Plaque unveiled to Harrogate’s first publisher and postmaster

A plaque has been unveiled to commemorate an early founder of publishing in Harrogate.

Pickersgill Palliser established the town’s first printing press and founded the Harrogate Advertiser, as well as being the town’s first postmaster.

He launched the first List of Visitors to Harorgate Spa in 1834, and continued to publish the list in the Harrogate Advertiser after he founded it two years later.

In 1840, he published Palliser’s History and Directory of Harrogate.

Harrogate Civic Society has erected a plaque in his memory at 9 Royal Parade, his former home.

It was unveiled by the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Victoria Oldham, in an event organised by the building’s current owner, Janet Love, who has been researching Mr Palliser.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Civic Society said:

“In 1855, he purchased the land for 8 and 9 Royal Parade, directly opposite the Royal Pump Room entrance. We have the original handwritten deeds.

“He subsequently had the buildings erected as shops with fine period living accommodation above. He is recorded as living at 9 Royal Parade in the 1871 census and running the shop below as Low Harrogate Post Office.

“We are proud to remember him and to go on honouring Harrogate’s spa history as he did.”

For more information about local plaques, visit the dedicated Harrogate Civic Society plaques website.

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Simon Pegg shoots new film in Harrogate

Actor Simon Pegg was in Harrogate last night shooting a new film.

The Cornetto trilogy star was on Crown Place, the cobbled street between the Crown Hotel and the Royal Pump Room Museum.

He was working an upcoming movie called Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose, which also stars Minnie Driver, Tim Downie and Paul Kaye.

The film, described as a dark comedy, is based on a 1935 investigation by para-psychologist Nandor Fodor into claims of a talking mongoose.

Fake rain and smoke gave Crown Place an atmospheric air as the crew took several takes of Mr Pegg walking beneath an umbrella (pictured below) and entering a side entrance to the Crown Hotel.

Simon Pegg pictured filming in Crown Plaza in Harrogate.

Simon Pegg pictured filming in Crown Place in Harrogate.

Filming finished at about 10.30pm, when the crew retired to the Crown Hotel.

Shooting is expected to continue today in Leeds before returning to Harrogate.

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Film crews have been almost a permanent fixture in Harrogate in recent weeks, prompting jokes that it’s the new Hollywood.

Doctor Who actor Matt Smith has been shooting a horror film in Nidderdale; Sir Patrick Stewart filmed a Yorkshire Tea advert at Cardale Park and Netflix film ‘Bank of Dave’, featuring Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor, was shot at the former Harrogate Borough Council offices in Crescent Gardens.

Shooting for All Creatures Great and Small also took place at Crescent Gardens over the last bank holiday weekend.