IF the world and her husband can tear their eyes away from formbook and fillies during Royal Ascot, they will not fail to notice their historic surroundings.

There is the racecourse itself, of course. The sport of kings - and queens - has taken place here since 1731. The wider Knavesmire has enjoyed a more colourful variety of roles down the centuries, from despatching criminals on the gallows to saving lives as a wartime field hospital.

These green fields are the lungs of suburban Dringhouses, which has been a residential area since Roman times. The arrival of Royal Ascot at York has coincided neatly with the launch of the Dringhouses Local History Group.

Its inaugural meeting took place earlier this month and an enthusiastic team of volunteers are already at work chronicling various aspects of the area.

Chairperson of the group, Elizabeth Smith, said there were was a lot of history to go at. Members plan a study of the Royal Observatory Corps building on Little Knavesmire.

More research will be done on a detailed map of the Manor of Dringhouses, a fascinating historical document drawn by Samuel Parsons in 1624.

"It shows the ownership of each strip of land," said Elizabeth. "One woman is starting an analysis of the names on that map.

"There is an awful lot of information on it that we can work on. It goes right across to the Ouse and includes the Ings area, which I hope our group will study as well.

"In the 19th century there were quite a few gravel pits and a railway line running along to them."

The origins of Knavesmire Wood is also set to be investigated. "There's an interesting avenue of trees which links the Archbishop's Palace with the church at Dringhouses," said Elizabeth. "Then we have got all the history of the racecourse and there's a lot of interest in that."

When a new chapter of that history is written in 15 days' time, the Dringhouses Local History Group will be there to provide the illustrations.

Members are to take photographs of Royal Ascot and its impact on the area. These will form part of an archive of images showing what early 21st century Dringhouses was like.

"People are hoping to take photographs of Dringhouses as it is at the moment. The place changes before you can blink," explained Elizabeth.

Should Royal Ascot should return to York in 2006, she would love the group to stage an exhibition about the area's history for residents and racegoers alike.

Knavesmire has drawn the crowds for many other reasons than racing, however. The Yorkshire Hussars camped there in 1837, and it has hosted everything from sheepdog trials to summer galas.

"It's not just the pope's visit - Knavesmire has seen lots of events involving lots of people."

Public executions took place at the York Tyburn between 1379 and 1801, including that of Dick Turpin in 1739. These events were hugely popular, Elizabeth said.

"People came along to witness these events and derive entertainment from them. It's pretty horrifying."

Nonetheless its another fascinating aspect of Dringhouses history.

But do you know any more? The group are looking for old photographs, historic artefacts and memories of how it used to be.

Now home to many of York's wealthier citizens, it wasn't always so prosperous. "Originally it was a farming village," Elizabeth said.

"We still have got some old farm buildings, parts of which date from the 17th century.

"Then there were extensive brickworks in Dringhouses. A lot of people living here could have been employed as brickmakers.

"It was only in the 19th century when the more moneyed classed moved into the big houses."

If you have pictures or memories, or wish to join Dringhouses Local History Group ring York 703970 or 704621.

New technology brings village history to life

Poppleton History Society has been going a little longer than its Dringhouses counterpart.

This month saw the launch of Poppleton Past And Present, the second edition of the society's CD rom, which is packed with interest.

This disc adds a further 350 photographs to the 750 images, historical notes and recordings in the first edition, published in 2000.

These pictures again celebrate life in Nether and Upper Poppleton during the last 100 years.

The collection is indexed and searchable.

"We've sold around 250 copies of the first edition and this has enabled us to carry on the work of the community archive," said Susan Major, project co-ordinator.

"Copies have also been presented to local libraries and schools.

"We had favourable reviews from family history publications and a copy was requested for the Mass Observation Archive at Sussex University."

People from Ireland, the United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada and, of course, Poppleton, bought the original edition.

New material includes a range of school photographs dating back to Poppleton Board School in 1902, and archive material from British Sugar.

:: Copies of the CD are available from Cardland, Allerton Drive, Nether Poppleton, at £10.

Or you can order it by post from the parish clerk, James Mackman, at Chawton, 22a Long Ridge Lane, Nether Poppleton, York with a 95p charge for postage and packing.

Cheques should be made payable to Poppleton History Society.

Updated: 09:24 Monday, May 30, 2005