust [website, National Trust].
(v)

WROTHAM HEATH 1931 to 1935 or 1936.
Sandy Wood (Sandywood) Farm, London Road, Wrotham Heath, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 636580*

▲Opened possibly about 8/1931 or 9/1931: the evidence is missing as bednights were not yet
available [LONar31, up to 9/1931]. In 1935 the hostel was for six men only; Mr JA Collins was
warden.
✚Closed 1935 [YHAF], or 1936. It was discontinued, like several other LON hostels at this time,
as there were no cooking facilities [Rucksack April 1936].
Handbook 1931-35 (Handbook 1931(4th edn) has supplementary details pasted in). Wriotham
Alternative name: Sandy Wood Farm (1931(4th edn supplementary)-32).
Property tenure:
Property profile: a very small hostel at a roadside cafe on the main London – Maidstone road.
A restaurant in 2009 [GD]. In 2010 the Vineyard Restaurant.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wrotham Heath 751 ≈† RG35.tif

WYMESWOLD 1938 to 1946.
The Elms, Brook Street, Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Historic County: Leicestershire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 605233*

▲Opened about 5/1938 [NMIar38].
Wartime arrangements: the hostel operated each year of the war.

In 1945 it was one of only a few NMI hostels making a profit (£13) [NMIar45]. Mr Brown was
warden in 1946.
✚Closed 1946 [LRN 10/1946].
Handbook 1938amendments-46.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.

495
Property profile: village house.
Large early 19th-century house of stuccoed brick, now a grade II listed building. In 2014 the house was No.77 Brook
Street was named the Dower House.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Wymeswold 751 ≈† RG46.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Wymeswold YH Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Eastwell YH
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
Weekend Gathering of Hostellers at Wymeswold – There are still a few beds left at Wymeswold hostel
for this weekend, when the Notts. Group are holding their monthly social. The wardens, Mr and Mrs Stan
Brown, are organising another dance in the village hall on Saturday, February 10th. Tickets - 1s.6d. if
purchased in advance - are ontainable from the hostel or club secretaries. Early booking for staying
overnight at the hostel is advisable. Efforts are being made to surpass the record profit of £7 which was
made at the September dance, and it is hoped that the funds raised will go a long way towards the
provision of an electric pump for the water supply. This should meet with unanimous support from the
strong-armed menfolk whose habit it has been to perform their ‘daily dozen’ (or more) upon the existing
pump. Other dates to note in connection with this hostel are January 27th and February 24th, when the
regular monthly parties will be held. These are to be featured on the last Saturday in each month in the
future...
New amendments to the rationing regulations in regard to registered caterers now make it possible for the
provision of all meals in youth hostels without the surrender of coupons. Only those with a very sweet
tooth are likely to feel the pinch, for the sugar allowance is ample for the majority. [‘The Open Road’
column, Nottingham Evening Post, 19 January 1940].
(v)

YALDING 1932 to 1937.
Buston Manor, Hunton, Maidstone, Kent.
Historic County: Kent

YHA Region: LON

GR: TQ 713509*

▲Opened 1932. Mrs S Baker was the warden, and accommodation M8W8 [Regional Guide 1938].
✚Closed 1937. Last bednights in 1937SY. Now closed [Rucksack 1938(1st edn)].
Handbook 1932-37.
Alternative name: Buston Manor (1932).
Property tenure:
Property profile: The hostel was self-contained in a wing of a dark red brick Elizabethan manor house, while the main
part was an international guest house.
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-Yalding 751 ≈† RG35.tif

YARMOUTH [Temporary] 1971 to 1975; 1977 to 1983.
Youth Club, Station Road, Victoria Road, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 OQT.
Historic County: Hampshire (Wight)

YHA Region: SE

GR: SZ 357893*

▲Summer seasonal hostel opened 1/7/1971 in the former Yarmouth Station buildings. In 1975
there were 32 beds. There was no members’ kitchen, but snacks were available. The hostel was not
available in 1976, as it was thought that the new Totland Hostel would obviate a need for it. It was
then rebuilt with the aim of reopening in 1977 for a three-week period only, closing mid-August
[WightWash Aug1977] and registered only 101 bednights in that year.
✚Closed 1983 [YHAF].
Handbook 1971 supplement-75; 1978-83 (1972-75 and 1978-80 brief details only).
Alternative name: Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) (1972-75 and 1979-82).
Property tenure: leased from the Isle of Wight County Council: the island’s temporary hostels were Youth Centres
during term time, but Southern Region rented them for the summer. Initially the opening period had been all of July
and August, but usage in early July was relatively low. Later the opening period was moved to start in mid-July.
Property profile: the station closed on 21/9/1953. The course of the railway has since been converted into a cycle route
[GD].
Reports, recollections and observations:
The equipment at the [island’s temporary] hostels consisted of camp beds, blankets and a two-ring
electric hob per hostel (shared between wardens who provided limited meals, and self-cookers) [John
Geddes, warden at Newport and Shorwell].
(v)

YEALM (see Pool Mill)

496
YORK [Trenfield] 1934 to 1944.
Trenfield, 167 Holgate Road, York.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 587513*

▲Opened 23/3/1934, with a grant from National Executive to open premies in historic cities
[YSHar34]. The fully-controlled hostel was officially opened 24/3/1934.
Wartime arrangements: the hostel was open during winter 1939-40 [YSHar40]. It continued to operate until closure in
1944, though YSH Council was encouraging its use by lodgers and others to make up deficiencies.

