From our archives:

85 years ago

The east end of Castle Howard, one of Yorkshire’s historic mansions, was partially destroyed by fire, after a blaze broke out in a bedroom in the central block.

Thankfully the strenuous work of three brigades prevented the flames from spreading to the other wings and from damaging the famous dome.

Art treasures, valuable furniture and books were carried from the mansion on to the lawn by the staff and villagers.

Everything of value was saved, but the damage caused to the building was considerable.

The only member of the family at Castle Howard was Miss Christian Howard who helped the staff sweep the water from the hall and prevent it flowing into the passages and other rooms.

The cause of the fire was unknown, but the fusing of the electricity wires was one of the theories.

Men’s head wear for that season was a hot topic among the fashion conscious gents in York.

According to Mr Frank Battersby, a famous hat manufacturer, most men within the year would be wearing a hat much smaller in shape, like in Germany.

50 years ago

York shops were making the most of ‘Stay-At-Home’ Saturday which seemed to be the pattern for York’s Easter holiday.

With the bulk of day trippers travelling on Sunday or Monday, that left Saturday for York residents and visitors to take advantage of the main shopping streets.

York Cinemas were also getting in the holiday spirit showing a variety of films appealing to a younger audience, “Thunderbirds Are Go” and “The Spy in the Green Hat” were both based on popular TV programmes.

A 138-year-old village school building at West Heslerton, near Malton, shut its doors for the last time, after been replaced by a handsome modern structure at the top end of the village.

20 years ago

The English Patient, a film about a Second World War romance, took nine awards at the Oscars.

Including Best Picture and Best Director for the former Hull student and lecturer Anthony Minghella.

Minghella’s success in the world of drama had its roots in York, as a little-known playwright in the 1980s.

Mourners from the racing world packed a Malton church to pay their last respects to local trainer Frank Carr.

Mourners had come from as far afield as Hong Kong and Ireland to say farewell at St Leonard’s with St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.