Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group

Vernacular architecture is that which is typical for an area or a region. This may be seen in the building materials used, the layout, and the use of rooms. Yorkshire has a wide variety of vernacular buildings, from the yeoman-clothier houses of the West Riding, to the field barns of Swaledale and Wensleydale, and the brick farmsteads of the East Riding. By studying buildings in detail, and using documentary and oral evidence from a variety of sources, the Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group is building up a picture of the different styles of local architecture and has recorded over 1900 buildings to date. For each building studied, the group produces a measured survey with plans, drawings and a written report.

The group is a wholly voluntary body, founded in 1972, with no connection to those concerned with listing or building regulations. We encourage new members and aim to support all those interested in studying the vernacular architecture of Yorkshire. We are keen to co-operate with local history and other groups in helping to understand the buildings of an area.