✚Closed in 1944, by June [LRN 6/1944], or by the end of the year, after the tenancy was extended
by two months from 31st October [YSHar44], and replaced by York (97 Heslington Road). The
tenancy expired during 1940 [YHAar40] or at the end of 1944 [YSHar44,45]. Mrs Schabacker,
warden from the beginning, had resigned [YSHar44].
Handbook 1934-44.
Property tenure: tenancy with the LNER (to YHA Trust 17/7/1936), on a month-by-month basis. In 1938 YHA was
given the opportunity to purchase the house for £1000, but the idea was rejected by ballot.
Property profile: town house at the junction of Wetherby and Boroughbridge roads, opposite the Fox Inn. In 2008 the
building housed a medical centre.
The property has been split into flats for the past three years [KF, 2011].
YHA Archive file [∂]: Y050001-York A 751 † RG36.doc
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
We went to the Northern Advisory Board at York as delegates. We had some job finding the house in
York, which is quite a nice one with a Walnut tree in the garden. The wardens there were half-German.
Herr Richard Schirrmann (the founder of the Youth Hostels worldwide) was at the meeting and made a
long speech, which would have been interesting except that he spoke in German (which had to be
translated as he went along), and as he spoke for an hour, so it got a bit tedious [Bertha Gough diary,
27th-28th October 1934].
(v)

YORK [Heslington Road] [Temporary] 1944 to 1945.
97 Heslington Road, York.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 612510*

▲Opened by 11/1944 [LRN 11/1944], replacing York (Trenfield) Hostel.
Wartime arrangements: the facility was always regarded as short-term, available only to the end of the European War
[YSHar45].

✚Closed 5/1945 and replaced by York (Haverford) Hostel.
Handbook 1945.
Property tenure:
Property profile: rest centre offered by York Corporation [Malton Gazette 30/6/1950]. It is a large handsome house
situated on the south-west corner of Heslington Road and Belle Vue Terrace.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile
(v)

YORK [Haverford] 1945 to present.
Haverford, Water End, Clifton, York YO30 6LP.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH; YK; N

GR: SE 589529*

▲Opened 5/1945, replacing York (97 Heslington Road). Officially opened 8/5/1948, after 2 years’
war-damage repair [YDM 5/1948]. Conversion of the former garage block would increase
accommodation by 15 [YDM 5/1948]. It was planned to add another 20 beds by rebuilding wardamaged buildings [YHAar50]; extra dormitory space was available by 1951 [YHAar51]. A large
wooden hut was purchased from a local aerodrome and re-erected in the grounds to increase the
accommodation to 140 [YSHar57]. Considerable extensions were being provided with new
members’ kitchen, dining room, dormitories and washroom getting ready for the following season,
and the dormitory hut decorated [YHr 1/1959].
After a fire in ‘the infamous hut’ at York on 28 November 1982, great efforts were made to get the
building back into use by early March. The cause of the fire was a mystery, though it seems it was
started deliberately [Triangle, YHA Staff Magazine, April 1983]. Consequent upon this, a new
project was given planning permission in 1984, started in 1986 and completed 2/1987 to build a
new 80-bed annexe as a replacement for the old wooden structure.

