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Knaresborough occupies not only a beautiful situation,
on a bluff above the River Nidd, but also one eminently
suited to defence - a fine place for a castle. Now
a peaceful Market Town, Knaresborough has seen
more than its fair share of upheaval during the centuries.
Discover its fascinating history here.
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The name of Knaresborough has undergone many changes
over the centuries. Here its origins are traced from
the time of the Domesday Book |
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A focus for the community as a refuge
in times of danger, a military stronghold, an administrative
centre - Knaresborough Castle has been an important
part of the town for 900 years. |
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HMS Knaresborough Castle |
Two articles writtten about this much-loved ship.
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Local lives |
Two residents of Knaresborough share
their memories of the town through the twentieth century.
- Howard Bell
Born
in Knaresborough in 1907 Howard remembers the thriving
car-free market town of his childhood, trips abroad
with the scouts, and military service overseas
before he returned to Knaresborough to develop
the family business.
- Annie Hutchings
Annie
was
born in Leeds in 1915 but has lived in Knaresborough
since the age of ten. She has vivid memories of
home life with her hard-working parents as well
as of the town and its characters.
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Knaresborough in the Second World
War |
Memories of those who lived in Knaresborough at
this time, either local residents or those billeted
from afar or drafted here to work.
Memories of two veterans, not just of the Second World
War, can be found in the Picture Gallery Remembrance
2000 |
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For centuries the Hall stood on the High Street
in Knaresborough. Fondly remembered as a hotel in
the twentieth century by Margaret Mary Gillingwater,
it was the scene of matrimonial dispute in the fifteenth
century and a possible visit by the infamous Dick
Turpin!
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| Many Knaresborough citizens fought in both
World Wars. Lists and details of those on the War Memorial
can be found here. |
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Local genealogical research with contact lists for
researchers.
Some particular local family name studies:
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19th Century Directories |
The Commercial Directories list inhabitants of the
town by their occupation, also giving the street
where the commercial activity took place. They are
thus not only a fascinating insight into the changing
nature of commerce but a valuable genealogical resource.
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Selected wills from "The Publications of the Surtees
Society; Established in the year M.DCCC.XXXIV" of use
to Family Historians as well as of general interest. |
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Jack was born into a working class family in Knaresborough
and would have had a fairly typical upbringing, going
to school at the age of four. It was small pox, with
which Jack was afflicted at the age of six, which
caused his complete blindness and set the stage for
a remarkable story of optimism and confidence in
the face of adversity. |
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Though no longer a working pharmacy, this well-known
local building still holds many of the original shop
fittings.
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Some 800 years ago a pious man renounced the world
and became a hermit.... |
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An 18th century story of the murder of Daniel Clark
which might have gone unpunished if not for a chance
discovery of a skeleton which set in motion a chain
of events which led to the capture and execution of
Eugene Aram! |
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A history written by a descendent of the eighteenth
century linen weaver who created this extraordinary
home. |
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Was there or wasn't there a medieval stone-built synogogue
in Jockey Lane? |
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