The North York Moors National Park came into being in 1952. Covering an area of 554 square miles, it is the largest of the National Parks. Bordered on the east by a rugged coastline against the North Sea, the dominating feature of this Park is the vast central upland tract of moorland that provides the largest extent of unenclosed heather in England and Wales. Nevertheless, there are significant areas of agricultural land, and to the south-east are impressive swathes of woodland. The North York Moors is one of the least populated areas in England and Wales. Despite the paucity of inhabitants there are over 100 villages in the moors. Although the economic reliance of village life on agriculture has waned, the heritage of the past has not been overshadowed. The essential character of these villages is cherished both by residents and visitors alike. This book takes readers on a guided tour of those villages and the changes that have occurred over the last century.