497
Haverford was closed for a further major refurbishment programme on 2nd September 2012, to
reopen on 29th March 2013. This provided a conservatory extension with a new entrance, state-ofthe-art seminar and education facilities available for private hire, new café bar and reception area
and increased parking. All 45 rooms were refurbished, 32 with en suites, and 200 beds are now
provided.
Handbook 1946-2009.
Property tenure: the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust purchased Haverford Estate at Water End for YHA and gave
immediate possession; in the near future ownership would pass to YHA [YSHar45]. Freehold purchase (Ministry of
Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 24/5/1947). Ford Cottage was also assigned on this date. Haverford is currently
[2012] freehold.
Property profile: the former home of Rowntree family was built 1842 for a draper named William Catton, and was
originally known as Cliffe View. The house was later purchased by the Rowntree family, and in 1908 became the home
of Francis Henry Rowntree, the nephew of Joseph Rowntree and son of Henry Isaac Rowntree, founder of the world
famous chocolate company. Being from a strong Quaker family, Francis renamed the house Haverford after the town in
Pennsylvania where a large Quaker community existed and where a number of the family studied at Harvard College.
Following Francis’s death in 1918, Haverford was managed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, having a succession
of tenants, including the army during the Second World War. As soon as the war was over, the building was given to
YHA Since its opening, the building has been extended many times, including the dining room in the 1950s and the
annexe in the 1980s. York YHA welcomes over 35,000 guests each year [framed information in hostel].
However, other information indicates that Haverford was purchased by YHA at favourable rates. YHA bought the
house from the Rowntrees for £5,750 with a covenant that stipulates that if YHA wants to change the use of the
property it first must offer the property back to the Rowntrees at the price it was bought [YHA Property Dept].
Youth Hostel Story by Oliver Coburn states that the British War Relief Society of America gave a grant of £7,000
raised by American Trade Unions. The gift went towards new hostels at Cambridge, Oaklands (Llanwrst) and York.
Coburn adds that the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust made two extremely generous loans to YHA at very easy terms
and one these also contributed to the acquisition of the new hostel in York, Haverford House. The Ministry of
Education also contributed to the opening.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Scarborough YHs
Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
A good hostel but not as good as the Yorkshire Clarion Hostel at Menston near Otley because you get well
fed and you don’t get a duty. Tea, supper, bed and breakfast 7/6 open day and night for all. Respectable
Clarion lad so have a go [from York Hostel Visitors’ Book, early 1950s].
After a nice evening at the York Hostel Ball, we thank two fellow wardens for kindness and hospitality,
during a short stay at the youth hostel. From the Mewetts [Rosedale wardens] [from York Hostel Visitors’
Book, early 1950s].
100,000th overnight Sep 18th 1954. G Latimer, Manchester [recipient?], signed by Peter Rowntree, Gerald
McGuire, Mark W Jones, B Seebohm Rowntree Hughenden Manor, I Key, H Key [from York Hostel
Visitors’ Book, early 1950s].
York’s Special Opening Day
York, Scarborough and Hull’s main event will be the opening of the extensions to York Hostel on Saturday
May 9th by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York, Councillor and Mrs AL Philipson.
For two or three months in the summer, York Hostel is full every night, and many have to be turned away.
Haverford began as a 70-bed hostel, but a few years ago a garage block was converted into a dormitory for
20, with new cycle sheds below. The additional accommodation, though useful, was still insufficient.
Another overcrowded section of the hostel has been the members’ kitchen.
It was therefore decided to build an extension to increase the total accommodation to 140 without
overcrowding, and to provide new washrooms, a bigger dining room and a members’ kitchen three times the
previous size. The scheme was begun with the purchase of a large timber building from a local aerodrome.
This has been re-erected at Haverford, and the warden has redecorated it internally. The extension has
changed the appearance of the hostel [Youth Hosteller, April 1959].
(s)

YORK [Naburn Hall] [Temporary] 1947 only.
Naburn Hall, Naburn, York.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YSH

GR: SE 596454*

▲✚There are two references to the use of Naburn Hall, 4 miles south of York on the Ouse, as an
unoffical ad hoc overflow for the main Haverford Hostel in 1947 [YSHmins], though 0 bednights
were registered separately. Members would be accommodated if they simply turned up; the owner
would always be available.

498
Property profile: Georgian rebuild of a Hall that can be traced back to 1345. In recent years it had fallen into disrepair,
but is now being restored.
Web resource: http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/2346207.Move to_restore_Naburn_Hall/
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
I first went to Naburn Hall in 1947, at that time it was an overflow hostel. I was cycling from London to
Inverness at the age of 13. The hostel at York was full, so I was directed to Naburn Hall. When the
‘Commander’ (the owner of Naburn Hall) heard this not only would he not take any money from me but
gave me ten shillings to help me on my way, also he invited me to stay with him as his guest on a number of
occasions, which I did up to 1952 when I was called up for National Service [Ernest Bartlett].

YORK [Yearsley Bridge] [Temporary] 1981 only.
York University hall of residence, Yearsley Bridge, York.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: YK

GR: SE 5951 approx.

▲✚Temporary overflow hostel in one of the University halls at Yearsley Bridge. 1865 bednights
were recorded for the three month opening period. There were 60 beds, simple grade, no meals
provided [HN Autumn 1981,YKar]. A Hostel Standards Committee memo dated 11/1981 noted
that Yorkshire Region wished to consider the use of the utility room at Yearsley Bridge if the
hostelwas to be used again.
Property profile: University hall of residence.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile

YORK RACECOURSE Doubtful operation, 2007 only.
Stables Complex, Racecourse Centre, Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QG.
Historic County: Yorkshire N Riding

YHA Region: N

GR: SE 587495*

▲✚Intended YHA Enterprise hostel. The arrangement was curtailed by YHA at the end of 2007,
almost certainly before any YHA usage [J Cant, YHA].
Handbook 2007/08.
Property tenure: YHA Enterprise arrangement.
Property profile: jockeys’ accommodation complex bordering on York racecourse.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-York YHs Profile
(v)

YOULGREAVE [Newlands] 1934 to 1935 or 1936.
Newlands, Youlgreave, Derbyshire.
Note: the village name is often styled Youlgrave locally, and the hostel has often been spelled thus.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 214645*

