Every year on August 1st, Yorkshire Day in the United Kingdom promotes the historic county of Yorkshire. The day also celebrates all things Yorkshire.

As England’s largest county, Yorkshire is comprised of the City of York, North Yorkshire, West Riding, and East Riding. Yorkshire County’s breathtaking countryside inspired many novels, including Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. The scenery also provides the backdrop for several motion picture films.

Other things Yorkshire is famous for include:

*In 1977, it was home to the UK’s first bottle recycling bank.

*In 1857, it was home to the world’s first football club.

*Many famous kinds of cheeses were created here, including Wensleydale cheese.

*The famous abolitionist, William Wilberforce, hailed from Hull, Yorkshire.

*The oldest flying airplane in Britain was built here in 1912.

*Many famous candy bars call Yorkshire home, including the KitKat and Yorkie Bar.

*Famous musicians such as Mel B and the Kaiser Chiefs come from Yorkshire.

*Yorkshire pudding was created here, with the first recorded recipe dating back to 1737.

*A cute little dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier came from here.

Besides many remarkable things coming from Yorkshire County, travelers will find many attractions as well. Some of the county’s most famous spectacles include:

*York Castle Museum

*North Yorkshire Moors Railway

*York City Center, York Racecourse

*Fountains Abbey

*York Art Gallery

HOW TO OBSERVE YORKSHIRE DAY

Many people in the UK gather together in Yorkshire on this special day. Events include fundraisers, concerts, parades, and other family-friendly activities. There is also a civic gathering of mayors and other civic leaders from across the county.

You don’t have to travel to Yorkshire to participate in the day. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Yorkshire:

*Read about one of the most famous battles in England. For example, the Battle of Minden, fought on August 1, 1759.

*Find a place serving Yorkshire pudding, or attempt to make your own.

*Watch one of the many movies filmed in Yorkshire, including Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Dracula.

YORKSHIRE DAY HISTORY

The Yorkshire Ridings Society established Yorkshire Day in 1975. Originally, they established the day to protest against the reorganization of the local government. The organizers chose August 1st, commemorating the date of the Battle of Minden, fought in 1759. August 1st also marks the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834. In recent years, Yorkshire Day became a day to celebrate and promote Yorkshire culture