The Augustinian canons moved to Dale Abbey in 1162 from their previous home at Calke Abbey. A few years later they were replaced by Premonstratensian canons from Tupholme and finally, a few years after this, by another group of Premonstratensians from Welbeck. All these attempts failed, primarily due to the isolation of the area and the lack of good arable land amidst the thick woodlands. From around the year 1199, the Abbey became well established enough?and with the acquisition of further lands, tithes and other properties?to survive for the next 340 years. Although a relatively large establishment, the abbey was home to no more than 24 canons. The Abbey provided priests at Ilkeston, Heanor, Kirk Hallam and Stanton by Dale. The Abbey owned around 24,000 acres (97 km) of land. Much would have been leased or rented out or used for grazing or for the production of produce for the residents of the Abbey.

For list of publications see covers, pt. 28/30, April/June, 1890, p. x; pt. 82, December 1900, p. iii-iv.

For two mercifully short years in the early 1990s, 'The Escaped Horse' chronicled the questionable fortunes of Thornton-le-Dale Football Club as they wallowed in the depths of the Scarborough and District League Division Three. Ignoring regular verbal abuse and threats of physical violence, and undeterred by the League's attempt to issue them with banning orders, its editors went where others feared to tread. Reproduced here in its entirety, 'The Escaped Horse' is an enduring, warts-and-all expose of life at the arse-end of football.

Containing original essays; historical narratives, biographical memoirs, sketches of society, topographical descriptions, novels and tales, anecdotes, select extracts from new and expensive works, the spirit of the public journals, discoveries in the arts and sciences, useful domestic hints, etc. etc. etc.