▲Opened 1934: open [Rucksack Summer 1934].
✚Closed end of 1935, or [NMIar36] by 4/1936. There were 104 bednights in 1936SY.
Handbook 1934 supplement-35.
Property tenure:
Property profile: double-fronted stone house on main village street.
(v)

YOULGREAVE [Old Co-op] 1975 to present.
Fountain Square, Youlgreave, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1UR.
Note: the village name is often styled Youlgrave locally, and the hostel has often been spelled thus.
Historic County: Derbyshire

YHA Region: PK; C

GR: SK 210642*

▲Opened 1975, the start of the season being 1/4/1975.
Considerable work was being done to replace the large dormitories by smaller rooms and relocate
many of the facilities [YHA News end 1997, spring 1998].
Handbook 1975-2009.
Alternative name: Youlgrave (1975-87).
Property tenure: freehold purchase 10/6/1974 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Currently [2012] freehold.
Property profile: former Co-op store built 1872 [HN9] or 1887 that had ceased trading in 1968. The building was used
in the film of DH Lawrence’s the Virgin and the Gypsy.
(s)

YOXALL 1950 to 1953.

499
Swarburn House, Yoxall, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.
Historic County: Staffordshire

YHA Region: NMI

GR: SK 142195*

▲Opened Easter 1950 [YHAF]. Not yet open [Rucksack 3-4/1950], but 1213 bednights were
registered in 1950SY.
✚Closed by 10/1953 [YHAB 10/1953], due to Mrs Russell’s ill-health and retirement. She had set
this small hostel up after serving at Derwent Hall, Ilam and Whitemeadows [NMIar53].
Handbook 1950-53.
Property tenure: accommodation hostel.
Property profile: old village house built in brick, in an area of allotments and plantations.
YHA Archive file [∂] (illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Yoxall YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:
The warden’s quarters were mainly in the higher-roofed section, while the common room and women’s dorm
were housed in the lower-roofed section. A further building in line with that was a brick scullery or
washhouse with a sloping roof; this was converted to members’ kitchen use. A brick-built outbuilding
(possibly a stable) nearer the river was used as the men’s dorm [B Hawksworth, son of the warden Mrs
Russell, who grew up here and at the other three hostels named above].
(v)

YSTRADFELLTE 1948 to 2005.
Tai’r Heol, Ystradfellte, Aberdare CF44 9JF.
Historic County: Brecknockshire
YHA Region: SWA; WS; W
Positional note: the Grid Reference applies to all the properties.

GR: SN 924126*

▲Opened partially, for 4 men only, 30/7-30/9/1948. There had been considerable legal difficulties
[SWAar48, SWA Hrvst48]. The 1948 Handbook had advised members to apply to the regional
office for the opening date, but with no details. These were given in the supplement. The first
warden was Mr N Siggs, tireless worker for SWA region.
Ystradfellte Hostel opened fully 1/3/1949, replacing Pont Nedd Fechan Hostel. Calor gas lighting
was fitted, with the aid of members’ donations, in the common room and members’ kitchen
[SWAar55]. Thanks to the efforts of Mr Owens of Storey Arms, and the warden Mr Thomas, new
ceilings and new fireplace were fitted and other repairs carried out at Ystradfellte hostel
[SWAar57]. The re-decoration of Ystradfellte was completed by the warden and it was been agreed
to provide another window in the south wall of the members’ kitchen. Electric lighting was
installed [SWAar58].
Plans were made for providing water-borne sanitation at Ystradfellte hostel [SWAar64]. This and
provision of a new members’ kitchen were being proceeded with [SWAar65].
Modernisation came in stages in 1972-75. First the warden’s accommodation and fire esapes were
improved, then came an extension to the left of Tai’r Heol, allowing for extra beds, flush toilets,
showers and new wash facilities. Finally, the Tan-y-Bryn cottage was extended, again with extra
beds, modern personal facilities and a drying room. This allowed the hostel to increase from 22
beds to 38, provide meals and present itself as standard grade for an outlay of £11,000, paid from
the small hostels fund and a bequest.
In 1998, its 50th year, the hostel underwent improvements to provide a cosier atmosphere,
including the addition of full central heating, splitting a large dormitory into smaller rooms and
completely revamping the lounge with new furniture and furnishings [YHA News spring 1998].
✚Closed about 4/2005. Ystradfellte has been sold, ran the message [YHAar2004, dated 2/2005],
though it had yet to be auctioned and was still operating [BBC News Website, 15/3/2005]; it was
eventually auctioned 4/2005 [YHA Manager, Wales]. There was a failed attempt to continue as an
Enterprise Hostel.
Handbook 1948-2005/06.
Alternative name: Ystradfellte (Men) (1948 supplement).
Property tenure: Tan-y-Bryn Cottage was a freehold purchase ; 1 and 2 Tai’r Heol Cottages were freehold purchase (to
YHA Trust 6/6/1948 and 3/11/1948 respectively).
Property profile: there were three cottages placed either side of the road, 1 and 2 Tai’r Heol Cottages (the main hostel,
constructed about 1850) on the west side (originally planned as the kitchen and men’s (later the women’s) dorm, LH,
and warden’s accomodation, RH) and Tan-y-Bryn Cottage almost opposite, also of some age, used as the men’s
dormitory (originally planned as the women’s). Both buildings have been enlarged since sale by YHA.
Reports, recollections and observations:

