Creative Legends

Masham’s Peculier Creative Connections – who would have thought such a small town in Wensleydale could have been the muse for so many artists and film sets over

Basil Sturdy

Basil Sturdy

Basil Sturdy (1937-2023 ) Cobbler of great character had his shoe shop here for 50 years.

People joked that sometimes only one shoe ever came back! Basil, a kind-hearted storyteller, kept customers entertained for hours with friendly gossip and tall tales. Once, he was even spotted in the pub wearing a stranger’s shoes that had been left for fixing. His shop wasn’t just about shoes—it was a warm hub of community, where laughter, kindness, and a bit of harmless mischief made every visit unforgettable.

George Cuitt The Younger

George Cuitt The Younger (1779 – 1854) Folly fancier, painter, etcher built this house in1820

Reginald Grange Brundritt

Reginald Grange Brundritt (1883 - 1960) RA Painter had his studio here

Ken Loach filmed scenes from Days Of Hope here in 1975

Priscilla Mary Warner

Priscilla Mary Warner (1905 - 1994) Painter, children’s author and Illustrator lived here.

Julius Caesar Ibbetson

Julius Caesar Ibbetson Painter 1759 - 1817 lived in Masham from 1805 “the most contented years”

Basil Sturdy (1937-2023 ) Cobbler of great character had his shoe shop here for 50 years.

Jesse Parratt wonderful woman of wool lived and worked here

Arthur Plumpton snr

Arthur Plumpton Snr (1934 - 2019) Barber here for 60 years, seller of fishing supplier and Robin Reliant fan.

William Jackson

William Jackson (1815 - 1866) Miller, musician, organist, composer lived on this street.

JMW Turner (1755 - 1851) sketched Masham from the bridge in 1816.

Barbara Holland

Barbara Lambton Holland (1926 - 2006) OBE Hockey hero playing for Yorkshire and England was born and lived in Masham

Something Quite Peculier

At this location on 17th July 1775 nothing much happened