08/10/2026
💙 A SPECIAL DAY IN THIRSK – HONOURING THE REAL JAMES HERRIOT! 💙
A wonderful and memorable occasion in the heart of Herriot Country as a new blue plaque was unveiled at Rowardennan, Topcliffe Road, Thirsk, celebrating the life and literary legacy of Alf Wight MBE – better known to millions around the world as James Herriot. 🐾📚
The plaque was unveiled by Alf’s son and daughter, Jim Wight and Rosie Page, at the family home where Alf lived for 25 years from 1953 and wrote many of the much-loved stories that became All Creatures Great and Small.
❤️ A particularly touching moment came when Jim shared his personal memories of growing up at Rowardennan with Rosie, offering a fascinating and affectionate insight into family life in the house where their father created so many of his famous stories.
🙏 Special thanks go to Linda and Brian Halliday, the current owners of Rowardennan, for their support and generosity in helping to make this fitting tribute possible.
We also recognise Roger French, a devoted James Herriot superfan, whose enthusiasm and passion for the Herriot legacy helped bring about the James Herriot Walking Tour of Thirsk, which includes Rowardennan as one of its special locations.
🌿 Today, visitors from across the UK and around the world can follow in the footsteps of James Herriot, discovering the real places and landscapes that inspired his extraordinary stories.
📍 Thirsk is where the James Herriot story began – and where his legacy lives on!
Why not visit the World of James Herriot, the original veterinary surgery and home of Alf Wight, and explore the beautiful market town of Thirsk in the heart of North Yorkshire’s Herriot Country?
💙 A proud day for Thirsk, for the Wight family and for everyone who treasures the enduring legacy of James Herriot.