500
In June [1948] the three cottages were deserted. The windows were glassless, the roofs leaked and the
plaster was crumbling from the walls; all traces of plumbing were absent, and the nearest water supply
was a half a mile away. Now the cottages are spick and span and neat with paint. Sinks and washbasins
have been installed, and a solution of the water supply problem is in sight [South Wales Hosteller
November 1948].
Around 1900 hours in 1946 [sic], I arrived at Storey Arms. As ever it was full. ‘Can you suggest
anywhere?’ ‘Try Ystradfellte!’ So over the moor in failing light and humour, deteriorating into bad
weather and temper before I got there.
My weak character showed as I entered Ystradfellte to stop at the pub on the excuse of asking the way to
the YHA. ‘Where have you come from?’ asks the landlord… ‘You’ll be alright now here’s the manager!’
I guessed he meant the warden – I hoped he didn’t. The man entering was almost apoplectic. I wait until
he’s had a pint before I dare to ask ‘Do you have any beds Warden?’ ‘Plenty of beds!’ he snarls back.
Tempers proved soluble in alcohol and sometime later we were strolling out together. ‘Would you like
something to eat?’ ‘Have you got anything?’, ‘Too right I have, the hostel was fully booked, dinners and
all, you’re the only ****** who’s turned up.’
Great night, great Warden, great little hostel, funniest breakfast – early morning tea in bed then three
plates of plum duff [article in YHA News, autumn 1997, by Rory O’Brien, ‘Geriatric’]
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,100 bednights.
Ystradfellte is two cottages, one on each side of the road. A good Simple hostel kept up to a high
standard of cleanliness. In the cottage attached to the warden’s cottage is the Members Kitchen with the
girl’s dormitory above. Girls wash in plastic bowls in the dorm. Across the road in the other cottage is the
men’s dormitory and downstairs the Common Room and Men’s wash. Lino is laid in both dorms;
decorations are good; good mattresses; most blankets are in good condition. A few curtains and pictures
would brighten up the rooms a little more and the stairs to the men’s dorm could do with a runner, but
these are minor criticisms.
The Members’ Kitchen and Common Room are pleasant, and kept clean. There is hot water in the
Members Kitchen and a good sink and draining board. 6 gas points and a grill, another couple of points
would be useful as this is all self cooking.
Most of us tend to be unhappy when required to use elsans. Nevertheless, the elsans in the garden were
clean and smelled sweet, a credit to the warden.
Credit must go to the warden who has gone to some pains to create an attractive hostel at minimum cost.
Long may it flourish [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 21/4/1973 (extracts)].
At Ystradfellte there was a family (hostellers) speaking a very unfamiliar lingo. They turned out to be
Basque [Tony Hartley, reporting in 2013].
(s)

YSTUMTUEN 1960 to 1999.
Glantuen, Ystumtuen, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AE.
Historic County: Cardiganshire
YHA Region: BMW; WS; W
Positional note: Glantuen, Nant-byr and Penrhiw appear to be warden’s addresses.

GR: SN 735786*

▲Opened 4/4/1960. There was difficulty at first in finding a local warden, leading to an unhopeful
announcement in the Youth Hosteller, 2/1960, but Mrs MM Williams was appointed in that month.
Lighting was at first by oil lamps, and water was gained from an outside tap. Some progress was
made with improvements [WSar66], though it took 5 more years to announce that delays in
carrying out major improvements had at last been resolved and work was to start in December
1971, the cost being met largely by grants from the Small Hostels Fund and the local authority
[WSar71]. In 1973 a frank assessment by the region of the suitability of the hostel for school parties
listed the following ‘defects’: Ystumtuen: Elsan toilets, inadequate heating. No meals provided.
Flush toilets were installed in 1974 [SW memo Feb 1974], and volunteers helped withsubstantial
alterations [WSar77].
✚Closed 1999, the end of season being 4/9/1999.
Handbook 1961-99.
Alternative names: Ystumtuen (Devils Bridge) (1963-72); Ystumtuen (Ponterwyd) (1973-87).
Property tenure: leasehold for 3 years from 1/11/1978 from the Trustees for Methodist Church, extended (eg) for one
year from 12/11/1982 (all to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Property profile: former village school. For a time the Ystumtuen Art Workshop was located at the former hostel
[Website, 2007], but it is now empty.
Web resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1212374
YHA Archive file [∂] (ref in illustrated historical hostel profile prepared by the archivist): Y950001-Trefin YH Profile
Reports, recollections and observations:

