KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE
Askrigg Ropemakers
Ropemaking has been an important part of British craft heritage for centuries, with origins tracing back as far as the 13th century. Although the industry has endured through major cultural and economic shifts, it is now under threat, with traditional methods and skills at risk of being lost.
With the closure of many heritage workshops, only a handful of traditional ropemakers remain. Caroline, the founder of Askrigg Ropemakers, is one of them. After the last ropemaking business in the Yorkshire Dales, Outhwaites, shut down, she stepped in to carry the legacy forward—dedicated to preserving this historic craft through her small, independent business.
About Caroline
My name is Caroline and I was born in Aldershot, Hampshire.
I was brought up on a council estate in Shipley, West Yorkshire. At 18, I moved away from Shipley and worked behind the bar at Barmston Holiday Park for a season.
After that, I moved to the Yorkshire Dales, which being a town lass- was a massive culture shock! Most of my family still live around West Yorkshire.
I worked in the hospitality industry from the age of 18 up until I was 48. It had it ups and it had its downs.
So when the owner of Outhwaite Ropemakers in Hawes asked me if I would like a full-time job Working Monday to Friday, No weekends, No nights, No bank holidays and nearly 2 weeks off for Christmas? I jumped at the chance! This was back in 2016. That’s when I became a Ropemaker. And I have never looked Back since.
Then around August 2022 I was given my redundancy notice, I was absolutely devastated. I really loved working in the rope making business, and being part of a team. It was awesome.
So I went home and spoke to my partner, Richard. I asked him what I should do, because I really didn’t want to go back into Hospitality.
He said "Buy the machines. You need to-set up your own Traditional-Rope Making business." So I did.
In November 2022 Askrigg Ropemakers was born.
It’s not been easy. I’m not gonna lie there’s been a lot of ups but also a lot of downs. My stress levels have been through the roof! But, over two years later, I’m still absolutely loving it.
I love to go out on the road to attend Agricultural shows where, I have meet some lovely people. Spreading the word that there still is a traditional Rope maker in the Dales.
And long may continue
Caroline❤️
