It’s difficult to believe some people think of Yorkshire as a slum, but it’s true. I’ve been unfortunate to encounter these people more often than I care to remember. Due to this, I want to share my thoughts on Yorkshire, and add a counter-narrative to these unwarranted and often outdated stereotypes.
For someone who has never stepped foot in Yorkshire, describing it in one sentence isn’t easy. There are a lot of layers to peel back – some good, some bad, some beautiful, and some ugly. You can’t describe it in a neat, little sentence.
First of all, it’s the largest county in the UK so that gives you an idea of its scope. To make things manageable it’s spilt up into North, South, East and West Yorkshire – the latter being where I’m from originally.
When I first moved to London in 2012 I was quite shocked by how Yorkshire was perceived in the South. However, I wasn’t entirely oblivious to it either.
I suppose you can’t live in England without being aware of the North-South divide. It’s been going on for centuries. Call it naïvety, but I assumed some of these old tropes would have died down already.
Northern stereotypes
If you’re not from the UK, you might not be aware of the stereotypes, so I’ll briefly bring you into the loop. Many negative perceptions and attitudes centre around wealth, employment, social class and perceived intelligence.
- It’s grim up north
- Full of coal mines
- Tight with money
- Blunt and rude
- Behind the times
- Uneducated – as the saying goes – Yorkshire born and Yorkshire bred, strong in the arm and weak in the head
Sometimes I find them funny, but sometimes I’m offended – it really depends on if I can tell the person is laughing with or at me. That difference really matters.
One of my favourite comedy sketches of all time is Monty Python’s Four Yorkshiremen.
If you’re not familiar with Monty Python – you’re in for a treat. To say they redefined comedy would be an understatement. Also, you might already know one of the founding members – Michael Palin – who himself hails from Yorkshire.
He went onto to create some of the defining travel documentaries of the 80s and 90s. Before I discovered Monty Python, I knew him first for his adventures around the world. As a child I would flick through our edition of Around the World in 80 Days, and dream of doing something like that myself.
Years later, when an ex-boyfriend introduced me to Monty Python, it seemed crazy to me that this adventurer that inspired me as a child, had previously a whole life before as a critically acclaimed comedian. Anyway… I digress.
A slum, really?
The Yorkshire accent can be very strong. When I speak to someone for the first time, they often comment on my accent – and if you pair this with the fact that I look Asian, naturally people are curious and often ask where I’m from.
After stating that I’m from Yorkshire, reactions can differ greatly. Some people respond with glowing terms, while others – including some who have never been – make some pretty offensive comments.
The first time this happened to me was a rude awakening. In my first year of uni, I made friends with a very lovely and very-down-earth girl. She invited me to celebrate her birthday at her house in Sussex. I politely accepted and packed an overnight bag. You can imagine my surprise when I arrived at her house and it was some kind of stately home filled with chandeliers and oak panelled walls. I had no idea she was rich – she didn’t act rich – but maybe there were tell-tale signs that I didn’t pick up on.
Well, anyway, she introduced me to her family. Her parents were very warm and welcoming. Then a man I wasn’t introduced to, ask me where I was from. I replied, “Yorkshire” – and he laughed and asked me “if it was still a slum?”. He said a few more rude comments describing it as grim and being full of coal mines and slag heaps, but I focused on that question.
I had never been asked that question before, certainly not by an older, richer man. Looking back he was just an obnoxious man at a party, the kind of obligatory uncle at a friend’s birthday who nobody really wants there.
But I really remember how small he made me feel. How was I supposed to answer? It seemed to be that he wasn’t even asking if Yorkshire was still a slum, but rather, telling me. It’s a funny feeling being made to be ashamed of where you from. Thankfully, I just thought he was a pompous jerk.
Defending Yorkshire
To be honest, call it being sheltered, but I had never really been conscious of class up growing up. Looking back, my father did a good job at shielding the fact that we were poor because we entertained ourselves with so many free activities.
