A NEW book about the Washburn Valley will be launched in Fewston this month.

Written by Ilkley-based historian and writer Diana Parsons, The Book of the Washburn Valley: Yorkshire’s Forgotten Dale, goes on sale on Saturday, October 25.

The author will be at the Washburn Heritage Centre, beside Fewston Church, for the launch event at 2.30pm on the day – and signing ordered copies of the book.

The work, which is being published by Halsgrove, promises to shine a light on a relatively undocumented part of rural Yorkshire.

An excerpt being used to publicise it says: “The vast literature on the Yorkshire Dales contains virtually nothing about the Washburn Valley which, in all but name, is one of them.

“Yet in addition to its natural beauty, this area has a most interesting history.

“It is still possible to follow the line of the Roman road which crosses it, and to see the stones which marked the boundaries of a medieval hunting ground, the Royal Forest of Knaresborough.

“It was once the home of Cromwell’s General, Sir Ferdinand Fairfax, and was often visited by the artist Turner, who stayed at Farnley Hall with the Horton-Fawkes family of which Guy Fawkes was a member.”

Tea and home made scones will be served at the launch.

The book will cost £24.99 and ordering will be made available online.