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[Update 14 June. Jane Hatcher's books are increasingly hard to find, and it seems that 'Life in Georgian Richmond' has just recently gone out of print. However, in a tribute to Jane, Richmond Information Centre has managed to find a small quantity of her books: 'The History of Richmond, North Yorkshire'; 'Richmond - Photographic Memories'; and 'Richmond Landscapes' (a pamphlet - just five copies left). Snap them up while you can.]

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The death has been announced of Jane Hatcher, a well known, much loved and greatly respected local historian. She was 79, and lived in Richmond.

Early life and career

Born in York, Jane graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Architectural Studies, later receiving a Master's in architectural history. Her early occupations included work with the Yorkshire Arts Association, researching industrial architecture, teaching architectural history at the Leeds and Huddersfield Schools of Architecture, casework for the Victorian Society, a re-survey of listed buildings in North Yorkshire, lecturing for the University of Leeds School of Continuing Education, and acting as Local Studies Co‑ordinator for Durham County Council. These experiences gave her a wide range of valuable contacts.

Contributions to Richmondshire life

Her partner, Peter Wenham - himself a distinguished historian - retired in 1974. He returned to Richmond, his home town, and Jane accompanied him. Together they helped to build or invigorate many of the town’s institutions, including the Richmondshire Museum and the Civic Society and its Review.

Following Peter Wenham's death in 1990, Jane collaborated with two other formidable historians, Mark Whyman and Bob Woodings. She was active in many roles, as a Board member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a Trustee of the North-East Civic Trust, and in dozens of voluntary and un-titled activities.  Her talks, classes and walks were always among the most popular on the Richmond calendar and she was, quite simply, the go‑to person for any question about Richmond history. While always willing to help, Jane was never afraid to prick pomposity or challenge an ill-founded theory!

Jane lived in Bridge Street and nearby Bargate, and only went into hospital - the Friarage - eight days before her death. A memorial service is planned.

Publications

Jane Hatcher's books and articles are irreplaceable as records of the buildings and history of Richmondshire. They include:

• The Industrial Architecture of Yorkshire (1985)
• Richmondshire Architecture (1990)
• George Cuitt the Elder (1992)
• Exploring England’s Heritage: Yorkshire to Humberside (1994)
• Richmond: Then and Now (1995)
• The History of Richmond, North Yorkshire (2000)
• Richmond: Photographic Memories (2004)
• Richmond Landscapes (2006, pamphlet)
• Life in Georgian Richmond (with Bob Woodings, 2018)
• Timothy Hutton of Clifton Castle and Marske-in-Swaledale: The Life and Times of a North Yorkshire Gentleman (2020)
• Richmondians (2021)

Photo shows Jane Hatcher as Master of the Company of Cordwainers of York