Welcome to Yorkshire
History • August 5th, 2026
|Yorkshire is buzzing with excitement as historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE has launched a new public award called ‘Everyday History Heroes’. This initiative invites everyone to vote for their favourite hidden heritage sites across the country, and three wonderful locations in Yorkshire have made the shortlist. This award, created in partnership with Heritage Open Days and Findmypast, aims to celebrate the stories of ordinary people who have shaped the nation’s history, from nurses and miners to teachers and soldiers.
Yorkshire's Shortlisted Sites
The three sites in Yorkshire that have been selected for the public vote are:
Hollybush Conservation Centre, Leeds
Otley Courthouse, Otley
Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground, West Leeds
These sites were chosen after a panel of judges reviewed entries from various historical organisations across England. Each location tells a unique story about the communities that helped shape modern Britain.
Hollybush Conservation Centre
Once a Victorian rhubarb farm, the Hollybush Conservation Centre is now a vibrant community hub managed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). This centre uses local heritage to connect people with nature and the outdoors. Community events, like the Rhubarb Roots project and annual Plant Sales and Rhubarb Fayres, highlight its rich history and bring people together.
Hazel Smoczynska, Community Hub Support Officer at TCV Hollybush, shared, “Today, the site celebrates this heritage by teaching traditional conservation skills and natural crafts, coordinating community history projects like ‘Hollybush Histories’ and ‘Rhubarb Roots’, and running family-friendly green events.” This focus on community engagement makes it a special place for both locals and visitors.
Otley Courthouse
The Otley Courthouse has a fascinating past as it was once a police station, courtroom, and cell block. It has now been transformed into a cultural venue where local history can be experienced by all. A dedicated group of volunteers has spent years researching the lives of those who passed through its doors, including police officers, prisoners, and solicitors, bringing these stories to life for the community.
Hazel Costello from Otley Courthouse expressed her excitement about the nomination, saying, “Being shortlisted is a fantastic opportunity to share these fascinating stories more widely, bringing the building to life and celebrating the history of this lively market town.” This site represents the rich tapestry of local life and history in West Yorkshire.
Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground
Saved from neglect through a remarkable community effort, the Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground is a living monument to the people who shaped the local area. This burial ground, which is over 250 years old, has become a place of remembrance and research. Volunteers have uncovered the stories of thousands of individuals buried there, reconnecting families worldwide with their forgotten histories.
Richard Hainsworth, Chairperson of the Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground Charity, noted:
“This nomination recognises the incredible commitment of the volunteers who have worked to rescue, restore and research Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground. Every gravestone and previously unmarked grave represents a story worth telling, and we’re proud to help reconnect people both worldwide and local with those whose lives built the area we know today.”
How to Vote
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site until 31 August. This is an excellent opportunity for people to engage with their local heritage and help crown England’s first-ever Everyday History Heroes. A national winner and seven regional winners will be announced on 10 September, with each winning site receiving a donation to support their community initiatives.
Voting can be done online at Findmypast.
Helen Kaye, Director of Brand and Communications at Findmypast, highlighted the importance of these sites:
“The shortlisters showcase the uniqueness and diversity of the places and people working tirelessly to tell the story of their communities.”
Heritage Open Days Festival
To encourage locals to experience these sites firsthand, each shortlisted location will offer a free event during the Heritage Open Days festival from 11 to 20 September. This year’s festival theme, Everyday Histories, aims to celebrate the extraordinary stories of ordinary people. It’s a wonderful chance for families to explore these hidden gems and learn about the fascinating histories right on their doorstep.
David Olusoga encourages everyone to get involved:
“History isn’t just about the famous names we learn in school - it’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today.”
This initiative is a fantastic way to connect with the past and appreciate the rich heritage that Yorkshire has to offer.
