Former teacher charts the changes to the East Riding in his latest book
Former head of geography at Driffield School & Sixth Form, Mike Wynn, has drawn upon his interest in local geography and history to write his latest book, The Growth and Development of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The author, whose first book, Driffield Capital of the Wolds: The Growth and Development of Driffield and the Surrounding Landscape, launched in 2004 and was a sell-out, hopes his latest work will appeal to anyone interested in the East Riding.
This book presents a timely account of the growth and development of the rural and urban landscapes of the East Riding of Yorkshire, emphasising the geographical factors behind historical events. In a comprehensive review, it explores many aspects of the county: its geological origins, glacial modifications, and physical configuration; the peopling of the land through the centuries and their enduring features; the population’s increasing impact, from Saxon and Scandinavian settlers to the Norman and post-Norman medieval periods of expansion and contraction; the lasting effects of the agricultural, industrial, and transport revolutions; the contrasting urban developments in York and Kingston upon Hull; the fortunes of small market towns and seaside resorts; the various rural landscapes throughout the county; and the impact of 20th-century changes, culminating in the latest developments of the 21st century.
The text is supported by over 150 original photographs and 45 maps and diagrams, providing a comprehensive view of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Mike, who worked at Driffield School from 1973 until his retirement in 2005, told the Wolds Weekly:
“I am a lifelong resident of the East Riding, and over the years, I have accumulated a great deal of knowledge, information, and photographs. I have spent the last three years putting all that information together and conducting extensive research to produce my latest book.
“The book is presented in a sequence of chapters, each designed to discuss a period of time, a significant landscape feature, or a particular place. Hopefully, the reader will gain a greater appreciation of the evolution of the East Riding landscape and be encouraged to visit some of the locations and read more widely.
“I have enjoyed the process of writing this book, and I hope it will appeal to anyone interested in the East Riding of Yorkshire, who will buy the book, keep it, and refer to it time and again because there is so much in it.”
The Growth and Development of the East Riding of Yorkshire is priced at £28.50. It is available at The Little Book Emporium on Market Place, the Driffield Town Council offices, Sledmere House, and online at www.yorkbookshop.com or directly from the author at mike.wynn185@btinternet.com.
