Craven is the predominently limestone area of Yorkshire encompassing the upper dales of the Wharfe, Aire and Ribble. The area of some 450 square miles is administered by the Craven District Council within the North Yorkshire County Council. Skipton is the administrative centre.
The current boundaries differ slightly from the old Church of England Deanery of Craven which also includes an area extending a further 5 miles down Airedale and including the larger former textile and engineering centre of Keighley.
There is uncertainty about the name, Craven, although it is most likely to relate to the limestone crags and outcrops of the district. An alternative derivation is from wild garlic which grows in profusion in the district.