James Herriot Museum, England

On a late November morning, we pulled into the small town of Thirsk in search of the museum called the World of James Herriot. This is the 1940's era home and surgery where veterinarian James Alfred Wight practiced animal medicine. 

Dr. Wight wrote about his life under the pen name James Herriot. Brian and I both read Herriot's books as young adults. Having worked with American veterinarians for most of his career, Brian was especially keen on seeing the home and practice that inspired Herriot's books.

We enjoyed viewing the dispensary with its many bottles of medicines . . . 

. . . as well as the laboratory.

Dr. Wight had a short commute; his home and practice occupied the same building. We enjoyed seeing the combined kitchen and laundry room where his family gathered for meals.

The living room with its cozy fireplace is where Dr. Wight began writing after his wife challenged him one evening when he told her about the day's events and said, "Another story for my book." She responded that no one starts a writing career in their fifties. Perhaps that was the impetus he needed. He began by spending thirty minutes per evening writing in front of the television on a manual typewriter in this very living room.

His series of books beginning with All Creatures Great and Small became a popular program on BBC television. The studio where the first TV series was filmed is located in the museum as well (pictured above).

Exhibits about veterinary medicine and Wight as an author are also featured. We were so glad we included this stop on our tour of England.