The origins of the college go back to around 1825 when a Mechanics Institute was established to serve the town of Skipton. By 1845 the institute had 100 members and 250 books in its library. The subjects studied there were writing, arithmetic, grammar and Latin.
By 1883 the Institute could no longer cope with the demand for learning. It only had the use of three rooms and the lack of space meant that the instruction of boys in the trades of the district could not take place. Also there was an increasing demand for classes for girls which could not be accommodated. As a result, in 1887, it was recommended that a new Mechanics Institute be built with accommodation for a library, newsroom, converstion room, lecture theatre and classrooms suitable for technical instruction.
In September 1894 the Science & Art School was opened and the building has continued to be occupied since then, as a place of learning. It now provides Craven College's presence in the High Street in Skipton and is a focus for local residents as it provides restuarant and salon services to the general public as part of our learners work experience training.
The full history of the College "Craven College - A History of Further Education in Skipton" can be obtained through enquiries@craven-college.ac.uk.