501
Bob Powell and I went scouring the country for new hostels. Ystumtuen was one of these, and we had
great difficulty finding a warden [Sylvia Errington, reporting in 2013].
A party of Rovers from East London swamped the place out. One of them had a small radio so we
listened to ‘1812’. Another converted school with sliding door to divide men and women. Water from a
stream. Nice little hostel [Harry Willey Cycle Tour, postcard comment, May 1961].
I remember being unimpressed by the latrines at Ystumtuen – I think I stayed there around the end of the
60s [Tony Hartley, reporting in 2013].
Presently Simple – Recommended Simple. Approximately 1,300 bednights.
Ystumtuen is a basic Simple hostel on the Glascwm pattern, an old school house in the centre of a very
small village. The classrooms (in this case three) convert to dormitories and a Common Room. A high
ceiling and large windows means a building difficult to warm in the winter.
The entrance hall is converted into the Members’ Kitchen with a sink and two draining boards - sufficient
with eight gas points and four grills but an electric water heater would be a worthwhile investment. More
food storage space is needed.
The Common Room / Dining Room is badly laid out. Two old school desks serve as dining tables but
these are difficult to get to. Perhaps the answer is to throw these out and get in two or three small tables
seating four each and a half a dozen stools. This would leave room for the three easy chairs already there.
The dormitories have good mattresses, a mixed bag of blankets and old type bunks. The bunks are too
narrow for the mattresses.
The elsan lavatories are across the school playground, one for each sex. There is an electric light in each.
Washing is primitive. It is bowls and in the case of the men, in the dormitory with the nearest tap in the
Members’ Kitchen. There is no hot water. Badly needed: new curtains throughout and interior decorating.
A useful little hostel in a very pretty spot, Ystumtuen should make a small profit and deserves a little
money spent on it [Internal South Wales Regional Hostel Report, 21/4/1973 (extracts)].
(s)

502
NATIONAL OFFICES (Section incomplete)
1930 TONYBEE HALL, 28 COMMERCIAL ROAD, LONDON E16 6LS. Jack Catchpool was working as a sub
warden at Toynbee when appointed as National Secretary in June 1930. While the Toynbee Hall Council looked
around for a new sub-warden Catchpool continued to work there and the Hall gave YHA office space in the first few
months [p138 Candles in the Darkness, E St John Catchpool]
1931 18 BRIDGE ROAD, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, HERTS. Telephone; WELWYN GARDEN 248.
Redundant huts of the Welwyn Garden City development agency, actually first world war prisoners-of-war
accommodation. The Welwyn Garden City Education Association leased one of its huts to YHA. Jack Catchpool
worked there with Margaret Porteous. Another little hut came into use when John Simpson was appointed office
manager in autumn 1931. When the Education Association gave up its tenancy, YHA had two large rooms and five
small ones. In 1937 the huts were pulled down for new public gardens and YHA moved a quarter of a mile to a former
school [p26, The Youth Hostel Story, Oliver Coburn].
Property tenure: these were offered rent free to YHA by the Welwyn Garden City Company in its early years
Adult education work of EStJ Catchpool taken by WEA so increased accommodation would be available
at Bridge Road for the association [Exec Committee mins 11/01/34].
Finance Committee notified that association had been given notice to quit premises at 18 Bridge Road
and should rent Claddagh School 28th November 1936. At 17th December 1936 agreed to call the new
premises Trevelyan House [mins 18/11/36].
1936 Trevelyan House, Church Road, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, HERTS. Telephone number 1066 [Oliver Coburn
p26 The Youth Hostel Story]
Redundant school and gymnasium, requisitioned as a hospital during the war. Offices in 2008.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 14/5/1937).
1940? MEADOW COTTAGE, 17 MEADOW GREEN, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, HERTS. Jack Catchpool’s
family home which housed YHA’s office until Jack Catchpool’s family returned from the USA in 1944.
1944 HOWARDS GATE, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, HERTS.
1948 Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.
YHA built its own offices [Candles in the Dark p160]. Temporary buildings which were recalled by the owners for
redevelopment.
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust 31/8/1950 as premises at).
1955 Westminster Lodge (Trevelyan House), St Stephen’s Hill, St Albans, Herts
Moved from Welwyn Garden City in 1955.
Property tenure: freehold purchase (Ministry of Education grant-aided) (to YHA Trust 22/4/1955).
New YHA HQ
The YHA National Office at Welwyn has moved several times and the present office site is required for
shops. This time, however, it has proved much more economical to leave Welwyn and a large house has
been purchased on A6 at St Albans. The move will probably be made next Autumn. Strangely enough
our new surroundings in this historic city of St Albans will have more garden than in the Garden City!
[THr 1/55].
2001
Trevelyan House St Albans closed on 3 August 2001. Since then, National Office staff have been
operating from temporary premises in the Annexe to Trevelyan House, Matlock and Tor Mill and
Bonsall. The first departments to move into their new peranent homes will be immediately after the
August Bank Holiday [YHA Memo].
There was an official opening at the new Trevelyan House on 3rd December 2001 [HN winter 2001-02].
2001-present Trevelyan House, Dimple Road, Matlock, Derbyshire. Previously, in 1996 (for example) the address was
owned by: Severn Trent Water Limited, North Derbyshire District, 43 Dimple Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LQ,
England
Former offices of the Severn-Trent Water Authority housed in a stark office building, with garages and workshops,
considerably remodelled by YHA by cloaking the existing main structure with a new roof and outer skin, and new
windows. The original annexe below has been retained.

