Community Development

In 1861, James Wilkinson, Minister of Keld Chapel, built the Literary Institute to provide for the growing desire for self-education among the local miners and men of Keld. 

In 2010, Restoration work began on this almost derelict Grade II listed building. The ground floor former stable was transformed into a Heritage Centre providing visitors with information on the history of Keld and the local area. In 2016, a major restoration project to the first floor of the building created a beautiful new event and exhibition space – “The Upper Room”. 

From a miners reading room, via a base for the early days of the Co-operative Holiday Association and United Reformed Church bunk room to a modern state of the art activity and events space – the Upper Room has witnessed the evolution of Keld and its community over the past 150 years. 

“ The event space is so well equipped with excellent facilities, it really is a wonderful base for our field trips and workshops”

After many years lying out of use, the Upper Room is now available once again to welcome a new generation of visitors. 

We have fully modernised this amazing space to make it ideal for craft workshops, art exhibitions, meetings, social or family gatherings.

All booking income from this space helps to fund our KHC community project work, supports local businesses and our fragile rural economy.

(Above) The Upper Room provides an ideal creative space for craft workshops and group activities

“The views from all aspects of the Upper Room are utterly stunning and inspiring, this is such a beautiful place to spend time in”

We can accommodate up to 25 people in lecture-style format and up to 10 people for an activity-based event.  It has one main room and one breakout/kitchen area.  Additional breakout areas can be arranged on request.  The Upper Room has lift access and has accessible toilet facilities.

“I thought the Upper Room facilities were outstanding. Everything is to such a high standard and worked well for our planned retreat day. We had a very creative day, looking at the amazing views from the windows and with the added bonus of a short walk down to the river and East Gill Force”

We are grateful to the following organisations which supported the Literary Institute refurbishment and the creation of the Upper Room:
Richmondshire District Council, The Bernard Sunley Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The George Martin Trust, The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, The Kirkby Foundation, The Pilgrim Foundation, The Rank Foundation, The URC (Northern Province) Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.