Julia lifts the lid on hidden Yorkshire secrets

A life of books and dance

We love to recognise and celebrate special talents and accomplishments. Whether it’s sporting success, artistic aptitude or a penchant for poetry, it’s always a joy to discover something new about one of our residents.

One such resident is Julia Smith, who lives at Fern House in Bingley. Julia not only enjoyed a successful career as a librarian, but has also published two books.

The first, Fairs, Feasts and Frolics: Customs and Traditions in Yorkshire, published in 1989, delves into the peculiarities and inimitable culture of Britain’s largest county, highlighting various customs and explaining their historical significance and social impact. For those wishing to find out more about Pudsey Fair, Chalking the Door, Settling the Watch and, of course, the famous Yorkshire pudding, this is surely a must-read.

Julia’s second book, The Elusive Father Brown: The Life of Mgr John O’Connor, published in 2010, recounts the remarkable life of the infamous priest around the turn of the 20th century. A prolific author, art collector and controversial figure both inside and outside the Catholic Church, O’Connor was a mysterious and shadowy figure to many, and the inspiration for his good friend G. K. Chesterton’s fictional detective, Father Brown – who knew more about the criminal underworld than the criminals themselves!

Aside from her books, Julia wrote articles for magazines such as The Yorkshire Dalesman, which were based mainly on village customs and traditions such as maypole dancing and well dressing.

Nowadays, Julia enjoys her life at Fern House, especially when there is musical entertainment – whenever there is music playing, Julia will be dancing!