It wasn’t until I went to university and started mixing with people with far greater means that I began to become more aware. Status just wasn’t something I cared about, and I still don’t – but I know it when I see it in people.
I knew rich people existed, I always thought Harrogate in North Yorkshire was super posh, but I never thought people actually judged people on where they were from – so to understand this felt like a lesson in life.
As rude as this question felt to me, I gave my friend’s ‘uncle’ the benefit of the doubt, believing him to be ignorant. Regrettably, instead of putting him straight, I just mumbled something and probably looked very uncomfortable. I’m sure my friend was mortified and tried to switch the conversation quickly.
Afterwards, I felt disappointed in myself that I hadn’t defended Yorkshire. It had been my home for so many years, helped define aspects of my personality, childhood and friendships, yet I couldn’t find the words to defend it when under attack.
I promised to myself that the next time someone insulted Yorkshire, I would put them in their place.
Oh, so you’ve been Yorkshire, have you?
I didn’t have to wait long for it to happen again. To those remarks I usually ask where they have been. As it turns out, it gets pretty awkward when they say they haven’t even been. Oh, so you’re slagging off a place you know nothing about? Well, aren’t you lovely!
All I need to do is ask a simple question, and they expose themselves for being both ignorant and arrogant.
That usually does the trick.
I’m not saying Yorkshire doesn’t have its problems, it definitely has a fair few. It’s not all pretty. In fact some areas are quite frankly depressing. But what places don’t have their share of good and bad areas?
Without getting into it too much, the UK suffers from inequality, and parts of the North are crying out for more government investment to help the redistribution of wealth.
The best things to see on Yorkshire
These negative perceptions are also why many Southerners and visitors to UK skip the likes of Yorkshire and head straight for Edinburgh when they do travel North.
It’s easy to regenerate towns and cities in a relatively short period of time, but changing its reputation is not so rapid or easy. As the saying goes: the damage has already been done.
I promise if you visit the countryside you’ll be kicking yourself for not visiting sooner. Then you have cities like York and Leeds that offer a wide variety of cultural and visual appeal for visitors.
Head to Malham Cove, Fountain’s Abbey, The Yorkshire Moors, or read Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Secret Garden. All these places provide a glimpse into the some of things that make Yorkshire special.
You will find this northern county has some of England’s most prized landscapes, and here they are:
Malham Cove
One of the UK’s most spectacular and distinct landscapes is Malham Cove. With dramatic limestone scenery it’s the ideal place to explore the wild scenery of Yorkshire at its most dramatic.
Harry Potter fans might be interested to know some of the scenes from The Deathly Hallows were shot here, and for people who can’t resist funny guy, Steven Coogan, look no further than The Trip. You’ll see Malham Cove make its comedic debut:
Further reading: Malham Cove in Pictures – Walking in Yorkshire
Bronte Moors
The Bronte Moors is the literary name given to the Yorkshire Moors, made popular by the Bronte sisters.
The siblings were born in Haworth and used this backdrop as the setting to several of their hugely successful novels. One of my favourite days out in Yorkshire has to be walking through the Moors. On a sunny day it’s all frolicking sheep, rolling hills, purple heather and bright green ferns bursting with vibrancy. During winter the backdrop is brooding with a Gothic magic – it’s beautiful throughout all the season.
You might also like: A Bronte Journey Through Haworth
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
I LOVE Yorkshire Sculpture Sculpture – it’s truly world class. I’m not the only person who does as it recently won UK Museum of the Year. A title it really deserves. It’s one thing going for a country walk and seeing local wildlife, but it’s a completely different experience going for a country walk and seeing local wildlife and sculptures by Henry Moore, Antony Caro and Antony Gormley!
I’ve written about plenty of other places in Yorkshire on the blog including: Fountain’s Abbey, Bolton Abbey, Brimham Rocks, White Scar Cave, Flamborough Head, Ingleton Waterfalls and Robin Hood’s Bay. Now all you need to do is explore this place for yourself.
