In Medieval times there was a Motte & Bailey Castle at Cropton. The Castle commanded an excellent defensive position, overlooking the Vale of Rosedale. The Castle was built of wood by Robert de Stuteville. Today earthworks of the Motte and Bailey remain.
Locally it is known as the Round Hill. The Castle was well located because the view from the hill showed all the surrounding countryside. Recently the forest on the hill has been allowed to grow and the views are limited. There are talks underway to make this view accessible again. The photo below is probably from the 1930's.
A well known meeting place for villagers was the Cropton Post Office and village shop. This photo probably dates back to the 1960's. The village telephone box was located here too!
Back in 2004 the shop's last owners, Mike and Irene Hardey, retired. Sadly, the shop was unable to be sold as a going concern, so it was renovated as a private house.
The photo below is an image from the front of a Christmas Card painted by the late Doreen Roberts. What a wonderful gesture to paint something like this and send it to a friend. The painting is of St.Gregory's Church, Cropton.
At the end of Fairy Lane, Cropton is Whitethorn Farm. The photo probably dates back to the 1930's. If you want to see a then and now photo click here.
The small building at the end of the lane has been recently renovated to a beautiful 5 star cottage. View here