Hubberholme Parliament Land Letting

Hubberholme is a pretty hamlet near Skipton and is home to the George Inn, formerly used as the local vicarage – when the vicar was in residence he lit a candle in the window to show his flock that he was at home, and the pub still keeps a candle lit whenever the bar is open. Candles are also used at the Hubberholme Parliament which is an annual auction for letting 16 acres of church land – the highest bid when the candle burns out is the winner. Traditionally the vicar keeps control from the dining room (or House of Lords!) while bidding takes place in the bar (House of Commons) next door but nowadays he roves the rooms in quest for new bids, and they all get recorded in his book. The Poor Pasture proceeds are used for local charities, and there’s even special song about the event. The auction follows a short service held at the local church at 8pm, and can last well into the night – as long as the candle burns. It’s a very welcoming place with friendly hosts and clientele, and a roaring woodburner near the bar. Prospective bidders should note that subletting the pasture is not permitted, horses and chickens are not allowed on the field, and that is is the responsibility of the leaseholder to keep the land free of moles….

Helpful Hints

In  2025 it should be on Monday 6th January (to be confirmed) – due to the event’s popularity and the limited available space, places must be booked in advance (and it’s often fully booked).

The church service lasts around half-an-hour and in 2018 it was candle-lit, too. Food is available at the George, but on Land Letting night times are restricted to early evening to free up space for the auction.

Click here for the church website: http://www.upperwharfedalechurches.org

Click here for the pub website : http://www.thegeorge-inn.co.uk/

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGeorgeInnHubberholme