It’s natural in a period of Globalisation that local dialect would die out. Right?

2017 marked 100 years since the death of a Settle and Craven legend, temperance advocate and Craven dialect poet – Tom Twisleton (1845 – 1917).

We wanted to celebrate the work he did in our community and bring it to life for the next generation.

With support from the Heritage Lottery Funds Young Roots Programme we supported young people to tell the story of this local legend for modern audiences.

With these funds, we were able to employ a Heritage Project Office, Hazel Richardson who really helped to bring this story to life.

Young volunteers from Settle College and Leeds Trinity University worked tirelessly researching Tom Twisleton. They discovered that he was an active member of the local Zion church which influenced his poetry as he wrote about religious celebrations like Christmas. They also interviewed Twisleton descendants so we now know more about his life and legacy. His straight-talking, no-nonsense humor makes his poems shine with a refreshing integrity. You can find out more about Tom’s life by buying our family activity book here.

With support from Hazel, young people created a book, walking and skateboarding trail, a Family Fun Day, one of the best-attended exhibitions on record at our local museum The Folly and more.

Catherine Sawyer received special thanks for her commitment to the project. She was awarded ‘Young citizen of the Year’ by North Yorkshire’s Community Awards and the Young Volunteer of the Year award at Craven District Councils Community Champions Awards. Her favorite Craven phrase is: “Yusterneet” which translates to “last night.”