Students’ exhibition pays tribute to farming pioneer

RYEDALE students have delved into the past of the area to discover the history of one of its early agricultural pioneers.

A team of 10 pupils from schools across the district has been working with Beck Isle Museum in Pickering to create an exhibition on the life of influential 18th century agricultural expert William Marshall, who attempted to build the first farming college in the country on the site.

Marshall was born and raised in nearby Sinnington in 1745, and travelled across the globe refining his views on agriculture before settling back in Ryedale.

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However, he died in 1818 before his vision could be realised.

As part of the new exhibition, which opened at Beck Isle yesterday and lasts for a week, the students compiled old books and artefacts belonging to Marshall from the museum’s archives.

They also visited his grave in Middleton.

The group also visited Pickering Parish Church where there is a memorial dedicated to Marshall and his family.

Museum worker Kim Pennock, who helped with the project, said: “Mr Marshall was very important and wanted to open the first agricultural college in England where the museum now is.

“The students really enjoyed the project and learned a lot about the history of the area.”