The Museum of North Craven Life

The Museum tells the story of North Craven, starting from the local landscape and its influence on all aspects of life in the area. Today the Museum is housed in The Folly, a 17th century gentleman’s residence in Settle.

Discover …

our extraordinary collections – objects, archives, maps and photographs – telling the story of North Craven and its people from the earliest times.

Explore …

the story of North Craven though exhibitions, events and artwork. Find out how Settle has changed since 1600 through the story of a house and its town.

Join in

There’s always something to see and do for people of all ages at The Folly. On rainy days, why not follow our family trail, packed with games and activities for the whole family. Look out for family drop in sessions during school holidays.

See North Craven in a whole new way…

through one of our temporary exhibitions. In 2023, we’re exploring our collection of historic maps, hosting ten newly commissioned artworks inspired by local poet, Jean Harrison, and displaying our magnificent collection of Burton in Lonsdale pottery.

Why North Craven?

“In Yorkshire, when two or three are gathered together, they start a Museum” – Michael Loynd

North Craven covers Settle and the surrounding villages, up to Ingleton and out to Bentham in the west and Littondale in the east.

The Museum of North Craven Life was founded in 1976 by the Settle and District Civic Society, then chaired by Alan Bennett. This later developed into the North Craven Building Preservation Trust and the North Craven Heritage Trust, with the two organisations continuing to work closely together. In a period of rapid change, people recognised the need to preserve the objects, sights, sounds and memories of North Craven before they disappeared. Today, the Museum continues to collect and share its resources and to celebrate all that makes North Craven unique.