OTHER PROPERTIES (Section incomplete)
NORTH (excluding MERSEYSIDE – SEE NORTH WALES and MERSEYSIDE)

503
Premises at Bowey House, Gosforth, Newcastle
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar86].
Offices, ‘D’ Floor, Milburn House, Newcastle
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar90].
8 Crescent Road, Windermere
Property tenure: freehold purchase (to YHA Trust 1/4/1957 or 1/8/1957≠). A maximum purchase price of £2,250 was
recommended [LAK mins 1950]. The property was sold 11/11/1971 [YHAPB].
3 Crescent Road, Windermere
Property tenure: leasehold for 10 years from 28/10/1987 (to YHA Trust) [YHAar88] [YHAPB].
Elleray Rooms and Cottage, Windermere.
Offices.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 23/2/1970 [YHAPB]. Properties at 1 and 2 Stonecroft, Elleray, were disposed of by
YHA Trust in 1988 [YHAar88].
The West Riding Region Office was moved from Skipton to Huddersfield [YHAar49].
YHA West Riding Regional Office
Barkerend Road / Undercliffe Street, Bradford
Property tenure: two rooms rented on ground floor.
Published material: article, Can You Beat 1,280?, Youth Hosteller August 1961.
98 Main Street, Bingley, Yorks (Yorkshire Offices)
Premises on 1st and 2nd floors.
Property tenure: leasehold (eg) for 7 years from 15/11/1971 [YHAPB] (to YHA Trust).
36 and 38 Fountain Street, Manchester (YHA Services Ltd)
Shops
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar72].
Part of 166/174 Deansgate, Manchester (YHA Services Ltd)
Property tenure: leasehold for 9 years, 20 days dated 30/5/1978 from the Guardian and MEN Ltd; tenancy extended
7/9/1981 [YHAPB]. The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].

CENTRAL
6 and 7 Bridge Street, Cambridge (YHA Services Ltd)
Property tenure: leasehold for 42 years from 25/3/1966 from Trinity College [YHAPB]. The property at 6 Bridge Street
was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].
158 Coleridge Road, Cambridge
Coleridge Road is about 2-3 km east of Tenison Road hostel; this may have been a staff house or the YHA Services Ltd
Property that was vested in YHA Trust [YHAar83].
Property tenure: freehold purchase about 1985 (to YHA Trust) [YHAar87] [YHAPB].
5a Buttermarket, Ely (unknown use)
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar87], disposed of [YHAar88].
45 Park Street, Luton (YHA Services Ltd)
The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].
12 Banbury Road Oxford (Office)
Only able to stay until beginning 4/1961; accommodation nearer city centre sought [OXFar60].
Premises at Oxford (YHA Services Ltd)
Property tenure: leasehold [YHAar85].
Martineau St Birmingham
New office opened later in 1945 [BMWar45].

504
The Birmingham office moved to ground floor shop premises [YHAar49].
35 Cannon Street and 31 Needless Alley, Birmingham 2 (YHA Services Ltd)
Property tenure: leasehold for 14 years from 25/12/1968 from Raventod Developments Ltd [YHAPB]. This was
extended [YHAar1983].
98 Corporation Street, Birmingham (YHA Services Ltd)
The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].
Redlock House, 116 Birmingham Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9BW
After closure of the youth hostel here in 1973 the house became the Midland Regional Office (to YHA Trust) until the
1986 regional reorganisation.
The property was finally disposed of in 1987 [YHAar87].
1st Floor, Manor Works, 168 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove (offices)
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar87]. In 1989-90 the property was disposed of by YHA Trust
[YHAar90].
3 Leopold Street, Derby (to YHA Trust 30/12/1949).
New premises, recently purchased, incorporating a regional office, shop and stores; later we hope to include also a
club-room for the local group [Rucksack Autumn 1948].
Property tenure: a large house purchased to house the Regional Office [YHAar48].
Crompton Chambers, 55 Dale Road, Matlock
Property tenure: leasehold for 5 years from 25/3/1973 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Dimple Road Mill, the Dimple, Matlock, Derbyshire (opposite Trevelyan House).
Property tenure: leasehold for 12 years from 25/12/1988 [YHAPB].
Unit 401, Via Gellia Mill, Bonsall, Derby
Property tenure: leasehold (to YHA Trust) [YHAar90].

