Thirsk's two-millennia journey from Roman settlement to James Herriot town
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 21:13 · Archive
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has a recorded history stretching back over two thousand years, from ancient settlement to Magna Carta connections.
Thirsk, in North Yorkshire, is a historic market town with a recorded past spanning more than two millennia. Archaeological evidence indicates settlement in the area as early as 500–600 BC. The town's name derives from the Old Norse word þresk, meaning 'fen' or 'lake.' It is mentioned twice in the Domesday Book of 1086 and was once largely owned by Robert de Mowbray of Normandy.
The Mowbray family built a castle in the town, though it was destroyed in 1176 following an uprising against Henry II. A manor house was later built on the castle site. William de Mowbray, the sixth Baron of Thirsk, was one of the 25 barons who enforced Magna Carta in 1215. The manor remained with the family until 1476, when it passed to the Berkeley family and subsequently to the Earls of Derby, who held it until 1723.
Thirsk Hall, a grade II* listed townhouse in Kirkgate, was built in 1720 and extended in 1770 by York architect John Carr. In 1737 a poorhouse was constructed to house up to 40 paupers. A larger workhouse was built on Sutton Road in 1838 after the Thirsk Poor Law Union was established in 1837. The town is known today for its racecourse and its literary connection to James Herriot.
How it is being reported
- The Yorkshire town linked to Magna Carta, James Herriot and an English rock bandThis historic market town has a story stretching back more than 2,000 years.NW Evening Mail · 10 Oct, 20:00
- The Yorkshire town linked to Magna Carta, James Herriot and an English rock bandThis historic market town has a story stretching back more than 2,000 years.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 20:00
In this story: Thirsk · North Yorkshire · William de Mowbray · Robert de Mowbray · Henry II · James Herriot · John Carr
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