A PROMINENT Yorkshire Dales artist and historian who was praised by royalty died yesterday, aged 100.

Marie Hartley, of Askrigg, in Wensleydale, was awarded an MBE for her efforts to record the history of the Dales.

Working with friends Ella Pontefract and later Joan Ingilby, Miss Hartley wrote numerous books on the area.

The women also founded the Yorkshire Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes.

Before moving to the Dales, Miss Hartley studied at the Leeds College of Art and the Slade School, in London.

She was an accomplished artist and skilled in painting, wood engraving and sketching.

Anne Holubecki, a member of the Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum and a close friend of Miss Hartley, said: "She loved nature and everything about the Dales. She was so forward-thinking. If they hadn't written all those wonderful books on the Dales, a lot of the history would have gone for good. She will be remembered forever because of all the things she did."

In a letter sent last year for her 100th birthday, Prince Charles said: "During your extraordinary life, you have done more than just about anyone else to record the history of the Yorkshire Dales. All I can say is that I share your love of the Dales and the very special people who live in them."

The Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum has just published a book on Miss Hartley's life entitled the Harvest of a Quiet Eye. Miss Hartley was shown the first copy days before her death. She had been ill for several months and recently suffered a stroke.