The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Ancient and Modern
The ancient and quiet Yorkshire village of Bramhope is affectionately portrayed in this film, with much local knowledge, by a husband and wife pair of enthusiastic filmmakers.
From the collection of:
Overview
This is a typical film made by a so-called “amateur” filmmaker documenting local places and history, in this case Ken Leckenby, along with his wife, doing just that. Here they contrast a new hotel with an ancient Puritan Chapel dating from 1645 in their Yorkshire village of Bramhope.
This is one of many films made by keen filmmaker Ken Leckenby, who also made films as a member of the Leeds Mercury Movie Makers Cine Club. Ken made many local documentary type films, including a series of films he titled ‘Out and About’, which brought together film and information of local places and events. He would research, write and narrate his own scripts. Ken was very interested in the technical side of making films, especially nature films, which he made with fellow MMM member Myer Gorwits. The Puritan Chapel on Otley Road, built by the Dyneley family which had acquired Bramhope Hall, is now a Grade I listed building, and the Trust House Forte Hotel in Bramhope is still operating.
Related
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.