You’ll discover that most of the Stereotypes about Yorkshire are false – but admittedly, we are a proud bunch of people 🙂
23 responses
I think it is not just Yorkshire, the Londoners generally dislike the North? I remember when I checked into my hostel in London, I told the receptionist we just completed our summer semester program from Liverpool and she said something like “Oh dear, you guys must have had a horrible 3 months, don’t worry, London will cheer you up!”, with a wink (I particularly remember the wink, cute lady). What?!
Then when I start watching UK shows like Top Gear, especially Top Gear, they seem to enjoy making fun of the North, on and off referencing people from the North as thieves and scums.
Is there any reason why they have this prejudice?
I’m curious, did you enjoy your time in Liverpool? I’m not sure if you know but it was named 2008 European Capital of Culture and major developments went underway beforehand to prepare themselves for the title and increased visitors. I love the area by the docks which has the Tate museum, the only one outside of London, and all the other stuff in that area too – I therefore think you’d find it interesting to return back to Liverpool to see how much it has changed!
There are lots of reasons for this prejudice, but a big reason boils down to social class and snobbery. Throughout history institutions associated with the middle/upper class such as Parliament and the Royal residence have been located in the south whereas the North is associated with working-class labour, poorer housing, lower level of education and as a a generalisation this fits the profile of a stereotypical thief etc.
As for Top Gear, I don’t watch it but Jeremy Clarkson is often quoted as being unintentionally bigoted!
I did! That 3 months in Liverpool was the best time of my life! And yeah, when I was there, they already had some of the promotional stuff going on. I remember getting the 08 card, which allows us to hop on to the city buses for free. And they regularly have street parades in different part of the cities. On top of that, it was Liverpool’s 800th birthday in 2007, so we were treated to some serious fireworks 😀
I always want to go back, my dream is rent a car and drive all over England. There’s so many things and places that I missed out the last time.
I love Yorkshire. Visited Haworth last year and could totally imagine to live there. Such a beautiful small town!!
PS: I have a hard time reading your blog on my mobile as the social media buttons are always in the way and pictures are cut in half. Could youmaybe change that?
I’m glad you enjoyed Haworth! It’s so quaint and relaxing – like going back in time. It’s only downfall is that it’s right next to Keighley (one of those depressing towns), together these are great examples of how Yorkshire can be so hit and miss!
Also, thanks for reminding me to sort out my website regarding mobile optimisation – I know it looks absolutely dreadful on mobiles and that I need to address the problem asap but I keep putting it off. It’s very silly really as I know a large percentage of people now access websites via their mobile phones – you’d think I’d make it priority!
OH my gosh you did a SPECTACULAR job on this post, Shing! I have no preconceived notion of the county and you only enticed me to want to visit it now! The video was absolutely perfect too. I really like how you talked about defending it with tenacity. Because, though you didn’t need to with me, you certainly won me over to visit there! Great on including Harry Potter too, our friend! 🙂
I love Steve Coogan and that video, so I’m glad I could find an excuse to put it in this post about Yorkshire 🙂 Glad you like it too. Yorkshire’s waiting for you now Mike!
Such a great post here! Steve Coogan is a genius so made my reading of this even better! I guess it has something to do with the North/south divide. Plus, if all the girls look like you in Yorkshire, I’m packing my bags and moving there straight away!!
Don’t listen to Londoners! I find that London people tend to be a lot more ignorant about places than other southerners. A lot of people have no idea where Suffolk is, even though it’s right next door!
Yorkshire is gorgeous. I really want to visit the sculpture park – am going to try to go this year.
Haha Charlotte, England is a small country, there is no excuse for such appalling geographical knowledge, fair enough if you’re not from the UK, but the frightening thing is that I bet more people outside of the UK have better knowledge of our country, geographically speaking.
Hope you get to Yorkshire Sculpture Park this year!
I agree with Charlotte. I have been living in Brighton for 9 months, and I was really shocked how many londoners underrated the rest of the cities of Great Britain (mainly in the south).
