Mother Shipton and her haunting predictions, Slingsby's iron-rich discovery at Tewit Well, Soft Cell's Marc Almond, countless cast members of Downton Abbey and even more members of the Royal Family. The spa town of Harrogate has a long and illustrious history, one that we at Ogden's have been part of for over 130 years. Whether visiting or hailing from Harrogate, each person that steps foot in the town shapes its history, and no one can deny its charm.
(Ogden's Cabinet at The Devonshire Arms)
At Ogden's we are passionate about the history of Harrogate, and we want to be a part of it in whatever way we can. One of the ways that we do this is by keeping sales cabinets inside a couple of prominent hotels in the area; the Old Swan Hotel and the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey. Inside these cabinets you can find anything from pickle jar lids and hip-flasks to diamond pendants and silver cufflinks, the array of items kept in the cabinets has earned them the nickname 'cabinets of curiosities.' In reference to the early modern tradition of keeping collections of natural historical and cultural artefacts in aristocratic homes throughout Europe. These collections could've been stored in a small chest or entire rooms and became known as 'cabinets of curiosities,' often being used to entertain and educate dinner guests before the days of public museums. This practice began as early as in the Renaissance in Italy, with members of the de' Medici dynasty having 'studioli' (rooms of curiosities) in their palace. In Victorian England, cabinets of curiosities increased in popularity with many wealthy families beginning their own curious collections, often consisting of large amounts of taxidermied animals and insects. Thankfully, our cabinets are much more glamorous, with the only animals you will find being made of sterling silver and sparkling enamel.
(Ogden's Cabinet at The Devonshire Arms)
We chose the Old Swan Hotel as a location for our cabinet due to its impressive contribution to the town's history. The Old Swan is a 200 year old institution just a five minute walk from the town centre, and perfectly located by the popular and ever-beautiful Valley Gardens. While this fabulous hotel is as inviting as it is beautiful, it has a surprising connection to both fictional and true crime. When famed crime author Agatha Christie went missing in 1926, the country was sent into panic. Her automobile was found crashed and abandoned by a chalk quarry, and the author had seemingly vanished from the face of the earth. The suspicious timing of her husband's affair convinced many that he had caused her harm. While police and public searched the country for Christie, she was recognised eleven days later by banjo player Bob Tappin in Harrogate's Swan Hydropathic Hotel - now named The Old Swan. The police were called and her husband notified, bringing the Poirot-like mystery to a close. Ever since, Harrogate has become a hotspot for crime fiction fans and The Old Swan has been host to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival each summer for more than 21 years.
(Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This event has ensured that Harrogate is not forgotten by pop culture, with the story still being told in film and television - most notably in Doctor Who's The Unicorn and the Wasp episode. Ogden's connection to Agatha Christie does not end with our cabinet at The Old Swan, however, as our founder, J.R. Ogden had personal ties to the mistress of crime writing. Due to his interest in Egyptology, J.R. Ogden often travelled to the near-East, getting involved with the ongoing archaeological digs. It was during these expeditions that J.R.O became friendly with Max Mallowan, Christie's second husband. Due to this connection it is likely that J.R. Ogden and Agatha Christie at least met, but details of their acquaintance aren't known.
Our other cabinet is kept in the wonderful Devonshire Arms Hotel at Bolton Abbey. This hotel's history, though less dramatic, is still extensive. It was built in the 17th Century, and was owned by the 4th Duke of Devonshire. When it came under the ownership of the 5th Duke is when it really took off as an attraction for visitors. Poets and artists began staying, such as JMW Turner who made paintings and sketches of the grounds. Over the centuries it has expanded and improved, becoming a popular getaway in North Yorkshire and frequently hosting weddings. Though slightly further afield from Harrogate, Bolton Abbey's grounds reflect the tranquillity of the Yorkshire countryside and the Devonshire Arms Hotel's amenities compliment the historic spa town of Harrogate, and the luxury of Ogden's.
(Ogden's Cabinet at The Devonshire Arms)