LONDON and SOUTH-EAST
21 Bedford Street, Strand, London.
In 1955 the move to John Adams Street was forced because of the intolerable conditions here.
Property tenure: freehold (to YHA Trust 27/2/1950).
29 John Adams Street, Westminster
Property tenure: tenancy (to YHA Trust 17/8/1955, surrendered 1977).
Offices at 11 Aldwych, London, WC2
Property tenure: leasehold from 25/2/1963 for 2 years, 303 days (extended to 25/12/1968) from Partnership Travel Ltd;
reassigned 14/9/1966 [YHAPB].
6/7 Buckingham Street, London, WC2 (YHA Services Ltd)
Lower, ground and first floors.
Property tenure: leasehold for 10 years from 25/3/1966 (extended by a further 2 years) from Waddon Investments Ltd
(to YHA Trust 1977, surrendered 1977) [YHAPB]; also:
Part of 23 and 25 John Adam Street, London WC2
This corner shop was part of the same building as 6-7 Buckingham Street.
Purchase price as residue of 14 years’ lease from 25/12/1964 [YHAPB].
Playhouse Yard
Southern Region and London Hostels office. Closed 19th June 1970 [YHr 7/70].
101 Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London SE1 (YHA Services Ltd)
Property tenure: leasehold for 21 years from 25/3/1970 from Adler Property Investments Ltd (to YHA Trust,
surrendered 1977) [YHAPB].
3-7 Southampton Street, 8-14 Southampton Street, 2-10 Tavistock Street (known as Town House), City of Westminster
(YHA Services Ltd)

505
Property tenure: leasehold for 15 years from 29/9/1977 from MEPC – Reed Properties Ltd; leasehold of part of
basement at the Town House for 15 years from 29/9/1977 (all to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. Properties of part basement
and ground floor and 3-4 Soutampton Street were disposed of by YHA Trust in 1988 and 1990 [YHAar88, 90].
9 Barton Road, Hammersmith, London
Property tenure: freehold purchase dated 22/10/1981 (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB].
Plots 391, 392 and 393 Windsor Road, North Benfleet, Essex (unknown use)
Property tenure: unspecified (to YHA Trust) [YHAar88].
133 & 135 High Street, Staines (YHA Services Ltd)
The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].
10 Tunstall Road, Canterbury, Kent
This is quite a way from the hostel, in North Canterbury, and may have been a staff house.
Property tenure: freehold purchase 19/7/1986 [YHAPB].
3 the Broadway, 25 Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey (first floor)
Property tenure: leasehold for 3 years from 2/2/1987 [YHAPB].
46 Pantire Road, Southampton
Regional Office [YHAar46].

SOUTH-WEST
Ralfes House, 60 Milford St, Salisbury, Wilts (first floor)
Property tenure: leasehold from 30/6/91 (to YHA Trust) [YHAar86] [YHAPB].
10 & 12 Fairfax Street, Bristol (YHA Services Ltd)
The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].

NORTH WALES, MERSEYSIDE and ISLE OF MAN
77a Lord Street, Liverpool 2
On 1st January 1934 we moved the office from the lower floor to its present offices. Dorothy, Mahoney, George, Tom,
Tom Wenzel and I did it between us. It was quite hard work, particularly for Tom and Mahoney carrying the safe
[Bertha Gough]
77a Lord Street, Liverpool 2
Merseyside Youth Hostels Ltd Regional Office as at 1936 [leaflet].
During he war the Merseyside office was evacuated to Abergele YH, N Wales.
24 Hackins Hey, Liverpool
Merseyside & North Wales Regional Office until 31 August 1948 [MYH News AugSep1948].
93a Scotland Road, Liverpool
Merseyside & North Wales Regional Office from 1 September 1948 [MYH News AugSep1948].
40 Hamilton Square Birkenhead
Subsequently moved to Colwyn Bay

SOUTH WALES
16, the Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff
Regional Office [YHAar46].
35 Park Place, Cardiff
Certain offices [YHAar72].
Property tenure: tenancy (to YHA Trust 23/12/1953).
131 Woodville Road, Cardiff (part) (YHA Services Ltd)

506
Property tenure: freehold purchase 21/10/1974, or leasehold [YHAar83] (to YHA Trust) [YHAPB]. The property was
disposed of in 1987 [YHAar87].
13 Castle Street, Cardiff
Property tenure: leasehold [YHAar86]. The property was disposed of by YHA Trust [YHAar89].
Offices at 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff
Property tenure: leasehold [YHAar87].



---

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.3
Linearized                      : Yes
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 5.6-c015 84.159810, 2016/09/10-02:41:30
Create Date                     : 2018:01:24 16:37:51Z
Creator Tool                    : Word
Modify Date                     : 2018:01:25 11:12:55Z
Metadata Date                   : 2018:01:25 11:12:55Z
Keywords                        : 
Producer                        : Mac OS X 10.11.6 Quartz PDFContext
Format                          : application/pdf
Title                           : Microsoft Word - Y900003 Historical listing of all YHs 2018-01-01.doc
Document ID                     : uuid:cc9ef574-11a5-44d7-9a78-cc12870bef2c
Instance ID                     : uuid:ff059b8f-24a3-4ad2-a38e-7e8af9777a3b
Page Count                      : 508
Creator                         : Word

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools