The Reading Rooms

During the 19th century, reading rooms were once commonplace across much of rural Yorkshire: they were places to congregate, educate, debate and elucidate in a time long before mass media and 24 hour news. Practically every Dales hamlet had one, and this charming building was Oughtershaw's: located right opposite the village school, it was patronised by philanthropic Wood family, who owned nearby Oughtershaw Hall. Today, the building retains all the period charm you could ask for. Topped by Yor