CRAVEN: THE FACTS

CRAVEN in North Yorkshire is one of the least-populated parts of England.

Its 56,000 inhabitants are spread among 454 square miles, massively outnumbered by sheep which were domesticated 7,000 years ago.

Some 22% of the population is aged 65 or over. There are no motorways in the district. Tourism is the largest industrial sector, followed by banking, insurance and finance.

Most of Craven is within the Dales National Park. Sheep rustling is still a problem. The biggest employer is the Skipton Building Society, founded in 1853, still a mutual.

The story of Dick Whittington is reputed to be based on the life of William Craven of Appletreewick.

Kilnsey Crag, a great limestone outcrop in Wharfedale, is a favourite with climbers.