There is a unique magic in holding a vintage postcard. It is a tangible link to a specific moment in time—a brief intersection of a beautiful place, a traveller's thoughts, and the postal service of a bygone era. Today, I’m diving into a recent addition to my collection: a sepia-toned Tuck’s Post Card featuring the iconic Stainforth Stepping Stones in North Yorkshire.
This isn't just a scenic view of the Yorkshire Dales; it is a historical artifact that whispers stories of the Second World War, rural resilience, and the simple joy of a holiday in the hills.
Dating the Card: Clues from the Stamp and Script
One of the most exciting parts of postcard collecting is playing detective. By looking at the physical cues of this "Raphael Tuck & Sons" card, we can narrow down its history with surprising precision.
The Postage Stamp: The card features a red 2d (two-pence) George VI stamp. In the UK, the inland postcard rate was increased from 1d to 2d in May 1940.
The Postmark: While slightly faint, the postmark shows "SETTLE" (the nearby market town) and the date 12 SEP. Though the year is obscured, the context of the message provides the final piece of the puzzle.
The Evacuee Connection: The handwritten message mentions, "One of the evacuees' mothers have come that makes ten of us altogether..." This firmly places the card during World War II, likely between 1940 and 1944, when the British countryside was a haven for those fleeing urban centres.
Given the 2d stamp and the mention of a large group of evacuees, we are likely looking at a snapshot of life in September 1940 or 1941, during the height of the Blitz when rural villages like Stainforth were bursting at the seams with guests from the cities.
The Scene: The Stepping Stones of Stainforth
The front of the card shows a classic view of Stainforth, a village nestled in the Ribblesdale valley. The "Stepping Stones" cross the River Ribble, located just a short walk from the famous Stainforth Force waterfall.
In this sepia photograph, the village looks remarkably timeless. We see the sturdy stone cottages with their heavy slate roofs, built to withstand the temperamental Yorkshire weather. The dry stone walls, a signature of the Dales landscape, terrace the background hills.
What strikes me most is the solitude. Today, Stainforth Force and the stepping stones are a magnet for tourists and wild swimmers. In this image, there isn't a soul in sight—just the water rushing over the stones and the skeletal branches of a lone tree. It captures the rugged, quiet beauty that has drawn visitors to the Craven district for centuries.
The Message: A Glimpse into Wartime Life
The back of the card is addressed to Miss J. Langham at 158 Derby Rd, Long Eaton, Nottingham. The message, written in a graceful, flowing hand, reads:
"Dear Jill and Theo, We are having a lovely time you would love it up here the weather this week is lovely. One of the evacuees' mothers have come that makes ten of us altogether so Eugenie and I have to sleep out. Love Brenda."
This short note is a fascinating social document. While Brenda describes "having a lovely time," she also reveals the logistical realities of the war. Houses in small villages were often overcrowded. "Ten of us altogether" in a Yorkshire cottage would have been a squeeze, necessitating Brenda and Eugenie to "sleep out"—likely in a neighbour's spare room or perhaps a barn.
Despite the global conflict and the cramped living conditions, the tone remains cheerful. It serves as a reminder of the British "Carry On" spirit—finding beauty in the Dales and enjoying the "lovely weather" despite the shadows of war.
The Legacy of Raphael Tuck & Sons
The card was produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons, arguably the most famous postcard publisher in history. They held a Royal Warrant from Queen Alexandra and were known for their "World’s Art Service" logo.
Tuck’s postcards are highly collectible because of their quality and the sheer variety of their "Oilette" and "Photocrome" series. This specific card is part of their topographical series, documenting the villages of England. Sadly, the Tuck factory in London was destroyed during the Blitz in December 1940, making cards from this specific era even more poignant.
Why Stainforth Remains a Must-Visit
If you were to stand in this exact spot today, much would remain unchanged. The stepping stones are still there (though often underwater after a heavy rain!). The bridge nearby, built in the 17th century, still stands as a testament to the village's history as a packhorse route.
For those of us who love history, these postcards are more than just paper. They are portals. They allow us to see the world through Brenda’s eyes in 1940—a world where a walk by the river was a precious escape from the anxieties of the front line.
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