Interview with James Stephenson (the recorded audio of the interview along with a transcript). James Stephenson MA FRICS FAAV is a partner in Stephensons Rural at the time of the interview and is the fifth generation of the Stephenson family to be a professional valuer and auctioneer, and has been practising in Yorkshire for over 40 years.
Stephenson outlines his family background in the Yorkshire agricultural industry and the changes that have occurred in that industry during his lifetime. He describes the operation of York Cattle Market from the 1950s to 1971 and the move to the current site of York Auction Centre at Murton.
Themes include the impact of government regulation and disease, changes in consumer lifestyle and consequently demand, and the social role of agricultural markets as a hub for the farming community. Also discusses how Stephensons Rural (formerly Stephenson and Son) has adapted to these changing contexts by diversifying their business to respond to customer need.
Date of interview: 27/06/2023. Length of recording: 01:22:20.
J Stephenson, York Auction Centre
This material is held atBorthwick Institute for Archives, University of York
- Reference
- GB 193 EYOH/1
- Dates of Creation
- 2023
- Physical Description
- 1 interview transcript and 1 audio recording.
Scope and Content
Acquisition Information
Deposited by the Enterprising York Oral Histories project, School for Business and Society, University of York, September 2023.
Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements
Audio recording is only available for consultation at the Borthwick Institute.
Conditions Governing Use
No further copying of audio file.
Bibliography
* James Stephenson, 'Livestock markets - dead or alive? A study of York Auction Centre' in Jonathan Reuvid (ed.), A Guide to Rural Business: Opportunities and Ideas for Developing Your Country Enterprise (Country Land and Business Association, 2003).
Additional Information
Published