I LOVE Brighton! Yup, I definitely don’t live in London for the people, saying that I do love how multicultural it is.
I’m pretty sure I was recommended going to the North before from a few guests staying over at the hotel I used to work at. I’ll have to check it out. I only made a quick trip into London as I was passing through to Ireland. Thanks a lot Shing. You’re looking great, too!
Hi Ken, London always hogs the attention away from the North of England, definitely venture up next time, and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Wow the Yorkshire Moors look spectacular! I’ve only been to the UK once but next time Yorkshire is definitely going on my list. Superb photos.
Hi Peter, I’m pleased I’ve managed to entice you to visit, or at least planted the seed. The Yorkshire Moors are beautiful and have so much history, especially great if you’ve read anything by the Brontes as it adds a whole new dimension!
I can’t believe someone had the audacity to say that to you, what a ruse bastard. I’ve had similar issues with people saying stuff coming from Liverpool, which – in my personal opinion – is the most beautiful city in the world! I went to Uni in Leeds so I know Yorkshire quite well, and I have to agree with everything you’ve said! x
Hey girl! Rude, but not surprising, Londoners will be, erm Londoners! oh I adore Liverpool but it’s tiring how this is another city which some people love to hate, can’t understand why. It’s my favourite city in the North, I love the vibe and how there are totally different areas to the city, and the fact that you have not one, but two amaaazing art galleries is the cherry on top!
Shing I hope that you get a chance to meet that obnoxious individual again and give him a piece of your mind.
Yorkshire like anywhere has its good and bad parts. Crikey London has a lot of horrible areas I wouldn’t ever want to visit. It also has some marvels too.
It is a shame some people are so lacking in knowledge or willing to learn about places rather than taking a narrow minded stereotype image which is far from accurate.
The North-South divide creates a derogatory rivalry where each side seeks to put down the value of the other. Such a shame.
Great to know you’ve been to the sculpture park. I grew up in Wakefield and there is a newish art gallery just off Doncaster Road which is now drawing in many more new visitors.
Hi Guy! It is such a shame, but I take satisfaction in knowing that Yorkshire has been mentioned quite a lot recently as a place not to be missed. Even this article I’ve written doesn’t even express how much it has to offer. I just wish it weren’t always so weather dependent!
Ahh I think you’re talking about the Hepworth Museum, I went a few years ago when it opened and was very impressed!
I’m an American who lived in Yorkshire for a few years. I initially studied abroad in Hull (yes, everyone is always shocked by that!) but I loved the people in Yorkshire so much that I went back to do a post-grad at the University of Sheffield. The reason I love Yorkshire is people are so nice. I found that there is a northern hospitality that is similar to what southern hospitality here is in the south of the U.S. People are warm and friendly and will go out of their way to help out a stranger. When I moved to London after finishing my studies, I missed that friendliness! Whenever friends go to visit England and ask me what they should do, I always tell them to see more of England than just London and if possible head up to Yorkshire!
What a great story! It’s amazing to read about your affinity to Yorkshire – choosing to study there not once, but twice, speaks for itself! I haven’t been to Hull yet but I really like Sheffield, I think the Crucible Theatre is gorgeous… one of my favourite theatre venues in the UK fo’sho!
Gosh, the difference in friendliest between London and Yorkshire are worlds apart aren’t they?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and encouraging people to venture up North!
Hi, I’ve just discovered your blog and I love this article. As a “Southerner” living in Yorkshire (I say this loosely as I’m actually from the East Mids) I get a lot of stick at work for being posh and “daddy pays for everything”. Most of it from my work colleagues is harmless banter which I am more than happy to give back but I have had strangers telling me I must think I’m better than them just because I have a Southern accent. I’m not bothered though, I love it up here.
I’ve set myself a challenge this year to try and visit not only exotic foreign places but also local, Yorkshire places to blog about on http://www.mytravelbugbite.wordpress.com