Yorkshire Day
1st AUGUST
Yorkshire Day is a celebration of all things Yorkshire. Although a modern celebration - started in 1975 - it is based on a long and colourful history and was created to raise the profile of the county's proud heritage. Yorkshire is the largest region in England, centred on the county town of York, and was originally composed of three sections called 'Thrydings', now referred to as Ridings (North, East and West, which includes modern day South Yorkshire).
The date chosen for Yorkshire Day is August 1st and the day has grown in popularity and now almost every town and village in the county organises an event of some kind; politicians and businesses have also become involved.
The origin of the Yorkshire rose is somewhat obscure, but it is said to have first been adopted by Edmund of Langley, the first Duke of York, in the 14th century. It represents the Virgin Mary who was often called the 'Mystical Rose of Heaven'. During the War of the Roses the
white rose was used as a symbol by supporters of the House of York. During the
Battle of Minden in 1759, Yorkshire soldiers ensured a famous victory, displaying death defying bravery. During the battle, the Regiments wore wild roses that they had plucked from the hedgerows as they advanced to engage the enemy.
As Yorkshire people we are immensely proud of both county (commonly referred to as 'God's Own County') and our identity. It is sometimes suggested that Yorkshiremen identify more strongly with county than with country. We are often stereotyped as being warm and friendly but 'bloody minded' (or stubborn) and argumentative.
Yorkshiremen, especially those from West Riding, call themselves 'Tykes' - originally an insult meaning 'yapping mongrel dog' we used against Londoners. Yorkshire has its own
dialect, official flag and anthem '
On Ilkley Moor' (the Quick March of the 4th Battalion).
The Yorkshire Regiment is now the only Regiment named for its county in the British Army, a distinction that 'Yorkshire Warriors' are proud to declare.